National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

CHURCH'S ANNVERSARY

Celebrating 48 years as a Church in Australia

On 22 June, we will celebrate 48 years of the Uniting Church in Australia. Over the years, there have been triumphs and trials but throughout it all we have remained dedicated to following Jesus, working for justice, growing as disciples and serving communities.

As members of the Church, we are united as one body in Christ. Together, we inspire and encourage one another to deepen our relationship with God, care for each other and all of creation, and live lovingly in the world.

UCA President Rev Charissa Suli has this message to share on our anniversary.

Read here

JUSTICE

Uniting Church leaders voice strong objection to North West Shelf gas extension

President Rev Charissa Suli recently joined WA Uniting Church leaders in voicing their opposition to the Federal Government's decision to extend the operation of the North West Shelf gas processing facility until 2070. Their concerns attracted the attention of media outlets including Nine News Perth, News Limited and AAP.

Read the Uniting Church WA media release and News.com.au story.

REACHING REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Bringing hope to Oodnadatta

Our regional and remote ministry agency, Front Services, were recently in outback South Australia for a very special moment. In this video see how the opening of a new church and community centre aims to bring hope and life to an isolated but loved community.

ACT2 PROJECT

Members announced for new National Commissions

Following the recent naming of the new Chairs for the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration, and the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership, the Members for these two Commissions have now been announced by the National Assembly.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Korean women convene to celebrate unity

In a historic and joyful moment, the inaugural National Korean Women’s Conference was recently held, celebrating identity, ministry and unity in a multicultural church.

ASSEMBLY UPDATE

UCA Code of Ethics for Ministers updated

The Assembly Standing Committee (ASC) has made a change to the Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice for Ministers in the Uniting Church in Australia.

AROUND THE UNITING CHURCH

To God be the glory as two WA churches mark milestone birthdays

Perth Wesley Uniting Church and South Perth Uniting Church recently reached considerable birthdays. Rev Hollis Wilson shares his reflections on a memorable weekend of celebrations for both churches.

THE GLOBAL CHURCH

United Church of Canada celebrates 100 years

Earlier this week, the United Church in Canada marked 100 years since its formation. Our President Rev Charissa Suli and General Secretary Andrew Johnson sent them this congratulatory letter.

A Service of Thanksgiving for the late Rev Dick Wootton will be held on Sunday, 22 June in Melbourne. Dick was a missionary in Korea, lifelong worker for justice, human rights and peace in the Assembly and encourager to many young adults. The service will be held at the Korean Church of Melbourne, 23–27 Glendearg Grove, Malvern, starting at 2.30pm. The service will also be live-streamed (hosted by the Korean Church of Melbourne).
President's Conference 2025 Experience a God-inspired four-day event with Rev Charissa Suli in Tonga this November. Sign up for more information.

Next edition of National Update

Please note that National Update is now sent fortnightly on a Thursday. Our next regular edition will be on 26 June. Shorter editions are often sent in between. 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...

Upcoming celebrations on or around 22 June for the 48th anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia.
The mission and ministry of the Indonesian, Korean, Tongan and Niuean communities within the Uniting Church, all of whom have celebrated special events recently.
The people of Sudan. The ongoing civil war is causing what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis with nearly half their population experiencing extreme hunger and malnutrition.
As part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle, the leaders of Botswana and Zimbabwe to govern with integrity to counter instability, violence and human rights abuse.

Jobs: Youth Worker - New Lambton Uniting (Synod of NSW/ACT)
A passionate Youth Worker is being sought to engage, mentor and support young people within the church and local community.

Jobs: Librarian - United College for Leadership & Theology, Adelaide (Synod pf SA)
UCLT is seeking a suitably qualified Librarian on a permanent part-time basis to support the teaching and research of its students.