UC National News 24-30 Nov - Ambassadors for a world without violence, an invitation to Transforming Worship, ASC Update and more

Ambassadors for a world without gender-based violence Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Sharon Hollis and Assembly General Secretary Colleen Geyer are the newest ambassadors for the global Thursdays in Black movement. As we begin the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence tomorrow, the President and General Secretary reaffirmed the Uniting Church's commitment to the equality of all people and our firm stand against all forms of violence.  In a video interview, Ms Geyer and Rev Hollis reflect on how dressing in black each Thursday is a powerful weekly reminder that we must continue the work against gender-based violence. "We can’t look away and say this isn’t happening. We have to use our voices and every means we can to make a difference," said Ms Geyer. "A world without gender-based violence is good work, it’s hard work and it’s holy work. It is a privilege to do this work together and it’s so important,” said Rev Hollis. An invitation to Transforming Worship This week we hear from the Advocate for the Assembly's Transforming Worship Circle. Rev Alex Sangster invites you, whoever and wherever you are, and whatever you are wrestling with, to join a bigger conversation about transforming "our ancient, glorious and ever-new" worship. Join the Circle. ASC November Update In its last meeting for 2021, the Assembly Standing Committee (ASC) undertook governance training for its members, received the first progress report on the Assembly Climate Action Plan and extended permission to hold online worship with Holy Communion until the reconvened meeting of the 16th Assembly in May 2022. Read the full update. Following where the living Christ leads Act2 is the biggest conversation in the Uniting Church right now - but why are we having it? This week we take a look at the vision behind the Act2 conversation and why it's so important right now to discern where God is leading the Church and what the future shape of the Church must be to enable life-giving communities of faith.  UCA-Jewish Dialogue focus on family and domestic violence The role of faith communities in addressing family and domestic violence was the focus for the 52nd National Dialogue of the Uniting Church in Australia and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. In a rich and thoughtful conversation, representatives discussed the importance of speaking out and addressing unhelpful interpretations of sacred texts. Read the report from Co-Chair Rev Tara Curlewis.   Religious Discrimination Bill must protect all people The Uniting Church Assembly remains concerned that the Government’s Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 does not yet achieve the balance needed to protect the rights of all people. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to introduce the Bill to Parliament in the coming days. 'Uniting a Caring Australia' Nearly 50 leaders from across the Uniting Church and its national network of community services attended the annual Leaders Forum hosted by UnitingCare Australia on Tuesday. The theme for this year was Uniting a Caring Australia. Ahead of an election next year, the forum provided an opportunity for leaders to explore ways we can work together for a world where all people thrive. Share your voice on ageing UnitingCare Australia is inviting your voice on ageing and aged care, with the first national conversation to be held by Uniting Friends of Ageing.  Kadrienne, who will join the conversation from Camden in NSW, says “COVID has exposed the very difficult situation of older people who have no close relatives living nearby.” Add your voice by joining the conversation on Thursday 2 December at 4pm AEDT via Zoom. Empower women in Leadership As we begin the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, this gift card from UnitingWorld's Everything in Common collection is a great way to support women’s leadership in our international partner churches. The gift helps provide training for women in the Pacific so they can take hold of leadership opportunities, overcome family violence and achieve equality. "Equipping families for faith formation at home" Looking for an interactive and intergenerational Advent resource? Check out this Facebook live on the UCA Children and Families Ministry page, as Melissa Neumann (Synod of South Australia) shares about the Christmas Family Faith Trail which helps households and small groups explore the Christmas story through Advent.

Prison Chaplain (Dame Phyllis Frost Centre & Tarrengower Women's Prisons) - Synod of Victoria and Tasmania The Prison Chaplain will provide chaplaincy services to two prisons located in Western Victoria, offering ministry and pastoral care to prisoners, their families and prison staff as a representative of the UCA. Mission Facilitation Consultant - UME, Uniting Church Synod of NSW/ACT This is an exciting opportunity for a rural-focused Mission Facilitation Consultant to join the Uniting Mission and Education (UME) team, responsible for equipping Presbyteries and Congregations to develop their current and emerging missional capacity.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: Those whose homes are not safe places and who live in fear of gender-based violence. May they find spaces of safety, support, healing, and strength.  Members of Parliament as they consider the Religious Discrimination Bill. We pray for thoughtful discernment and respectful conversation that is mindful of the rights of all people to be free from discrimination.  Conversations taking place across the Church as part of the Act2 project. May we discern the leading of the Spirit as we look to the future. 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