In thinking about that text I had not long returned from visiting the annual meeting of the Northern Synod. Over the course of those four days I heard several stories that came to my mind as I thought about this shocking story from within the Abraham cycle of stories.

One does have to wonder why Israel preserved this story. It certainly reflects badly on Abraham and, if Abraham is understood to have properly grasped God’s will, it also reflects very badly on God. Perhaps one of the reasons that it was preserved lies in reminding ourselves of the relationship between God, Abraham and Isaac – the boy who in the story is more than once referred to “as your only son”.

Abraham had left behind his lands and his kinship relationships on the strength of a call and promise from God. All the reference points for his identity, power, wealth and relevance were abandoned because he was convinced that God had a better future in store for him – one that included being a father of many nations. We first meet Abraham as he abandons his past.

Isaac is the sign that the promise is coming to pass. Isaac, in his very person, is the guarantor that God is faithful. Isaac is the child of promise – and Abraham is asked to give up the sign and still trust in God’s faithfulness and promise. Abraham is asked to engage in an act of radical abandonment. The God who has asked Abraham to surrender all his reference points of value and make a life without them is now asked to abandon all ability to control his future. Israel may have remembered this story because this was her calling – to live between the time of her call as a people and the fulfilment of her hopes – with no resources other than the faithfulness of God’s provision.

In the stories I heard at the Northern Synod I saw people showing a willingness to live with this kind of radical abandonment of their future. Space does not permit a full telling here but briefly, three examples. The Bible studies were around the Assembly Statement “An Economy of Life” which invites us to re-imagine the world in a different kind of social order. The members of the Synod showed openness to taking the risk of radical change not knowing what it would mean for them. There was the story of the very poor single mum who felt called to prepare a baby basket as a gift to give before Christmas to the local church Op Shop in the confidence that God could use it. She expended her meagre resources not knowing how she would provide for her family at Christmas in hope that God would use her faithfulness. And the gift found an unexpected home and person to bless. The third story is of a young couple of teachers who are committing themselves to live very long term in a remote aboriginal community because they feel called to give up their future to the purposes of God.

Perhaps you have such bold, frightening and encouraging stories of hope to tell in your community. I hope so.

As many of you will be aware, Alice Springs has experienced difficult times lately; and generally indigenous communities continue to face significant challenges. Our Church continues to express concern about the destructive aspects of the federal Government Intervention in the Northern Territory. Amongst the stories of struggle we also heard of the desire of communities in the APY lands to translate the Old Testament into their language. A huge project but the enthusiasm is high. Just enter ‘Coordinating Support for Indigenous Scriptures’ into your search engine and that should take you to the website showing how to support their work.

It was an auspicious start to the day. Heads of Australian churches and their representatives joined together in Old Parliament House to discuss how they could work together to assist families affected by gambling.

Rev. Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision, chaired the meeting and reminded the room that gambling has been an issue of concern for Christian leaders for a long time and is one of the issues that unites the churches and allows them to find a common ground.

The Taskforce is putting together a kit for a grass roots campaign aimed at helping people in local congregations share their concerns with their local communities, including their local Federal MP. It is hoped the message will filter through to local communities through the unique networks of each of the churches represented on the Taskforce. The Clubs have mounted a marginal seat campaign. Its important that our local politicians know there are two sides to every story and its our responsibility to make our voices heard in our own communities.

To this end, Rev. Macrae shot a short video about the issue to let Uniting Church people know about the work that is being done in this area and the reforms the Uniting Church supports. 

“With 90,000 problem gamblers losing an average of $21,000 each a year, gambling in Australia is a huge issue and more power needs to be given to the consumer so they can set their loss limits,” said Rev. Costello.

“600,000 Australians play poker machines on a weekly basis, and around 200,000 of this group are people who have a moderate or severe problem with gambling.

“Mandatory limits allow people, in a sober moment, to say: ‘I can’t afford another $300 this month.’

“We have limits on the amount we can safely drink, and it’s illegal to serve alcohol to someone who is intoxicated. It’s mandatory to wear a seatbelt even though the catastrophic consequences of car accidents are rare considering the number of people who travel in a car every day. There are limits on where people can smoke in order to limit the impact of passive smoking.

“And so it should be that children, families, colleagues and whole communities should be protected from the devastating impact of someone’s addiction to poker machines,” said Rev. Costello.

The task group will continue to work together to support the Federal Government’s historic reforms which will help protect children and families from the impact of problem gambling, to protect families from the worst effects of problem gambling.

“We’ll be keeping the church updated on our work and asking for their support over the coming months,” said Rev. Macrae.

“I’m excited that Australian churches are speaking with one voice to our Federal politicians on this issue and hopeful about the change we can help bring about for families affected by problem gambling.”

The world is full of more interesting people doing different things than it’s possible to imagine. Right now, at this exact moment, people your age are herding cattle, nursing babies, creating artworks, playing sport, fighting wars, fighting for acceptance or laughing as hard as they can. They may look different and act differently to you and your own tribe, but probably you have more in common than you realise.

