UC National News - 31 Mar-6 Apr 2021 EASTER 2021

President's Easter Message Easter is about hope and transformation, says Dr Deidre Palmer in her 2021 Easter message which highlights the courageous women in the Easter narrative and those speaking out against injustice today. "I give thanks to these brave women and men the world over for sharing and embodying the good news – that God’s vision of love, peace, justice and reconciliation is alive today," says Dr Palmer. The President's 2021 Easter message is now available to download for UCA congregations and faith communities to play at Easter services and events. Dr Palmer's message along with messages from UCA Moderators, are on the uniting.church website. The message is password protected (P/W: ChristisRisen) until Easter Sunday. Walking Together to the empty tomb What does it mean to really walk together, committed and willing to face the challenges and celebrate the joys and hopes along our malaga, with our First Peoples, in the light of the Easter message? Rev S. Juliette Maua’i offers this reflection as part of the Assembly Circles of Interest Seven Takes on Easter.  Dreams for the future The Uniting Church has a future! What do you think? Let us know by completing the Act2 survey before 16 April, or send us an email. "Strong heart-land voices must be heard" The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) has called on the Government to ensure a Voice for First Nations Peoples is enshrined in Australia’s constitution. In a joint submission to the Indigenous Voice co-design teams, UAICC and the Assembly say the proposed legislative model does not go far enough.  Why I marched on Palm Sunday Palm Sunday Marches across Australia brought together thousands of people, united together in calling for a more just and compassionate response to refugees. We asked UCA members from across the country to share why they took part. Easter for the Saturday people Reflecting a year into the pandemic, Rev Dr Upolu Lumā Vaai, Principal of the Pacific Theological College (PTC), writes of Easter Saturday as a reminder of God's willingness to be in deep solidarity with those still trapped between death and life.   UnitingWorld is a partner with PTC through its Women in Ministry project.  Ending Loneliness Together Last week UnitingCare Australia jointly launched a new Parliamentary group dedicated to overcoming loneliness. UnitingCare Australia is a founding partner of Ending Loneliness Together, a movement dedicated to breaking down stigma and building tools for a more inclusive and connected society. Frontier Services - here for the long haul Frontier Services National Director Jannine Jackson spoke to Sky News this week about the devastating impact for farmers hit with drought, bushfire, flood and now a mouse plague. Australian Church Leaders' Easter Messages The National Council of Churches has gathered together Easter Messages from the leaders of Christian Churches in Australia. Easter Sunday Virtual Choir Ahead of Easter Sunday, over 400 members of The United Methodist Church from across the globe came together as a virtual choir to sing Thine Be The Glory. The video is now available for download and use in Easter services. With Love to the World Mobile App With Love to the World: A Daily Bible Reading Guide, first published in 1976, is now available as a mobile app that includes access to the daily biblical texts and commentary in an easy-to-use format. To subscribe, visit the App Store or Google Play Store and search 'With Love to the World'. Download the flyer. Nominate for President Elect!  Nominations for the President-elect of the Uniting Church in Australia close on 16 April 2021. Nominations can come from two members of the 16th Assembly or a Presbytery.  You can download information online: Profile template for President-elect nominees President-elect nomination form Issues, challenges opportunities for the Uniting Church

Presbytery Minister - Mary Burnett Presbytery The Mary Burnett Presbytery is seeking expressions of interest for a Presbytery Minister who will join an exciting team on the beautiful Sunshine Coast/Wide Bay and Burnett region of Queensland. Chaplain Assistant - Macquarie University Join the innovative tertiary ministry team at Macquarie University. One or more part-time positions exist for missionally oriented persons to share in the implementation of “future directions” initiatives established by our dynamic team.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: Christians everywhere as we share the hope of the Easter story. Those who will spend their Easter weekend recovering from the floods and communities in Queensland responding to a new outbreak of COVID-19. For a more connected society without loneliness. For you and your communities to know the hope, courage, love and joy inspired by the presence of the risen Christ.  Copyright © 2021 Uniting Church in Australia, All rights reserved. We're sending you weekly updates because you opted into news from the Uniting Church in Australia. Our mailing address is: Uniting Church in Australia Lvl 4 262 Pitt St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia