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Uniting Church in Australia launches Victorian Bushfire Appeal
The
Uniting Church in Australia has launched a Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
The national appeal will seek funds to be used by the church for both
emergency relief and the longer-term pastoral care and rehabilitation
for families in need. Proceeds from the appeal will also be used to
provide ongoing food and accommodation relief.
The Uniting Church in Australia’s National Assembly has also released $50,000 from its National Disaster Fund to enable the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania provide for immediate emergency relief. The Moderator of the Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, the Rev Jason Kioa said “our prayers go out to the bereaved, those who feel all kinds of loss so keenly and who cannot image what their futures might bring. I ask you to join a prayer chain across our church to support, care and contribute to their recovery.”The Uniting Church’s provision of chaplains and pastoral support will be coordinated via the Victorian Council of Church’s relationship with DISPLAN or by local arrangements.
The Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, the Rev Kioa will establish a register of Ministers and counsellors who will be available for counselling support as part of the long term recovery program. In the meantime, the church is providing support for local ministers and congregations through their presbyteries. UnitingCare agencies are providing psychological counselling and welfare assistance. UnitingCare is onsite in some relief centers offering financial counselling and support. Every congregation across Australia will be asked by the President of the Assembly to hold a special ‘retiring offering’ next few Sunday’s to help the bushfire victims.
TO DONATE TO THE VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE APPEAL:
Victorian and Tasmanian residents, free call: 1800 668 426
International donations: (03) 9251 5285
Or refer to the SHARE Community Appeal website: www.shareappeal.org.au
For all media queries or to arrange an interview with the Moderator of the Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, the Rev Jason Kioa please contact:
Ruth Snelleman 0418 330 483
Media Liaison
Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
UCA Funds Management: Helping congregations raise funds for the Bushfire Disaster Appeal
Investors
in the Development Fund received a slimline Uniting Church 2009 Diary with their
December distribution statement, and from our feedback we know that not just
investors but Uniting Church congregation members place great
store in its value.
We are pleased to offer our
remaining supply of diaries to church members who would like to raise funds for
the Bushfire Appeal. Simply, you can mention to your fellow members that the diaries are available in exchange for a small donation to the Appeal. We suggest that those interested start with say a dozen or so diaries and see how you go. If you need more we’ll try and accommodate you.
To help you with your endeavors you might like to print off a copy of the attached Bushfire Disaster Appeal poster (to the right of this page), write on it that all donations receive a free Uniting Church Diary (stocks permitting of course), and pin it to your church's noticeboard. You might like to ask your Minister if he or she could make mention of it at an appropriate time during the service. Diaries are located in our fifth floor office, 130 Lt Collins Street Melbourne, from Peter Thompson or Geoff Dillon.
