Regions set for the future

By Andrew Humphries

In the village of Ross in Tasmania’s midlands sits what may well be one of the most distinctive churches in the country.

The Ross Uniting Church, formerly a Wesleyan Methodist Church, was built around 1885 and has long been a popular attraction, its beautiful stonework inviting spectacular photos.

Presbytery of Tasmania Chairperson Rohan Pryor is justifiably proud ...

Fond farewell for Chris

By Andrew Humphries

As Chris Barnett reflects on many years of service within the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, he hopes he has been able to broaden thinking around the many benefits offered through ministry with children and families.

Chris was farewelled this week at a Release of Ties service at the Centre for Theology and Ministry in Parkville, bringing ...

Fossil fuels feel the heat

The Uniting Church was represented at a multi-faith prayer service in Sydney yesterday as part of a week of action protesting against fossil fuels.

The action has been initiated by the global Catholic Laudato Si’ Movement, and Australian people of faith and their organisations are being encouraged to consider divesting from fossil fuels as part of their broader responsibility to ...

New roles celebrated

The Centre for Theology and Ministry in Parkville was the setting yesterday for a celebration of ministry as five Uniting Church members were commissioned and inducted into new roles within the Synod.

Duncan Macleod was inducted as Executive Officer within equipping Leadership for Mission, as the permanent replacement for former Executive Officer Jenny Byrnes.

“I see the role of eLM ...

Disability plan launched

 

A residential development in Tasmania for people with disabilities was the perfect venue to launch the Synod’s 2023-26 Disability Action Plan last Saturday.

The Presbytery of Tasmania hosted the launch, held at Rowallan Park.

Supported accommodation is provided for people with disabilities on-site at Rowallan Park, which has a strong connection to the Kingston Uniting Church congregation.

Synod Disability ...

Ten days and counting

By Andrew Humphries

In November last year, Horsham UC member Jonathan Sehoolderman’s artistic talent went on show with an exhibition of his work.

The exhibition proved to be one of the high points of what had otherwise been a forgettable 18 months for the Dimboola resident.

In fact, if it wasn’t for the outlet provided by his art, Jonathan isn’t ...

Two hearts beat as one

By Andrew Humphries

American statesman Benjamin Franklin is often credited with the line that there is nothing certain in life, except death and taxes.

As time marches on, perhaps there is one more certainty in life we can add to Franklin’s list, and it’s one that has serious implications for religious organisations such as the Uniting Church.

An ageing demographic ...

Warm welcome for refugees

By Donald Moss

Imagine entering Australia as a refugee from Afghanistan more than a decade ago, leaving behind your wife and seven children.

Where would you turn for help? Who would be there to assist you in your darkest moments in this strange and bewildering new country?

In Victoria’s northwest, the answer is the Swan Hill Uniting Church.

The church’s ...

Stephen pays it forward

By Donald Moss

More than 20 years ago, actors Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment starred in a well-received movie called Pay It Forward.

Its simple premise, based on the novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde, was that rather than paying someone back for a favour, the recipient would do a favour for three other people.

Since then, the ...

Talkin’ ’bout my generation

By Andrew Humphries

If you happen to bump into Kelly Skilton at a Uniting Church service or function somewhere, she is bound to make an instant impression on you.

Her bright green hair is an immediate attention grabber, but there is much more of substance happening beneath all of that.

The Murrumbeena UC member has a deep commitment to her ...

Alistair heads into retirement

By Rev Rachel Kronberger

Rev Alistair Macrae retired on Sunday after 38 years of faithful and transformative ministry in the Uniting Church.

The morning service concluded Alistair’s ministry placement at Wesley Church and a retirement celebration was held at Wesley Place, featuring a ‘this is your (ministry) life’ reflection from each ministry placement.

Memories were shared of Alistair’s youthful enthusiasm ...

Taking the helm at eLM

Interview by Andrew Humphries

Thanks for the opportunity to have a chat, Duncan. Let’s start at the beginning. You were born and raised in New Zealand. Tell me about your childhood.

I’m the seventh of eight children and I spent my early life in rural Southland, on the South Island, on a sheep farm. My dad had acquired the property ...