UC National News 20-26 April - ANZAC Day resource, UCA Easter in photos, Meet the Seeking Common Ground Advocate & more

Marking ANZAC Day 2022 Uniting Church Defence Force chaplains have recorded a short video resource for UCA members and communities to mark ANZAC Day in worship this coming Sunday. Featuring a reflection from Army Chaplain Rev John Dansie and a prayer from Air Force Chaplain Rev Robyn Kidd, the video can be used flexibly in a range of settings. Speaking from Australian Army base Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Rev Dansie said that the church as a peace-seeking community still has an important role to play in ANZAC Day rituals. “We can still remember the sacrifice of our forefathers and foremothers and we can still lament the horrors of war. But we should also tell of the hope that we have as Christians that one day we will be able to live in peace with each other.” In marking the day, UCA communities are encouraged to pray for the ministry, service and spiritual leadership of Defence Force chaplains, and for Defence Force members, veterans and their families. WATCH Highlights: the UCA celebrates Easter As Uniting Church communities celebrated the Easter story with spectacular dawn services and flowered crosses, shared meals and baptisms, we gathered photos and social media posts from across the country. See the photo highlights on our Facebook page, and even more in our social media wrap. Seeking Common Ground and the common good Meet Seeking Common Ground Advocate Rev Dr Matt Wilson who invites you to join in the relationship-building work of the Circle in this short video. Walk, live and learn alongside other Christians, people of other faiths and people of no faith. Join the Circle in seeking to find common ground for the good of all. #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 every moment. Read our story for inspiration and to see the photos we've gathered so far, then post yours using #godineveryact. Photo by Michelle Cook. Church leaders join to speak on environment at Easter UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis joined dozens of Australian church leaders in a shared statement over Easter calling for powerful and courageous action to preserve and protect God’s creation. Uniting Pasifika to host forum on climate Ahead of the Federal Election on 21 May, Uniting Church Pasifika leaders and congregations will host a pre-election forum with a focus on climate in Australia and the Pacific. With several Federal MPs invited to take part, the forum is an opportunity to hear and ask questions about the climate policies those seeking our vote will bring to the election. 6:00pm-8:30pm on Wednesday 27 April at Penrith Panthers. Register here. Safeguarding our children and young people Learn more about what the Uniting Church is doing to safeguard children and young people in this online forum to be jointly hosted by the National Safe Church Unit and UCA Redress Ltd. This session is aimed at all adults across the Church including ministry agents and Safe Church contacts. Email info@safechurch.uca.org.au to register. Prestigious Defence award for UCA Chaplain In a week when many will give thanks for the ministry of Defence Force Chaplains, the dedication and oustanding contribution of Air Force Reserves Chaplain Rev Sue Page has been recognised with a coveted Defence 2022 Prince of Wales Award. Rev Page is a Squadron Leader currently posted to No 24 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. Put your support for aged care on display With an Election on the horizon the time is better than ever to call for the transformation of aged care. UnitingCare Australia has a limited number of banners available for local UCA congregations, communities and service providers to display and say: it's time to care about aged care. Order your free banner by contacting Warren Talbot at warrent@nat.unitingcare.org.au. Healing waters in Australia's driest town In outback Oodnadatta, where drinking water comes by regular truck delivery, Bush Chaplain Pastor Julia Lennon is working to create new gathering spaces and uplift and bring healing to her community. Read what happened when she invited a team from Outback Links in this inspiring story from Frontier Services. JOBS Epworth House Manager - Leichhardt Uniting Church, Sydney Leichhardt Uniting Church is on the lookout for a dedicated, reliable, passionate person to join its staff team as the Epworth House Manager where you will provide pastoral support and develop a strong sense of community among the residents of this intentional Christian student community. Chairperson, Uniting Communities - Synod of South Australia Uniting Communities is a progressive and inclusive not-for-profit community services organisation working alongside more than 80,000 South Australians each year as they strive for bright futures and great lives. It currently seeks a new Board Chairperson to provide visionary leadership and effective governance. Join us in prayer for The ministry and service of Uniting Church Defence Force Chaplains, and for Defence Force members, veterans and their families. May we be peace-makers in a conflicted world. Those who are working to grow understanding, empathy and friendship with other Christians and with people of other faiths and none. Our siblings in Christ in the Orthodox church who will celebrate Easter this coming weekend. Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. What’s your Uniting Church story? Email Us

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