By Andrew Humphries
At first glance, Rogers Park in Chicago and Coburg in inner Melbourne would appear to have little in common.
After all, more than 15,000km separate the two locations.
For Coburg Uniting Church Minister Rev Ron Rosinsky, though, there are more than a few similarities between them.
And Ron should know, having spent a considerable amount of time ...
Rafael: People with autism have trouble with their social, communication, and imagination skills. Autism presents in many different ways and impacts social interaction and understanding, communication and play, imagination, sensory processing, gross/fine motor skills, obsessions and rituals, routines and executive function.
While people on the autistic spectrum present differently, all have troubles in social interaction, understanding and imagination. There is ...
By Rachel Alembakis
When does a food truck become more than just a food truck?
When it delivers warmth, light and hope, along with meals.
The Cranbourne Food Truck, run by volunteers from the Cranbourne Uniting Church, doesn’t just serve food; it fills a critical gap in food relief by bringing meals and essential supplies directly to those in need.
By Cathy Withiel
It’s all about numbers.
Just ask Joan Tucker, who at the age of 95 still serves as treasurer at Pascoe Vale South Uniting Church.
Joan attends the church, so it made perfect sense to her to do the books as well.
But she doesn’t need a calculator to work out her equation for happiness.
“We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.” (Nicene Creed)
In the post-biblical book, the ‘Apocryphal Apocalypse of John’, the author imaginatively describes the disciple John quizzing Jesus about the afterlife. One of the topics that takes up several chapters is the nature of resurrected bodies. “In what form will they rise?” ...
By Marina Williams
As Rev Barbara Allen speaks, a soft purring fills the background.
It’s Leaf, her rescued cat, curled up beside her, in a quiet yet powerful reminder of the deep bond between humans and their animal companions.
A Uniting Church minister and pioneering chaplain at Lort Smith Animal Hospital in Melbourne, Barbara has spent years offering pastoral care ...
By Marina Williams
As Victoria advances its historic Treaty process, four Uniting Church congregations are taking a firm stand for justice and reconciliation.
A Treaty aims to recognise First Nations rights, address past injustices, and create pathways for self-determination.
Victoria began Treaty negotiations in 2019, led by the First Peoples’ Assembly.
By Mark Zirnsak
In November I went to Mexico for an international meeting on addressing forced labour in the production of goods that are exported across borders.
I had the opportunity to visit many of the temple ruins around Mexico city.
The history around the ruins aligned to my recent reading on empires.
By Marina Williams
At 100, Val Flitton remains a steadfast symbol of resilience, kindness, and service.
Having spent 86 years in Apollo Bay, she is deeply woven into the fabric of the community, and a woman known for her strength, faith, and dedication to others.
“She’s the kind of person who just keeps going,” says daughter Janny.
By Rev Michael Duke
“And the air guitar hero of Rowallan Park is … Will. Congratulations.”
The cheering and applause was deafening.
Will was a standout among an already outstanding cast of virtual virtuosos at our winter karaoke event.
A seasoned actor of some note, Will is no stranger to an adoring audience.
As a teenager, I recall being deeply moved by a sermon about how the love of God in Jesus transforms us, and how we can embody that kind of love as we seek to change the world for good.
At that time, there were several Biblical verses that came to resonate for me. Among them was the beginning of Psalm ...
By Andrea St Flour
In rural Australia, where the vast landscapes can feel isolating, the role of bush chaplains can be a beacon of hope.
Bush chaplain Noel knows firsthand the importance of being present for those facing life’s toughest challenges, such as grief and loss.
Meet Paul, a farmer who recently faced the heartbreaking loss of his son.