11 September 2025

National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

YOUR CHURCH

This is my Uniting Church returns!

Welcome to your weekly edition of National Update! As we near the final quarter of 2025, we’re excited to announce the return of our This is my Uniting Church series.

Over recent years, this has been a popular series with readers as we delve into the stories and people of our congregations and communities of faith – the beating heart of the Uniting Church.

This week, we shine the spotlight on Karama Indonesian Uniting Church. Located in Darwin on the lands of the Larrakia people, this thriving church is rich in their love for Jesus and reflects the beauty of the Uniting Church family - many members, one body in Christ. May you enjoy reading about them!

If your community has a great story to share, we'd love to hear from you. Email us here.

Read about Karama Indonesian UC

ACT2 PROJECT

Full-time Executive Officer named to lead Act2 National Commission

The Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Paul Minty as the new Executive Officer for the Governance, Resourcing and Administration Commission. Bringing to the role a unique blend of technical expertise, senior leadership experience and ministry engagement, Paul will work across the Assembly and the Uniting Church to support the Stream C work of the Act2 Project and the Commission.

JUSTICE

A reflection from the President of the NCCA

Rev Rev John Gilmore, President of the National Council of Churches in Australia, writes about his experience attending a vigil last week where the names and ages were read aloud of 18,432 children killed in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank since 7 October 2023. The vigil was held for 30 continuous hours at Collins St Baptist Church in Melbourne and had significant Uniting Church involvement including the leadership of Rev Alex Sangster, Uniting Church musicians who played through the event, and Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania Rev Salesi Faupula who was present to read names.

JUSTICE

Uniting for justice: resources and actions for peace in Palestine

Have you seen the Assembly’s set of resources to help Uniting Church communities understand and take practical action for peace and justice in Palestine? We have created banners to print and display at your church (just like Pitt St Uniting has!), a letter to send to the PM or Foreign Minister, and answers to FAQs on the World Council of Churches statement adopted by the Uniting Church Assembly.

UNITINGWORLD

Standing with our neighbours in West Papua

West Papua’s rich ecosystems sustain Indigenous communities, but climate change and poverty threaten their survival – one in five children is malnourished. The Evangelical Christian Church in Papua is leading a faith-driven response: helping families grow food and earn income while protecting their environment. With support from UnitingWorld and the Uniting Church, their bold vision can transform communities for generations. You can stand with them.

OUTBACK MINISTRY

Unique ministry opportunity awaits

Frontier Services, in partnership with the Downs Presbytery, is seeking a Bush Chaplain based in Roma, supporting rural communities in southwest Queensland. The role involves pastoral, spiritual and practical care through worship and mission. Applicants should be ecumenical, relational and capable of leading worship and sacraments. Express your interest to the Secretary of the Placements Committee.

CLIMATE

Power to Communities: Unlocking Battery Storage Opportunities

The Federal Government’s new scheme to lower the cost of small-scale batteries has already seen strong uptake by Australian households. But did you know that churches can also take part? Uniting Climate, as partners of the Renew Australia for All campaign, is hosting a webinar next Tuesday (16 September, 5.30pm AEST) where they’ll explain how your church can unlock the benefits of solar and battery storage. Register today!

The next Northey Lecture is on 16 September. The topic ‘Rereading the Bible in/under Stolen (Is)Lands: from Oceania to Palestine’ will be presented by Rev Prof Nasili Vaka'uta. Book your spot to attend in person or online.
ICYMI: Take creative action ahead of the World Week for Peace in Palestine.
Lifeline Melbourne, run by Uniting Vic.Tas, has received a significant boost, presented with a $448,000 cheque through funds raised in this year's Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
The speakers have been announced for Common Grace’s 2025 Let Justice Flow Conference being held this November.
Limited spaces remain for the President's Conference in Tonga this November. Find out more.

Next edition of National Update

Please note that National Update is back as a weekly mailing. 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...

The Uniting Church in Western Australia as it gathers for its 49th Annual Synod meeting this weekend.
The families and friends of Dau Akueng and Chol Achiek – two teenage boys senselessly murdered in Melbourne's west last Saturday night.
The faculty and students of WCC's The Ecumenical Institute Bossey as their new academic year begins.
The nations of Ivory Coast, Togo and Ghana as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

Administrat ion & Communications Officer - Sydney or Melbourne (The Assembly)
Support the two key Commissions driving renewal in the Uniting Church through the Act2 Project.

Jobs: Mission Catalyst - Uniting Creative (Synod of NSW/ACT)
Join a creative network, mentoring and collaborating, and developing contemporary worship resources to inspire a vibrant Church culture.

Jobs: Bush Chaplain - West Arnhem (NRCC & The Northern Synod)
A respected Aboriginal Christian leader is required to provide pastoral care, support and spiritual guidance across a vast region.

Jobs: NDIS Support Worker, Adelaide metro (UnitingSA)
Play a crucial role in helping individuals achieve their goals, maintain their wellbeing and participate fully in their communities.