It's a wrap from the online 16th Assembly! Highlights from Day 2 #Dwellinginlove

DAY 2 The final day of the online 16th Assembly was a joyful time of shared worship and elections and appointments, including the declaration of Rev Charissa Suli as President-elect. The day began in worship with Bible Reflections led by First Nations leaders from Nungalinya College in Darwin. Speaking from their own cultural and theological perspectives, the leaders shared on the theme “Dwelling in love”.  Further the Assembly extended the appointment of Colleen Geyer as the Assembly General Secretary, elected a new Assembly Standing Committee, Advocates of Circles and Chairpersons for Assembly Agency Boards and National Committees.  A Minute of Appreciation was observed for those who have served faithfully in the national life of the Church.  In the closing worship, 16th Assembly members were invited to write or draw a prayer for the reconvened Assembly in 2022. A final blessing was offered by Synod of Queensland Moderator Andrew Gunton from Sunshine Coast where the reconvened Assembly will meet. "Bless us in our gathering and our scattering. Bless us in our decisions and our discipleship. Bless us as we anticipate taking our leave and as we are excited for gathering together again." Rev Charissa Suli announced as President-elect Rev Charissa Suli has joyfully been declared President-elect of the UCA. Charissa is the youngest and first person of colour to serve as President-elect. In her response to the announcement Charissa said: "This is truly an historic moment for the Church. This is ground-breaking that you call a Second Generation Tongan Australian, still in her thirties. Today we move forward because of you all." Bible Reflections from Nungalinya College Eight First Nations leaders from Nungalinya College shared on the theme “Dwelling in love” in the opening worship on Day 2. The study opened with an introduction to the Yolŋu worldview from Rev Deacon Maratja Dhamarrandji. General Secretary reappointed and ASC elected The 16th Assembly has resolved to extend the appointment of Colleen Geyer as the Assembly General Secretary and elected a new Assembly Standing Committee.  The 16th Assembly in Photos Livestreamed from Brisbane, the 16th Assembly meeting took place online for the first time. See a collection of photos taken as it happened.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR:   Our new President, Rev Sharon Hollis, as she offers spiritual guidance and encouragement to the Church over the next three years. Rev Charissa Suli, as she enters a time of preparation as President-elect. The ongoing faithful ministry and discipleship of retiring President Dr Deidre Palmer in the Uniting Church and in the world. New members of the Assembly Standing Committee and leaders of Assembly Boards, Committees and Circles carrying forward the work of the 16th Assembly. The reconvened Assembly in 2022 - for members to continue to faithfully serve the Assembly while dwelling in the love of God.  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