Churches, Denominations and Religions: UC National News 27 April - 3 May - Renewing the Covenant, Connect with 16th Assembly, Keep Aged Care on the election agenda and more

Renewing the Covenant almost 30 years on

In 1994 the Uniting Church in Australia entered into a Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). The Covenanting Statement acknowledged past wrongs and made a new commitment to the relationship, and to working together towards a more just church and nation.

On Friday 6 May at the beginning of the reconvened meeting of the 16th Assembly, there will be a renewing of the covenant. Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis said the act is both a confession and a celebration.

“It invites us again to place the work of covenanting at the heart of our life as a Church affirming the sovereignty of First Nations people, to celebrate their achievements, joy, and strength, and to be serious about facing the truth of the church’s ongoing participation in colonisation.

"It means listening to and acting on the wisdom of First Nations People and supporting Congress to be self-determining in their ministry.

The Assembly's Friday night worship will be available for the wider Uniting Church to watch via livestream at 7:30pm AEST.

Connect with the 16th Assembly as it happens

Members of the 16th Assembly will gather for the reconvened meeting on the Sunshine Coast in just a week and a half, and there are lots of opportunities for the wider Uniting Church to follow the work of the meeting in real-time. Whether it’s the meeting livestream, the social media conversation, or decisions and celebrations, here are 10 ways to connect with the Assembly as it happens.

God through your lens

In the lead-up to the 16th Assembly meeting we're telling a story in photos about how God is with us in every moment. We can't do it without you! No matter where you sense God's presence - in nature, your community of faith or neighbourhood, a moment in your daily routine or in something that gives you peace and joy - snap, share to social media and tag #godineveryact. You can also email us. Read our story for inspiration and to see the photos so far.

Pacific Day of Prayer 2022

The Pacific Conference of Churches’ annual Pacific Day of Prayer will take place this year on Friday 6 May. The United Church of Christ in the Marshall Islands with the PCC has prepared a full liturgy for marking the day in worship under the theme, 'Nuclear Legacy in the Marshall Islands'. The Marshallese continue to live with the debilitating impacts of nuclear testing conducted in the Marshall Islands in the 1940s and 1950s. The liturgy invites people to pray for the people of the Marshall Islands, for peace and for creation.

Care about aged care in the election campaign

Here's three things you can do to help aged care stay on the agenda ahead of the election and make sure that older Australians get the care they deserve.

Hang a banner: It’s not too late for local churches to order and hang a banner to show your support. There is no charge.
Be part of Uniting Friends of Ageing: Join people like Eleanor (above) in the Uniting Church’s national network for local church members concerned about ageing and aged care. They will discuss the election at their next meeting, Wednesday 4 May, 4 pm AEST on Zoom. Contact Warren Talbot for a link or to order a banner.
Hear how the political parties will care about aged care: Join UnitingCare Australia as part of the Australian Aged Care Collaboration at this virtual Town Hall forum to hear representatives of each major political party tell us why they care, and outline what they will do to improve the aged care system. Register here

JOBS

Engagement and Communications Officer - Uniting Church Synod of South Australia

This role with the Uniting Church Synod of SA is a great opportunity to work collaboratively and be a vital support to the Engagement team in the strategic development of effective engagement and communications.

Ministerial placement - Darwin Memorial Uniting Church

Darwin Memorial Uniting Church is seeking a Minister of the Word to provide worship and spiritual leadership to further develop the Church in the City. Foster team ministry, explore opportunities for public theology, develop ministry practice and grow ecumenical and community engagement.

Join us in prayer for

Those who will gather for the Building Harmony Iftar Dinner being hosted by the Uniting Church and the Affinity Intercultural Foundation tonight, and all who seek to build interfaith connections, making our diverse communities places of understanding and care for one another.
The binding relationship between the Uniting Church and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress as we prepare to renew the Covenant at the 16th Assembly reconvened meeting.
People of the Pacific, our church partners in the region and Pasifika communities in the Uniting Church. We give thanks for their deep faith, theological insights and their prophetic voice for peace and creation.
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.