National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

OUR PEOPLE

The extraordinary life and ministry of Rev Don Pederick

The Uniting Church in Australia has been shaped and sustained by the quiet, steady faithfulness of people like the Rev Don Pederick.

Last Saturday, Don celebrated his 100th birthday – a milestone in itself – but his life offers even more reason for celebration: 69 years of ordained ministry, recognised recently at the Synod of Western Australia.

We had the privilege to speak with Don shortly after his centenary to reflect on his life, ministry and the enduring lessons he’s learned.

Read Don’s story

OUR MULTICULTURAL CHURCH

Celebration of friendship, faith and an enduring bond

Last Sunday, the walls of St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney resonated with music, a sense of shared history and gratitude as a Choral Service of Thanksgiving celebrated 55 years of Australia–Tonga diplomatic ties and the Tongan Consulate General’s Golden Jubilee.

AROUND OUR CHURCH

Following footsteps, bringing hope

Pastor Kirsty Burgu has been commissioned as the newest Bush Chaplain for Frontier Services in Western Australia’s remote West Kimberley. Continuing her father’s legacy, Kirsty brings deep cultural roots, strong Christian faith and a heart for community to this crucial role, offering hope, healing and connection across the vast outback.

EVENTS

National History Conference to tackle big questions of church and society

What does it mean for the Church to raise a prophetic voice in Australian society? How have Christians spoken into and shaped public life, and what are the lessons for the challenges we face today? These are the big questions at the heart of the Uniting Church National History Society Conference to be held from 3–5 October in Canberra. Registrations are still open to attend in person or online!

The UCA has welcomed the Federal Government’s statement this week, formally recognising the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.
President Rev Charissa Suli is among the keynote speakers for the in-person and online Women’s Intercultural Conference on 3–5 October.
United Theological College recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking the milestone with the launch of a new book. Rev Nicole Fleming shared this reflection.
Eleven years ago, the church bell on the site of the Presbytery of Gippsland Lake Tyers Camp & Caravan Park was “removed without permission”. The good news is that it’s now been returned and tolled again!
The President’s Conference is coming this November! Find out more here.

Have a story to share?

National Update is back as a weekly mailing every Wednesday. 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...

Rev Don Pederick, and the faithful witness and ministry of all those who dedicate their lives in service to Christ's church.
The global church as we continue to mark the Season of Creation. May we continue to hear the call to be careful stewards of God's good creation.
The more than 380 million Christians around the world who face high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.
Our Church’s young adults – may we embrace their insights, celebrate their joys and support them on their journey of faith.
The nations of Uruguay, Bolivia and Brazil as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

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