RMU Field Days

As I washed the red dust from all I owned it was time to change from a bus to a hall.  A new lot of travellers plus some old friends and I would be in the same room for the next 4 days.  I picked up the Broken Hill group, David and Sharon, as they flew down.  The day's program was set out like this: devotions, sessions, lunch, sessions.  The Key Note speaker was Mark Berry from Safe place community in England.  We also had some dinner events.

Mark Berry session with group taking it all in 

 

Lou resting after setting up Worship space

I had time to regroup and now can look back and reflect, rather than inform of things happening. I came home from the River Tour pretty worn out. I then had to get the Blog out for the Tour, which was a massive task - writing, finding the right photos then putting it all down in a logical sequence.  My brain was overflowing with information; with sight, sounds and smells. What happens when we're with who.  I hope you were interested and it has got you thinking "Why is our church seeking to hear the voices of the river people, all of them?"  

The time at the Field Days was not a photo time - it was a listening time, a time of talking and sharing, of much catching up.  Letting what was being said flow out of the set of notes but also allowing it all to soak in.  For example, Braydon from UME spoke on generation stuff (the next gen XY baby boomers, how they mix or don't mix). Chris from Uniting Care showed us tools to map and build community development plans for our churches.  He used Broken Hill as a Live project.  Unfortunately I missed the second part of this session as we had two sessions running concurrently and I had chosen to attend the Mental Health Matters session.  Julie had been working on this.  Brenda from Coona ran the session, as she has done the "Train the trainer" course.  It was great work all round. I feel if I new nothing before the session, I have been given the tools to do some real good now. This is what we need - ordinary folk reaching out to their town.

The EDs came and sat with us.  Executive Director Peter Worland talked to us about the new way ahead for the Uniting Church, as it is no longer UnitingCare.  It sounded really good.  I told him about the great work the local Uniting service providers have been doing.  Then John Kitchener spoke about money - a good message for a church reaching out of the old paradigm into a new way ("I ask for caravan he told me "I'd have to do a good job and we would see" with a smile) 

Money, buildings, Relationships, God calls us to be His people, trusting in Him and loving those we meet.

Mark's stories of his work in England reminded me of the Rosemeadow and Claymore Airds time of my life and Maz and Neil Smiths.  But putting it altogether God calls us to be the Church that meets to inform and renew and praise Him as we go out into the world refreshed, renewed and reformed because if we just keep being the same we miss what is fresh and the new relationships growing out of the scattered.

My first church, the bus (Left) and my first Field Day session

The fire kicked out but take from it back to your camp

Well time has flown.  New things are shaping our world .  This last week we have been moved (or some of us have been moved) by the plight of those seeking a new life; of just being able to work, play and be.  I'm happy to say I have heard much talk from our NENW Presbytery Retreat, our Leader the Moderator, worship leaders and then my own church leader speaking of the challenge for us to be Christ in today's times.  Take the fire and let burn in your life.

Camp Fires, Holy Ground - The Way Home (Part 3)

Looking across the dry Lakes - beauty to behold but also fear if the rain falls; we could be stuck for days!

As we left Menindee we turned into the National Park.  I had been here in 2012 and remembered the road was closed then.  I wondered "would history repeat itself?" but this time I have a few mates with me!  The Park has awesome views of this wonderful country (as the picture above shows).



Photo taken by David Richardt

Camp fire Bindara Station, our camp for the night 

Dinner came with a talk about the life on the Darling River; the good, the bad and the scary. Barbara told of the "boom and bust", the drought and flood years - of no rain and the river drying to pools. Government red tape was hard to deal with - Barbara told of a time when water was to be let from the lakes but the banks had broken.  The banks of the waterhole next to the pump had fallen and needed a bit of work. "This will be seen as damming", she was told by a government official.  "You have to pay for a permit to fix the waterhole.  Because we will then need to check what you've done, this will take some time".  But Barbara said that water was going to be let out of the dam in a shorter time frame than what the red tape was going to take. 

Things did get sorted out but it involved hard work building up a damaged bit of the bank.  Life here is hard enough without government "red tape".  When a flood comes these communities can be isolated for 3 months, though more often than not they have time to stock up and move animals around.

