By Rebecca Beisler
When Rev Sharon Hollis was named President-elect of the Uniting Church in Australia, the world was a different place. It was pre-COVID-19.
Earlier this year, Sharon was installed as the next President, the third woman to hold the post, the first ordained woman and the first person, irrespective of gender, to take up the position in an ...
By Andrew Humphries
It’s 11am on a Friday in early June and a group of Banyule Network of Uniting Churches members are meeting online as part of a regular weekly gathering.
It has become a favourite part of the week for them as they embrace a different type of worship and prayer.
By Donald Moss
Laurenne Robertson admits to becoming quite emotional when she talks about what the Neil Street Uniting Church means to her.
That’s hardly surprising, given the fact that five generations of her family have worshipped at the historic church on Ballarat’s Soldiers Hill.
In fact, the site contains three distinct churches, making it, Laurenne believes, unique in Australia.
...
By Andrew Humphries
On November 11, 1880, bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged at Old Melbourne Gaol, reportedly uttering the phrase “such is life” as he met the noose.
Kelly’s death came just 46 years after pioneer Edward Henty had established Victoria’s first European settlement at Portland Bay, 360km west of Melbourne, in 1834.
More courage needed
By Andrew Corkill
I often wonder what is next for the Uniting Church? It seems to me that the Uniting Church is now getting middle-aged. Like me, the spark and fervour of youth are fading. Wrinkles are forming, and ruts that I once railed against are feeling like a pair of old slippers, comfortable.
Rev Sani Vaeluaga has done many wonderful things in his time as a Minister, but one of the most memorable occurred recently when he fulfilled a 101-year-old woman’s dearest wish.
On May 20, Sani had the remarkable honour of baptising Lara aged care resident Evelyn (Eve) Crumpton.
Sani and Eve’s pastoral carer, Beryl Kenny, conducted the baptism, while her family ...
Several weeks ago, we celebrated the 44th anniversary of the Uniting Church. Many congregations and communities of faith marked that in worship, reflecting on the prayer of Jesus that so inspired the UCA’s formation back in 1977.
It was John 17:11 – “that they may be one” – a prayer that, in our hearts and lives, God may be glorified. ...
The first-ever online meeting for the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia took place over the weekend, with former Synod Moderator Rev Sharon Hollis installed as President.
In two historical and joyful moments for the Church, the 16th Assembly installed Sharon as its third woman President and declared Rev Charissa Suli the new President-elect, making her the youngest and ...
Corner Inlet Uniting Church Parish members were delighted to welcome Moderator Denise Liersch last Sunday, as she travels around the Gippsland region meeting with congregations.
Minister Rev Jennie Gordon says it was wonderful to have an opportunity to chat with Denise and share a deep sense of fellowship.
“Denise came to share worship and lunch with us at Foster ...
National Assembly President Deidre Palmer had the opportunity to hear from some of the UC’s younger Victorian members during an online conversation last weekend.
As part of her President’s Roundtable, Deidre chatted via Zoom with a number of UC members aged between 18 and 25 to hear their views on a range of topics.
Last Friday, I had the chance to visit Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Narana is a significant centre of ministry of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress in Victoria.
With extended lockdowns, travel and gathering restrictions, this was the first time in a long time since I’d been there. I picked up Uncle Vince Ross, State Elder for ...
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 ...