Reaching out amid COVID-19
As we experience an easing of restrictions, one thing the coronavirus pandemic has made clear is just how connected we are to each other.
Our responsibility for and dependence on one another has become critical to our own safety and wellbeing, in our families, in our communities, as a nation and as a global human family.
Back to School Strike 4 Climate - 15 May 2020
A nationwide climate action led by school students is taking place on Friday 15 May.
Whilst there are many issues of concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important not to lose focus on the crucial issues confronting our planet and all creation brought about by climate change.
This crisis and the current lockdown globally have shown us, in small ways, how the planet can recover if we reduce our carbon outputs and pollution generally.
As countries like ours gradually return to normal, it is important that economic recovery and government policy move us into a sustainable future for all creation.
UCA diversity shines in adversity
Uniting Church President Dr Deidre Palmer and Rob Floyd and Rev Dr Apwee Ting from the Assembly Resourcing Unit staff held a videoconference catch-up with leaders of nine National Conferences within the UCA on 22 April 2020.
The meeting included leaders from our Fijian, Ibero-Latino, Middle East, Korean, Samoan, Tamil, Chinese, Tongan and Filipino National Conferences.
After opening the meeting, Deidre provided an update of the Church’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other work currently being undertaken by the Assembly.
Each National Conference leader shared from their own context in the midst of COVID-19.
COVID-19 devotions from UCA leaders
President Dr Deidre Palmer and the Moderators of the six UCA Synods have released a seven-day devotional resource for the Church.
"What Sustains Us" is a collective reflection on faith and spiritual practice, shared with love and hope in the time of COVID-19.
“I invite Uniting Church members to reflect on: how your faith is sustaining you through this challenging time,” said Dr Palmer.
UAICC Update
There are some major changes in the UAICC national leadership.
National President Rev Garry Dronfield has tendered his resignation to the UAICC National Executive and the Assembly Standing Committee.
Rev. Mark Kickett of the South Australian UAICC has been appointed as interim Chairperson until the next Congress National Conference in April 2021.
On behalf of the National Executive, Rev. Kickett thanked Rev. Dronfield for his commitment to Congress over the past 2½ years as President, and as Deputy Chairperson from 2015 to 2018.
Federal COVID-19 response measures failing church community services
Uniting Church agencies have joined other major not-for-profit providers in a battle to get Federal Government COVID-19 support applied to their work in the community sector.
Together in spirit
Muslims across the world have entered Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer and acts of charity.
Just as Christians experienced over Easter, Ramadan this year will be very different for Muslim communities, as the COVID-19 crisis keeps everyone physically apart.
President's Conference to go ahead in October
Dr Deidre Palmer has announced that her 2020 President’s Conference will go ahead in Adelaide from October 2-5, as originally scheduled.
“We are looking at online options, and a variety of ways of connecting with live-streaming, pre-recorded interviews, and Adelaide based panels, that people can connect to around the country,” said Dr Palmer.
“I am optimistic that by then that there will be options for us to gather in smaller groups face to face. We will work according to any of the safety measures that the Government and health professionals have put in place.”
The theme of the Conference is “Called by God”. It will focus on living our Christian vocation in our daily life and one of the Uniting Church’s key foundations “every member ministry”.
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ANZAC Day 2020 – Resources and Livestreams
Like all major public events during the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s ANZAC Day services are closed to the public.
The following information is offered to UCA worship leaders looking to resource their congregations and faith communities through this year’s unique and different ANZAC commemorations.
We are grateful to our UCA Defence Force Chaplains for their advice and assistance in compiling this information, and in recording a special online ANZAC Day service.
Innovation in Abundance
At a time that calls for innovation, creativity and thinking outside the box, Uniting Church congregations and members have responded in abundance.
Prayers in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Harold
President of the Uniting Church in Australia Dr Deidre Palmer has asked for Uniting Church members to pray for our Pacific partners after Tropical Cyclone Harold battered the region.
Responding to COVID-19 with Hope and Support
The medical, social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been immense. Amid the suffering we can draw hope from the way individuals and communities have stepped up to help each other through these hard times.