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Parables for our time and place |
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Tuesday, 02 June 2009 11:19 |
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In a recent presentation to the South Australian Mission Studies Network, Rev Dr Bill Edwards spoke about some of the learnings and experiences of his fiftly years of working with Pitjantjatjara people. Peter Russell, Covenanting Coordinator writing about this, says:
"Bill's reflections covered the later years of the Ernabella Mission, the development of thinking with regard to missions and illustrated how far sighted were the policies that were implemented. Aboriginal people were not forced to give up their culture or language. Indeed education started with developing literacy skills in reading and writing Pitjantjatjara and the mother tongue was a key feature of reaching out to local people. All the missionaries had to learn the Pitjantjatjara language. Bill gave an insight into how important this was.... It was not just a simple matter of translating. He said,
Of the 51 parables in the gospels, 5 had some relevance to Aboriginal life but not very close relevance; although unrelated to everyday happenings, 30 referred to aspects of life introduced through culture contact, including shepherding and gardening of the mission’s program; 16 had little or no relevance. So the parables as presented didn’t have much relevance to Pitjantjatjara life. …. I sought to find analogies from familiar features such as hunting, tracking, dingoes, ant lions and eagles…. In addition to the selection of culturally relevant elements of the scriptures, one must find cultural parallels which will make possible apprehension of biblical truths within the context of contemporary life. The Pitjantjatjara preachers were able to take these suggestions to a deeper level and use them really effectively."
You can read the full text of Peter's report here A new resource for young people also recognises that the examples Jesus used to make his point may not have a lot of meaning to the youth of today. It is a very different time. A very different place. While the message still has as much meaning as it ever did, the medium can do with a cultural face lift. 'Twist: diggging into the parables of Jesus' is a four session curriculum created specifically for use in either a classroom setting or a youth, small group setting. it is engaging, highly visual and interactive. To tie in with the release of this resource, there is a competition where students can re-tell one of Jesus'
parables in a video. There is more than $2000 in prize money up for
grabs. Competition closes September 23, 2009 For details about the resource or the competition visit the twist website: www.twist.bty.com.au |
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Fairtrade discussion on Facebook and Google |
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Monday, 01 June 2009 00:00 |
REALISING FAIRNESS discussions about fairtrade
MAKE TRADE FAIR is part of the MAKE POVERTY HISTORY campaign.
There seems to be a few misconceptions regarding Fairtrade out there and a new Facebook discussion group hopes to clarify those issues. If you are interested in learning more about the topic of Fairtrade or want to clarify or dispel misconceptions about Fairtrade, become a member. It is for everyone and anyone interested in the topic, and members are encouraged to post questions, comments or responses. To join this group go here.
If you are not a Facebook user already, you can join by going to http://www.facebook.com
Contribute to discussion, read what others have written or, present your motivation/reasons for supporting or opposing Fairtrade. This page is to promote awareness of trade issues and to discuss trade as a remedy to poverty and exploitation.
FAIRTRADE: is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, which seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South. Fairtrade organizations, such as Oxfam, are activity engaged in supporting producers, raising awareness and campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. Fairtrade products are bought for a set minimum price and a premium from the sales of fairtrade goods is reinvested in the community, usually in the form of educational facilities and/or health care. The most popular Fairttrade products are coffee, tea and chocolate, but many others are available, including handicrafts and clothing. Products that bear the fairtrade logo have undergone certification to be sold as Fairtrade.
FAIR TRADE: is movement that seeks changes in international trading rules to prevent exploitation, especially of workers, producers and manufacturers in the third world. By campaigning for trade justice the movement aspires to ensure the protection and maintenance of human rights, conservation of the environment, and end poverty. The movement is constituted of organisations including trade unions, environment and human rights campaigns, aid agencies, fairtrade organisations, and faith and consumer groups. The goal of the Trade Justice Movement is fundamental change of the unjust rules and institutions governing international trade, so that trade is made to work for all, the movement does not support free trade.
FREE TRADE: is market model in which the trade of goods and services between and/or within countries flows unhindered by government-imposed restrictions. Free trade is about the liberalisation of trade which means reducing trade barriers in an effort to expand trade and profits. Comparative advantage is a key element of free trade and free trade advocates assert that trade will benefit both parties (nations or individuals) if they have different opportunity costs of production.Free trade relies on individuals having the freedom to voluntarily seize market opportunities, rather than trying to regulate the market, which free trade advocates believe restricts the marketplace, having a negative impact.
For more information, visit the links posted below.
Post your comments, experience, aspirations, goals, wants, knowledge, questions, regarding fairtrade, free trade, international trade, and local trade; anything related to trade, human rights, and poverty.
Contact Info
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.fairtrade.com.au
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Fair Trade Google group A Fair trade Google group has been established to encourage Ministers and members of the Uniting Church in SA who have an interest in Fair Trade to network with each other and share information and resources.
To register your interest in joining the group, email Charlene Kent, Solidarity and Justice Officer at:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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New All Age Worship Service from RCCFM |
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Thursday, 28 May 2009 17:16 |
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The Resource Centre for Children's and Family Ministry has produced another of their very popular worship outlines for services that work well for all ages:Under the Southern Cross The United Nations has designated 2009 as The Year of Astronomy — the study of the stars and other objects in the universe. In this service we worship God as Creator of the universe. The most recognizable cluster of stars in the night sky over Australia is the Southern Cross. In this service we worship God who demonstrated his love for us on a cross.
The service can be used in large or small congregations, and can be easily adapted for home use. The document contains a sample service plus many other resources your congregation can use in planning your own service.  Under Southern cross - PDF (1007.36 kB)
More worship service outlines from RCCFM can be found here
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Estonians create a virtual “Bank of Happiness.” |
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Monday, 25 May 2009 14:59 |
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Estonia, a small country in Eastern Europe, has been hit hard by the global recession. But while Estonia’s national bank is dealing with a catastrophic fall-out, Estonia’s Bank of Happiness is happily accepting new members.
The Bank of Happiness has no physical presence, but is merely an Internet portal where Estonians can register their contact details, along with details on what personal and professional skills they can use to help community members, as well as requests for what they’d like help with from others.
“I think young people would love to do this. Not everything has to be based on money,” 18-year-old student Evelin Tamm told the Times Online. “I love to clean and to babysit. Perhaps, in return, someone could help me with my maths and physics.”
One of the Bank’s founders, Rainer Nolvak, believes that the idea has the potential to transform the small country.
“It is based on the assumption that doing good is good for you,” he said. “It will touch everyone with a conscience.” |
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RECONCILIATION WEEK 27 MAY - 3 JUNE 2009 IS APPROACHING |
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Thursday, 21 May 2009 18:31 |
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Reconciliation Week - to celebrate the rich culture and history of the First Australians. To help turn around the disadvantage experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. To provide focus for nationwide reconciliation activities. To reflect on achievements so far and focus on what is still to be done to achieve reconciliation in Australia Learn about the history of Reconciliation Week at the Reconciliation Australia website Find worship resources for Reconciliation Sunday here
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