Uniting Church in Australia - Are you the next Act2 Project Lead? The Assembly is hiring + lots more in UC National News 26 February

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26 February 2025 National Update Your weekly snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story ACT2 PROJECT Now hiring: Act2 Project Lead Do you have strong project and change management skills, the ability to build relationships and an understanding of the Uniting Church in Australia? You could be the next Act2 Project Lead. The Uniting Church Assembly is now hiring for a full-time Act2 Project Lead who will lead and manage the work of the Act2 Project in a new phase. following the decisions of the 17th Assembly. This role will build on previous work between 2022-2024 to carry forward the decisions of the 17th Assembly meeting as we seek to revitalise and prepare the Uniting Church for the future. You will develop project plans and frameworks, manage risks, provide leadership to the Act2 Project Team and seek outcomes that contribute to the mission of God in all parts of the Uniting Church. Applications close on Wednesday 26 March at 12pm. More information and apply UNITING CHURCH PRESIDENT President talks viral sermon on ABC Pacific Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli joins the ABC Pacific Soul podcast to talk Bishop Mariann Budde's viral sermon, holding our leaders to account and the calling of the churches in a time of fear and division. ACT2 PROJECT 3 days left to feed back on new Commissions The Uniting Church Assembly is preparing to set up two new national Commissions, focussed on Theology, Formation And Leadership and Governance, Resourcing and Administration. There are just a few days left on two opportunities to get involved: express interest in joining one of the Commissions yourself, or give feedback on their Terms of Reference. The deadline is 1 March. GLOBAL CHURCH Prayer for Pope Francis President Rev Charissa Suli has written a message and prayer for His Holiness Pope Francis and the Catholic Church, as the Pope's stay in hospital continues amid ongoing health concerns. OUR WORLD "We stand with you in unwavering solidarity": President's letter to Bishop of Washington President Rev Charissa Suli has written in solidarity and support to the Right Rev Dr Mariann Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, following her powerful sermon at the national prayer service held in Washington National Cathedral in January. TRANSFORMING WORSHIP "Vital for the life of the Church" Matthew Julius, Advocate of the Assembly Transforming Worship Circle, reports on the recent national conference of the Australian Academy of Liturgy held in Brisbane with the theme: ‘Justice at the Heart of Liturgy.’ Matt reflects on emerging insights and why paying attention to how we worship is vital for the life of the Church. NATIONAL HISTORY SOCIETY National History Society National Conference 2025: Call for Papers The Uniting Church National History Society will hold its next National Conference from 3-5 October 2025. The Society is calling for 20-minute papers addressing the conference theme, 'The Church as a Prophetic Voice in Australian Society - Past, Present and Future.' Papers may cover the period of the Uniting Church's life so far (1977-2025) and can also explore the history of its founding denominations or other denominations. ASSEMBLY COMMUNICATIONS Assembly to leave X and join Bluesky At a time when it's more important than ever for the digital world to foster human connection and distinguish between truth and misinformation, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) is an increasingly polarised and hostile place. At the end of February the Assembly will leave X and move to Bluesky. Read our reasons and follow us here! GLOBAL CHURCH 'You made me wonderful': World Day of Prayer 2025 The World Day of Prayer is a global day of prayer led by Christian women on the first Friday in March (7 March 2025). Each year, it is an opportunity for local churches to come together to pray for a particular place in the world. This year's World Day of Prayer has been prepared by women in the Cook Islands with a theme inspired by Psalm 139. More good reads... Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem issue a humanitarian plea, speaking firmly against the uprooting of the people of Gaza from their land. Read also the statement from the World Council of Churches. Exciting news: From June 2025, Uniting Church journal Uniting Church Studies will be a fully online and open access journal. All the resources you need for your intergenerational ministry this month, plus some for Lent and Easter, thanks to Intergen. The Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts in the Synod of South Australia is pleased to launch Music Pack #5 from the “Walk as One” songbook. Rev Dr John Squires offers this imaginative interview with the author of Luke's Gospel - a great way of 'introducing Luke' for those who are preaching on it this year! Next edition of National Update   Please note that National Update is now sent fortnightly. Our next edition will be on 12 March. We gladly welcome contributions of stories, news and events from across the Uniting Church. Email comms@nat.uca.org.au Join us in prayer for... All those marking Ash Wednesday next week and the beginning of Lent. In the days ahead may we journey with the One who forges a trail of new life through the dust. His Holiness Pope Francis as his hospital stay continues. Healing across divisions in the United States of America. France, Germany, Monaco as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

Jobs: Church Plant Team Member - South West Sydney The Uniting Church Synod of NSW/ACT is seeking Expressions of Interest from passionate people to join a church planting team in South West Sydney. Jobs: Church Operations and Administrator - Malvern UC (SA) Use your initiative and strong organisational skills to manage operational and administrative functions at Malvern Uniting Church, South Australia.

Do you or your community have a great story to share as you live out God's mission where you are? Let us know! Email us! Facebook Bluesky Instagram Website Email