Churches, Denominations and Religions: UC National News - Ash Wednesday edition (2-8 March): Flooding Emergency Appeal, Going Deeper Week 1, Friends of Ageing and more

Thursday, March 3, 2022

UC National News - Ash Wednesday edition (2-8 March): Flooding Emergency Appeal, Going Deeper Week 1, Friends of Ageing and more

East Coast Flooding Emergency Appeal

Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Sharon Hollis has launched a national appeal to support people and communities impacted by the intense rainfall and devastating flooding across the East Coast.

Thousands of people have been rescued from their homes or rooftops and whole communities evacuated as record-breaking torrential rainfall has caused major flooding in towns and cities across South East Queensland and into northern New South Wales and continues to move south.

“Our prayers are with all those communities affected by this disaster, and we pray for the safety of people who are trapped or impacted by the rising floodwaters,” said President Rev Sharon Hollis.

At present 19 chaplains have been deployed to 11 evacuation centres by the Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network (DRCN) of NSW and ACT and chaplains will continue to come alongside disaster-affected people in coming weeks. Photo: Uniting Church Dayboro.

Going Deeper Bible Study: Week 1 out now

Week 1 of the Assembly Circles Going Deeper Bible Study series is from the Walking Together as First and Second Peoples Circle. Advocate Alison Overeem reflects on the waranta muylatina (strength within) of First Peoples amid the colonial wilderness of invasion, removal and injustice. Reflect, discuss, and then pray with Rev Jennie Gordon's 'be-wildered Jesus - a covenant prayer.'

Call for immediate action on aged care workforce

A year on from the final Report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care, UnitingCare Australia has joined major aged care providers in calling for immediate action on aged care workforce wages, training and 24-hour nursing. Join Uniting Friends of Ageing in their third national conversation discussing the progress made since the Royal Commission handed down its report. The online meeting will take place at 4pm on Thursday 10 March.

World Day of Prayer 2022

This Friday 4 March is the World Day of Prayer, a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women. In 2022 it’s hosted by Wales, Northern Ireland and England under the theme, ‘I know the plans I have for you’ (Jeremiah 29:11). A suite of worship and other resources is available to help communities join with others across the world in prayer and action for peace and justice.

Walking Together in Condobolin

Two hours south west of Dubbo, Condobolin is a small country town home to a wonderful community run by Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) Pastor Beth Goolagong. Watch the first episode of a new series from the Synod of NSW/ACT called Our Story, how from humble beginnings, Condobolin Uniting Church is encouraging the local kids to get involved in faith and exploration.

Wayside Chapel celebrates ordination of Rev Jon Owen

The community of Wayside Chapel and others across the Church joyfully celebrated the ordination of its Pastor and CEO and Rev Jon Owen as a Deacon in the Uniting Church on Saturday 19 February.

A ray of hope

As Frontier Services begins assessing how its Outback Links volunteers can support communities affected by the flooding emergency, read this story of when a volunteer showed up to help a WA farmer in the wake of Cyclone Seroja and helped turn a heart breaking situation from disaster to hope.

JOBS

Roles available at High St Uniting Church, Frankston, VIC

High St Uniting Church Frankston is looking to fill two ministry roles: a Children and Youth Worker and Somers Camp Chaplain.

Roles available at Pilgrim Uniting Church, Adelaide

Pilgrim Uniting Church in the heart of Adelaide is inviting expressions of interest for a Minister of the Word – Ministry Team Coordinator and a Minister - Mission, Community Engagement and Pastoral Care.

Join us in prayer for

All those impacted by the flooding emergency across QLD and NSW, for rescue workers and other emergency services and all those providing care and support.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We pray for the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia and we pray for world leaders to seek an end to war and a pathway to peace. Click here for prayers we have shared.
Uniting Church communities as we enter the season of Lent. May it be a time of deep reflection pointing us to new life.
Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands as part of the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.