Uniting Church in Australia - Meet Hope Uniting Church, the President on Pacific Soul, new Circle Advocates & Assembly staff announcements ✨

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31 July-6 August National Update Your weekly snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story THIS IS MY UNITING CHURCH "We are a family, and you will be included in our family from the moment you arrive" For this week's edition of This is My Uniting Church, we head to Hope Uniting Church on the lands of the Gadigal and Bidjigal Peoples where the waves crash like thunder at Maroubra Beach. The Church Council, with ministers Rev Heewon Chang and Rev Phil Newton, share how this intergenerational and intercultural community is expressing its mission, finding joyful chaos in worship, being held together in the inclusive love of Christ and facing its challenges. As for what the rest of the Church can pray for? "Pray for wisdom, patience and discernment for all members of Hope as we navigate significant decisions," they write. "Pray for our lay and ordained leaders and pray for our children and young adults. Pray for those in our local community who are marginalized, and for ways in which the church can open up spaces of genuine community and connection." Read the Q&A PRESIDENT "There's so much of the life of Jesus we can learn from" Listen in as our President Rev Charissa Suli features on Pacific Soul, a podcast of ABC Pacific which explores the beliefs, spirit, lives and stories of Pasifika peoples. Charissa speaks with host Melissa Maykin about what's high on her agenda for her time as President. CIRCLES OF INTEREST Welcome to new Circle Advocates The Assembly welcomes two new Advocates for the Assembly Circles of Interest: Rev Hee Won Chang, Advocate of the Growing in Faith Circle, and Matthew Julius, Advocate of the Transforming Worship Circle. Advocates gather, generate and drive the work of the Circles, which are a platform for taking part in the national work of the Uniting Church. ASSEMBLY NEWS Changing leadership for the Assembly Communications Unit The Uniting Church Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of Bethany Broadstock as National Manager - Media and Communications. Bethany is a highly skilled and experienced communicator, trained journalist and Uniting Church member. Bethany's appointment follows the departure of previous National Manager Rebecca Beisler, who served the Assembly for over 13 years and as National Manager from 2021-2024. DISCIPLESHIP School of Discipleship celebrates 20 years School of Discipleship, an annual radical discipleship conference, celebrated 20 years at its most recent gathering in early July. Participants heard from Rev Dr Grace Ji-Sun Kim, who was also the 17th Assembly's Cato Lecturer, delving deeply into the Spirit and Discipleship as well as sharing in worship and communion.

In case you missed it... News and story highlights from the last couple of weeks Our full summary of the 17th Assembly meeting Positions Resource Minister - Burnett Network of Churches Renew the worship, community and mission of small but dedicated rural congregations and faith communities in the Presbytery of Mary Burnett’s inland corridor. Head of College - Pilgrim Theological College The Synod of Victoria and Tasmania is seeking a highly qualified academic to join Pilgrim Theological College in this dual-facing senior leadership role. Upcoming Dates 4 August: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day 9 August: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 1 September-4 October: Season of Creation Check out more dates across the year Join us in prayer for Hope Uniting Church as it continues to live as vibrant Christian community. The people of the Phillipines impacted by typhoons and floods. The people of Ethiopia following deadly landslides. Republic of Congo, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. What are you praying for this week? Email us! Share Tweet Forward

RNS Morning Report: As nations face off in Olympics, interfaith chaplain corps unites to serve athletes

Top Stories Interfaith protest confronts Christians United for Israel summit NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (RNS) — For nearly three days in and around Washington, D.C., an interfaith coalition challenged the pro-Israel messaging of pastor John Hagee and CUFI.   Vatican reports financial gains as it prepares for new profit strategy VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Despite financial reforms and cutting costs, the Vatican continues to struggle to generate enough revenues.   Hindu pilgrimage sparks anti-Muslim discrimination in India MUZAFFARNAGAR, India (RNS) — Muslim shop owners are shutting their businesses along the Kanwar Yatra (pilgrimage) route rather than risk attacks.   Drag queens shine at Olympics opening, but ‘Last Supper’ tableau draws criticism (RNS) -- At the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, Drag queens took center stage in a performance evoking Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper." This segment drew significant attention — and mixed reactions, from viewers across the globe. RNS Opinion How Martin Luther King Jr. foresaw Mississippi’s new Episcopal Black bishop (RNS) — King contrasted Mississippi’s past with his optimistic vision of the state as an ‘oasis of freedom and justice.’   What the Talmud says about why men laugh at Kamala Harris’ laugh (RNS) — Of course, Trump is not the first to belittle a woman by mocking what comes out of her mouth.  ICYMI Catholics, Vatican officials react to controversial Olympic ceremony VATICAN CITY (RNS) — LGBTQ+ performers posed for what some Christians believe was a mock representation of the Last Supper.   Rev. Barber’s new book demystifies poverty: ‘Black people are not the problem’ (RNS) — The civil rights champion believes he cannot be a moral leader and stand up only for Black people. Far more white people are poor and struggling, too. In Other News Project 2025 to end policy work after Democratic attacks angered Trump French police investigating abuse targeting Olympic opening ceremony DJ over ‘Last Supper’ scene   Talk to Us We want your feedback on the RNS Morning Report — what you think we're doing right and what we should be doing differently. Send us an email at Comments@ReligionNews.com Subscribe to other RNS Newsletters. Forward this email to a friend. View the archive of past newsletters. RNS is free to read, but it's not free to produce. If you value our reporting, please consider making a donation today at religionnews.com/donate. If you prefer to mail a donation, please address to: Religion News Foundation, PO Box 1808, Columbia, MO 65205. Yes, I support the work you're doing! Forward this email to a friend

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