By Andrea St Flour
In rural Australia, where the vast landscapes can feel isolating, the role of bush chaplains can be a beacon of hope.
Bush chaplain Noel knows firsthand the importance of being present for those facing life’s toughest challenges, such as grief and loss.
Meet Paul, a farmer who recently faced the heartbreaking loss of his son.
By Alisha Fung
I became a Christian because of a spiritual experience in a Pentecostal church service.
It felt like how Julia Baird describes ‘awe’ in her book ‘Phosphorescence’: an experience that humbles us, makes us aware we are part of something larger, makes us kinder and more selfless.
By Marina Williams
The Middle East has long been synonymous with protracted conflict and division, yet amidst the turmoil, many individuals persist in the quest for a just and lasting peace.
In joining or forming organisations such as Roots/Shorashim/Judur, The Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF), Peace Now, Refuser Solidarity Network (RSN), and Wi’am: The Palestinian Conflict Transformation Center, these ...
By Andrew Humphries
As the cost of living continues to bite hard, a community service organisation in Tasmania’s northern midlands is helping to make life slightly easier for those needing help.
Like so many emergency relief and support agencies, Longford’s The Helping Hand wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for a group of committed volunteers.
By Andrew Humphries
It may be relatively small in size, but a garden in front of the Healesville Yarra Glen Uniting Church is making a big statement about how congregations can walk together with our First Nations people.
In October last year, years of planning came to fruition with the official opening of the indigenous garden at the Healesville church.
...
By Andrew Humphries
Twenty years after his death, Kirk Robson’s legacy continues to live on within the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania.
A talented theatre director, performer, filmmaker and community cultural development worker, Kirk was killed in a car accident in 2005.
Every other year, the Synod invites applications for people seeking financial assistance through the Kirk Robson Theology and ...
By Andrew Humphries
From motorbike postie to driving instructor, Debbie Bye has enjoyed an interesting and varied career.
Yet it’s in radio and, more specifically, Christian radio that the current Presbytery of Gippsland Missional Support Resource Minister and Presbytery Secretary has had the greatest impact.
Debbie’s outstanding commitment to Christian radio in Australia was recognised last year when she received ...
By Cathy Withiel
Joan Carboon’s loyalty to Australia is forever.
As a teenager she pounded out the dot.dot.dash morse code signals during World War II.
Nearly 80 years later, she’s sorting through her memorabilia to donate items to the Australian Naval Museum.
One of her precious medals is the commemorative badge awarded to her by Queen Elizabeth in 2010.
The Centre for Theology and Ministry in Parkville hosted the Ministry and Mission Day today, marking the commencement of the year for both equipping Leadership for Mission and Pilgrim Theological College.
Proceedings began with a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony by Colin Hunter Jnr from Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, before a Worship Service led by Moderator Rev David ...
By Andrew Humphries
In the small town of Sheffield in Tasmania’s north-west, a Uniting Church congregation is proving that a substantial drop in membership doesn’t have to mean the end of a church’s role in the community.
Sheffield Uniting Church celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2022 and, thanks to the efforts of a small but enthusiastic group, it continues to ...
By Andrew Humphries
A gathering of young culturally and linguistically diverse Uniting Church members last year has laid a strong platform for participation at this year’s Synod Meeting.
Moderator Rev David Fotheringham and Moderator-elect Rev Salesi Faupula attended the Feast of Faith intercultural gathering in September and encouraged CALD members to embrace the opportunity to have a say at Synod ...
By Mark Zirnsak
Over the summer, I was challenged in my existing understanding of the church’s role in society by reading Robert Putnam and Shaylyn Romney Garrett’s ‘The Upswing’.
Published in 2020, it covers the US’s cultural, social, political, religious and economic history over 125 years.
While needing to be cautious about assuming trends in the US can be transferred ...