Celebrating First Nations children in this week's UC National News 3-9 August

Celebrating a new beginning As we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (NATSI) Children’s Day tomorrow, the Uniting Church reaffirms its commitment to help build a strong future for First Nations children. In a shared statement from the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), UnitingCare Australia and the Uniting Church Assembly, UAICC Interim National Chairperson Rev Mark Kickett encouraged Uniting Church communities to celebrate and commit to a new beginning and hope-filled future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Children's Day falls as the Prime Minister this week outlined plans to enshrine a First Nations Voice into the constitution. We encourage people to engage with and build support for an enduring and constitutionally guaranteed Voice to Parliament - a way we can both honour the place of First Nations people at the heart of the nation and help build a strong future for First Nations children. UAICC National Executive member Alison Overeem has provided a reflection for NATSI Children's Day and two young Congress members reflected on the theme, "My Dreaming, My Future". Nichola Overeem says,  “I dream for a world where children can grow up strong and be proud of themselves and their identity. Where they are nurtured, respected and empowered to be who they are. Dreaming for me is a holistic approach to viewing someone’s identity and empowering them to shape their own story. Where their cultural, spiritual, and emotional selves are nourished through the stories of their ancestors.”   Read more A migrant musing on the Basis of Union This week we kick off a new series based on the strategic priority of the Assembly focused on our Identity as a Uniting Church. Rev Heewon Chang from the Growing in Faith Circle shares an invitation to the Uniting Church to think deeply about who we are and where we come from. Reflecting as a non-white migrant on the Basis of Union 50 years after it was first written, Heewon says despite its flaws, the founding document still has much to say about who we are and our calling to be a church perched on the margins, committed to serving the world. A conversation with Rev Seung Jae Yeon On a new episode of the President's Podcast Dwelling, a conversation with Rev Seung Jae Yeon, minister at Boronia Park Uniting Church and a panel member for the Walking Together as First and Second Peoples Circle. Seung Jae shares his hopes for the UCA as an Intercultural Church, reflects on learning from and being in relationship with First Peoples and talks about what sustains him in his ministry and his walk with God. Vale Rev Deacon Betty Matthews The Uniting Church is saddened at the loss of Rev Deacon Betty Matthews, a pioneer of diaconal ministry and the first Deacon to be accredited in the Uniting Church. Prior to this she served for almost 40 years as a Deaconess in the Presbyterian Church. We hold Betty’s husband Rev Alan Matthews and her whole family in prayer as they remember her and celebrate her life. Child Safe Sunday Resources Sunday 4 September is UCA Child Safe Sunday, our annual day to celebrate and reflect on our commitment to be a safe church for all people. The National Safe Church Unit has released a suite of resources to mark the day including a prayer and video message from President Rev Sharon Hollis, a presentation that can be used in worship and a children's activity. Click on resources for Congregations and Presbyteries.  Global interfaith statement for a nuclear-free world The Uniting Church Assembly has signed onto a global interfaith statement to the Tenth Review Conference of Parties to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons expressing unified support for a world free from nuclear weapons. We are one of more than 100 faith bodies and organisations to support the statement as we mark the anniversaries of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.  ICYMI: Rev Esteban Lievano reflects on Second Gen Last week Rev Esteban Lievano, Chair of the Uniting Church's Ibero-Latino National Conference, gave a reflection on Second Generation perspectives and the church as part of the Albert Street Lecture Series from The Cooperative. A recording of the lecture is now available to watch. Assembly to farewell Associate General Secretary Rob Floyd The Assembly will be saying farewell to Rob Floyd as he resigns from his role as Associate General Secretary in early October. Rob has served as the Associate General Secretary since 2017 and previously was National Director for UnitingWorld. Rob will be greatly missed and we pray God’s blessings on his next steps. A recruitment process for the role of Associate General Secretary will commence soon. Welcome action on aged care and socials services UnitingCare Australia has welcomed the Government's actions to abolish the cashless debit card, implement the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission and legislate 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave in the first sitting week of the 47th Parliament. UnitingCare Australia's senior leaders have met with Ministers through the week to put forward the case for change in areas like aged care reform and economic inequality. They are pictured above with Housing and Homelessness Hon Julie Collins MP on the launch of Homelessness Week 2022. Help inform homelessness policy During National Homelessness Week 2022, which raises awareness of homelessness in Australia, UnitingCare Australia is doing some research that will help inform policy development in this area. You can help by taking the National Homelessness Week Survey. It's anonymous, you don't need to be at risk of homelessness to participate, and it only takes three minutes! Join the Great Outback BBQ It's time to pick up the tongs and support our Aussie farmers! Have fun with friends and family and do your bit for the people putting food on our store shelves every day. Watch this short video message from Frontier Services National Director Jannine Jackson, and register to host a BBQ today! JOBS Ministry Leader, Burwood-Croydon Uniting Church Burwood-Croydon UC is looking for a Ministry Team Leader to offer missional, empowering and collaborative leadership through an exciting transitional time. Ministry with younger generations, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania The Uniting Church Synod of Vic/Tas is inviting applications for two important roles: Younger Generations Multicultural Ministries co-ordinator, and Younger Generations New and Digital Ministries co-ordinator. Apply by August 14. Join us in prayer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to grow up strong, grounded in their identity and connected to culture, family and community.  We pray for all those mourning the loss of Aboriginal activist, talented musician and storyteller Archie Roach. We give thanks for his artistry, truth-telling and humanity.  A peaceful world free from nuclear weapons, as we mark Hiroshima Day on 6 August. Those who find themselves without a secure place to live and for actions, policies and changes that enable everyone to have a home.  Republic of Congo, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. What makes us the Uniting Church? Tell us in 100 words or less.  Email Us

Copyright © 2022 Uniting Church in Australia, All rights reserved. We're sending you weekly updates because you opted into news from the Uniting Church in Australia. Our mailing address is: Uniting Church in Australia Lvl 4 262 Pitt St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia