The Internet, The Church, And Power To The People

Here are two totally different websites where the grassroots are using websites to act for what they believe in, bypassing ‘establishment’ inaction/power.

1. United Pilots Request the Resignation or Removal of Glenn Tilton

A PWF reader pointed out this US site, commenting on an:

‘interesting new way to voice your disapproval using the internet…buy a domain name and create a website about your issue…Shows how new technology can provide a forum and also with email and other new communication mediums how the word spreads fast.’

2. The Uniting Church Is Responding Practically To Grassroots Needs

Many grassroots meetings for Climate Action groups, also the Ethical Consumers’ supermarket tours and local community support groups I have attended over the last few years have been held in Uniting Church buildings. Can’t help thinking what a good way for the Church to increase relevance in a time of declining congregations – helping the grassroots get their message ‘out there’. For example:

Supporting Local Producers, Bypassing Supermarkets In South Australia

The Waikerie Fruit Project – similar to Aussie Farmers Direct and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) – is a website that offers the ability to:

“Buy delicious fruit, dried fruit, honey and free range eggs AND support international mission.

The project involves fruit grown by members of the Waikerie Christian Churches, and is subject to availability.

Congregations Become Regional Distribution Depots

The future of this project depends largely on identifying congregations, ecumenical networks and smaller groups within the church which are able to become regional distribution depots for the Riverland growers.

Fresh fruit and vegetable produce will be available when in season; 3kg bags of oranges are available all year round.

Part proceeds of the fruit sales will go toward medical projects on Numfor Island, Papua, Indonesia. For enquiries about any of these matters, please contact Graeme Cavanagh on almostorganic@hotkey.net.au or Jennie Hosking at jhosking@sa.uca.org.au.

Depots are now established in the northern areas of Adelaide at Gawler, Broadview, Prospect, Windsor Gardens, Dernancourt, Klemzig and Salisbury Uniting churches. In the south, Tusmore Park, Rosefield (Highgate), Hare St (Kurralta Park), St Andrews by the Sea (Glenelg), The Corner Church (Warradale) and Westbourne Park.

NB There is a PowerPoint slideshow (accessible from the website) that explains the project, the produce available and how to order.

Orders And Deliveries

Orders are due by the 2nd Tuesday of the month with deliveries on Wednesday of the third week of any month.

Orders may be sent to the UCA church office as below, or to Graeme Cavanagh by email, fax or post, and should be addressed to either:

Fruit orders – International Mission
Presbytery & Synod of SA
GPO Box 2145
ADELAIDE 5001

Fax 8227 0470

Mrs Jennie Hosking is working in the church office as a volunteer on the Waikerie Fruit Project and can be contacted via jhosking@sa.uca.org.au

OR CONTACT

Graeme Cavanagh at almostorganic@hotkey.net.au
Tel: 0428 412 759″

Interesting times…