UC National News - 9-15 Oct 2020 - Budget lacks vision, President's Webinar wrap, Liturgy of Acknowledgemnt and Lament and more

Budget lacks vision to build back better UCA President Dr Deidre Palmer welcomed the Government’s commitment to the nation's economic recovery but says the 2020 Federal Budget is a missed opportunity to bring about a more equitable and fairer Australia. Woven together in Christ Uniting Church members from every state and territory came together to reflect on what it means to live out their Christian vocation as part of the President’s Conference webinar “Called by God.” A recording of the webinar is now available to watch.

Anniversary Liturgy October 22nd marks the second anniversary of Australia’s National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. A Liturgy and Order of Service will be made available early next week for congregations to mark the anniversary.  Staying safe online As part of Children's Week 2020, the National Safe Church Unit will stream a webinar on Wednesday 21 October to support people across the Uniting Church who are engaging with children and young people online.  A friendly face in a time of need As part of its September appeal, Frontier Services shares how Bush Chaplain Mitch Fialkowski and Outback Links volunteers are breaking down isolation for farmers like Merv who lives on a 60,000ha station 700km from Perth. Co-ordinators wanted UnitingWorld is looking for volunteer coordinators to sell Christmas gifts that fight poverty and build hope in the world. Sign up to run a gift stall in your church this Christmas. New Liturgy for those dying in isolation In response to COVID-19, the Assembly's Transforming Worship Circle has created a new liturgy resource.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: Our political leaders as they form budgets and policies for our nation's future. We pray they envision a just recovery for all. All of us, as we listen, discern and have courage to follow where God calls us.   For those who have experienced abuse in our Church, their families and their communities. We remember, acknowledge and lament the harm done.  Those experiencing isolation and hardship, especially during COVID-19.  Copyright © 2020 Uniting Church in Australia, All rights reserved. We're sending you weekly updates because you opted into news from the Uniting Church in Australia. Our mailing address is: Uniting Church in Australia Lvl 4 262 Pitt St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

UC National News - 20-27 Mar 2020 - Uniting in Adversity, COVID-19 Ministry Resources and more

Uniting in Adversity  Doors may be closed but our hearts are still open, as the Uniting Church responds to the new normal during the global coronavirus pandemic.  A Pastoral Response to the Pandemic "Now, more than ever, as followers of Jesus, we are called to embody God’s love and compassion in our world," says President Dr Deidre Palmer. COVID-19 Resources From online church services to music resources and prayers, we've collated resources to assist you and your congregation in these unprecedented times.   WCC Pastoral Letter  The World Council of Churches calls on member churches to give the highest priority to doing whatever we can do to protect life. ASC Update Members of the Assembly Standing Committee met in person, probably for the last time in some time, in Sydney from 13-15 March. Our Vision Revisited Around 30 people who are engaged in justice work across the Uniting Church met via videoconference this week to bring together the work we do and focus on our national priorities. PRESIDENT'S CONFERENCE 2020 This year's President's Conference will be held in Adelaide from 2-5 October, and explore expressions on the theme of "every member ministry". Registrations open, program now available.   JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: Wisdom and courage to take action to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  Compassion and comfort for those mourning the loss of loved ones, those who are ill, those who are isolated, and those who are suffering.   Uniting Church communities and members, that we creatively find ways to nurture people in faith, and Christian community and continue to compassionately serve people, who are needing practical support, love and hope, during this tumultuous time.

Copyright © 2020 Uniting Church in Australia, All rights reserved. We're sending you weekly updates because you opted into news from the Uniting Church in Australia. Our mailing address is: Uniting Church in Australia Lvl 10 222 Pitt St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

UCA National News - 13-19 March 2020 - Ministry in the Hot Zone, UnitingCare welcomes COVID-19 measures and more

MINISTRY IN THE HOT ZONE "When I was in self-isolation, you Facetimed me." Pastoral care in the coronavirus pandemic. UnitingCare Australia responds to economic stimulus package and aged care boost UnitingCare Australia has welcomed Federal Government measures to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, but asked for more targeted and long-term support to those most in need. Click through for the full statement. NSW/ACT Guidance for Worship With 78 confirmed cases and more than 1800 under investigation NSW faces the most immediate threat from the coronavirus outbreak. The NSW/ACT Synod has produced a comprehensive guide for hygiene in worship. Inauguration of Carpentaria Presbytery  Calvary and North Queensland Presbyteries have merged to become a new presbytery. Lent Stories: Livelihoods and Peacebuilding in Ambon  More than a decade after the conflict between Christian and Muslim religious groups in Ambon, the Protestant Church in Maluku is working to bring together mixed groups of Christian and Muslim women for education and microfinance opportunities.

