3 December 2025

National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

FRONTIER SERIVCES

Nextgen leaders head to the bush to engage in new pilot program

Last week, a group of young adults from the Uniting Church travelled to Coleambally in the NSW Riverina with President Rev Charissa Suli and Frontier Services National Director Rob Floyd. Their mission was to offer much-needed love and support to Dianne and her daughters, who have been managing their farm on their own since the death of Dianne’s husband.

The enthusiastic group repaired fencing, laid irrigation for a small orchard, planted native trees and revived the vegetable garden. The work was demanding but deeply appreciated, and Dianne’s story of grief, resilience and commitment to sustainable farming left a strong impression on the team.

The trip was part of a new pilot program by Frontier Services and the Uniting Church to engage young adults in practical, relationship-centred ministry and first-hand experience of rural life through the Outback Links program.

ACT2 PROJECT

New Commission takes next steps

Earlier last month, the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership gathered in Sydney for its first in-person meeting. It provided an opportunity to deepen relationships among Commission members, and discern priorities to advance the Assembly’s vision for a visible and accessible network of intentional communities engaged in life-long learning to equip people to courageously follow Jesus and participate in God’s mission.

JUSTICE

Church members speak up for a cleaner and fairer future

Last weekend, members of the Uniting Church joined thousands of others in a peaceful call for climate justice at the Rising Tide protest in Newcastle – home to the world’s largest coal port. The intent of the flotilla blockade was to bring attention to the damaging effects of coal on our climate, as well as advocate for greater tax revenue returns to coal regions to support new industries.

UNITINGWORLD CHRISTMAS APPEAL

One goat changed Sohadi’s life

With just a little help from UnitingWorld supporters, Sohadi received a goat through a self-help group run by our church partner in India. She never imagined how much her life could change. You can help more families like Sohadi’s turn small gifts into life-changing opportunities. Read Sohadi’s story and choose gifts that fight poverty and build hope this Christmas.

THE GLOBAL CHURCH

Young and seasoned faith leaders invited to apply for GEM School event scholarships

The World Council of Churches is inviting applications for the Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics and Management for an Economy of Life (GEM School) event from 17–28 August next year. The 10-day program will train a selected group of faith leaders to strengthen the collective voice of churches on global economic issues. Applications are open until 1 March. Find out more here.

ASSEMBLY

EOIs invited: Committee Member for the Assembly Finance, Audit and Risk Committee

The Assembly seeks an experienced governance professional to join its Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. Applications are welcome from people with strong skills and experience in accounting, financial management, governance and/or risk management.

The Northern Synod will joyfully welcome three First Peoples as Ministers of the Word in the new year, following approval of the trio's ordination.
Is it possible to change the world in 40 days? Dr Dan Widdowson, author of Humanity Isn’t Dead, shared with the Synod of NSW & ACT how 40 simple, consistent acts of kindness and connection can spark lasting change.
An emerging leaders retreat from the Synod of South Australia is being held from 16-18 January 2026. It's Rekindle and registrations are open now!
Cornish College, a Uniting Church affiliated school, has become the first-ever recipient of the Five Leaf Award, the highest honour in the ecumenical Five Leaf Eco-Awards program.

December
3-10 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence continues
3-24 Advent continues
25 Christmas Day
January
25 Uniting Church Day of Mourning
26 Australia/Survival Day
February
13  Anniversary of the Apology to Stolen Generations
18  Ash Wednesday
18  Lent begins (until 2 April)

Click here for the Uniting Church Assembly 2026 calendar.

Have a story to share?

National Update is sent 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...

Our church members living with disability. We thank God for the rich gifts they bring to our community. May we continue to create spaces where every person feels welcome, valued and fully included.
Victims of Cyclone Ditwah. Torrential rain, landslides and widespread flooding have killed 212 people and displaced nearly 200,000 others. (Financially support recovery efforts by clicking here.)
The families and friends affected by the Tai Po fire in Hong Kong which has killed over 150 people, with more casualties expected.
Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

Minister - Kangaroo Point UC (QLD Synod)
A vibrant multicultural church seeks a theologically-trained minister to lead worship, mission and disciple-making, with a strong focus on youth, children and families.

Senior Case Worker - Specialist Re-entry Services (Uniting WA)
A full-time, fixed term role providing psycho-social support and case management to men coming to the end of their prison sentences and reintegration into the community.

Ashford Hospital Chaplain (Synod of SA & ACHA Health)
Provide spiritual and emotional support, helping patients, families and staff integrate their faith or beliefs in times of illness, injury, transition and end-of-life.

Pastoral Care Worker - Wangaratta UC (Synod of Vic & Tas)
A compassionate and spiritually-mature individual is sought to oversee the pastoral care of the church's members, adherents, families and small groups.