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| Welcome to this week’s instalment in our ‘This Is My Uniting Church’ series, where we celebrate the vibrant community of Westbourne Park Uniting Church in Adelaide’s inner south. Each Sunday, this congregation gathers across three distinct services, united by a strong commitment to intergenerational belonging. That spirit is evident everywhere – from kids, youth and family ministries to a Church Council where young adults take the lead, and in outreach that spans local playgroups, residents in aged care and mission teams serving in Timor. Discover how this community is nurturing faith, connection and service across generations and into the heart of their neighbourhood. |
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President Rev Charissa Suli reflects on a powerful time of faith, hope and unity at the World Communion of Reformed Churches General Council, which closed last Thursday after 10 days in Thailand. Gathering with Christians from every corner of the world, in a spirit of global faith and solidarity, she shares how the experience can inspire our witness and deepen our call to persevere.
Image: General Secretary Andrew Johnson and President Rev Charissa Suli with Rev Karen Georgia Thompson, newly elected President of the WCRC. |
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| People from across the Uniting Church and the Pacific will gather in the Kingdom of Tonga next week for the 2025 President's Conference, hosted by President Rev Charissa Suli under the theme, "Threads of Love: Weaving Christ’s Love Across Cultures and Boundaries". Across its four days, the Conference will weave worship, spiritual nourishment, talanoa dialogue and cultural immersion. In our preview, hear from some of the honoured guests who will lead worship and give keynotes through the gathering. |
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Rev Kath Behan, National Consultant with the Assembly, recently attended the annual conference of the Australia and Oceania Fellowship of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. Gathering Zimbabwean Methodists from across the region, the event celebrated faith, culture and community. In this reflection, she shares how the experience deepened her understanding of cross-cultural partnership and God’s boundless family. |
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The Uniting Church in Australia is seeking a highly skilled National Manager, Media and Communications to provide leadership and manage the implantation the strategy for media and communications. This is a rare and unique opportunity to work at the heart of a national faith-based organisation, enabling leadership across governance, pastoral presence and public representation. |
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Save the date for Sunday 25 January 2026 to join others across the country in marking the seventh national Uniting Church Day of Mourning. Since 2019 the Uniting Church has marked a Day of Mourning on the Sunday before 26 January to reflect on the dispossession and ongoing injustices faced by Australia’s First Peoples, acknowledge our shared history and renew our commitment to justice and healing. You can sign up now for information and resources for the Day of Mourning, coming soon. |
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Forty years ago, the Uniting Church in Australia declared itself a multicultural church. Today, it continues to live out the Gospel by embracing and celebrating the diversity of God’s people across all cultures. Rev Judy Sanderson (left) of St Stephen’s Uniting in Applecross, Western Australia, reflects on being an intercultural church in this milestone year. Her reflection was first published in the August 2025 edition of Revive magazine. |
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UnitingWorld has launched its Everything in Common Gift Catalogue for 2025! It's filled with life-changing gifts that fight poverty and build hope in the world through health, education, leadership and income opportunities. This is a great way to give meaningful gifts this Christmas while making a difference! The shop is available now or you can sign up to host a gift stall in your church or community. |
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 | - The Uniting Church in Western Australia has a new leader with former Frontier Services Bush Chaplain, Rev David Jackson, installed as its new Moderator.
- Residents of Uniting McRae-McMahon and Hawkins Place are celebrating the release of their first book, ‘The First Thursday Memoir Writing Group’ – a touching assortment of life stories born from connection, reflection and the joy of shared memories.
- Last Sunday marked the 40th anniversary of the return of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to its Traditional Owners, the Anangu people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the celebrations.
- Wayside’s Got Talent has lit up the stage with bold voices, memorable moments and community spirit. The annual Wayside Chapel event celebrated creativity and the joy of being seen, heard and unapologetically yourself.
- ICYMI: The Assembly Standing Committee is conducting a Review of the Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice and its effectiveness across the Uniting Church. As part of this Review, a survey (downloadable here) has been sent to each Presbytery for feedback on the Code.
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 | November
1 All Saints Day 23 Reign of Christ Sunday 25 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence begins (ends 10 Dec) 30 Advent begins (ends 24 Dec) December
25 Christmas Day January25 Uniting Church Day of Mourning 26 Australia/Survival Day Click here for the Uniting Church Assembly 2026 calendar. |
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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 |
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Join us in prayer... - We give thanks for the great cloud of witnesses which surrounds us as we mark All Saints Day this weekend, remembering with love those who have gone before us and our shared belonging in Christ.
- We pray for the Zimbabwean community in Australia, for the ongoing celebration of faith, culture and community.
- We pray for renewed purpose and ongoing connection for all returning home from the World Communion of Reformed Churches General Council.
- Canada and the United States of America as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.
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