Uniting Church in Australia - We mourn with our nation following two terrifying incidents of violence in Sydney. President Rev Sharon Hollis reflects in National Update 17-23 April

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17-23 April 2024 National Update Your weekly snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story FROM THE PRESIDENT God with us in the darkest valleys The Uniting Church Assembly shares the shock, heartbreak and mourning of the country following terrifying incidents of violence in Sydney this week. Days after a knife attack claimed the lives of six people at Westfield in Bondi Junction, another stabbing took place at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in western Sydney. In the wake of these events, Rev Sharon Hollis has written a reflection inspired by Psalm 23 which many will hear in worship this Sunday. At a time when we feel despair at the world's suffering, it speaks a word of God’s company in life’s deepest valleys. She writes, “We come to the psalm this week with the shadow of death, fear and suffering all around us. And we wonder where God is. Are we forsaken? How will we live in the face of violence, death and despair?” “The witness of Easter is that our darkest valleys are lit by the mercy of God who comes not as one removed from the suffering of the world, but as One who has walked this darkest valley before us and has transformed the darkness.” Yesterday, Moderator of the Synod of NSW/ACT Rev Faaimata Havea Hiliau released a statement condemning the attack and calling on the community to stand together. We encourage Uniting Church members to continue holding our nation and world in prayer and to hold each other in loving care. If you are distressed, please seek support from your community or the services listed on the webpage. Read now HOLY LAND ASC resolution on Israel-Palestine The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has this week sought to communicate its grave concerns about the escalating war in Israel-Palestine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Following a resolution of the Assembly Standing Committee (ASC) at its March meeting, President Rev Sharon Hollis has written to several members of the Australian government and representatives in the Holy Land to share the Church’s concerns, express support for measures taken and call for further action. ANZAC DAY Marking ANZAC Day 2024 Uniting Church Defence Force chaplains have recorded a reflection and prayer for Uniting Church communities to mark ANZAC Day either side of national commemorations next Thursday 25 April. The reflection has been offered by Chaplain (Wing Commander) Christine Senini with the Royal Australian Air Force and the prayer by Chaplain (Squadron Leader) Andrea Follett who is the Support Chaplain at the RAAF Base Amberley. The video, prayer and links to other resources are now available on our website. UNITING IN PRAYER Uniting in Prayer resources are here! A great suite of resources to help your community take part in Uniting in Prayer next month is now available! An initiative of the Act2 Project, Uniting in Prayer is 26 days of prayer across the national Uniting Church between Pentecost and the Uniting Church Anniversary (19 May-22 June). They include a worship liturgy and an intergenerational resource. One of the most popular and impactful parts of last year's event, there is also a new national prayer chain connecting every Uniting Church community to others. TOWARDS ZERO Queenscliff UC pursuing sustainability In Week 2 of Towards Zero: Good News Stories on climate action across the Uniting Church, we're heading to Queenscliff Uniting Church in Geelong, Victoria. This community has made the switch to renewable energy as an act of discipleship in support of creation care. They've done it by utilising government grants so the congregation has been able to save money as well as resources. Richard Allen shares more about their journey Towards Zero and how your church might be able to follow in their footsteps. EVENTS Book Launch: new Basis of Union volume In 2022 an online conference marked 50 years since the publication of the Basis of Union, the Uniting Church's founding document. The event included papers from a range of authors crossing generations and cultures whose reflections opened up completely new conversations about the Basis. Now, these essays (and others) have been brought together into an exciting new volume which will be officially launched on 1 May at Pilgrim Theological College in Melbourne and online. Register here.

Resources Fijian Bible Study for Year B Rev Dr Iliesa Jovili Meo has released the second edition in a series of Bible studies in Fijian, this time engaging with the lectionary texts for Year B. The book also includes guidance on how to study the Bible more deeply and introduces the books of the Bible. You can purchase copies of the book by contacting Laisiasa Seduadua via email. The final volume is expected to be available later this year. Purchase copies Faith and theology Perspectives on Easter The Vic/Tas Synod has published a diverse range of reflections on Easter in Crosslight. As we journey though the Season of Easter, these written and creative explorations of Christ's ministry, death and resurrection remain timely. Ministers, chaplains and professors delve into the radical solidarity offered by Christ as the suffering servant who stands against death. Read the reflections here Frontier Services Frontier Services Sunday Frontier Services Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate the ministry and vision of Frontier Services and connect with rural and remote Australia. The 2024 Order of Service and John Flynn booklet are now available to help your community hold a dedicated gathering or worship service. It's filled with prayers, hymns, and readings that reflect life in the bush. Order yours today! Order or Download UnitingWorld UnitingWorld Sunday UnitingWorld Sunday is the opportunity to celebrate the Uniting Church's global church partners and learn about the work they are doing in their local communities. 2024's theme is Micah 6:8, 'to do justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God'. Resources are available including a video sermon and liturgy. UnitingWorld Sunday takes place on 12 May but you can celebrate anytime. More information

Positions Chairperson-Elect - Presbytery of Southern South Australia Do you have leadership skills, conflict resolution capacity and love for Uniting Church communities of faith? The Presbytery of Southern SA is seeking its next Chairperson. Community Networker - Gordon-Pymble Uniting Church Gordon-Pymble UC in NSW seeks a Community Networker to grow the work that has begun towards developing community connections. Role is for four days per week. Upcoming Dates 22 April: Passover (Jewish festival) 24 April: Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide 25 April: ANZAC Day (resource from UCA Defence Force Chaplains) 5 May: Orthodox Easter 12 May: UnitingWorld Sunday Check out more dates across the year Join us in prayer for All those impacted by the terrifying events at Westfield in Bondi Junction and Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd Church in western Sydney this week. May God comfort all who mourn and may we hold each other in loving care. All those at Queenscliff Uniting Church responding to God's call and the biblical imperative to care for creation. Urgent, bipartisan action for an end to war, for humanitarian aid and a just peace in the Holy Land. Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. Our weekly PowerPoint with stories, resources and prayer points for use in your weekly worship. Do you know a great Uniting Church community? Nominate them to be featured! Email us! Share Tweet Forward