Pilgrim Learning Community

What is eldership in the Uniting Church all about in today’s world? What practices are helpful? When? 17 March at 7 pm. Where? 127 Kennedy Tce, Paddington. Further information? Aaron Ghiloni on 3369 8929 or email aaron at moretonriverspresbytery.org.au.

Sample a range of Lenten resources, meet the authors of small group studies, network with others, share ideas, get ideas. When? 3 February at 7.00 pm. Where? 127 Kennedy Tce, Paddington (Brisbane). Further information? Aaraon Ghiloni on 3369 8929 or email aaron at moretonriverspresbytery.org.au.

August 2008
Pilgrim Learning Community
Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod
GPO Box 674, Brisbane Qld 4001
(07) 3377 9724 or 1300 uca qld
pilgrim at ucaqld.com.au

Pilgrim Progess will keep you informed of new education and training options and possibilities for the church across the State. No more than one email per month.
New courses and developments are also listed on our website http://pilgrim.qld.edu.au and in UC Information (which is sent out by the General Secretary’s office weekly).
 To subscribe or unsubscribe to Pilgrim Progress, please email the college at the above address.

The Spirituality of Peacemaking
How can Christians be peacemakers in a violent world? Put Saturday 6 September in your diary. A one day workshop From violence to wholeness will be conducted on The spirituality of peacemaking at the UC Centre in Auchenflower, Brisbane.  The training will be conducted by an experienced trainer from Pace e Bene, an international group with its roots in the spirituality of Francis of Assisi. Cost of $75 includes morning and afternoon coffee and a hot lunch. Only the first 20 registrations can be accepted.

Hospitality in Luke
The Hospitality of God: Studies in the Gospel of Luke by Rob Bos and Ainslie Scott is now available. Organise a small group, select a leader and be enriched by the third gospel. The textbook for the course is Brendan Byrne’s The Hospitality of God (about $25). The course fee is $110 (or $100 if paid by a church organisation.)

(We have also been requested to offer this in the Church of North India; training there will commence in March 2009.)

Pastoral care, listening, visiting
Do you know people who would like some training in listening skills, caring for others, or pastoral care? Perhaps there are elders or hospital visitors in your congregation or presbytery who would love some training. Phone up Pilgrim Learning Community (07) 3377 9724 or 0448 958 940 and talk it over. Let us know what your hopes and expectations are, what are the needs of the trainees, and when and where such training might be best delivered. We’ll do our best to offer what is needed.

Compassionate Community Work
If you have a heart for the community in which you live but you are not sure where to get started, then this course is for you. This can be offered in various parts of Queensland by negotiation. The trainers are Dave Andrews, Tim Hodgson, Mark Cornford, Duncan Macleod. This is currently being offered at Elanora Uniting Church, Gold Coast in two blocks of 6 sessions on Tuesday night. It can also be offered in more intensive blocks. The textbooks for this course are Compassionate Community Work and Not Religion, But Love, both by Dave Andrews.

Introduction to the New Testament
Bill Loader has prepared this ten-session course introducing people to the New Testament. It may be studied by individuals, with the support of a local tutor or mentor appointed by Presbytery. The textbook is Loader’s The New Testament with Imagination. Any interested person may enrol, but it may also be used for credit towards Lay Preacher training. This is a Coolamon College course, being offered under licence from Coolamon, Enrolment is through Pilgirm. Cost: $110 ($100 if paid by a UC congregation or organisation). (Those wanting credit towards a government recognised Certificate should enrol through Coolamon College.)

NT course for people from diverse cultural backgrounds
This is underway at the Uniting Church Centre on some Monday nights. 25 people from a range of language-cultural groups are enrolled. A huge thank you to those who donated money for recent arrivals from the Sudan and Burma who cannot afford to pay!!

The Ministry of Pastor
Pilgrim is responsible for assisting Presbyteries to do the training for Pastors. Please contact us to talk it over.

“The Uniting Church, What is it all about?”
This new course from Pilgrim Learning Community covers such areas as the history of the UCA, its distinctive features, how the UCA works out what it believes, the values it lives by and the way members practise their beliefs in every-day life. It also introduces people to the Basis of Union and touches briefly on the Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice.  The course is suitable for anyone wanting to know more about The Uniting Church and its ethos, including inquirers, people preparing for baptism/confirmation and new members. Organise a small group and enrol together! The course also fulfils part of the requirements for those entering the new lay ministry of Pastor. The cost is $55 (incl. GST) or $50 if paid for by a UCA body.

Witnesses to Jesus: New Testament Foundations
This is currently being totally rewritten. When ready, it will be available across the State in face-to-face mode. A student resource book and a leaders’ guide are both being prepared.

Rob Bos, 14 August 2008