UNITING WOMEN 2020 The fourth UnitingWomen conference in Darwin is only four months away. Sign up now to escape the southern winter and share the spirit with your Uniting Church soul sisters from 9-12 July. PRESIDENT'S CONFERENCE 2020 This year's President's Conference will be held in Adelaide from 2-5 October, and explore expressions on the theme of "every member ministry". Registrations open, program now available.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: Those who have contracted the coronavirus, those who are self-isolating, those who are fearful or vulnerable, the health care workers and pastoral responders to the pandemic. May God bring comfort and healing. Members of the Carpentaria Presbytery as they engage in God's mission in northern Queensland as First and Second Peoples together The peacebuilders of Ambon and the work of UnitingWorld.   Copyright © 2020 Uniting Church in Australia, All rights reserved. We're sending you weekly updates because you opted into news from the Uniting Church in Australia. Our mailing address is: Uniting Church in Australia Lvl 10 222 Pitt St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

UCA National News - 6-12 March 2020 - Each for Equal IWD, A Coronavirus Prayer, Vale Bernie Clarke and more

EACH FOR EQUAL – IWD2020  When President Deidre Palmer thinks of a gender equal world, she thinks of the Uniting Church’s “every member ministry”.  A Prayer in Response to Coronavirus While heeding the advice of public health professionals, we must not forget our call as Christians to love our neighbour, says Deidre Palmer. Vale Rev Bernie Clarke AM Tributes have flowed for the former Assembly Associate Secretary for Aboriginal Work and Mission and early UAICC supporter Rev. Bernie Clarke. . Pray for Zimbabwe on March 6 The host nation of this year's World Day of Prayer is Zimbabwe, a country facing huge challenges. Frontier News Frontier Services' first quarterly publication for 2020 is out now. This edition features a gripping account by Bush Chaplain Rev Rowena Harris of being trapped in Mallacoota by the bushfires. Also a feature on Pastor Julia Lennon, the first ever female Aboriginal Bush Chaplain, who's working to bring First and Second Peoples together in Oodnadatta.

UNITING WOMEN 2020 The fourth UnitingWomen conference in Darwin is only four months away. Sign up now to escape the southern winter and share the spirit with your Uniting Church soul sisters from 9-12 July. PRESIDENT'S CONFERENCE 2020 This year's President's Conference will be held in Adelaide from 2-5 October, and explore expressions on the theme of "every member ministry". Registrations are open.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: Women everywhere as they seek equality All those in our community and around the world who are responding to the coronavirus outbreak, for those who are suffering and dying, for those who mourn their loss, for those who are anxious or scared. May we be communities of empathy, love and care, in all we face. For the people of Zimbabwe as they host this year's World Day of Prayer.    Copyright © 2020 Uniting Church in Australia, All rights reserved. We're sending you weekly updates because you opted into news from the Uniting Church in Australia. Our mailing address is: Uniting Church in Australia Lvl 10 222 Pitt St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

UCA National News 27 Feb-5 Mar 2020 - Welcome to Lent, A World without Nuclear Weapons, Summer Spirit, Frontier News and more

WELCOME TO LENT Lent is underway – from the global to the local there are a wide range of Lenten reflections and resources available to UCA members. Here is a collection of resources and campaigns to start you on your Lenten journey this year. A WORLD FREE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS President Deidre Palmer reflects on this week's UCA-hosted interfaith roundtable on the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). WCC CCIA VISIT President Deidre Palmer and Associate General Secretary Rob Floyd welcomed members of the WCC's Commission of the Churches on International Affairs at the Assembly offices this week. CCIA Director Peter Prove, CCIA Commissioner Rev Gunilla Hallonsten and their colleagues have been holding workshops in Australia to focus on Pacific regional priorities. SUMMER SPIRIT 2020: ALL OF THIS IS US National Consultants Rev Dr Apwee Ting & Rev Charissa Suli were in Perth from 21-23 Feb as guest speakers for Summer Spirit 2020. Over 50 people from across the WA Synod gathered at All Saints Floreat Uniting Church to be inspired, challenged and equipped for ministry in the areas of intercultural and intergenerational ministry under the theme, All of this is us: Church and Culture. Frontier News Frontier Services' first quarterly publication for 2020 is out now. This edition features a gripping account by Bush Chaplain Rev Rowena Harris of being trapped in Mallacoota by the bushfires. Also a feature on Pastor Julia Lennon, the first ever female Aboriginal Bush Chaplain, who's working to bring First and Second Peoples together in Oodnadatta.

UNITING WOMEN 2020 The fourth UnitingWomen conference in Darwin is only four months away. Sign up now to escape the southern winter and share the spirit with your Uniting Church soul sisters from 9-12 July. NATIONAL DISASTER APPEAL Donate to the Uniting Church in Australia's National Disaster Relief Fund and fund disaster recovery chaplaincy and support programs, helping communities rebuild after a natural disaster.

JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR: All those seeking to deepen their discipleship through Lent The work of the WCC Commission of Churches on International Affairs Frontier Services' Bush Chaplains as they bring God's hope to the people of remote Australia The family and friends of the Rev Bernie Clarke AM, former Assembly Associate General Secretary and National Consultant to UAICC. Bernie died on 23 February. A tribute to him will be published in next National Update.  Copyright © 2020 Uniting Church in Australia, All rights reserved. We're sending you weekly updates because you opted into news from the Uniting Church in Australia. Our mailing address is: Uniting Church in Australia Lvl 10 222 Pitt St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia