UC National News 30 March -5 April: Our Budget Response, Flood waters return, Celebrating Transgender Visibility, Dwelling with Jill Tabart and more!

FEDERAL BUDGET 2022 The Uniting Church Assembly welcomed a number a short-term measures in the 2022-23 Federal Budget that will make a difference to people’s lives but called for a longer-term vision to bring about changes that enable all people and all creation to flourish. Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) President Rev Sharon Hollis has welcomed a number of positive measures, including for refugees and mental health, but noted the missed opportunities to address inequality and invest in a more sustainable future. “We welcome measures that aim to provide immediate relief for cost of living pressures, but encourage all our major parties ahead of the election to think about the long term solutions that will make Australia a more just, compassionate and sustainable nation.” Read more about the hit and misses in the Budget on climate, meaningful change for First Peoples, cost of living, aged care, rural and remote Australia and foreign aid and development. Read more Further devastation for flood-affected communities New flood warnings and evacuation orders are in place for several communities in northern NSW and southeast QLD just four weeks after record floods forced thousands of people from their homes across the East Coast. Thanks to generous contributions from across the Uniting Church, more than $100,000 has now been raised through the Assembly’s National Disaster Relief Fund.  Please continue to hold those affected in your prayers. Donation details here. Celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility As we mark the International Transgender Day of Visibility on 31 March, we are delighted to bring you this message from UCA member Elliot Nicholas. An online worship is being organised by Equal Voices and supported by the Uniting Church's Transforming Worship Circle, as part of the vitally needed affirmation of gender diverse people at this time.  #ClimateStrike #Uniting4Climate Uniting Church members stood in solidarity with our planet and with Australia's young people calling for care of God's creation at the School Strike 4 Climate last Friday. Check out some photos from the events in Sydney and Melbourne and prayerful actions from around the Church on our Facebook page. Keep sending your photos through to us: comms@nat.uca.org.au. Podcast Episode 6: a conversation with Dr Jill Tabart Listen in to a special conversation with the first woman President of the Uniting Church, Dr Jill Tabart, on the next episode of the Dwelling podcast. Rev Sharon Hollis speaks to Jill about her journey as a Uniting Church member, what it was like to be the President from 1994-1997, how consensus decision making came to be and other highlights from her historic time as President.  Going Deeper Lenten Study: Week 5 out now The Working for Justice Circle takes a look at the extravagant love and generosity Mary shows in anointing Jesus' feet (Jn 12:1-8) in this week's Going Deeper Bible study. Across five inspiring stories, Panel Members share how UCA communities are making a 'loving and generous response' to two of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change and refugees and asylum seekers. UnitingCare Australia renews calls for long term reform In its response to the Federal Budget, UnitingCare Australia National Director, Claerwen Little, said we must not lose sight of tackling inequality. UnitingCare has called on the major parties to adopt its three point plan for a fairer future as part of its 2022 Australian Election Policy Platform released last week: a national inquiry on stagnant incomes, superannuation on Parental Leave Payment and increase aged care wages. Celebrating our global neighbours Today is Day 3 of the Seven Days of Solidarity - UnitingWorld's week of prayer, celebration and solidarity with our global neighbours. You are invited to learn about and pray for the Methodist Church in Fiji and its work supporting communities in the midst of disasters and to rebuild and recover.  Getting people moving in the bush Rural farmers Rhonda and Tony have endured four years of disaster, from drought to mouse plague and the isolation and financial pressures of the pandemic. Read about the impact a team of Outback Links volunteers in partnership with the NRMA were able to make over three days of connection and companionship in this great story from Frontier Services. JOBS Chaplaincy Coordinator - Synod of Victoria and Tasmania The Synod of Vic/Tas seeks a motivated person with engagement, partnership, and organisational skills for the role of Chaplaincy Coordinator. Foster strategic conversations about current and future chaplaincy opportunities and collaborate with others to enhance the existing program. Director of Mission - Uniting NSW.ACT As the Director of Mission and member of the Executive Team, you will play a pivotal leadership role in supporting Uniting to be a mission and values led organisation reflecting the mission of the Uniting Church. Join us in prayer for Communities facing new evacuation orders due to rising floodwaters and the ongoing deluge of rainwater.  Those who are working for policies and budgets which support the flourishing of all people and all creation. Our communities to be places of welcome and inclusion for all people.  Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. What’s your Uniting Church story? Email Us

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