10 July 2025

National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

THE LAUNCH OF uHUB

A new digital home for our Church resources

The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is excited to introduce you to uHub – the refreshed and renamed digital home for the Uniting Church Assembly’s national resources.

Formerly known as Illuminate, uHub brings together a wide range of UCA materials – from Assembly resolutions and governance documents to justice statements, liturgical resources and more – in one accessible location.

The Assembly Resourcing Unit has led a six-month review to redesign the platform. uHub now features a cleaner layout and improved navigation, making it easier to explore the depth and richness of our shared faith, mission, and witness.

More than just a repository, uHub is envisioned as a living collection - a space that tells the evolving story of who we are as a Church. Whether preparing worship, researching Church decisions, or seeking inspiration for ministry, uHub is a valuable tool for individuals and communities.

Explore and engage with uHub today, and share it within your networks.

Read here

OUTBACK MINISTRY

A vision for outback Oodnadatta

Oodnadatta. A remote outback town where one Bush Chaplain clung to a dream for over 20 years: to see this isolated community have a church of its own. In May this year, that dream finally became a reality. Hear Pastor Julia Lennon's inspiring story in this brand new video from the Assembly.
ICYMI, read the story by Frontier Services National Director Rob Floyd.

RENEWAL, REFLECTION AND HOPE

You’re invited – President's Conference 2025

Registrations are now open for the President’s Conference this November in Tonga! This special gathering is an opportunity to come, share together and renew our commitment to weaving Christ’s love across cultures and boundaries. Open to all members of the Uniting Church, the conference will be a time for worship, reflection, cultural immersion and dialogue with young leaders, elders and theologians.
Spots are limited to 100 attendees, so early registration is encouraged.

ACT2 PROJECT

Further appointments made to new National Commissions

The Assembly is pleased to announce further appointments to the Uniting Church's two new National Commissions. Dr Damian Palmer has been appointed the new Executive Officer, Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership, while Michelle Farrall has been appointed as Interim Executive Officer, Governance, Resourcing and Administration.

IN THE MEDIA

President Rev Suli speaks with ABC radio

UCA President Rev Charissa Suli recently featured on ABC Radio National’s God Forbid program. In this compelling interview, she shared her personal journey from a teenage mum once shunned by society and her church, to becoming the youngest and first person of colour to lead the denomination.

COVENANTING

Celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week 2025 marks 50 years of honouring Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. The Uniting Church and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress celebrates the enduring strength of our First Nations peoples, and joins in supporting this year’s theme 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy', a call to uplift emerging leaders, ancient wisdom and the communities that inspire the next generation.

The UCA National History Society Conference is being held from 3-5 October at Canberra City Church. 'A Prophetic Voice' is the conference's theme with speakers discussing the impact of the church’s influence in the past, giving focus to the present and offering inspiration for the future.
Kalamunda Uniting Church recognised in ecumenical environmental change awards.
Discover The Ageing Ideal, a insightful podcast series from Uniting AgeWell in Victoria. It delves into the experiences of older Australians, their families, and those who live and work alongside them.

Next edition of National Update

Please note that National Update is now sent fortnightly on a Thursday. Our next regular edition will be on 24 July. 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...

Our First Nations Peoples. This NAIDOC Week, we pray that Christ will continue to empower us to walk together on the journey of truth, justice and healing.
Families and loved ones impacted by the flash floods in Texas, USA, which has left 110 dead and over 160 still missing.
The Uniting Church Synod of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, as it gathers for its Synod meeting this weekend.
As part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle, the nations of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somaliae.

Jobs: Non-Executive Director - Margaret Jurd College (Synod of NSW/ACT)
This voluntary appointment will assist in strategic planning, compliance reviews and periodic college events.

Jobs: Full-time Minister - Wagin Group of Congregations (Synod of WA)
A unique opportunity to lead three rural congregations in the Wheatbelt towns of Wagin, Darkan and Dumbleyung.