Churches, Denominations and Religions: UC National News 13-19 April

President's 2022 Easter Message

In a time marked by crisis, despair and desperation, Easter reminds us that in the face of darkness, there is light.

That is the encouragement of Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Sharon Hollis in her 2022 Easter video message.

Recalling the rituals of the Easter Vigil which remind us of new life, the President encourages us to notice those whose acts of kindness and compassion bear witness to the Risen Christ.

"I see Easter hope in the work of our agencies and in the witness of our communities of faith who every day seek to bring hope to others."

"I see in their hands outstretched what it looks like to have Easter faith, a faith that through the body of the risen Christ – seeks the transformation of the world for abundant life."

A big thanks to Rev Andrew Johnson and the volunteers at Newtown Mission who featured in the message.

The video is now available to download with subtitles in seven languages - Indonesian, Fijian, Tongan, Korean, Arabic, Spanish and Portuguese. Thanks to UCA members who generously provided these translations.
We have also shared the Easter messages from the Synod Moderators across the Church.

WATCH

#GodInEveryAct Photo Challenge

What does God look like through your lens? Ahead of the reconvened 16th Assembly meeting, we're inviting you to snap and share photos that tell a story about how God is with you in your life. When do you see God in the world? How does the Spirit move in your world? Read our story for inspiration, post on social media using #godineveryact and tag us: @unitingchurchau.

Easter messages from Australian Church Leaders

As Christian communities across the country come together to mark Jesus' dying and rising to new life, the National Council of Churches has shared Easter messages and greetings from NCCA President Rev John Gilmore and 14 leaders of Australian churches.

**Final Going Deeper Lenten Study out now: Easter edition**

You’re invited into the great symphony of Easter in the final week of the Assembly Circles’ Going Deeper Lenten series. Rev Amanda Nicholas and the Discipling the Next Generations Circle open John’s resurrection story (20:1-18) – one of this year’s texts for the most joyful day on the Christian calendar – as we hear again "the melody that echoes on and on. Christ has risen!"

Easter reflections from our Bush Chaplains

Bush Chaplains who serve and minister in some of the most remote parts of the country through the work of Frontier Services reflect this week on the meaning of Easter for life in the bush. In the words of Rev Lindsay Parkhill, Bush Chaplain from the West Arnhem Remote Area of the Northern Territory, "the Spirit is alive and moving" in remote Australia!

Australia votes

As we head towards the Federal Election 2022, we encourage you to hold in prayer all those involved in making the election happen, and all those who will stand for election. Our election resource identifies seven critical issues that Australia must address urgently to build a more just, compassionate and inclusive nation. Read it here.

Three asks to tackle inequality

Ahead of the Election, UnitingCare Australia National Director Claerwen Little is encouraging Uniting Church members to engage in prayerful thought and the discernment of policies which will assist people who are vulnerable. Read more about UnitingCare Australia's election platform and its three asks to tackle inequality - a national inquiry into income stagnation, increasing wages in aged care, and paying superannuation on top of Parental Leave Pay. You can show your support for the transformation of aged care by displaying one of the banners above. Order your banner (at no charge) by contacting Warren Talbot at warrent@nat.unitingcare.org.au

Young Adult Climate Policy Forum

What makes good climate policy? The Pulse team in partnership with the Uniting Climate Action Network in the NSW/ACT Synod are hosting an online forum for Uniting Church youth and young adults ahead of the election to consider what commitments are needed for creation and all people to thrive. Join the online forum at 7pm, Wednesday 20 April via Zoom. The following week, Pasifika leaders from the Uniting Church will host an election forum in Western Sydney.

'We have a responsibility to care for the earth'

Across the country on Friday 25 March, thousands gathered to call for greater action on the climate crisis as part of the global youth-led School Strike 4 Climate movement. Clementine and Harriet from Brunswick Uniting Church in Victoria attended the Melbourne strike. We asked why it matters to them.

Towards Zero Episode 3 - resources out now

Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Towards Zero, connecting faith and action on climate change. Resources to accompany the video are now available.

Praying for the Philippines Presidential Election

The Australian chapter of ecumenical organisation Promotion of Church People's Response has launched a prayer appeal ahead of the Philippines Presidential Election which will take place on 9 May this year. Uniting Church Filipino National Conference Chair Rev Berlin Guerrero has commended a prayer from the PCPR to the Uniting Church.

“God is on the side of those who are suffering”

From the start of the invasion, the World Council of Churches has called for an immediate end to armed hostilities in Ukraine. In an interview with Acting General Secretary Rev Prof Dr Ioan Sauca, we hear how the WCC prioritises dialogue and encounter when tensions arise and how trust is key to reconcilation and lasting peace.

Image: Aid workers provide support to incoming refugees from Ukraine in Romania. Albin Hillert/WCC

Prayers for Sri Lanka as economic crisis deepens

UnitingWorld National Director Dr Sureka Goringe and UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis have encouraged Uniting Church members to pray for Sri Lanka as the country faces its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948. Our partner the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka (MCSL) has called on the government to prioritise the wellbeing of the people, and pledged to help alleviate suffering.

2022 ANZAC Day Resource

For your diary! A short worship resource is being prepared for Uniting Church communities to mark ANZAC Day, and will be available in the week before ANZAC Day for use in worship on Sunday 24 April.

JOBS

International Program Manager - UnitingWorld

An exciting opportunity is available with UnitingWorld for a person passionate about emergency response and disaster preparedness through a theological approach. Support overseas partners to deliver program objectives, nurturing trust, mutual accountability and organisational capacity. Further opportunities listed here.

Program Support Worker - Banyule Network of Uniting Churches

The Banyule Network in Melbourne has an exciting opportunity available for someone with experience in community development and program facilitation to join its team as the support worker for its hope springs programs. Make a difference in the lives of people, particularly women, experiencing mental illness and social isolation.

Join us in prayer for

Christian communities around Australia and the world marking Holy Week, as they dwell in and celebrate the wonderful mystery of Jesus’ dying and rising and the promise of new life in Christ for all creation.
All those involved in preparing for the Federal Election, and that those who will stand for election commit to polices that seek flourishing for all.
True peace and an end to war in Ukraine, and in all places of conflict and violence across the world.
Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.