The Body of Christ is made of many parts, and people experience their understanding of God in many different ways. On this blog, we'll consider the beliefs and activities of congregations, denominations and different religions.
Friday, February 18, 2022
UC National News 16 - 22 Feb - National Apology Anniversary, Walking on Country with Yanima, #ThursdaysinBlack, Lenten resources and more
Last Sunday marked the 14th Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations given by former Prime Minister Keven Rudd in 2008.
Reflecting on the anniversary, proud Palawa woman and Advocate of the Walking Together as First and Second Peoples Circle Alison Overeem said the Apology was a reminder of the ongoing call to seek justice and self-determination for First Peoples. "We are called to justice. The Creator has called us all to this moment to stop, listen, learn and act."
Alison has shared a poem reflecting on the Apology and invited UCA members and communities to start a conversation, through a series of questions, reflecting on what we can do in our Church and in the wider community to advocate for change.
Northern Synod Moderator Rev Tony Goodluck shares this story of friendship and learning as he recalls the transformative experience of being on Country with Pitjantjatjara man and soon-to-be commissioned Pastor Yanima Darrien Bryant (pictured). They visited the Anangu-Pitjantjatjara-Yankuntjatjarra Lands (APY Lands) west of Kalka in the far northwest of South Australia.
Act2 Gets Creative is an invitation for people under 18 in the Uniting Church to join the Act2 conversation by sharing their hopes for the Uniting Church in creative form - it might be a drawing, photo, craft, poem, song, video or something else. Hurry! Prizes will be awarded to the first entries from each Synod in two age categories.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee met from 9-15 February, strengthening fellowship among member churches and advancing plans for its upcoming 11th Assembly meeting in August-September. Uniting Church member Emily Evans (top, second from left) is a member of the committee and participated in the virtual meetings. Emily contributed to the development of Gender Justice Principles adopted by the meeting to guide the work of the WCC. Find further news from the meeting here
Uniting Church Thursdays in Black ambassadors President Rev Sharon Hollis and General Secretary Colleen Geyer joined with the World Council of Churches on Valentines Day to say, "Love heals, not hurts". Their message was part of a social media campaign giving voice to the global call for a world free from gender-based violence. Find out more and get resources from the WCC website.
Hold a service to pray for the work and mission of Frontier Services and to connect with people in rural and remote Australia. This year's Order of Service contains reading and prayers that reflect life in the bush. The John Flynn Foundation also has an Order of Service that celebrates John Flynn's vision for the inland so many years ago and pays tribute to the late Rev Colin Ford.
Here's two Uniting Church resources to accompany your journey through Lent: Money Talks: Capitalist Ethics, Colonialism & Divine Governance - Written by John Bottomley, this Lenten Study engages the psalms and gospel texts for Lent 2022 and uses real case studies to explore how the teachings of Jesus call us to reflect seriously on the use and abuse of money. Discipleship in Action: Discipleship is like Backyard Cricket - The Synod of Queensland Discipleship working group will be sharing music, prayers, poetry and bible discussions as well as a weekly challenge to help explore what it means to live as disciples of Jesus. Caloundra Uniting Church and the Bells Faith Community have produced an introduction video.
The WCC is looking for a Director, to be based in Geneva, to lead, inspire and direct the work of Mission and Evangelism within the framework of the World Council of Churches towards the visible unity of church. See all open WCC vacancies here.
Those who speak out against rape and gender-based violence in our community and those who provide practical and emotional support to survivors when they need it most.
Peace in the world, particularly in Ukraine.
The work that must be done in our Church to truly embrace our covenant journey and walk together as First and Second Peoples.
Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland as part of the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.
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