Uniting Church in Australia - Meet our President-elect in UC National News 9-15 October

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9-15 October 2024 National Update Your weekly snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP "Proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation": Meet our President-elect, Rev Dr Paul Goh The Assembly is delighted to release this new video introducing you to the President-elect of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Dr Paul Goh. The 17th Assembly in July 2024 joyfully elected Paul as the next President following a national nomination process. The President is the spiritual leader and spokesperson of the Uniting Church nationally. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church of Korea in 1999 and having migrated to Australia in 2010, Paul will be the first Korean to serve as President when he takes up the role in 2027. In this interview, Paul shares about the journey that led him to ministry in the Uniting Church, his time in Korea and America, his training as a practical theologian, his family, and the things that feed his spirituality and restore his soul. Read more and watch now WEEK OF PRAYER FOR PEACE Closing our Week of Prayer for Peace A huge thank you to all who took part in the Uniting Church Week of Prayer for Peace in the Middle East last week, standing in solidarity with the people of Israel, Palestine and Lebanon. As we mark one year of this devastating and destructive conflict, with no ceasefire in sight, we know our prayer and advocacy are more urgent than ever. President Rev Charissa Suli held an online time of prayer on Saturday to close the Week, joined by ex-President Rev Sharon Hollis and President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh. In case you missed it, watch it now. ACT2 PROJECT What's next for Act2? The work of the Act2 Project is by no means over. Rather, it's in a time of transition after the 17th Assembly, writes Acting Act2 Project Lead Rev Erik Lennestål. Read on for more on the Assembly's Act2 decisions and where we're going from here (and what a Coptic icon from Egypt has to do with it all). UNITINGCARE AUSTRALIA Reflecting on the 2024 UnitingCare Australia Leaders Forum UnitingCare Australia recently hosted its 9th Leaders Forum at Old Parliament House and the National Press Club in Canberra, bringing together leaders from across the UnitingCare Network and the Uniting Church in Australia. This year's theme, 'Lead the Conversation, Lead the Change', focused on the challenges we face as a society and how the UnitingCare Network can work collectively for change. Explore some of the key insights and outcomes in this article. ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP Assembly to commission new General Secretary The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is delighted to extend an invitation to the Commissioning of Andrew Johnson as Assembly General Secretary. All are invited to attend the service, which will be held a 3pm AEDT on Saturday 23 November at Gungahlin Uniting Church north of Canberra. RSVPs are invited by 8 November. A live-streaming link will be available soon. SEASON OF CREATION The Season of Creation in photos The Season of Creation has wrapped up for this year! Here's a snapshot of how Uniting Church communities celebrated God's world across the month, with decorated worship spaces, animal blessings, environmental awards, time outside together and a public stand during the multi-faith Week of Climate Action. As we move beyond this season, and as hurricanes, floods and fires ravage our planet, we pray we may radically change course for the sake of God's creation, our global neighbours and future generations. UNITINGWORLD UnitingWorld's Everything in Common is back! UnitingWorld has launched its Everything in Common Gift Catalogue for 2024. It's filled with life-changing gifts that fight poverty and build hope in the world through health, education, leadership and income opportunities. This is a great way to give meaningful gifts this Christmas while making a difference! The shop is available now or you can sign up to host a gift stall in your church or community. WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES Applications open for WCC 2025 Stewards programme The World Council of Churches has opened applications for its 2025 Stewards Programme, a fantastic opportunity for people across the world aged 18-30 to engage with the global ecumenical movement and actively contribute to the work of the WCC. Applications close 30 November 2024. AUSTRALIAN CHURCH Lutheran Church of Australia endorses women's ordination Last week the General Synod of the Lutheran Church of Australia endorsed the ordination of women, removing a clause from its Theses of Agreement which has prohibited women from entering pastoral ministry. We congratulate our Lutheran friends in Christ and join with you in celebrating women's ministry.

UnitingWorld Appeal for Lebanon relief Hundreds have been killed in Lebanon, many thousands displaced and essential infrastructure destroyed. You can give urgently needed help through UnitingWorld's emergency appeal. Anti-Poverty Week Anti-Poverty Week resource The Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce has developed this great resource for Anti-Poverty Week, which takes place from 13-19 October and encourages action to end poverty.

In case you missed it... News and story highlights from the last couple of weeks Bankstown UCA emergency appeal for Lebanon Intergen resources - October New UCA discipline regulations NCCA Call to Prayer for the Middle East Positions Philanthropy Relationships Officer - Frontier Services Lead the implementation of Major Gifts and Bequest strategies and cultivate strong, respectful relationships with donors and potential supporters. Chaplain - Pulkapulkka Kari Aged Care, Tennant Creek Care for the emotional, spiritual and religious needs of staff, clients, residents and families in this service within the Australia Regional and Remote Community Services. Upcoming Dates 22 October: Anniversary of the Apology to Survivors of Insitutional Child Sexual Abuse 1 November: All Saints Day Check out the 2024 Assembly Calendar more dates across the year Join us in prayer for Rev Dr Paul Goh as he continues his ministry in the Uniting Church and his journey of preparation for a new leadership role. The people of the Middle East - Palestine, Israel, Lebanon and the broader region - as we mark one year since the beginning of the war. As violence, suffering and displacement continue, may God's peace and justice cover the land. Women of the Lutheran Church of Australia as new pathways to live out God's call to ministry open to them. Those in the United States in the wake of Hurricane Helene and those now facing Hurricane Milton. May they find safety and shelter. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle. How are you celebrating the Season of Creation? Email us! Facebook X Instagram Website Email