Ash Wednesday National Update 22-28 February #Lent begins, Faith Leaders unite on Voice, Meet Hannah Blair, and more

22-28 February 2023 National Update Your weekly snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story Making space for God this Lent Ash Wednesday today marks the beginning of Lent, a rich and meaningful time in the season of the Church in which we are invited to stop, take time to pray and reflect deeply on what it means to walk in the way of Jesus.  Act2 Project Lead Andrew Johnson has written this reflection on what it might mean for us to make space for that new thing God is doing in our lives and our life together as a Church. "The story of Lent is the story of a journey to a difficult place which brings unexpected new life. It is a journey through letting go of the security of what has been so we may have the space to seize the new life God offers us," writes Andrew. The reflection offers an invitation to reflect on what you can do to make space for the Spirit's calling to us in the journey of Act2. In your worship this week you may also like to use this prayer for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent shared on our Facebook page, written by Matthew Julius from Northcote Uniting Church in Melbourne and the Growing in Faith Circle.   Read the reflection First Nations Voice Religious leaders urge politicians to work together for Voice Referendum The Uniting Church has joined a coalition of faith organisations calling on all Federal parliamentarians to co-operate across political divides in support of the upcoming referendum on a First Nations Voice. Signed by UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis, the letter describes the Voice as “an invitation to move towards national healing, unity and reconciliation”. The Open Letter was sent today as part of a 'week of action' in support of the Yes campaign which officially launches tomorrow. Stay tuned for a statement welcoming the launch! Resources Lenten reflection #1 - Into the Wilderness This Lent, the Assembly will share short reflections on themes that invite us to reflect on "Walking into new life" both in our own lives and in the life of the Uniting Church. Each week someone from across the life of the Church will share a short reflection,  a question to prompt further reflection and a short prayer. The reflections are also available in audio form. The spoken reflection is embedded into our Weekly PowerPoint below so that you can share them during your worship. This week Rev Jon Humphries from the Transforming Worship Circle reflects on the theme "Into the Wilderness".  World Pride Uniting Churches welcome World Pride A number of Uniting Churches in inner Sydney are taking part in World Pride and Mardi Gras this week in a show of support and celebration of gender and sexually diverse people. Nearly 300 people packed Pitt Street Uniting Church last night for a World Pride Pancake evening followed by an ecumenical prayer service. UnitingWorld Lent Event begins today! Join others in a 40-day season of prayer, simplicity and generosity in support of UnitingWorld's work alongside our church partners. It's a great way to make a difference in your own life and the lives of our global neighbours. Register your church or community. You can create your own fundraising page and share it with your community! Humans of the Uniting Church HANNAH BLAIR "I love the way the UCA loves" This week in our Humans of the Uniting Church series, we hear from Hannah Blair from Pittwater Uniting Church where she is involved in youth and young adults ministry. Hannah shares her passion for the faith and discipleship of young people, and her belief that "tremendous things will keep happening for as long as young people are pursuing what it means to know God personally." Podcast In conversation with Jane Kennedy In this fresh series of the President's Podcast Dwelling, Rev Sharon Hollis interviews people who are concluding significant roles in the life of the Uniting Church. She asks what they have learned, what has sustained them and what they would like to say to the Church as their time in this role ends. First up is Jane Kennedy who is finishing up as UnitingWorld's Head of Programs.

Intergenerational  Lent and Easter resources for children and families Check out this bumper edition of resources for your ministry with children and families this Lent and Easter. Big thanks to Chris Barnett from the Intergenerational Ministry - Children and Families team in the Synod of Vic/Tas for curating this wonderful collection. See the update Events Lay Preachers Conference  Save the date for the 2023 National Conference of Lay Preachers to be held 4-7 August 2023 on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Share in a wonderful few days and be encouraged, supported and challenged in your ministry.  Find out more Ecumenical news Week of Prayer for Christian Unity The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will take place in Australia between Ascension and Pentecost, 21-28 May 2023. Resources from the National Council of Churches in Australia are now available, including a poster, full worship service and guide for eight days of prayer. Get the resources Frontier Services Frontier News out now The first edition of Frontier News for 2023 is here! Dive in for stories of generosity, hope, community and resilience in rural and remote Australia.   Happy reading

Positions Director of Mission (DOM), UnitingCare Queensland This role supports the induction, formation and development of leaders and fosters strong and healthy collaborative relationships with the wider Church. Executive Assistant to the General Secretary - UCA Synod of VIC/TAS The Executive Assistant plays a critical role in the provision of administration services within the office of the General Secretary. Join us in prayer for Communities across the Uniting Church marking Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent; may it be a time of deep reflection and meaning pointing us to new life. God's grace in endings and beginnings, as we hear the stories of those who are moving from one role to another. World Pride celebrations in Sydney and all those working to nurture places of inclusion, safety and welcome. France, Germany, Monaco, as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. How will you mark the season of Lent? Share your answer with us! Our weekly PowerPoint can be incorporated into what you use each Sunday. This week's slides include a spoken reflection from Rev Jon Humphries, "Into the Wilderness".  Share Tweet Forward Copyright © 2023 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