Pen to paper seals deal

By Rev Caro Field

Whoa, Wednesday’s church council meeting was probably the wildest and most exciting I’ve experienced in a long time.

Settle in, this is a story …

Our Chin brothers and sisters of the Tasmanian Chin Christian Church are currently hosting a retreat/conference for 23 pastors from the Australian Chin Christian Church from across Australia.

Late on Wednesday ...

Salute to past and present

By Andrew Humphries

Andrea Wicks and Scots Uniting Church in Hobart go back a long way, all the way to 1952, in fact.

Andrea was baptised at Scots Presbyterian that year, married her husband Paul there in 1975, and for most of her life the historic church in Bathurst Street has been a constant companion on her faith journey.

With ...

The Joy of learning

By Andrew Humphries

To suggest Joy Han has a thirst for knowledge hardly does her justice.

Since deciding seven years ago to enrol in courses through Pilgrim Theological College, Joy has been a textbook study in success.

That success was recognised in March when the Northcote Uniting Church member was named Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar and also gave a short address at ...

Mission flies at Airport West

By Andrew Humphries

Ken Baker says while the Airport West Uniting Church congregation may be an ageing one, that doesn’t mean its members are resting on their laurels.

Church Council Chair Ken says congregation members have a big heart and believe that missional work and support for the community should be at the forefront of what they do.

“It’s a ...

Sharon returns to a new role

Describing a “deep sense of joy in coming home”, Rev Sharon Hollis was last week inducted into the role of Associate General Secretary in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.

The former UCA President takes on the role following the retirement of Isabel Thomas Dobson.

A large number of familiar faces were on hand at Wesley Place last Thursday to ...

Sisters forge a strong path

By Andrew Humphries

With the perfect role model right in front of them, Hobart twin sisters Grace and Ayla Williams are beginning to make their own mark on indigenous affairs within Tasmania.

In Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress Leprena manager Alison Overeem, Grace and Ayla have one of Tasmania’s most respected indigenous figures as their mentor, continuing a relationship ...

It’s time for a treaty

By Mark Zirnsak

Australian history is built on colonial conquest.

Some people talk about non-indigenous Australians living on “stolen” land.

For me, that does not cut it.

The British Empire did not travel to the South Pacific to do a spot of shoplifting.

The British Empire was built on brutal military conquest and exploitation of the people and lands conquered.

...

Climate right for action

By Andrew Humphries

Warragul Uniting Church member David Morison only has to listen to the sound of children playing at the adjacent St Andrew’s Kindergarten to know how important the battle against climate change has become.

As a grandfather himself, David worries about the world we will be leaving future generations if we don’t do all we can to limit ...

Small group with a big heart

By Talitha Fraser

At East Gippsland’s Johnsonville Uniting Church, a small congregation is showing a big commitment towards lifesaving health and wellbeing outcomes that start locally and extend across Oceania.

Working with Birthing Kit Foundation of Australia, Johnsonville members are saving the lives of mothers and babies in the Pacific Islands by providing a simple $5 birthing kit.

Wendy Flahive ...

Pilgrims find a new home

By Marina Williams

Moments after walking into worship at Pilgrim Uniting Church Yarraville, Lauris Knight felt comfortable.

By her third visit Lauris was certain and overcome with relief that she had found her new spiritual home.

“It was a powerful feeling, and one my friends felt, too,” she says, reflecting on the day nearly two years ago that marked the ...

Quiet achiever says farewell

By Andrew Humphries

Rev (Deacon) Dr Andy Calder likes to joke that it’s not retirement he headed into last month.

The word he prefers to use is ‘rewirement’, an opportunity to step back and see where new directions might take him.

Whatever the future holds, the quietly spoken former equipping Leadership for Mission staff member will leave huge shoes to ...

God’s servant fits the Bill

By Marina Williams

Celebrating 80 years of ministry, Rev Bill Morgan says he is living an extraordinary life, and one devoted to God, family and community.

An unwavering faith has provided the spiritual anchor and strength to guide him through more than a century of life, witnessing immense changes in the world – two world wars, global pandemics, economic depression, ...