UC National News - 31 Jul-6 Aug 2020 - Ecumenical Prayers for the Pandemic, our shared call on homelessness and more

Ecumenical Day of Prayer to end the Pandemic

As a new wave of COVID-19 infections spreads and the death toll rises, the National Council of Churches in Australia is encouraging member churches to pray together this Sunday 2 August for an end to the pandemic. Faith leaders call for release of refugees from unsafe detention Qld Moderator Rev David Baker has joined faith leaders from his state in condemning the ongoing detention of refugees and asylum seekers at Brisbane's Kangaroo Point, where close quarters make physical distancing impossible. The looming COVID-19 homelessness crisis  UnitingCare Australia has joined an alliance of community sector organisations in an open letter to the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison MP, asking for a comprehensive plan to support the homeless throughout the new phase of the pandemic. Defending children against online abuse President Dr Deidre Palmer has welcomed new international principles to guide organisations in keeping online environments safe for children. National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day  The Synods of South Australia and Victoria and Tasmania have published a worship resource for churches who want to mark Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day on 4 August. Tasmanian UAICC leader Alison Overeem has also prepared a reflection on "Being Culturally Safe" for the day.  Praying together for lasting peace  The Assembly is partnering with the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons to host an online interfaith service on 6 August, 75 years after the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Christmas cards come early at Frontier Services  It's still July, but Frontier Services' Christmas cards are already available. The beautiful artwork for the 2020 series of cards is the work of the talented Pastor Julia Lennon, Bush Chaplain for the Oodnadatta Remote Area. We are the UCA - Our Faith on video Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, God's Church and God's mission - the UCA approach to faith in six short videos by Dr Craig Mitchell.  President's Conference 2020 Online registrations are open for Dr Deidre Palmer's President's conference from 2-5 October. The Conference will offer hosted hub arrangements in capitals and regional centres to enable remote participation. Up for a Chat? COVID-19 has impacted us all differently. For many it’s been a challenging time. At 6pm every Monday in August members of the Assembly Resourcing Unit will be available for a chat over Zoom, if you'd like to ask any questions or talk about how things are going for you. JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: For those grieving loved ones and friends who have died from COVID-19, especially people who were unable due to safety requirements to be with them when they passed away.   Our Church's community service agencies, particularly in aged care, as they respond to the new wave of COVID-19 cases. This prayer for people in lockdown areas was written by Assembly theologian-in-residence Rev Dr Ji Zhang.  People who are homeless and at risk of homelessness. May God grant us the compassion to ensure they are cared for through this crisis and beyond. Congregations and Church Councils who are again suspending face-to-face worship due to local outbreaks of the pandemic.

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