Monday
I am up at 5.10am and begin preparing for the day ahead and the journey to Dhurringile Prison in Shepparton.
I also prepare a prison bag (a plastic clear bag which is passed through by security at prisons) with printed items for service and communion at Dhurringile. On the way I stop at Tatura township, and buy two rolls ...
By Andrew Humphries
How a future Uniting Church will look at both a national and state level, the announcement of our next Moderator-elect, and the resolution of some thought-provoking proposals were all part of Synod 2023 in Melbourne last month.
Box Hill Town Hall was the venue in November for four days of deep discernment and discussion around important issues ...
By Andrew Humphries
When Rev Salesi Faupula talks about the benefits of multiculturalism within the Uniting Church, he can back it up through his own life story.
And that story will be an important part of what informs his work as Moderator when he steps into the role in 18 months.
“O that you would tear up the heavens and come down.”
So begins one of the passages from Isaiah that we hear among the Bible readings set between now and Christmas.
I hear in it a plea for God to not be silent, but to come and intervene for the sake of God’s people.
The UCA VicTas Synod has announced two appointments within the equipping Leadership for Mission unit.
Rev Sandy Brodine will join the team as Younger Generations – Education and Strategy Co-ordinator, while Rev David Dong Won Kim will fill the role of Multicultural Ministries Coordinator.
Sandy is currently one of the ministers in placement at the Banyule Network.
By Andrew Humphries
Synod 2023 has wrapped up after four fruitful days of discernment and discussion around matters of importance to Uniting Church members in Victoria and Tasmania.
Moderator Rev David Fotheringham brought the final day of the four-day gathering at Box Hill Town Hall to a close this afternoon, with Closing Eucharist and the commissioning of elected members.
By Andrew Humphries
Robust discussion exploring important proposals in great detail was an important part of day three of Synod 2023 today.
A proposal relating to reducing the harm of prohibited drugs as part of a move towards a health-based approach, one moving towards zero emissions, and another on secure work were explored today by Synod members.
By Andrew Humphries
Day two of Synod 2023 featured the announcement of Rev Salesi Faupula as Moderator-elect, a diverse range of discussion topics for members and, for the first time at a Synod Meeting since 2019, a Tributes Service recognising Ministers’ milestones.
Today also marked the first time elective sessions had been held at a Synod Meeting.
Rev Salesi Faupula has today been named Moderator-elect of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.
Moderator Rev David Fotheringham this afternoon announced the result of the Moderator-elect ballot, to rapturous applause from Synod members gathered at Box Hill Town Hall.
“We thank you Lord for Salesi’s life and ministry, and his willingness to heed the call,” David said.
By Andrew Humphries
Synod 2023 is officially under way, with Opening Worship at the Salvation Army Hall in Box Hill this morning marking the start of four days of discernment, discussion and connection among members.
Indigenous Christian leader, writer, educator and poet Brooke Prentis was the guest preacher during Opening Worship, while Pilgrim Theological College’s Rev Robyn Whitaker is leading ...
Wesley Church Melbourne has announced the appointment of Acting Head of Pilgrim Theological College Rev Associate Professor Robyn Whitaker to the role of Director of The Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics and Public Policy.
The centre, to be launched early next year, is a collaboration between Wesley Church, Uniting Vic.Tas, Uniting AgeWell, UEthical, and the eLM unit of the Synod ...
Pilgrim Theological College graduating students were celebrated at a valedictory service last Friday, with some words of inspiration sending them on their way.
“You do have enough and you are enough,” said Rev Rachel Kronberger in her homily to the students at the ceremony held at the Centre for Theology and Ministry.