Uniting Church in Australia - President calls the Uniting Church to a week of prayer for the Middle East 🕊️

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25 September - 1 October 2024 National Update Your weekly snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story WEEK OF PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST President Rev Charissa Suli calls the national Uniting Church to prayer for the Middle East President of the Uniting Church in Australia Rev Charissa Suli has called the national Uniting Church to a Week of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East from 29 September - 5 October. The President announced the Week in a pastoral statement released yesterday, following airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon on Sunday which killed at least 492 people and injured more than 1,600. Tens of thousands have fled their homes. In the statement, the President lamented the further escalation of violence in the region and urged the Uniting Church to stand in prayer and solidarity with the people of the Middle East and with diaspora communities. "This ongoing conflict continues to cause immense suffering and loss on all sides," she writes. "As we grapple with this news, we are reminded of the deep connections we have within our Uniting Church family. In the past 24 hours I have heard from people in our community grieving for their family, friends, and loved ones back in Lebanon. We hold them in our prayers, standing in solidarity as they process pain and uncertainty." "I invite every congregation, agency, faith community, school, family, and member within the Uniting Church to join in this Week of Prayer." The pastoral statement includes a brief prayer guide with short prayers for each day. The prayers are available as social media tiles. Read more OLDER PERSONS SUNDAY Celebrate the wisdom of our older people this Older Persons Sunday The Uniting Church will mark its third Older Persons Sunday in October. Resolved by the Assembly in 2022, Older Persons Sunday is a day to celebrate older people in our communities, challenge ageism and reflect on how we can nurture hope and dignity for all ages. The 2024 worship resource is out now. Although the first Sunday in October is the suggested date to celebrate, communities can mark it at any time. JUSTICE "To trust the gracious God for life and security and to oppose the reign of death" In honour of the UN's annual day to promote the cause of nuclear disarmament, you might like to read some of what the Uniting Church has said about peace and nuclear weapons over the last 47 years. And if you're looking for an action to take, call on the Australian government to sign on to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. REFERENDUM ANNIVERSARY Forum to mark one year since the Referendum The Wesley Centre in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania will host a public forum to mark one year since the failed Referendum on a Voice to Parliament. Taking place on Sunday 13 October from 3:30pm AEST, the forum will feature Aboriginal voices, reflect on the role the media played, and respond theologically. Both the in-person event and online stream are ticketed, with all profits to support Grasstree Gathering. AROUND THE UNITING CHURCH A joyful reopening for Lismore Uniting Church It had stood the test of time for more than 120 years – but two years ago the historic Lismore Regional Uniting Church was nearly wiped out in the destructive NSW floods which displaced thousands of people. Last Sunday the church came to life again with joyful worship as it was re-opened after extensive restorations and a long wait. See photos here and see the feature on regional Nine News. AROUND THE UNITING CHURCH Young CALD leaders gather for a Feast of Faith Over the weekend, 50 emerging second generation leaders gathered for the 'Feast of Faith' retreat, organised by Pastor Nia Lavaki and the Younger Generations team in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. Check out this video for a snippet of the great ministry taking place with young leaders down south. RESOURCES Year C Fijian Bible Study resource out now The third volume of the Fijian Bible study written by minister, theologian and author Rev Dr Iliesa Jovili Meo is now available. The new book, written in Fijian, explores Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary. This completes a three-volume set and makes available a full Lectionary cycle.

Resources Apology Anniversary resource The Uniting Church has released a worship liturgy and statement from the President to mark the sixth anniversary of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse. Good Reads Spirituality and hospitality Here's a lovely reflection from 17th Assembly Cato Lecturer Grace Ji-Sun Kim on the spiritual practice of hospitality. Her time in Australia in July, when she was hosted by many Uniting Church leaders, gets a mention! Justice Remembering deaths in custody Common Grace is inviting people to spend time tomorrow 26 September to pray for an end to Aboriginal deaths in custody. Prayer and liturgical resources are available here. Good Reads Stories from the Pilbara Rev David Jackson is a Frontier Services Bush Chaplain in the Pilbara, a region double the size of Victoria. Read as he shares a glimpse of his ministry in this article from Revive in the Synod of Western Australia.

In case you missed it... News and story highlights from the last couple of weeks Our wrap on the Multifaith Week of Climate Action Assembly submission on the Truth and Justice Commission Bill 2024 Positions Presbytery Support Officer - UC Synod of Queensland Support the Synod's mission and strategic growth through support, advice and connection to build capability and capacity. Youth Ministry Worker - Terrigal Uniting Church Play a key role in developing programs that engage, educate, inspire and lead young people to know Jesus Christ. Upcoming Dates 1 September-4 October: Season of Creation 14-24 September: ARRCC Week of Action for Climate Justice 16-22 September: World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel 21 September: International Day of Peace 29 September: Older Person's Sunday (resources from UnitingCare Australia) Check out the 2024 Assembly Calendar more dates across the year Join us in prayer for The people of Lebanon grieving losses in recent violence and those fleeing their homes or seeking refuge. As conflict and suffering continues, may God's peace and justice cover the Middle East. Those all over the world campaigning for an end to nuclear weapons. Joining with the Uniting Church's courageous voice in the past, may we name the sinfulness of nuclear weapons and be obedient to Jesus Christ in seeking their abolition. Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. How are you celebrating the Season of Creation? Email us! Facebook X Instagram Website Email