UC National News 1-7 September - Season of Creation begins, Vale Aunty Lucy Lester, Child Safe Sunday and more

ʻKo ha lotu ki he fakatupu ʻa e ʻOtuá A Prayer for Creation Today on the first day of spring we begin the Season of Creation, a month-long celebration of how we how we live in relationship with and care for God’s creation In addition to a video message shared by UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis last week, we will be sharing prayers from around the Church and other resources, actions and events to inspire reflection and action. This week, Working for Justice Circle Advocate Rev Loni Vaitohi, shares a prayer for creation in Tongan and English.  Vale Aunty Lucy Lester Leaders across the Uniting Church and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) have paid tribute to a founding member of Congress, Anangu artist and interpreter Aunty Lucy Waniwa Lester. Aunty Lucy has been remembered for her love of language, her deep wisdom and the way she encouraged other First Nations women in their leadership and ministry.  Assembly Standing Committee begins its work The newly elected Assembly Standing Committee (ASC) met for the first time over the weekend beginning its work for this triennium. The members of the committee include the youngest and most diverse representation of Uniting Church members elected to the ASC. Hear what some had to say after their first meeting.  How to get involved in Uniting Church Child Safe Week This Sunday 5 September is the first Uniting Church Child Safe Sunday, kicking off a week of activities dedicated to raising awareness of our commitment to be a safe church for all. Find out how you can participate and hear from young UCA members about what makes them feel safe. What does Intergenerational worship look like?  As we continue to explore our life as an Intergenerational Church, this week we hear from one of the Church's key voices in this space, Chris Barnett, Intergenerational Ministry - Children and Families, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, who reflects on what it means to shape intergenerational worshipping communities where all are welcomed, nurtured and included. Let's Yarn about our Intergenerational Church Next Thursday 9 September is your opportunity to join an online conversation with the Assembly Resourcing Unit about what it means to be a church that is welcoming and inclusive of all generations.  We would love to hear what our Intergenerational church looks like from where you are standing and yarn about the possibilities to come.  Becoming the good news in West Timor Even before she was conceived, Rev Dr Mery Kolimon had a calling. Her parents dedicated her to God’s work before Mery’s mother fell pregnant. It was a promise with a profound impact. She is now the first woman to be Moderator of the Christian Evangelical Church of Timor, a partner of the UCA, and under her leadership it is creating lasting change for the people of West Timor. Read the story. Get on board for the Great Outback BBQ Bring hope to people like bushfire-affected farmer John Rocke by joining this year's Great Outback BBQ, whether it's buying a virtual seat or hosting a physical BBQ! Listen to John's heartfelt Thank You Message.

Communications & Media Coordinator - Pilgrim Uniting Church, Adelaide Pilgrim Uniting Church in Adelaide seeks a Communications & Media Coordinator for a newly created role responsible for leading the development and implementation of a communications and media strategy. Chaplain Educator - Wesley Mission Queensland Wesley Mission Queensland is seeking a part-time Chaplain Educator to join its Pastoral and Spiritual Care team, which offers compassionate care to clients, residents, families and staff in ways that are contextually missional and innovative.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: Family, friends and community members mourning the loss of one of UAICC's founding members Aunty Lucy Lester.  A renewal of our relationship with all people and all of God's creation and actions that will help heal our scarred planet. Those who are working to make our Church a safe place for all people and for all congregations who are taking part in Child Safe Week.  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