By Paola Rojas
As we embark on a new year, I’m excited about the opportunities to strengthen relationships and plan initiatives to inspire an emerging generation of young leaders within the network of UCA-associated schools.
In the past year, we ran an online survey and engaged in conversations with school principals and chaplains, gaining a deeper understanding of their needs ...
By Andrew Johnson
Three clear visions for the future of the Uniting Church were endorsed by consensus at the 17th Assembly last year:
Stream A: a vision for local communities of faith;
Stream B: a vision for a National Network for Theology, Formation and Leadership; and
Stream C: a vision for the ordering and resourcing of the wider Church.
Jesus’ ministry is not static. As we see in the gospel readings of this season, Jesus moves from the wilderness near the Jordan River through both the cities and the more remote parts of Galilee and Judea. He speaks, ministers and prays in synagogues and homes, mountains and plains, and calls disciples to follow him.
The results from two annual surveys to be sent out next month will provide a hugely important snapshot of how congregations are faring in Victoria and Tasmania.
Much like a visit to the doctor, the information gained from the Community Life Return and Financial Return gives the Synod an insight into the relative health of congregations.
Stunning new developments at two Uniting AgeWell residential aged care sites in Tasmania, representing a $53.4 million investment, were officially opened this week.
The state-of-the-art residential care wings at Uniting AgeWell Rosetta Community, Strathaven and Uniting AgeWell Mornington Community, Lillian Martin mark a new era in aged care.
They also reflect the organisation’s commitment to the growth of aged care ...
A number of people with Uniting Church connections have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours List.
The late Paul Richard Madden was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for significant service to the community through social welfare organisations, social policy development, and the arts.
“It’s a ministry of presence, and I’m here to provide support to the community, whatever that may be.”
That’s how bush chaplain Peter Harvey sums up his new job on the west coast of Tasmania.
It’s early days, but already he’s making connections and having in-depth conversations about what people need to support, strengthen, and build up their community.
When Antoinette turned 80, she was asked the inevitable question: “what do you want for your birthday?”
She felt she didn’t need anything, but she did know people who were in need – people doing it tough in the outback.
So, in lieu of presents, she asked her family, friends, and her congregation in South Australia to give a ...
By Marina Williams
In the picturesque city of Bairnsdale, nestled in the heart of East Gippsland, the Uniting Church congregation is a shining example of one deeply committed to serving.
With a rich history spanning 157 years, this lively church and its pastoral care list of 100 people has woven itself into the fabric of the region, becoming a hub ...
By Andrew Humphries
When theologian, academic and author Miguel De La Torre delivered the Northey Lecture at the Centre for Theology and Ministry in September, he had a slightly unusual message for those in the audience.
It’s time, he said, to abandon the concept of hope as a theological principle when fighting for a more just world.
By Meg Hocking
In 2017, as Melbourne gained media attention for attempts to ‘clean up’ its city in preparation for the Australian Open and summer crowds, St Leonard’s Uniting Church Brighton member Barry Schofield saw an opportunity.
It was while watching a news clip of police ‘moving on’ a group of rough sleepers at Flinders Street Station, that ideas first ...
By Andrew Humphries
Every Thursday for a few hours, a keen group of volunteers get together at a building in Brighton to gather and sort through hundreds of stamps.
They don’t make much of a fuss about what they are up to, but their efforts continue a remarkable story which began over 100 years ago.