History was created recently when the Uniting Church’s Synod of Victoria and Tasmania and the Anglican Church put pen to paper on a significant agreement.
On August 23, agreement was reached to adopt a series of documents outlining reciprocal protocols regarding clearance for ministry, guidelines for co-operation in congregational activity, a model Memorandum of Understanding for joint congregations, and a ...
By Andrew Humphries
It’s fair to say that life presents many challenges when it comes to parenting.
After all, there is no ‘to-do’ manual and it’s a constant case of learning on the job.
But what about those times when your child or children are at school and you have no real say in what is happening to them during ...
By Andrew Humphries
When Wesley Hobart Museum co-ordinator Rev Karen Woolford wanders through the building, she is acutely aware that she is within touching distance of so much Tasmanian history.
It’s a history which dates back to 1658 and, as the keeper of the secrets of the museum and small library which forms part of it, Karen recognises that her ...
By Andrew Humphries
Thanks for the opportunity for a chat, Isabel. Can I start by asking how you are feeling ahead of your September 30 retirement?
At this stage I know it’s coming and I feel it’s just the right thing to do. But I’m focusing very much on all the things that are here waiting to be done, and ...
By Andrew Humphries
In July next year, Uniting Church members from around Australia will gather at the 17th Assembly with one hugely important item on the agenda.
In fact, in terms of the Church’s sustainability, the item up for discussion couldn’t be more important, with the decisions that arise from it set to chart our future course for many years ...
By Andrew Humphries
If Hollywood is looking for its next big blockbuster, it need look no further than the remarkable life of Dr Jacob Atem.
Jacob’s story contains all the ingredients needed for a hit movie.
How about this for a plot.
At the age of six in 1991, Jacob and his cousin are forced to flee from their village ...
As the Uniting Church considers its future direction through the Act2 Project, the relationship between its congregations and agencies is an important part of that discussion.
A new book launched yesterday tackles the issue through a series of essays exploring the consequences of changes in church and society, the growing dependence of agencies on government funding, and issues of compliance, ...
Sunday
While I have my regular and essential morning cup of tea, I re-read this day’s worship service, tweak and make note of any changes in my sermon, remembering that in this service they will receive and discuss the annual report.
Arrive and set up worship space. Milly, my chocolate Labrador, is a beloved member of the congregation here, where ...
The weekly Bible readings in the lectionary recently included the Matthew 10 story of Jesus calling together a groups of apostles, authorising them and sending them out in mission.
Matthew notes that among them are an Indigenous person, a person who worked for the Romans, a person who would betray Jesus, and more. Like the 72 who are sent out ...
It’s a fair change from sunny Queensland to the depths of a Melbourne winter, but it’s one Nia Lavaki is embracing in her new role within the equipping Leadership for Mission team in Parkville.
Nia has taken on the role of Younger Generations-Multicultural Ministries Co-ordinator within eLM and brings an impressive background in youth and multicultural ministry with her.
By Andrew Humphries
Manningham Uniting Church member Marion Bailes’ commitment to helping those less fortunate than herself has been a strong guiding principle for many years.
The retired GP has been at the coalface in helping refugees and asylum seekers adapt to and make sense of the strange new country called Australia they choose to call home.
By Andrew Humphries
As a 16-year-old student, Claire Harvey was already asking herself whether planet earth had a long-term future, as the impacts of climate change began to emerge.
Thirty years later, The Village Uniting Church member is one of the many people at the forefront of the campaign to raise awareness around what climate change means in 2023.