So this month we’re introducing people who may not be part of your tribe. They are students from Shalom College – a Christian boarding school in Townsville for indigenous young people who often come from remote areas to study at Shalom. They’ve given the Transit Lounge a snap shot of who they are and their lives, to share their stories and faith with those they’ve never met. Meet them here.

There have been lots of expressions of interest and inquiries already which is great. Applications close at the end of September. You can download application forms and promotional resources from the website.

Indigenous people from Congress will be hosting the About FACE participants and helping them grow in their understanding of how better to be the people of God together. About FACE is a time to make great friendships, do some soul searching, enjoy great fun and expand our life experience and world view in Christ.

Check out the updated website or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

She said the move signalled a commitment by Frontier Services to continue providing community care services to the Kununurra community.

“Frontier Services is very grateful to Home and Community Care (HACC) Western Australia for its contribution to the cost of the building and also to Lotterywest which provided more than $200,000 to fit out the building and landscape the site.” The WA Country Health Service provided the land for the facility.

Both clients and staff have enjoyed the new, larger Community Care premises, said Ms Thomson-Harry.

More than 40 clients from the Kununurra area are using the new building.

Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, up to 24 clients attend the centre for a hot breakfast, shower and to catch up with each other.

From Monday to Friday, more than 30 lunch time Meals on Wheels are delivered.

The centre can now accommodate six clients twice a week for overnight respite in order to give their carers some time off.

Surprised and delighted at the honour, Stephanie said she had always been passionate about working with people who have dementia.

“It is extremely rewarding to see someone whose life has changed because of some intervention you have made,” said Stephanie.

“I love to see someone smile, more than anything. Particularly someone that hasn’t smiled in a while.”

Ms Charlesworth provides clinical support, information and advice, assessment, short-term case management and education to carers and those with dementia.

She recently began learning a local Indigenous language to help her better communicate with and understand clients in East Arnhem Land.

The annual SA and NT Aged and Community Services awards recognise the achievements of aged care professionals, providers and organisations that care for older people.

Stephanie is now in the running for the national awards run by national peak body Aged and Community Services Australia in September.

Gather friends, family or workmates in the backyard, paddock or courtyard to enjoy each other’s company around the BBQ. Anyone who signs up will be sent a BBQ Host Pack including posters, invitations, recipes, fundraising ideas and more. All money raised will go towards the work of Frontier Services. Go to  Frontier Services's website and look for the Great Outback BBQ logo to download your registration form or call 1300 787 247 and ask for Jacqueline to register your event.

Ms Eldrene March International/Ecumenical Liaison Officer will attend on behalf of Adult Fellowship as a voting member for the UCA. Denise Champion, a candidate for Ministry with SA Synod will accompany Eldrene as our indigenous representative. Denise is sponsored by the National Committee and several UCAF Synod Committees.

Denise has been a faithful member of UAICC for many years, and has worked on the SA regional council and as the state's women’s coordinator and other projects. We are pleased Denise accepted this invitation to attend.

UnitingWorld has launched the ‘Uncompromising Compassion’ appeal to support the Rason Humanitarian project, which encompasses a hostel for orphaned children, a tuberculosis clinic and hospital, a computer school and a nursing school.

To find out more about the appeal visit the UnitingWorld’s website.

John Barr, Associate Director – Church Solidarity (Asia) has visited North Korea a number of times. You can read his reflections on his blog.

Take Rev Dr David Reichardt, Presbytery Minister at Parramatta Nepean Presbytery. David has joined our City2Surf team and will be running to support the work of the Relief and Development Unit.

Through the power of social media you can also become a running team member, create your own event to support UnitingWorld or simply donate on behalf of a runner.

To find an event or find out more check this link in UnitingWorld's website.

I Was in Prison and You Visited Me includes many alarming facts about prisons in Australia, for example that Indigenous people who comprise about 3% of the Australian population make up 26% of the total prison population and that 25% of the Victorian prison population comes from 14 postcodes (out of 647). The resource also includes personal accounts of people serving ministries within prisons and suggests ways to advocate for a more just society.

This years Social Justice Sunday material may be used on or around 25 September or throughout the year.

Printed copies will be available in early August. Please contact your Synod office or UnitingJustice Australia at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone (02) 8267 4236. It will also be available on the NCCA's website.

The guest speakers are:

• Ernst Conradie, Professor of Systematic Theology and Ethics at the University of Western Cape, South Africa, one of the world’s most respected theologians working on environment and climate change, whose publications include Christianity and Ecological Theology and Hope for the earth: Vistas on a new century
• Clive Hamilton, Professor of Public Ethics, Centre of Applied Philosophy, one of Australia’s most recognised public intellectuals and author of such well-known books as Affluenza, Growth Fetish and Requiem for a Species.

The cost is $40 (waged), $25 (unwaged) or $10 (exclusive of lunch).

For more information or to register by 13 September, contact:

David Roper, United Theological College
email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
phone: 8838 8927