UC National News 10-16 Nov - 'Come swim' with the Growing in Faith Circle, Young UCA leaders speak for Creation, Have your say on Act2 and more

'Come swimming' with the Growing in Faith Circle Meet our new advocate for the Assembly Growing in Faith Circle - Rev Liam Miller.  In this video, Liam shares a reflection on what it means to grow in faith, to encounter Jesus Christ and to understand this world as loved into being and redeemed by God.  "The art of thinking about God and all things in relation to God is not a utilitarian act in which we run our hands under cold water in order to come up with a quick answer or simple proposition. We immerse ourselves into the depth of God's love, we linger and luxuriate in the sublime thought of God..." His message closes with an enticing invitation to get involved in this work. Join the Circle.   Does this sound familar? With a creak and a clatter, the guttering ripped off the church hall and fell to the ground. Dorothy shrieked as she jumped back. She shook her head and wondered, where was the Church Council going to find the money to replace the guttering when they were still paying off repairs from last year? Have you read the report Act2: Considering Afresh Our Life Together? Drawing on feedback received from the Act2 conversation thus far, the report highlights both the strengths and the challenges facing the Uniting Church into the future. Based on the things we have heard, a number of case studies (from page 3) reflect challenges experienced across the Church. What is your story? Share your feedback by responding to the survey.  Young UCA leaders speak for creation In the final days of the COP26 talks in Glasgow, we're asking young UCA leaders to reflect on why we must act on climate change, urging our political leaders to do more. Michael Ramaidama Utoni, who is originally from Fiji, shares a powerful poem highlighting the impact of rising sea levels for people in the Pacific, dislocating people from their homes and their identity.  A time to Act Together In response to the COP26 meeting, the Australian National Dialogue of Christians Muslims and Jews has issued a shared statement affirming a common commitment and shared responsibility to care for our common home, the Earth. The longstanding Dialogue brings together peak bodies of the three faiths. The UCA is a member through the National Council of Churches, represented by Assembly Associate General Secretary Rob Floyd. Image above: a 2019 meeting of Dialogue held at the Assembly offices. Welcome to new NCCA President Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Sharon Hollis has joined others in welcoming new President of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) Reverend John Gilmore, and gives thanks for the service of outgoing President Bishop Philip Huggins. Reverend Gilmore, from the Churches of Christ in Australia, has a long standing interest and passion for ecumenical leadership. Changing lives in Oodnadatta As the first First Nations woman to serve as Bush Chaplain with Frontier Services, Julia Lennon has a heart for her community and dreams of creating spaces for people to heal and inspiring the next generation to thrive. Her support is especially critical as borders re-open after months of lockdown with concerns people living in remote communities will be more vulnerable. Read her story and find out how you can support. Life-changing gifts Fight poverty, build hope and give with meaning with UnitingWorld's Everything in Common Christmas gift program. Each gift card purchase directly supports local projects empowering people to live with dignity and agency by growing health, education, leadership, sustainability and financial independence. Shop the entire catalogue now.

Children's Ministry Worker - St Stephen's Uniting Church, Sydney St Stephens Uniting Church in the heart of Sydney seeks a Children's Ministry Worker to plan, coordinate and lead its new children's ministry, supporting children and families to grow in faith together. Play Session Coordinator - Uniting Church Synod of Queensland This is an exciting part-time opportunity for a talented educator to make a meaningful difference to families in the community by coordinating group play sessions supporting childcare educators and children.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: Members of the Assembly Standing Committee who will meet this weekend to continue their ongoing work. New President of the National Council of Churches in Australia Reverend John Gilmore as he offers national ecumenical leadership. We give thanks for the faithful service of outgoing President Bishop Philip Huggins. Rural and remote communities as borders re-open after months of lockdown. We pray people have access to vaccines and healthcare and we pray for the work of our Bush Chaplains in supporting those communities. 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