5 Minutes With…John Berger
As the Executive Officer: Caring Agencies for the Uniting Church WA, John seeks to act as a link between the agencies and the broader Uniting Church in the WA Synod. John is also a graduate Social Worker and has worked in social welfare services for over 40 years.
John has been a member of the Uniting Church for 30+ years and is a current member of the Assembly Standing Committee, the WA Synod Standing Committee, Chair of the UnitingCare WA Forum and his local worshiping community is South Perth UC. John has recently retired from Social Work and is now looking forward to more family time and pursuing his recreational interests (cycling).
What led you to become involved in the Uniting Church?
I have been a Christian all my life, having been connected to church life in one form or another. Over 30 years ago I became a member of the Uniting Church being attracted to its progressive mission and values including its commitment to First Nations people and the role of women in the church. Since joining the Terang Uniting Church Victoria, I have remained an active member of a congregation ever since.
What does ‘serving others’ mean to you in a practical sense?
I enjoy my current role as it focuses on building connections and relationships across the Uniting Church. I feel I‘m serving the church by ensuring there are strong connections between the life of the church and agencies. This can mean many things from representing the church at Agency functions; promoting the work of the agencies at Synod and Presbytery meetings; speaking at churches and chairing the UnitingCare WA Forum. But most of all I just enjoy sharing the many stories I hear of lives being transformed through
the work of the agencies!
Can you share something that has surprised or inspired you lately?
When I announced my retirement publicly, I was pleasantly surprised by the various messages of appreciation from people that I worked with over the years. There were messages from people I barely knew and yet they would share what impact that I had on them and their career choices. It’s a reminder of the impact we all can have on those around us and how God works through our everyday encounters. I have felt truly blessed by the opportunities I have been given through my work and I hope to continue to be a faithful servant.
What hobby or interest brings you the most joy?
I have always enjoyed cycling and like to get out weekly with my local pastor and do a lap around the Swan/Canning River. More recently, I have become interested in mountain bike touring. I completed the Munda Biddi trail (1000km) last year and enjoyed being immersed in the quiet of the bush in WA – we are so lucky to have such a trail. For my next adventure, I plan on cycling from the top to the bottom, through the middle of Tasmania towards end of the year. Again, I look forward to the opportunity to immerse myself into the local landscape and this time spend time with my adult son who is joining me.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
My daily meditation and bible reading is a great way to start the day and keep myself grounded. Talking of ‘grounds’ I also enjoy a flat white coffee – I have recently invested in my own espresso machine so that I can have a ‘café’ quality coffee each day!
What’s your favourite quote or expression?
I have always believed in the power of committed people and therefore have always found the statement by Margaret Mead inspiring – “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”