UC National News 5-11 May - President's Conference wrap, In Covenant, West Papua solidarity, Budget Watch and more

A calling for all God's people More than 50 people gathered in Adelaide last weekend for the 2021 President's Conference, Called by God 2. Over four days, the conference weaved together worship, theological reflection, panel conversations and deep personal sharing to highlight the joy of 'every member ministry'.   At the close of the Conference, President Dr Deidre Palmer said: "We are all called, like those first disciples, to respond to the radical call of Jesus on our lives – to be part of a movement of the Holy Spirit. We are called to participate in God’s mission of love, justice, peace and abundance." A Covenantal vision  This week as we continue to focus on Identity, we consider what it means to celebrate First Peoples at the very heart of what it means to be the Uniting Church and preview our first Assembly Covenanting Action Plan.  Seeking dialogue and peace for West Papua The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has sought to highlight concerns about ongoing violence and oppression of the indigenous peoples of West Papua. Budget watch: Prioritising hope and dignity UnitingCare Australia is gearing up to rapidly assess the Federal Budget announcements due next week.   “Our Christian mandate is to consider the impact of the budget on the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Australians,” said National Director Claerwen Little. They will be watching closely for measures that impact on employment, women and children, First Peoples, aged care reform and lifting people out of poverty. Act2 reflection continues As the responses gathered from the Act2 survey are considered, we continue our series of contributions from around the church reflecting on the shape of the future. This week we hear from Dr Catherine Pepper. Pacific Day Of Prayer Join in prayer with and for our Pacific neighbours for the annual Pacific Day of Prayer this Friday 7 May. Resources are available from the Pacific Conference of Churches. Urgent call for volunteers Frontier Services are building an emergency response team to assist with a clean-up operation following Tropical Cyclone Seroja in WA and need as many boots on the ground as possible. Help spread the word or sign up to volunteer! Call 1300 787 247 or email outbacklinks@frontierservices.org Join PreachFest! Register now for this national 3-day festival from 1-3 June 2021 created to inspire and enliven the craft, art and vocation of preaching across Australia. Read more about the event inspired by The Festival of Homiletics in the US.

Culture of Safety Advisor - Synod of Victoria and Tasmania This is a significant opportunity for a subject matter expert to join the team as the Culture of Safety Advisor. Play a key role in promoting a safe and compliant culture for the Uniting Church across Victoria and Tasmania. General Secretary - Uniting Church WA The Synod wishes to appoint a new General Secretary who will be accountable to the Church in Western Australia through its Synod Standing Committee. The position is the Secretary of the Synod and the CEO of the Uniting Church Centre.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: India and the deepening COVID-19 crisis and for those who are impacted by the travel ban to Australia. An end to the suffering and lasting peace for the indigenous people of West Papua. A spirit of friendship as people of all faiths and none join one another to share in the Iftar meal, including those attending the Building Harmony Iftar Dinner tonight hosted by the Uniting Church and the Affinity Intercultural Foundation. 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