Churches, Denominations and Religions: UC National News 25-31 May - 'Warrior brave we are' Sorry Day, #NRW2022 & more

'But warrior brave we are'

In the next week the nation will mark two important occasions for First and Second Peoples in Australia: Sorry Day on 26 May, and National Reconciliation Week from 27 May - 3 June.

As the Uniting Church we hold our recently renewed Covenant relationship with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress at the heart of our identity. We are committed to truth-telling about our shared history and to walk together as First and Second Peoples on the continuing road to justice and healing.

Proud Palawa woman and Advocate of the Assembly’s Walking Together as First and Second Peoples Circle Alison Overeem has generously shared two poems to mark these events with original artwork by Grace Williams.

Uniting Church members and communities are encouraged to mark these dates and consider concrete actions they might take to live out our covenant commitment and to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation.

**Mark #NRW2022 with the Walking Together Circle Panel**

To mark National Reconciliation Week, members of the Walking Together as First and Second peoples Circle Panel are hosting an open online conversation to reflect on the question: what does walking together look like in practice? All are invited to listen in, join in, and share their own stories about walking together. Join on Thursday 2 June from 7:00pm-8:30pm AEST via Zoom.

Celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins in Australia this Sunday 29 May, when Christians from many traditions and confessions will pray for the visible unity of the church. In 2022 the theme has been chosen by the Middle East Council of Churches, “We saw the star in the East, and we came to worship" (Matt 2:2). The National Council of Churches in Australia has released resources including a full worship service and eight daily reflections.

Reflective Being, Being Reflective: Book Launch

The Synod of Victoria and Tasmania will soon host the launch of a new book celebrating 25 years of the multi-faith disability and spirituality movement in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. With VicTas Synod Disability Inclusion Advocate Rev Dr Andy Calder one of its editors, the collection explores issues of faith and meaning in the lived experience of disability. 2pm on Tuesday 14 June at Wesley Place Lonsdale St, Melbourne CBD. Places limited. Download the flyer.

UCA-Jewish Dialogue focus on faith in the public square

Faith in the public square was on the agenda of the 53rd National Dialogue of the Uniting Church in Australia and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry which has met for the first time this year online.

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 share the final two with you! This week check out how the Assembly Resourcing Unit and the Assembly Circles of Interest are energising the work and mission of the Assembly and the UCA.

Uniting a Caring Australia beyond the Election

In a media release following the Federal Election, UnitingCare Australia has congratulated incoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and committed to continue its advocacy for the disadvantaged and vulnerable with the new Australian Government. National Director Claerwen Little said that it now looks to the new Government to support the findings of the Fair Work Commission on aged care wages and other crucial aged care reforms.

You can help make ripples of change

UnitingWorld has launched its annual fundraising drive that can make up to six times the impact for people in poverty thanks to a partnership with the Australian Government. Your donation can help UnitingWorld's church partners provide critical training, employment opportunities, clean water, education and hope to people in India and across Asia, Africa and the Pacific.

The power of a listening ear

When isolation, anxiety and depression catch up with Australian farmers, showing up at their door ready to listen can make a world of difference and even save a life. See the impact for Stuart in this short video from Frontier Services.

JOBS

Management Accountant - Uniting Church in Australia Assembly

This role works closely with the National Director – Strategic Finance and Administration, as well as the various National Directors within the National Assembly and its agencies, in the provision of timely and accurate financial information and analysis.

Mission Worker, University of Wollongong - Illawarra Presbytery

Support the Uniting Church UOW Chaplain to enhance the wellbeing and social outcomes of the students attending the University through supportive and nurturing relationships.

Join us in prayer for

The ongoing journey of healing, reconciliation and relationship between First and Second Peoples in Australia.
Common ground and shared life for Australia's Christian Churches as together we find our identity and purpose in Christ.
The incoming Australian Government and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese; that those who represent us will work to build communities of care and compassion where all belong and may flourish.
Indian Ocean Islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.