Churches, Denominations and Religions: UC National News 8-14 June - What does Innovation look like in the UCA?💡 and more news from the Assembly.

Thursday, June 9, 2022

UC National News 8-14 June - What does Innovation look like in the UCA?💡 and more news from the Assembly.

Dreaming a new future

This week we return to our series exploring the strategic themes of the Assembly Strategic Plan. First up, we highlight Innovation.

Since it began, the Uniting Church has been challenged to think creatively about how we are open to God's calling and the renewal that Christ brings. Today, innovation is as important as ever as we seek to proclaim God's love in a world needing hope.

Our first story of Innovation takes us to Tatura, a growing regional community in northeast Victoria.

We share how the congregation of Tatura Uniting Church radically reshaped its life when it decided to sell its 60-year-old building complex and move into an unfamiliar space, throwing open its doors to the community.

Now, it is a visible presence in the heart of town – and it’s growing.

Minister Rev Brian Spencer reflects:

“Our vision was to create a prominent, warm, inviting place with space for worship, fellowship and to explore new opportunities for outreach and mission. We wanted to be a sustainable congregation where people in our growing community can can find faith, hope, meaning, grace and belonging.”

We'd love to hear your stories as we reflect on Innovation over the coming weeks. Contact us.

"An opportunity for a new story that we write together"

Walking together as First and Second Peoples is not only seen, but lived and felt. This was one insight shared in an online discussion hosted by the Panel of the Assembly’s Walking Together as First and Second Peoples Circle on 2 June. Read a summary and or watch the recording.

Prayer for North Korea

Second-generation Korean migrant and young UCA leader Joy Han and Rev Seung Jae Yeon, Chairperson for the Korean National Conference, have written Prayers of the People, one in English and one in Korean, asking God's comfort, healing and hope for the Korean community, particularly the people of North Korea struggling with the rapid spread of COVID-19.

A Year On: A President Reflects

President Rev Sharon Hollis will give the next lecture in the quarterly Albert Street Lecture Series hosted by The Cooperative, reflecting on her first year as President of the Uniting Church in Australia. Join online or in person (Brisbane), 7pm (AEST) on Thursday 16 June. Register here to attend in person or use this link for the livestream.

A tribute to Neryl McCallum

The Uniting Church Assembly is deeply saddened by the passing of Neryl McCallum. Ex-President Deidre Palmer has written this tribute (originally published by the Synod of SA) acknowledging the many gifts Neryl brought to the life and mission of the Uniting Church. Neryl served as Executive Assistant to the President of the Assembly from 2018 to 2021.

Save the date: UCA Anniversary

The Uniting Church in Australia will celebrate 45 years on 22 June this year! A video to mark the occasion with a message from President Rev Sharon Hollis will be available next week for use across the Church as we celebrate another year of the faith, life and witness of the UCA.

Ripples of change for Ranjit

Ranjit and her two sons were struggling to find enough to eat. Elder son Yash had no work and younger son Patel was finding it almost impossible to keep up with his schooling. UnitingWorld share how our partner, the Church of North India, helped the family escape poverty, and why right now is an especially powerful time to support the life-changing work of our overseas partners.

JOBS

Food Co-Op Coordinator - Brunswick Uniting Church, Melbourne

Brunswick Uniting Church is seeking a Coordinator for its Food Co-op, which was established in 2000 but is set to undergo a period of expansion. Help to coordinate operations, recruit new members, support volunteers, develop opportunities for community engagement and collaboration and offer new ideas for growth.

Supply Ministry - Small Church Network, Presbytery of North East Victoria

The Presbytery of North East Victoria is launching an exciting new venture, drawing geographically separate congregations together into a Small Church Network connected by Zoom. It is looking for someone to initiate this innovative approach to ministry providing pastoral care, leading worship by Zoom and being the 'go-to' person for congregations in the Network.

Join us in prayer for

Congregations and communities across the Uniting Church stepping out in faith and courage to innovate, experiment and dream a new future.
The people of North Korea as they struggle with the pandemic.
Peace, safety and comfort for all those impacted by devastating gun violence in the United States of America, particularly those mourning the loss of loved ones.
Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.