Churches, Denominations and Religions: UC National News 6-12 April - Counting down to 16th Assembly 2.0, Towards Zero Ep 3, Palm Sunday calls for peace & justice 🌿 + more

Countdown to the 16th Assembly reconvened meeting

In just one month, the 16th Assembly meeting will be reconvened. Assembly members will regather in person from 6-9 May 2022 on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Sharon Hollis invites the Church to pray for the Assembly meeting in this short video message.

After first gathering online in July 2021, elected members will reassemble to discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the future direction and life of the Uniting Church. The triennial meeting encourages community and listening to one another in openness and humility.

This week we will also pick up our Meet the Members series where we ask members of the 16th Assembly to share their hopes for the meeting.

An invitation to pray

Acting for justice and peace this Palm Sunday

As Christians remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, people from all walks of life will take part in actions planned across the country calling for peace in our world and #justice4refugees. If you're getting involved, tag us in your photos on social media or email us: comms@nat.uca.org.au.

Building bridges to harmony in Ramadan

With the start of the holy season of Ramadan for Muslims this week, the Uniting Church and Affinity Intercultural Foundation have created an information pack to help local congregations or communities host an Iftar meal or to organise other opportunities that encourage greater understanding of different faiths. The Iftar meal is an important ritual marking the breaking of the fast during Ramadan. The resource includes a video message from UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis, with a message from Affinity Executive Director Ahmet Polat to be added soon.

Towards Zero Episode 3 out now!

In this Lenten-themed episode of the video series Towards Zero, Rev Dr Ji Zhang outlines the Assembly's commitment to act on the climate crisis and reach net zero emissions by 2040, and explores how Christ is both present in the suffering of climate change and calls us to hope in our human witness and action. Resources to accompany the video are coming soon.

"We're fun-loving people, there's so much joy in our culture."

The next instalment of the President's podcast Dwelling delves into reconciliation and covenant with proud Goa, Gungarri, Wakka Wakka woman, Kym Korbe, who leads UnitingCare Queensland's Reconciliation Action Plan Program. Kym, who was part of our inspiring Uniting Church women series, is playing a vital role in shaping and embedding covenanting initiatives between First and Second Peoples across the Church and UnitingCare Queensland.

Going Deeper Lenten Study: Week 6 out now

The Being a Multicultural Church Circle and Panel member Rev Sandy Brodine bring us this week's Going Deeper Bible study, a fantastic reflection on the great hymn fragment of Philippians 2:5-11 and what it might look like to be one ‘Christ-like’ Uniting Church made up of many cultures and languages. Read the reflection, and prayers in Niuean, Korean, Indonesian and Mandarin.

Watch this space: 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

Executive Officer, eLM (equipping Leadership for Mission) - Synod of Victoria and Tasmania

This significant leadership role provides missional leadership across the equipping Leadership for Mission (eLM) unit and the Synod of VIC/TAS, to encourage the living out of the Church’s life and mission and foster key aspects of the Synod’s Strategic Framework.

Family Violence Practitioner - Uniting WA

This role is part of the Moorditj Yorga Together Walking program assisting Aboriginal women and children to become and remain safe from family violence. The Family Violence Practitioner works to ensure First Nations women are provided with a holistic and culturally appropriate service that assists them and those around them to heal and recover from the impact of family and domestic violence.

Join us in prayer for

Leaders and members of the reconvened 16th Assembly meeting as they prepare to gather in person next month.
Refugees around the world and those seeking asylum in Australia, that they might find safety, welcome and freedom from violence and conflict.
A blessed and meaningful Ramadan for our Muslim friends and neighbours as they enter this holy season.
The people of Sri Lanka amid a deepening economic crisis.
The Balkans - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.