4 February 2026

National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Our Featured Story

THIS IS MY UNITING CHURCH

‘We have embraced the values and positions of the UCA’: Engadine Uniting shares their story

‘This is my Uniting Church’ returns for 2026, inviting us once again to meet the people and communities that give life to our church across Australia. In this edition, we travel to southern Sydney, on the traditional lands of the Dharawal people, to hear the story of Engadine Uniting Church.

Engadine Uniting is a theologically progressive, socially inclusive faith community that is deeply engaged with its local neighbourhood and the wider world.

Through a conversation with their Chair Sue McKinnon, we glimpse a congregation shaped by justice, compassion and a strong commitment to living out God’s love in practical ways. Worship blends tradition and contemporary expression, led by a diverse team of lay leaders, while the church’s public witness – from its message board to its loving fellowship and community partnerships – speaks boldly on issues of justice and inclusion.

The 2026–31 Strategy: Second Strategic Goal explained

In 2026, the National Assembly has commenced its new strategy for the period 2026–31 centred on the vision Uniting in Christ: Flourishing Faith – Thriving Communities – Liberating Justice.

Last week, the Assembly’s General Secretary, Andrew Johnson, introduced the first of the three Strategic Goals which are at the heart of the strategy and a flavour of what this will mean for the Assembly’s working in the coming years.

In this edition, he shares the second Strategic Goal – Thriving Communities. Read more here.

PRESIDENT

Second episode in President’s podcast interview now available

On this week’s Filthy Hope podcast, President Rev Charissa Suli joins Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries for an honest conversation about the Church’s future – what’s not working, where hope lies, and why things may be better than we think – exploring multiculturalism, First Nations voices, women in leadership, young people, and weaving Christ’s love beyond fear and toxicity.

FRONITER SERVICES

Rob Floyd stepping down as National Director of Church’s bush ministry agency

After almost three years as National Director of Frontier Services, Rob Floyd has announced he will step down from the role following the next Board meeting on 31 March.

During his tenure, Rob has made a significant and lasting contribution, providing steady leadership that stabilised the organisation and supported the growth of this vital bush ministry agency. Read more here.

COVENANTING

Day of Mourning 2026 reflection

On 25 January, Uniting Church congregations across Australia marked the Day of Mourning, a sacred moment of truth-telling, reflection and solidarity with our First Peoples. At Oxley Uniting, talented artist and proud Guwa Koa, Ku Ku Yalanji woman Zoe Korbe shared a powerful reflection on faith, justice and God’s hope for healing in our communities.

OUR PEOPLE

Church members recognised in Australia Day Honours

The Uniting Church in Australia warmly congratulates members of our Church community who have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List. From compassionate doctors and dedicated Church Council members to tireless volunteers, those with strong ties to the Uniting Church have been honoured for their outstanding contributions across a wide range of fields, and for their faithful service to both the Church and the wider community.

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.

Limited places remain for Yarta Wandatha, a 12-week University of Divinity Semester One course exploring ethical ministry through the wisdom of Elders and Country, with readings, online classes and a four-day immersion in Ikara–Flinders Ranges. Email for more details.
Traralgon District Uniting invites pilgrims to join the three-day Gippsland Camino, walking 52km from Nyora to Meeniyan in Victoria this April. Register for all or part by 30 March.
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: Alcohol and Other Drug Clinician - Uniting NSW.ACT

NSW: Administration Officer - Suburban Seeds

NSW: Donor Care Officer - UnitingWorld

NT: Congregational Minister - Nightcliff UC

NT: Disability Services Team Leader - Somerville Community Services

QLD: Executive Director Finance, Property & Enterprises

QLD: Suicide Prevention Coordinator - Wesley LifeForce

SA: Family Connections Coordinator - Seeds UC Kurralta Park

TAS: Hotel Services Coordinator - Uniting AgeWell

VIC: Chaplain - Uniting AgeWell

WA: Presbytery Minister (Pastoral) - Synod of WA

Join us in prayer for...

The loving and vibrant ministry and mission of Engadine Uniting Church. May God guide them in their search for a new lay ministry worker.
Our Almighty Lord to continue to pour out healing upon the spiritual, cultural and relational wounds of our First Peoples.
Our Federal Parliamentarians as they returned to Canberra this week.
Morocco, Western Sahara, Tunisia and Andorra as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.