November 3, 2026

Invited into embodied relationship

Installed Sept. 19 as bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod, Erik Christensen believes that the church needs to equip its members to extend invitations to their communities in ways that are … continue

Prayer for Nov. 3

Every day, Living Lutheran offers a prayer for the day from the ELCA resource “Prayer ventures.” These daily petitions are offered as a guide for your own prayer life as together we pray for … continue

Preparing to prepare

Lectionary for Nov. 8, 2026 24th Sunday after Pentecost Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13 Matthew 25 might be my favorite chapter in the Bible. It contains the … continue

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3 November 2026

National Update

Your snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia

Featured story

Assembly releases 2026-27 Uniting Church Lectionary

The Assembly has released the Uniting Church 2026–2027 Lectionary, providing an important resource for preaching, worship and teaching throughout the new church year.

Continuing the popular new-look poster format, the Year B lectionary offers an easy-to-reference guide to the weekly readings, alongside special days officially adopted by the Assembly. A collection of supporting resources and commentaries is available, with a QR code on the poster providing convenient access.

In her introduction, Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli invites the Church to consider Jesus’ question in Mark’s Gospel: ‘Who do you say that I am?’.

“Mark reminds us that recognising who Jesus is cannot be separated from understanding the way he calls us to live.”

“As we approach fify years of Union, Mark invites us to consider not only where we have come from, but who Christ is calling us to become. We are a pilgrim people, still being formed by God’s Word and called to remain open to the renewing work of the Spirit.”

View and download

Artwork: ‘Father, Son and Holy Spirit’ by Natassia Furber-Gorey

GENERAL SECRETARY

Giving form to the movement of the Spirit

The Uniting Church in Australia was born from a bold movement of faith, imagination and a willingness to embrace change. Yet the structures and institutions that have shaped our life together are not separate from that founding vision. At their best, they give it enduring form.

As the Uniting Church approaches its 50th anniversary, the Assembly’s General Secretary, Andrew Johnson, explores the relationship between the movement of the Spirit and the ordering of our common life. Read here.

JUSTICE

President Rev Suli releases prayer ahead of COP31 meeting

As world leaders prepare for COP31 in Türkiye next week, Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli offers a prayer for climate justice, calling for courageous leadership, meaningful action and a future where all creation can flourish.

View and download her prayer.

COP31

Interfaith gathering in the spirit of Talanoa Dialogue

Faith communities from around the world will gather online on 4 November for an interfaith Talanoa Dialogue ahead of COP31. The gathering will explore how shared ethical and spiritual principles can translate into practical action for climate justice, asking: Where are we? Where do we want to go? How do we get there?

A time-friendly session is scheduled at 7pm AEDT (9am CET). Click here to register.

UNITING IN WORSHIP

Examining the foundations to our liturgy

What is at the heart of Uniting Church worship, and what should shape the way we gather, celebrate and serve? In this article, Matt Julius, the Assembly’s Liturgical Project Lead, explores covenant as the foundation of our liturgical life - with Christ, with our First Peoples and our multicultural siblings.

OUR MULTICULTURAL CHURCH

Filipino National Conference 2026: Weaving a future

The Filipino National Conference 2026 brought generations of Uniting Church members together to celebrate faith, culture and community.

Under the theme, ‘Paghabi: Weaving Our Future with God’, the gathering explored the richness of Filipino identity and its contribution to the Uniting Church, while considering how relationships across cultures and generations can shape a more deeply intercultural future. Read more and view photos here.

AROUND THE CHURCH

Revesby Uniting opens its heart even wider

Revesby Uniting Church is finding new ways to put faith into action and opening its doors to the community. Its new Rivergum Community Pantry offers free, 24-hour access to food and everyday essentials, creating a welcoming space where neighbours can support one another.

Read how this small congregation is reimagining what it means to be church through practical care, shared generosity and nurturing community.

UNITINGWORLD

Give a gift that offers a brighter future

“Love, joy and generosity that overflows to everyone around us.”

According to research by the Australia Institute, almost half of Australians would rather skip Christmas presents, yet we long to give and share what we have in real ways.

UnitingWorld’s new video suggests a better way: generous, meaningful gifts that help people and the planet. Watch it, share it with your congregation, and help spread the word!

Watch and download the video here.

Queensland Synod Moderator Rev Bruce Moore joined faith leaders at the swearing-in of the state’s 28th Governor, Thomas Bradley KC, last weekend. Uniting Church member and award-winning First Nations soprano Nina Korbe also performed at the ceremony.
Rev Simon Lee has accepted a call to serve as the inaugural Presbytery Minister of the Northern Presbytery within the Synod of NSW and ACT.
The Synod of Victoria and Tasmania is inviting the community to help shape its next Disability Action Plan. People with disability, neurodivergent people, families and church communities are encouraged to share ideas at upcoming online and in-person forums. Bookings are essential.
A movie adaption of Christian author C.S. Lewis’ book, Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, will be released into cinemas on 12 February next year.
Missed a recent edition of National Update? Catch up here.

Join us in prayer for...

The mission, ministry and witness of the Filipino National Conference.
For the ministry and theology students of Nungalinya College. May God grant them focus and energy over the remainder of the study block.
All at COP31 who are calling attention to the urgency of acting for climate justice and transformation.
Canada, United States, American Samoa, Cook Islands, French Polynesia (Maohi Nui), Kiribati and Niue as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.