Dawn on the Darling River 

The Bus

                   Lake Mungo tour

As we arrived at Pooncarie it was time for fuel and a coffee, thanks to one of the great fellow travellers.  We went from here to Mungo Lakes again, but as we were late there was no time for photos.  John Williams explained the sand dunes and the changing sizes of trees/shrubs. John and Austin Evans gave us great info on the changes in the landscape. Graham the guide gave us some info on the way out too. I'm not writing too much about this part of the trip, as I wrote a lot when we visited this area last year.  I could go on and on as I find this place so good.  Go, if you get chance!

Next we headed for Wentworth and a boat trip to the end of the Darling River, where it flows into the Murray system. We did the cruise just so we all could be on the water.  We also had David Richardt talk and hand out his book "Release the River!" which came out of his study over 10 years ago.  A number of people joined us on the cruise, who had been a part of his work back then, so their church got a copy of the book too.

Up next, we had communion in Junction Park around a park table.  Three of the group led a reflection of what the Tour meant to them then I presided of the communion and finished with a prayer. To serve the group again is such a humbling moment with such mixed people at the beginning, to now a community.  Then we prayed for the two who had to leave our Tour. Having done this we fuelled up and headed back to Broken Hill for the last Forum.  What a great welcome was waiting for us!

We were blown away by the work put into this scene of Creation in the Hall at the Broken Hill Church (see above).  The Forum followed  the wonderful dinner we sat down to. The photo to the right is of the speakers at the Forum: (left to right) David Reichardt, Austin Evans, Miriam Pepper and John Williams. (Ivan Roberts missing from photo.)  We left for Nyngan the next day, taking a last look at the Darling as we passed through Wilcannia.  A few of our group took photos of the bridge (looks the same as the old Bourke bridge) but this one is used only as a foot bridge, not for vehicles.

We took off to Emmdale Roadhouse for fuel and good coffee, plus clean loos and nice food.  I am known at this road house!  This is also the geographic edge of David Shrimpton's Patrol area, part of the Broken Hill Patrol.  Lunch at Cobar was a great time of fellowship and good church food. Our accommodation that night was at the Nyngan Tourist Park.  For dinner I took a group out to Don and Mel's Farm, where they put on lamb & veggies in a 1950's style shearer's hut.  It was a good night even though I couldn't find their drive in the dark!  We didn't get lost, I was just confused! The next morning was church at Nyngan Uniting Church, led by Rev Jo Smallbill.  Jo, with husband Lou, work as patrol ministers in Cobar and the Nyngan area.  A great service.  Our input was a talk from Rev Myung Hwa Park , our Moderator, then Di and Ted Torrens sang for us. Di is Chairperson of  UAICC NSW & ACT.  It was so good having them as part of the group on Tour; their wisdom and such warm friendship meant a lot to us.

Well, the Tour has ended! I have learnt much, but more than learning I have connected with a number of people I had never met and with others, a deeper connection has grown. The River moves but we humans try to control the water and hold it.  That water has brought life over time.  Yes, and death sadly to some.  But for me God's creation is a gift of life for all and how we see it has to change - from a throw away gift to one that is treasured and valued, for a better one is coming.  I sense the Kingdom of God is!

The Darling River Run (Part 2)

Back of the Menindee Lakes, NSW

We left Bourke arriving at a very busy Louth.  Sorry I have no pictures.  The town was getting ready for their annual Louth Races, planned the following weekend. These small towns just explode; this is what helps them keep going.  As we headed off, we were all hoping that the rain stayed at a drizzle (too much rain brings mud and road closures and the Races would have to be called off).

 

In the shed @ Tilby Station

Our stop for the night, Tilby Station

We took the back road as the word was it was much better than the main track.  We headed out with full tummies after a late lunch, heading for Wilcannia for an overnight stay.  We travelled through awesome country and a small town called Tilpa - a pub, some houses, and a river crossing, and the longest boat ramp I ever seen!

Checking out the trees and wild flowers

We all then met up at Broken Hill in the Patrol hanger.  I took the time for a real coffee - nice!  My car said goodbye and headed back to Dubbo with a fellow traveller.  Then we fueled up and headed to Menindee Lakes. This was a great part of the River story as it is very relevant for Broken Hill's water, but also the levels have changed over the last three years.  In 2012 the lakes were full and the environment was alive with birds and tourists everywhere.  I dug some of my 2012 photos to compare to the one below.

Weir Wall in 2015 (above) and what it looked like in 2012 (below) 

And this is the same spot now, trees out of water

I will post some photos on Facebook showing the now and then.  Local people say this is normal for the lakes' area - waters come and go, giving life to the trees and the bugs feed birds like wrens and other types. But the question is - how do the needs of the Broken Hill people get the water they need as this "boom and bust" process takes it course.  We all like to have a place to sit by a lake and if lucky, take a boat for a spin or fish but then there is the next person down stream who also needs the river.  We'll talk about this some more next time.

Darling River at Bindara Station

The Darling River Tour (Part 1)

Darling River, Bourke NSW

Why did we do this over the last couple of years?  There has been a group of people involved in the Tour over the years including the past Moderator Rev Dr Brian Brown and Rev Myung Wa Pak, the current Moderator.  The aim is to hear the people of the Murray Darling Basin; to listen to their needs and dreams.  We don't go on the Tour to save or fix but to listen.  The Church "listening" is seen as important by many of the people we meet.

I arrived in Dubbo early on Friday, picking up those flying in or coming by train into Dubbo on Saturday. The first event on the Tour was a Forum at the Dubbo Uniting Church which Rev Dr Brian Brown led. We had Dubbo people plus the tour group all fed by the Dubbo ladies.  There were talks then a Q&A panel with lots of good questions that made us think. 


First Forum at Dubbo

Next morning was load the buses and head off for a half hour drive to Narromine.  There we participated in a good service at the Narromine UCA, had morning tea then "round 'em up, load 'em up" and off we go, heading for Bourke.  We had an hour stop for lunch in Nyngan on the way, then hit the Outback.  Driving along I pointed out different things about the small towns/localities.  Myra had a great story about her dad who used to bring their cattle up from Camden to Girilambone, sometimes walking up from Nyngan, so we stopped to take photos of the old station (see below).


We drove onto Bourke, staying in a caravan park that night and joined in the fun of "Poetry on a Plate", sitting around campfires listening to great poetry, old and new.  Andrew Hull put on a great show - he has helped us with drought work (like "A Good Day Out" in Weilmoringle).  Next morning was a 9am river cruise.  We sadly had a new friend, Maureen, experience a bad fall but medical help was good and quick.  Unfortunately she had to leave us there.  Her great friend Barbara sat with her until the plane arrived to airlift her back to Dubbo.  She's doing well now!





Old Bourke Bridge (foreground) and new bridge (background) 

"Come on - places to go, things to see!" 

Off to the Queensland Border where those on No. 1 bus met the oldest NSW publican still alive - she's in her 90's.  My bus stopped at Engonnia Public School.  One of Julie Greig's projects is here - we had a tour of the school and preschool plus performances from all the children which were very good!

The Lion Dance - the one's on the chairs are the lions and the other's are the deers 

This ends this week's blog.  Next we head to Louth for a night on a cattle station.  The group of people on the tour is forming into a community, moved by stories from the river and from the school we visited.  But we need to listen to and for God's voice, and what he calls us to be and do.  Just having a moment of being touched is good but acting on God's call make changes awesome!  

Down the Darling River and back to Dubbo.

I am just back from a drive down the Darling river with a bunch of strangers who became a community they came from all walks of life and points of the compass. I will go into more details soon as my body and brain comes back .

First night in UCA Dubbo - Rev Dr Brian Brown set us the task

Mural -Enngonia Public School day 2 

Between   Louth and Tilpa NSW

Well, we moved along the river when we could. It was often just a few hundred meters way,  dirt and dust mixed with the odd wet spot  just to keep us on our toes 

 Could you back the boat down?

Tilpa crossing and boat ramp

 

Roads dust and sand

Ramps keep you awake.

 

Lake Mungo -layers of time set out before you

This is a touch of what's to come - 3000 plus kms, God taking and giving control, opening me to sights smells and roads I never seen . People becoming friends, old friends growing stories told and listened to, sleepless nights, wonderful food, coffee-less days, early nights and even earlier mornings . Why? - to hear the stories of the river's first people and of us, that came later.

Thanks to all who have traveled and shared.

