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What if one of the Church’s most important gifts to Australia is the ability to bring people together across difference? In a recent visit to Eastwood Uniting Church, President Rev Charissa Suli found a congregation putting this calling into practice. Guided by its theme, TOGETHER, Eastwood’s intercultural community reflects the richness of a Church where people from different cultures, languages and generations worship, serve and grow together. For President Suli, Eastwood’s witness points to something much bigger than one congregation. In a time when social cohesion can feel increasingly fragile, our churches have an opportunity to create communities where people experience welcome, dignity and belonging. “Perhaps one of the prophetic gifts the Church can offer Australia right now is not simply to speak about social cohesion, but to become communities where reconciliation can be seen and practised,” Rev Suli reflects. |
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Associate General Secretaries from across the Uniting Church gathered in Alice Springs last week, providing a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships across the Church and to share the experiences, challenges and opportunities emerging in different Synod contexts. Together, participants reflected on ministry in the life of the Uniting Church and explored what God may be calling the Church to be and do in this season. |
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A Uniting Church delegation has joined Methodists from around the world in El Salvador for the World Methodist Council gathering. Meeting under the theme ‘The Kingdom of God is Justice, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit’, the gathering has been a time of worship, theological reflection, global fellowship and shared learning. UCA delegates have contributed to conversations on unity, diversity, peace and young adult leadership, while strengthening relationships across the worldwide ecumenical family. |
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YOUNG ADULTSHeld Together Conference registrations open this week |
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Held Together, a four-day gathering of young adults from across Australia and the world, will take place from 21–24 January 2027 at Merroo Christian Centre in Kurrajong, NSW. Bringing together diverse cultures, communities and stories through faith, worship, learning and connection, the event will create space for spiritual renewal, intercultural engagement and First Nations leadership and perspectives. Early bird registrations of $400 per person including accommodation, meals, full program and transport from Richmond (NSW) Station are available until 1 October. Further information on Held Together will be released later in this week. For queries, contact enquiries@nat.uca.org.au. |
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The National Assembly is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified people to join its Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (AFARC). This voluntary role provides independent oversight of financial stewardship, risk management, governance, compliance and assurance across the National Assembly and its agencies. Applications are welcome from UCA members and non-members with relevant governance, financial or risk experience. The initial appointment is for three years. Applications close 7 September. |
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Frontier Services is seeking a strategic and experienced National Fundraising Manager to lead fundraising growth, strengthen supporter relationships and help sustain our work alongside people in rural and remote Australia. This is a full-time, Sydney-based role. Learn more and apply here. |
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As fuel prices rise again, more Australians are being pushed into financial hardship, with frontline community services seeing demand for support surge. Tamara Thomas, National Director of UnitingCare Australia, tells of the impossible choices families are making and is calling for stronger investment in emergency relief and financial counselling to ensure people aren’t left without help when they need it most. |
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The National Assembly give thanks for the faithful leadership and ministry of Rev Dr Mark Lawrence, who has announced he will step down as General Secretary of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania later this year. Since 2012, Mark has served the Synod with wisdom, commitment and love for the Uniting Church, encouraging the Church to renew its mission and witness to Christ’s reconciling work. We join with our sisters and brothers in Victoria and Tasmania in giving thanks for Mark’s years of service and leadership, and praying for him and the Synod as they prepare for this next chapter. |
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Join the Uniting Climate Action Network online this Thursday night (20 August) to discover how your congregation or community can take part in a month of action for climate justice. Ahead of major climate talks in our Pacific region, the online briefing will share practical ways to advocate for bold climate action, along with worship resources, videos and campaign materials. Congregations are encouraged to nominate an Activation Captain to help lead local participation. Register now and be part of raising our collective voice for creation and climate justice. |
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Join Lay Preachers and leaders from across Australia for an exciting, engaging and interactive conference exploring the many dimensions and challenges of preaching, worship and ministry in today’s world. Hosted by the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, the conference will explore preaching, worship and ministry through themes including Scripture and theology, multiculturalism, inclusion, diversity, mission, social justice and creativity. President Rev Charissa Suli will be among 16 presenters, offering interactive learning, practical discussions and worship. Click here to find out more and to register. |
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Last weekend, a devastating earthquake struck off the coast of near Flores island in Indonesia. Tragically, at least 68 people have been killed and 200 people injured as the quake damaged houses, hospitals, clinics and places of worship across East Nusa Tenggara province. UnitingWorld’s partner, the Protestant Evangelical Church in Timor (GMIT) is leading a humanitarian response. UnitingWorld is financially contributing to their efforts. International Partnerships Manager Rev Dr Apwee Ting has written a prayer for the people impacted. Please join us in prayer. Image: Asharq Al-Awsat, Reuters |
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The Assembly’s Associate General Secretary Rev Lindsay Cullen will be formally farewelled this Thursday 20 August with his Closure of Ministry Service being held at Pitt Street Uniting Church in Sydney, starting at 11am. Registrations are now open for the Filipino National Conference, which will take place from 30 October to 1 November at Sydney’s Quakers Hill Uniting Church. Click here for more details. Rev Bronwyn Murphy is stepping away from the Synod of NSW and ACT and her role as the Associate General Secretary. Her Closure of Ministry Service will be held at St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney on 27 August. Rev Sandy Brodine has launched a new podcast series, “Thriving”, focusing on how faith communities and congregations within the Uniting Church can be best equipped to flourish. Available on Apple Podcasts and Vimeo. ICYMI: Resources are available for Season of Creation 2026, which is now just two weeks away. ICYMI: The Fijian National Conference is calling for volunteers to assist with a range of duties at their upcoming triennial gathering in Fremantle. Discover more here.
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Join us in prayer for... Displaced families and the victims of the earthquakes across Indonesia, as well as Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Latin America. We pray for affected communities and churches, trusting in God’s presence amid suffering and recovery. For our Churches to be shining lights into their communities, where reconciliation can be seen and practised. Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.
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| August
30 Frontier Services Sunday
September
1 Season of Creation (until 4 Oct)
4-6 National Lay Preachers’ Conference
October
4 Older Persons Sunday
22 Anniversary of National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
30 Filipino National Conference (until 1 Nov)
Click here for the Uniting Church Assembly 2026 calendar. |
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