28 August - 3 September 2024

National Update

Your weekly snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

SEASON OF CREATION

"Living with creation, in sync with creation": a message from Fiji for Season of Creation

This Sunday begins the Season of Creation! Through the month of September, Christians across the world will share in prayer, reflection and action on our call to care for the earth - our common home and the beloved creation of God.

President Rev Charissa Suli writes in the Assembly's 2024 Season of Creation resource:

"As President, I have emphasised the theme Threads of Love, Weaving Christ’s love across cultures and boundaries. This theme is powerfully connected to the Season of Creation, as our care for the Earth transcends all human divisions."

"Just as we are called to weave threads of love in our communities, we are equally called to weave these threads into our relationship with creation, recognising that every act of care for the environment is an act of love for our global neighbours and future generations."

The Assembly has been gathering Season of Creation resources here. This hub now includes a new video filmed just this week in Fiji, one of the most vulnerable nations on earth to the impacts of climate change.

In the video President Rev Charissa Suli and Frances Mamoumou, Programmes Manager with the Pacific Conference of Churches, urge Christians to take part in the Season of Creation and "amplify the good news we have to tell."

Go to the resources hub

AROUND THE UNITING CHURCH

State memorial to honour Rev Dr Gondarra OAM

A state memorial will be held this week for Rev Dr Gondarra OAM, senior Yolŋu lawman, pioneering Aboriginal leader and Uniting Church minister, who died in June. With strong involvement from Uniting Church members, the service will take place this Thursday 29 August at Nungalinya College in Darwin and will be live streamed.

UNITINGWORLD

Methodist Church in Fiji adopts groundbreaking disaster and disability policies

The Methodist Church in Fiji has adopted groundbreaking policies to ensure church-wide approaches to disability inclusion, and to build the capacity of the church to prepare for and respond to disasters. The decision was made at its Annual Conference this week, being attended by Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli and UnitingWorld National Director Dr Sureka Goringe (pictured with MCIF President Rev Dr Semisi Turagavou).

AROUND THE UNITING CHURCH

'A Day in the Life...' Assembly photo series

Earlier this year, Assembly Communications Officer Michael Zewdie visited three Uniting Church congregations, equipped with a camera, to tell a story about that community in photos. A Day in the Life of my Uniting Church is a photography project that captures moments over a day, creating a collection which highlights the faith and identity of the people of God in that place. Read about and see photos from our first three stops in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney.

INTERGENERATIONAL

Intergenerational resources for Season of Creation and beyond

The newest intergenerational ministry update from Intergen is here! Alongside a full suite of resources for the Season of Creation, written by Rev Dr Michelle Cook, it's packed with events, ideas, resources and learning opportunities to grow your ministry.

WORLD METHODIST CONFERENCE

"Every person is a child of God, deserving of dignity and respect and love"

While in Sweden for the World Methodist Conference, President Rev Charissa Suli had the opportunity to address a meeting of the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities. See the President quoted and read more about the panel conversation she shared with Rev Dr Hilde Marie Movafagh, from The United Methodist Church in Norway, in this article by United Methodist News.

SUBMISSIONS CLOSING

9 days left for submissions on proposed Federal Truth and Justice Commission

The deadline is looming for submissions to a parliamentary inquiry into a Bill proposing a new federal truth and justice commission. The Truth and Justice Commission Bill 2024 seeks to establish a body that would inquire into historic and ongoing injustices against First Peoples in Australia and their impact. Submissions close next Friday 6 September and ANTAR has a great guide and template to use.
Image: Senator Dorinda Cox introduces the Bill to Parliament in July 2024.

ECUMENISM

"God, we lay our own future and the future of the world in your hands"

Last Friday 23 August marked the 76th anniversary of the World Council of Churches, which was established in 1948 and is now a fellowship of 352 churches in 120 countries. Last week, moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm reflected on the role of the WCC and shared a prayer for peace for our broken and conflicted world.

HOLY LAND

"That we might begin to realise this sacred vision of peace"

A new statement from the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem reiterates grave concerns about the deteriorating situation in the Holy Land, the urgent need to end the present war and for all to "turn from the pursuit of death and destruction towards the promotion of life and peace." Read the Assembly's resolution on the Holy Land.

Ecumenism

Calling emerging ecumenists

A part of the World Council of Churches and the University of Geneva, the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey is a premiere and unique place for graduate level ecumenical education. Applications are now open to study in 2025-2026 and scholarships are available for under 35s.

Job Opportunities

Jobs to make a difference

UnitingWorld is currently hiring for four meaningful roles: Church Engagement Manager (three roles) and Program Operations Manager. UnitingWorld is the international development and church partnerships agency of the Uniting Church Assembly. Make your next role make a difference.

17th Assembly

Rev Benji Callen reflects

Rev Benji Callen, minister at Burnside City Uniting Church in South Australia, has generously allowed the Assembly to share the reflection he gave his congregation on his return from the 17th Assembly in July. Were you at the Assembly and would like to share yours? Email us.

Advocacy

Churches Together Conference

An ecumenical conference in Melbourne next week is bringing churches together to educate and share about the prevention of violence against women. Organised by the Anglican Church of Australia, the conference features theologians, experts, practitioners and a suite of workshops.

In case you missed it...
News and story highlights from the last couple of weeks

Assembly responds to news from the Federal Government that it will not pursue religious discrimination reform
Reflection on the World Methodist Conference by Rev Prof Glen O'Brien
World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel

Positions

Gender Scholar - Pacific Theological College

An important role within the Centre for Gender and Social Justice at Pacific Theological College, Fiji.

Redlands City UCA Leadership Team, QLD

An exciting opportunity to join the Redlands City UCA leadership across two ministry zones.

Upcoming Dates

29 August: State Memorial for Rev Dr Gondarra
30 August-1 September: Assembly Standing Committee
1 September-4 October: Season of Creation
1 September: Uniting Church Child Safe Sunday
1 September: Father's Day

Check out the 2024 Assembly Calendar more dates across the year

Join us in prayer for

The newly elected Assembly Standing Committee, meeting for the first time this weekend.
Season of Creation celebrations as they begin this weekend. May Christians everywhere find joy, challenge and inspiration in praying and working together to care for creation.
Fathers and father figures as many families and communities mark Father's Day this Sunday.
Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.