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.
By Ivan Badcock
I grew up in a Methodist family and was baptised at the Bracknell Methodist Church in 1943, travelling there by horse and jinker.
Sunday School was attended from the age of five at the Little Hampton Methodist Church, about 1.5 miles from the family farm.
In the early years we reached Sunday School on dad’s bicycle, with ...
By Marcus Campbell
Christmas brings out our best selves.
We love to give and be generous to our loved ones, our neighbours and even strangers.
The holiday season carves out precious time to spend with family and friends and, when times are good, there’s extra food and presents to share.
We’re annoyed by the consumerist culture that pressures us to ...
In the Australian outback, Christmas can be quiet.
In some remote communities, there won’t be Christmas carols in the air.
In some faraway properties, children won’t have presents to unwrap come Christmas morning.
The sad reality is that children in rural and remote areas often miss out, not just at Christmas but all year round.
By Aimée Keay
For 75 years, church communities have been uniting through the Christmas Bowl to give hope to families who are displaced.
In 1949, Rev Frank Byatt first laid a bowl of remembrance on the Christmas dinner table asking his family to “share your good dinner with hungry children in other lands”.
By Mark Zirnsak
With Advent upon us, I have been reflecting on Charles Dickens’ 1843 ‘A Christmas Carol’ and its connections to the New Testament.
Dickens follows Ebenezer Scrooge, intent on hoarding wealth, as three spirits visit him.
Professor of theological studies Matthew Robert Anderson postulates that the Biblical inspiration for the story is the parable of the rich man and Lazarus ...