UC National News 1-7 Dec - Assembly Circles Sharing Advent Joy, the Basis at 50, Act2: what we are hearing, Thursdays in Black quilt and more

Celebrate 24 Days of Advent with the Assembly Circles From today until Christmas Day, the Assembly Circles of Interest will be Sharing the Joy of the Advent season. Each day you can open up a "gift" from one of the Circles to help you plan or prepare for worship, or to mark the Advent season in a prayerful and reflective way. Gifts will include prayers, songs, poems, reflections or resources. You can view the Sharing the Joy Advent Calendar on the Assembly website or Circle Facebook groups, or to receive the gift delivered to your inbox each day, join anyone of our Assembly Circles of Interest.  As you prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ among us, may you know God's hope, peace, joy and love this Advent! Growing disciples for the present and future of the Church Have you had an Act2 conversation yet? As we continue the conversation discerning the future shape of the UCA, the President and General Secretary held a series of consultations with the Assembly Circles. We invited participants to share their thoughts. Thanks to Rev Amanda Nicholas for this reflection on how we must refocus on the work of "discipling disciples" so that new generations can discover Jesus for themselves.  A space for 'exploration, retrieval and fresh witness' About 70 people from across the UCA gathered online for a one-day conference hosted by Pilgrim Theological College reflecting on the Basis of Union, 50 years since it was first published. In a series of panels, plenaries and electives, the conference explored the present and future of the Basis, giving voice to post-union generations and allowing fresh theological and cross-cultural engagement. Add your design to a tapestry of solidarity and resistance On Day 7 of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we share this invitation from the World Council of Churches to contribute a panel to a large tapestry display at the WCC Assembly in Geneva in 2022 - join voices across the world committed to a world without violence. Follow the prayers, stories and resources we are sharing each day during the #16Days on our Facebook page. Congress call for wider consultation on proposed reforms In a joint submission to the Australian Government, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and the Northern Regional Council of Congress have urged more robust consultation with First Peoples about a suite of proposed reforms to the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act currently before the Senate. Make your voice heard on ageing The first national conversation to be held by Uniting Friends of Ageing will take place tomorrow Thursday 2 December at 4pm AEDT. It is open to all members of the Uniting Church. Join the conversation and share your concerns, insights and experiences about ageing and aged care in Australia. To register your interest and receive the Zoom link, email Warren Talbot. SAVE THE DATE: Day of Mourning 2022 On Sunday 23 January 2022, communities of faith are invited to mark the Uniting Church's Day of Mourning to reflect upon and lament the effect of the invasion and colonisation of this nation upon First Peoples. Save the date now and register your participation. An updated resource will be released in December.

Executive Officer, eLM (equipping Leadership for Mission) - Synod of Victoria and Tasmania This significant leadership role provides missional leadership across the equipping Leadership for Mission (eLM) unit and the Synod of VIC/TAS, to encourage the living out of the Church’s life and mission and foster key aspects of the Synod’s Strategic Framework. Barwon Remote Area Bush Chaplain - Frontier Services and Synod of NSW & ACT This ministry placement is an exciting and challenging opportunity, working within a broad ecumenical context to provide the support and challenges of pastoral care for people in a remote area of Australia.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: People working to respond to and manage the latest COVID variant, for those sick with the virus and all those experiencing fear and anxiety.  The people of the Solomon Islands in the wake of unrest in the capital city, Honiara. We pray for a peaceful resolution.  Those across the world who are taking a stand against gender-based violence.  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