#JusticeforCassius, Act2 website launches, Intergen Play at Margaret River + more in UC National News 2-8 November

A call to stand against injustice The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) National Executive has released a statement on the recent death of young Noongar Yamatji boy Cassius Turvey. As the nation gathers in grief, they have requested the Uniting Church and its members to stand against racism and be advocates for justice. It reads, "Without justice for First Peoples, we will not mature as a nation. We will continue to be outcasts, walking on our own traditional homelands. We, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, request the Uniting Church and its members to be advocates for justice to successive governments, calling for the changes needed to end racial discrimination and social injustice." Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis has released a Pastoral Statement urging the church and its members to stand in solidarity with Congress and heed their calls to a time of conversion as we face the truth of our history and our present. Please hold in your prayers Rev Mark Kickett, the uncle of Cassius, all Congress members and reach out in solidarity to First Nations People during this time. Image credit: Midlands Vigil for Cassius/ Marziya Mohammedali Read the statements Everything Act2 all in one place The Act2 Project Unit is excited to launch a brand new website for the Act2 Project! Act2 is a whole-of-Church national process to discern the future of the Uniting Church, now moving into a new moment shaped by the decision of the 16th Assembly. The new website is your one stop to learn about Act2, what's been done over the last two years and where the Project is heading now. You can also meet the team working on the Project, find opportunities to get involved and share your prayer for the Uniting Church. If you have feedback about the website or want to contact the Act2 Project, we'd love to hear from you. Connecting generations through play in Margaret River This week in our Intergenerational series, we take you to Margaret River in Western Australia where the local Uniting Church has been running an Intergenerational Playgroup for almost two decades. “It’s demonstrating our faith, just by being alongside people and being on their journey,” says Mary, founding Playgroup Coordinator. Each week, the playgroup continues to provide a welcoming space to local families, fostering connection and friendship across generations. Prayer Vigil for Crowd Crush in South Korea Join the Korean National Conference in the Uniting Church in sending prayerful support to those affected by the tragic crowd surge in South Korea. An online prayer gathering has been organised. Join tomorrow Thursday 3 November via this Zoom link at 7.30pm AEDT. If you are unable to join, please think of those impacted in your prayers. Be part of a life-changing NYALC There is less than one week left to apply for the next National Young Adult Leaders Conference to be held in Victoria from 26-29 January 2023. This national event seeks to nurture Uniting Church emerging young leaders in faith, discipleship and leadership - and the impact is profound. Take it from Rev Radhika Sukumar-White who attended NYALC in 2012 and is now the Ministry Team Leader at the thriving Leichhardt Uniting Church in Sydney: "it changed my life". We encourage you to consider the young people in your community or region you might empower by encouraging them to apply. Applications close 7 November! Webinar: Reflecting on the WCC 11th Assembly Next Tuesday 8 November, join a conversation with President Rev Sharon Hollis, Assembly General Secretary Colleen Geyer and other Uniting Church participants of the recent World Council of Churches 11th Assembly held in Karlsruhe, Germany. In this webinar, hear all about the highlights of the gathering. Register to join via Zoom from 7:00pm AEDT. Donate to National Floods Appeal Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis last week launched a national appeal to support communities across Australia impacted by flooding. The National Disaster Relief Fund is used to support people to rebuild both physically and emotionally, in the short and long term. Lending a listening ear Lester and Wendy are two of Frontier Services' most active Outback Links volunteers. One thing they've learned is that there's always work to be done for the people they visit, but sometimes a long overdue chat is the first priority. As great as they are, they think anyone can do it. Sign up for Outback Links today! UnitingWorld have new Christmas card designs! Wish your loved ones a Happy Christmas and help fight poverty in the process. Proceeds from the sale of the cards will help where the need is greatest, supporting our church partners to make a lasting difference in people’s lives. See all the designs and order here. JOBS Period of Discernment Coordinator -  Uniting Church Synod of NSW/ACT This role provides leadership across the Synod of NSW/ACT and works collaboratively with Presbyteries and Congregations to grow discernment for ministry in the specified ministries of the Uniting Church. Director - UnitingCare South Australia This role oversees the relationships between the Uniting Church SA and councils associated with the Uniting Church, including congregations, the Synod and National Assembly, managing networks and partnerships and nurturing mutual respect. Join us in prayer for Those mourning the death of Noongar Yamatji boy Cassius Turvey in vigils across the country today, and for all First Nations people during this difficult time. We pray for a time of conversion as we face the truth of colonisation and its impact and that together we may work for justice in these lands.  Those who have lost their loved ones in the crowd crush in South Korea. We pray for God's comfort and strength to surround them. For the work of Act2 as it enters a new phase. May we be attentive to the Spirit's leading so that we are faithful to God's calling for the future of our Church. Canada, United States of America as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. What is your prayer today? 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