11 February 2026

National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

OUR CHURCH

‘Repairers of the Breach, Bearers of the Light’ - Ormond Uniting completes refurbishments and reopens its main doors

Last Sunday, Ormond Uniting Church celebrated a momentous occasion with the dedication of its newly rebuilt, carbon-zero church building, attended by Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli and over 100 members of the congregation.

After 17 years of planning, construction and renovation, the refreshed building stands as a testament to faith, perseverance and sustainability. Rev Suli led the worship alongside Ormond Uniting’s minister, Rev Dr Ji Zhang, preaching on the theme ‘Repairers of the Breach, Bearers of the Light’ inspired by the prophet Isaiah.

The service highlighted Ormond Uniting’s commitment to being an intercultural and intergenerational community, grounded in Christ and faithful mission. Local and regional leaders, including civic representatives, joined in celebrating a church actively living out its calling beyond its walls.

Rev Suli penned a reflection following the celebrations.

Read her reflection

ASSEMBLY

The 2026–31 Strategy: Third Strategic Goal explained

In this third article on the Uniting Church’s 2026–31 Strategy, Assembly General Secretary Andrew Johnson explores the goal of Liberating Justice – renewing the Church’s longstanding commitment to confront injustice through prophetic witness and practical action.

Grounded in our history and shaped by today’s challenges, this strategic goal calls the whole Church to stand with the vulnerable, raise a courageous national voice, and embody God’s transforming love across Australia and the world.

NATIONAL COMMISSION

Focusing our Shared Life on Local Communities Responding to God’s Call

At its meeting in Melbourne last week, the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration (CGRA) discerned how the Uniting Church’s structures and resources can better serve local communities in mission. Drawing on national consultations, members explored reimagined structures, sustainable funding approaches and clearer governance arrangements, committing to further consultation across the Church in the months ahead.

POSITION AVAILABLE

New National Director sought for Church’s bush ministry agency

Our bush ministry agency, Frontier Services, is seeking a National Director to lead its mission supporting remote and regional communities across Australia. This is a rare opportunity to combine values-led leadership, national fundraising accountability and service to some of the country’s most isolated communities.

IWD 2026

Celebrating the women of our Uniting Church this IWD

This International Women’s Day (8 March), the Uniting Church Assembly is celebrating the leadership, witness and service of women across the Church. President Rev Charissa Suli is inviting you to nominate inspiring Uniting Church women who are making a positive impact in their congregations and communities. Their stories will be featured as part of our IWD celebration. Submit your nominations by Thursday 26 February.

UNITINGWORLD

This Lent, stand with those on the front line of changing climate

Join congregations across Australia this Lent as UnitingWorld shares in what God is doing among our neighbours fighting poverty and the impacts of climate change.

UnitingWorld has created a range of simple, meaningful resources to support you and your church community. Find out more and sign up your church.

The Northern Synod has announced Rev Nigel Hawken as Frontier Services’ new Bush Chaplain for the Barkly Region.
Shrove Tuesday is next week (17 February). Check with your Synod for Uniting Pancake Day fundraising events near you!
Professor Peter Stanley will be the guest orator at this year’s Wilks Oration in April. In-person and online tickets are now on sale.
Celebrated contemporary Ukrainian theologian, Professor Cyril Hovorun, will be presenting two seminars at United Theological College in early March.
Rev Philip Vinod Peacock has become the first person from Asia to be installed as the General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC).
ICYMI: The Vaka 2026 event in late February provides an opportunity for Church leaders to be upskilled in community advocacy and action related to Climate Change. If you’re located outside NSW or the ACT and would like to attend but travel costs are an issue, email the Assembly who may be able to assist.

February
13  Anniversary of the Apology to Stolen Generations
18  Ash Wednesday
18  Lent begins (until 2 April)

March
6 World Day of Prayer
8 International Women's Day
19 Close the Gap Day
17-23 Harmony Week (including 21 March - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination)
29 Palm Sunday

April
3-5 Easter weekend
24 Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
25 ANZAC Day

Click here for the Uniting Church Assembly 2026 calendar.

ACT: Team Leader, Youth Trauma Service - Uniting NSW.ACT

NSW: Senior Investment Analyst - Uniting Financial Services

NSW: Partnerships Manager - Wayside Chapel

NT: Minister - Living Water UC

QLD: Senior / Legal Officer (Corporate & Commercial) - QLD Synod

SA: Generations Coordinator - Clare UC

SA: Customer Service Officer – Uniting Venues Tarooki

VIC: Advocacy Campaign Lead - Uniting Vic.Tas

VIC: Administrative Support and IT Officer - Presbytery of Western Victoria

WA: Formation and Learning Culture Coordinator - Synod of WA

Join us in prayer for...

The mission and ministry of Ormond Uniting Church. May God shine his glory through the congregation and leaders there.
The victims, families and students affected by the devastating mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada
For individuals and communities across our nation impacted by discrimination of any kind.
Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, Spain and Vatican City as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.