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.
By Ross Mouer
Issues such as abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, “transgendering”, gender-based role designations, and conversion therapy have dominated the media over the second half of my life.
With our prime minister this year joining the Mardi Gras parade for the first time, it may be a good time for Christians to reflect on how issues related to sexuality ...
Rev Deacon Peter Batten
Synod is an opportunity for the whole church to come together and discuss important issues of faith, mission, ministry and governance, and to recognise that although times are tough God has not left the church. Through the Bible studies, the daily gatherings, and opening and closing worships we come together as a people of faith to ...
By Rev Dr Peter Blackwood
I sing in choirs and have sung oratorios and masses, operas and requiems, Bach, Mozart, Rachmaninoff and The Beatles.
Now, for the first time, I am singing science.
‘Origins’, to be performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre next month, is an oratorio by Jenny Graves and Leigh Hay with music by Nicholas Buc. This account ...
Victorian Uniting Church member Kate Jenkins has been honoured for her extensive work in human rights by being made an Officer in the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Kate was honoured for “distinguished service to human rights governance, to advancing gender equity, to the promotion of inclusivity, and to the law”.
By Andrew Humphries
On May 21 last year, Anthony Albanese began his speech as newly elected Prime Minister of Australia by making a heartfelt promise to our First Nations people.
“I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet,” he told the nation.
“I pay my respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.
By Meg Hocking
They say the eyes are a window to the soul and the smile a front door to your heart.
When you speak with Nancy, it’s difficult not to be captured by her warmth, her care for others and her kindness.
However, behind her beaming smile and infectious personality, Nancy is a pillar of resilience, strength and courage.
...