By Andrew Humphries
While all Synod Meetings are important, General Secretary, Rev Dr Mark Lawrence says there is something particularly special about any that include the installation of a new Moderator for the Church in Victoria and Tasmania.
Such an occasion will take place at Kingswood College in Box Hill on August 30, when Rev Salesi Faupula is installed as ...
By Andrew Humphries
When Rev Salesi Faupula is installed as Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania later this month, it will be 25 years since the death of his father Haloti.
Yet Haloti continues to have a profound influence on Salesi’s faith journey.
In a real sense, Salesi is the son who followed in his father’s footsteps.
How would you best sum up your time as Moderator?
Deeply engaging and immensely fulfilling. I’ve been privileged to see an enormous variety of the worship, witness and service of the Uniting Church. God calls people in worship and service in such a wonderful variety of ways. The Synod’s Vision statement really captures it for me: it’s about following Christ ...
By Andrew Humphries
I never had the pleasure of meeting Rev William (Bill) Pugh, but every so often he would send me through by email another contribution for the monthly collection of online pew sheets for congregations to use.
It was obvious from reading each one that here was a gentleman with a deep and abiding faith, and a love ...
By Rachel Alembakis
When you arrive at Hampton Park Uniting Church, the first thing you notice is its vibrancy.
A thriving vegetable garden flourishes in one corner of the property, while late-summer flowers explode in a riot of colour.
On the forecourt in front of the church, at least three separate services provide visitors with information and guidance.
Fiona Bottcher, Master of Theological Studies/Graduate Diploma of Theology
Fiona had great support from her ministry team when she first thought about enrolling.
When she graduated, her spiritual care skills were in demand.
“I was ordained as Covid-19 made the news. My placement as the Mental Health Ministry Coordinator (Sunshine) has involved building and supporting both a Men’s ...
By Marina Williams
As Victoria seeks public consultation on new laws to restrict protests near places of worship, there’s concern about impacts on civil liberties, religious safety, and social cohesion.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the proposed legislation in December 2024, citing a rise in “antisemitic incidents”, including the bombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, and a growing ...
By Andrew Humphries
When Rev Mat Harry talks to congregations and faith communities in Victoria and Tasmania, he imparts one simple message.
There is no limit, he says in his role as New and Renewing Communities Catalyst, to what can be achieved through a positive mindset and one open to change.
By Aileen Muldoon
When Bronwyn Pike steps down as the CEO of Uniting Vic.Tas at the end of this month, she will call time on an extraordinary career of dedicated public service which has its roots in her Christian faith and commitment to the Uniting Church.
Brought up in the Methodist Church, Bronwyn’s parents were dedicated evangelical Christians.
By Andrew Humphries
When Associate General Secretary Rev Sharon Hollis celebrated International Women’s Day at a special event in March, it was an ideal opportunity to promote another cause very close to her heart.
During her role as Uniting Church in Australia President from 2021-24, Sharon was installed as an ambassador for the Thursdays in Black movement, a role she ...
By Andrew Humphries
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
Viliami Vea knows what it means to lay down his life for someone.
In his case it was for his seriously ill sister Fe’ofa’aki Helotu, and Viliami didn’t hesitate when he was asked to put his life on the line ...
Each day, if you were to go out with Uniting Vic.Tas workers, you would see rough sleepers who have jobs and go to work.
You would also see mums with children, fleeing from violent partners, and whole families couch surfing, living in their cars, or camping in tents.
And you would meet caring young mums like Grace* who urgently needed ...