Shalom 

Rev Phill Matthews  

On the road again  - the "Darling River Run"

North Bourke Bridge over the Darling River 

This is a bridge near where we will be staying at Bourke.  We will travel out to here to take a ride on a paddle boat and may pass under this bridge.  We will then travel up the road to Enngonia, visiting the town school then to the pub for lunch.  Others of us are going on to the Queensland border, where they will be meeting with one of the oldest NSW publicans at the local pub. Why am I writing this before the trip, you ask?  I'm thinking that I might find writing during the tour a bit difficult, as some of the areas we'll be travelling to have limited phone service and the days are likely to be very busy.  We have a full-on itinerary as we are looking to cover many great issues - Cultural, Social, Economical, and Spiritual life. 

Bourke Weir plays a major role in supplying the town's water  

As we travel each day, using roads as close to the Darling River as possible, the welcome rain the last month and the follow-up rain last week may see some of the dirt roads closed. But it's better to see rain and water in the river system and we can always come back for a look at these places later.  I will try to post or at least upload photos to Facebook, as I can do that with a couple of other devices. We will also see some great birds and animals along our way.



Pelicans I saw on an earlier trip.

The Darling River around 4 weeks ago (taken from a friend's Facebook page).

The Tour is hoped to open conversations with those we meet along the way - this is not just with church groups but with industry people we will interact with daily, and at the formal Forums set up along the way. A lot of thought and planning has gone into this Tour; it's not just a sightseeing trip but a way for the Uniting Church (UCA) to reach out to the folk who live and work on our mighty river system.  We have people from many parts of the church travelling with us but in true UCA style, we are One and we are seeking to build connections with those we meet.

News will come out in days to come on the Blog and also The Rural Chaplains Facebook page, and others I am sure. Please, if you're a prayer, pray for our safe travels.  We have 2 mini-buses and a couple of 4x4s transporting over 30 people on the trip, plus unknown numbers of people travelling to attend the Forums.  But most of all I pray we open the hearts and minds of the Church, communities, government and non-government Services as we seek to understand each other and the best way to monitor and look after people along the mighty river systems.

Shalom 

Changes On All Fronts And More To Come

Another front rolls in as dark clouds build - a promise of things to come!

The last month has seen lots of things happening around the traps - tanks and paddocks have had some nice drinks!  Snow on hills, ice on cars and roads, making travel risky. I also was lucky to be at the changeover services for the Broken Hill Flying Patrol and Pst David Shrimpton.  The patrol moved from Frontier Services to under the umbrella of UME and Macquarie Darling Presbytery. The work with remote stations and outback centers will continue thanks to this move. The night was such a balmy time I took a video (my first, maybe my last!) and so called on Lou, my good friend, for some of his great shots!

Changeover Service held for Pst David & Jenny Shrimpton (*)

 Changing the hanger to a worship space

I stopped at this rest area in Hermidale, on the way out to Broken Hill for Sharon Cutts' Induction Service. I stopped here to pray for the people of this lovely little village, still suffering from the sadness of the events over the past couple of weeks.  Things change overnight; sadness is also part of the travels of a Rural Chaplain.  Just like we put our rubbish into a bin, I find stopping for prayer at a rest area allows an "unloading" on God so I can move on to the next place.

Induction Service of Rev Sharon Cutts

Holy words of Blessing

A very big welcome to Sharon, to wonderful Western NSW, Land of the Living Desert.  With the rains has come a change to the land and you can see signs of where the water has run. Signs I've seen of it passing through the land includes green pick on the side of the road; large pools of water along the long paddock/stock route and in the crop; dust turning to mud; bringing life for the scrub goats and their 2-3 kids who feed along the road from Cobar to Broken Hill.

Scars left by rainwater in the waterless Stephens Creek

A close-up of the scars - like a beach but boggy!

Goats and their kids at play

Change is coming to all of us every day.  Sadly it is not all good news but not all bad - life is a combination. The rain has raised the sense of a good change, though there's still a long way before we can say life is all good. But thank God for the growth of the crops around the state, for the higher prices of cattle and sheep, and the beauty in the bush is so cool! An old bushy told me "it will take a flood to fix things but there's money in mud and misery in dust".

God of all things, may the church change and out of the dust, form and grow your kingdom.

In front of camera, not behind - thanks Lou! (*)
(* - Photos care of Lou Smalbil.)