Churches, Denominations and Religions: UC National News 18-24 May - #Election2022 resource, disability in the Bible, DFV awareness & more

Australia Votes

As we head towards the Federal Election this weekend and many are preparing to vote, you might like to take a final look at the Assembly's Federal Election resource which expresses our hope for Australia to become a nation where all may truly flourish.

Drawing on the UCA document Our Vision for a Just Australia, the resource looks at our current situation and at actions we might take across seven critical areas to build a more just, compassionate and inclusive nation.

Beyond the election, it is also a useful tool for UCA members to start discussions in their communities and engage with local members about their policies.

We encourage you to hold in prayer all those involved in making the election happen, and those who are standing for election.

Reading disability in the Bible for fullness of life

At the 2021 meeting of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Uniting Church minister and theologian Rev Dr Kylie Crabbe presented three Bible Studies exploring the intersections of identity, disability, social exclusion and healing in the Bible. There is now a new resource to help congregations and groups consider these issues together. We spoke to Kylie about the studies and why it’s important we look at the Bible through this lens.

For a world Beyond Violence

The month of May is Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month across Australia, bringing into focus one of the most serious social challenges we face. As the Uniting Church we say no to all forms of violence and are committed to educating ourselves and working to help change the culture that allows DFV to occur. You can get involved through the Thursdays in Black campaign and the Assembly resource, Beyond Violence. Here you'll find tools to start conversations, become informed, reflect theologically and express our commitments in worship. Start a conversation in your community this month.

Capturing the work of the Assembly

Over the course of the 16th Assembly meeting, members watched seven short Snapshots about different parts of the Assembly's life and work. Now we're sharing them with you! This week check out the vital and far-reaching work of UnitingCare Australia and the Defence Force Chaplaincy Committee.

Celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The National Council of Churches has released a suite of resources for marking the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from 29 May - 5 June. In 2022 it takes place under a theme chosen by the Middle East Council of Churches, “We saw the star in the East, and we came to worship" (cf Matt 2:2). Head to the website to download resources including a full worship service and daily reflections.

New discussion guide for 'Our Faith' video series

A new small group discussion guide has been released to accompany the Assembly's 2019 'Our Faith' video series which explores some core Christian beliefs from a Uniting Church perspective. Both resources have been produced for the Assembly by Dr Craig Mitchell, former Assembly National Director - Formation, Education and Discipleship, and are free to download.

**NCCA Assembly Talanoa Meeting**

Join the National Council of Churches in Australia for an update from the Pacific Ecumenical community at the NCCA Assembly meeting which will welcome General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches Rev James Bhagwan. Join either by Zoom or in person (Sydney CBD) on Friday 27 May, 11:00am-1pm. More information and registration here.

Vote as if your mother is in aged care

On Mothers’ Day St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney came out in support of crucial aged care reforms, hanging the 'It’s time to care about aged care' banner supported by UnitingCare Australia. Rev Ken Day said: “When voting, vote as if your mother is in aged care. That vote would be a good mother’s day present.” UnitingCare Australia and other members of the Australian Aged Care Collaboration have produced a scorecard to assist voters who are considering aged care as a factor in how they vote this Saturday.

An Outback Links Veteran

In a week when we're celebrating the gifts and contributions of volunteers across Australia, read this fantastic story about Bobbie who at the age of 85 is one of Frontier Services' most active volunteers and an Outback Links veteran. One day after her 69th birthday she took up driving lessons in a 4WD, and has completed 32 placements as an Outback Links volunteer since 2006.

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Join us in prayer for

All those involved in the Federal Election this Saturday, and that those elected commit to policies that give all people the opportunity to flourish and live abundantly.
Safety, community, support and healing for those living in situations of violence and abuse.
National Volunteer Week, for the faithful disciples across the Uniting Church giving generously of their time, energy, and gifts to serve Christ and enrich our communities.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.