UC National News 15-21 September - 3 takes on an Intergenerational Church, Towards Zero video series, Peace Day, Afghanistan one month on and more

3 takes on being an Intergenerational Church As we explore what it means to be an Intergenerational Church, we spoke to three people engaged in ministry at a Congregational, Presbytery and Synod level about what it means to be inclusive of all generations in the sharing of our faith and living out God’s mission. Mel Quilliam from Alice Springs Uniting Church shares about making all generations wonder through Godly Play. Rev Dr Matagi Vilitama speaks about a growing youth movement in the Georges River Presbytery. And Janine McDonald from the Synod of WA suggests five steps for a snapshot evaluation of what Intergenerational ministry looks like in your faith community or ministry context.  Towards Zero: Connect Faith and Action Explore how you and your faith community can shape a better future for our planet with this new video series from the Assembly. Drawing on his personal journey and experience in renewable energy, Assembly Theologian-in-residence Rev Dr Ji Zhang has produced the videos and accompanying resources including an emissions calculating tool. Discover the real possibility of becoming carbon neutral as a household, a congregation, a network of agencies and a whole church. Prayers for 'this beautiful place we call home' We continue to share prayers from across the Uniting Church and links to resources and actions you can take as we mark this Season of Creation. Big thanks to the young people of Willoughby and Northbridge Uniting Church who have shared a prayer with us this week. We hope you can use it in your worship.   The wisdom of older people  For the first time, the Uniting Church is marking Older Persons Sunday on 3 October. UnitingCare Australia is inviting UCA communities of faith to celebrate the contributions of older people and to challenge expressions of ageism. President Rev Sharon Hollis has shared a reflection and encouraged congregations to take part. “One of the stories I love in the Bible is of Anna and Simeon faithfully watching for God’s salvation. I love it because they remind me of the power of faith tested over time and of the wisdom of older people to know how to watch and wait for God’s new thing and to embrace that new thing with love.”  Resources are being made available from Uniting Friends of Ageing. Faiths join to pray for Peace On the International Day of Peace, 21 September at 2pm, UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis will join representatives from 13 different faiths in an online prayer service.  Moderator of the NSW/ACT Synod Rev Simon Hansford will deliver an occasional address. Join on Zoom or watch on the Assembly Facebook page.  Calling all Presbytery Ministers! In the next phase of the Act2 conversation, we are seeking input from Presbytery Ministers across the country. The Act2 Presbytery Ministers National Consultation will take place on 22 October and 5 November 2021 with a focus on the future of the UCA through the lens of Presbyteries, ministry and mission. Make sure your Presbytery Minister attends! One month on from Taliban takeover Today marks one month since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Australian leaders from Afghanistan have sent an urgent message calling on Australia to help. Thanks to everyone who has supported the Christians United for Afghanistan campaign. You can still sign up now. Meanwhile, the NCCA and Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce have welcomed the establishment of an Advisory Panel on Australia’s Resettlement of Afghan Nationals, which includes a number of Afghan Australians with lived experience and valuable expertise. Proposed changes will entrench hardship for migrant families UnitingCare Australia National Director Claerwen Little appeared before the Senate Community Affairs Committee this week and voiced concerns for the safety and security of migrant women amid proposed changes that mean newly arrived migrants will have to wait longer to access government support payments.  There's still time to support our Aussie farmers It's not too late to get involved in this year's Great Outback BBQ. With either a virtual seat at the table or by safely hosting your own event, you can help Frontier Services come alongside Australian farmers as they recover from drought and disaster.  Register here Applications invited for The ATSI Development Fund The National Council of Churches is now receiving applications for small, one-off grants toward community development projects under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development Fund. Applications close 15 October.

Biblical Studies Teacher - St Stephens School, Perth St Stephen's School in Perth seeks a Biblical Studies Teacher for a part time role in Term 1 2022, teaching Years 7-12 Biblical Studies. St Stephen's is a Uniting Church School that is Christ centred, student focused and community based. Community Chaplain, Flagstone - Synod of Queensland The Queensland Synod seeks an experienced Pastor with a love for people, a compassionate pastoral heart and a vision for gathering people into a new faith community, for an exciting new position expanding the UCA's presence in Flagstone and wider districts.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: The Synod of WA following its 45th Meeting that took place on the weekend and Rev Dr Andrew Williams who was appointed General Secretary from January 2022.  Those feeling the strain of lockdown, those struggling economically and those who are sick with COVID-19. We give thanks to our healthcare workers and those who are reaching out to care for the most vulnerable right now.  Equitable access to vaccines to ensure all in our community are safe.  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