By Frank Porter
In early 2009, Jhez was in that happy space where the future looks assured and alluring. Safe in a stable relationship, Jhez, then 29, had just fallen pregnant and the thought of impending motherhood filled her with overwhelming joy and unbridled optimism.
Seven months later, however, her world imploded. She was no longer with her partner and ...
By Andrew Humphries
While ministers Bronwyn Daniels and Joseph Lee have only known each other for a relatively short period, spend some time with both and it’s obvious there is an easy rapport between them.
And that’s important because, as joint ministers at newly formed Kew Uniting Church, they have a major role to play in driving the congregation forward.
...
By Rev Dr Garry Deverell
The University of Divinity, Australia’s oldest and largest theological school, will soon launch an Indigenous Studies Centre.
The centre will encourage the development of Christian theologies that have their roots as much in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander imaginations as they do in the perspectives brought from Europe by colonists.
By Andrew Humphries
When Uniting Church volunteers at Hamilton’s Argyle Shop in western Victoria recently received a complaint about access issues for a person using a wheelchair, it shone a light on the wider issue of disability inclusion.
And, in that sense, it became a learning tool for everyone involved.
By Andrew Humphries
When Rev Mat Harry was appointed to the role of New and Renewing Communities Catalyst in 2018, one of his tasks was to investigate how he could assist the Church to drive new forms of Christian community.
That task took on a greater sense of urgency in March last year when COVID-19, and subsequent lockdowns, meant a ...
By Andrew Humphries
We take it for granted that any church, including the Uniting Church, should be a home for those marginalised in society due to mental health issues.
Surely, we say, at the very least acceptance lies at the heart of what any church, or faith community, should be offering those in need, and any person facing mental distress ...
By Andrew Humphries
The tributes flowed freely at Wesley Place yesterday as Synod staff farewelled Sharon Hollis.
The former Moderator and current Culture of Safety Resource Minister is leaving her Synod role to become Assembly President from July.
General Secretary Mark Lawrence, Associate General Secretary Isabel Thomas Dobson and Ethical Standards Manager Sue Clarkson spoke glowingly about Sharon’s contribution to ...
By Andrew Humphries
As National Reconciliation Week begins, Tasmania’s Leprena Centre manager, Alison Overeem, is urging Australia’s Second Peoples to continue on the journey with our First Peoples towards a mutual understanding.
“When we gather, we gather with a takila (heart) for each other’s narratives, not just on the surface but digging deep into the many layers of stories, that ...
By Andrew Humphries
It was a simple walk but it held plenty of significance for those who hope for a better path between Australia’s First and Second Peoples.
A “walk on country” was one of the highlights of the Uluru Statement from the Heart camp at Adekate Lodge, near Creswick, last week.
From today (April 23) it is mandatory for all churches in Victoria to keep attendance records via a QR code.
Keeping those attendance records is now a legal requirement.
If it hasn’t done so already, a church must register for a unique QR code and it will be provided with a link for an A4 poster containing that QR code ...
By Cathy Withiel
Helen Malins had no idea when she volunteered to take part in groundbreaking research that it would end up almost saving her life and allow her to resume her passion for travelling.
The feisty 80-year-old, who normally exercises three times a week at the AgeWell centre’s seniors gym in Hawthorn, took part in 2019 in the Your ...
By Andrew Humphries
If you’ll pardon the pun, acclaimed chef and cookbook author Gabriel Gaté had the audience eating out of his hand at North Ringwood Uniting Church yesterday.
The occasion was the launch of the fifth edition of one of Australia’s most enduring guides to cooking, the PWMU Cookbook.
Since the first edition in 1904, the cookbook has become ...