Induction of Rev Clare Brockett
The Rev Clare Brockett was officially inducted as Uniting AgeWell Director of Mission in a moving, joyous and symbolically-rich ceremony on Friday 19 March.
With social distancing measures in place, about 20 people attended the service in the Synod Chapel at Wesley Place in Melbourne’s CBD – the new home of the Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, as well as UA’s corporate office – with nearly the same number joining in through zoom.
Among Church and Uniting AgeWell Leaders were The General Secretary of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, The Rev Dr Mark Lawrence and the Chair of the Board of Uniting AgeWell, Raelene Thompson.
An Induction Service is a formal church service. It was led by the Moderator of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Rev Denise Liersch.
Uniting AgeWell Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kinnersly outlined the steps leading to the appointment of the Director of Mission. Dr Liz Boase, Dean of the School of Graduate Research, University of Divinity, gave the sermon, a reflection on the biblical and contemporary readings, and their connection to the work of Uniting AgeWell.
A poignant part of the Induction Service was the calling on Clare to accept the role and to steer Uniting AgeWell as it lives out the mission and values of the Uniting Church through its work.
Clare’s scope of mission was stated by the Moderator – including to build and develop Uniting AgeWell’s chaplaincy services; to ensure compassionate, safe and holistic care is offered to people across all faiths and spirituality, regardless of what they believe or don’t; and to help the organisation embrace diversity, inclusion and creativity and become a prophetic voice for our ageing population.
Clare was asked to reaffirm responses made at her ordination and express her wish to continue her ministry through the role of Director of Mission. She promised to “offer the best of myself, bringing diligence, integrity and a touch of humour.”
Colleagues representing Uniting AgeWell came forward with symbols representing ministry, The Uniting Church, and Uniting AgeWell’s daily work, and laid them on the table. Symbols included: Water, wine, bread, a Bible, the Basis of Union, the Uniting AgeWell Strategic Plan and the Aged Care Quality Standards.
Morning tea, safely served Covid style, was held after the Induction Service – the one part of the proceedings where being on zoom doesn’t quite cut the mustard. Or the sandwiches and cake!
Pictured: Rev Denise Liersch (left) and Rev Clare Brockett (right).