What will your role involve?
The Project Lead is a new role and is focussed on supporting Synod and Presbyteries to implement the strategic plan known as Faithful Futures. It will involve collaboration with key people and committees across Victoria and Tasmania to determine how we are going to achieve the five goals contained within Faithful Futures. As part of this role, I expect to be having lots of conversations, working with others to develop achievable plans, and learning more about the great work that is underway across our Synod.
What is your professional background? How will your experience support your new role?
I am an occupational therapist by profession and have over three decades of experience working in healthcare and higher education. Most recently I have been the Occupational Therapy Manager at Alfred Health in Melbourne. I have completed post-graduate studies, including a Doctorate of Clinical Science (Occupational Therapy) and studies in leadership and management, and have led major projects within healthcare settings.
I hope that my experience in supporting individuals to adjust to a new way of being (following injury, illness or disability), leading teams through change and uncertainty, designing and delivering education, and approaching new opportunities with a curious and collaborative mindset will enable me to serve the Uniting Church through this role.
Do you have a connection to the Uniting Church?
As the child of a Uniting Church minister, I grew up in the Church and, as an adult, I have chosen to actively continue my connection with the Church. My family and I currently worship at Ormond Uniting Church (Port Phillip East Presbytery), where I am involved in supporting mission and pastoral care, as well as playing the piano for worship.
I have lived in rural presbyteries (North-West Victoria and Gippsland) as well as the Tasmanian presbytery (King Island and Kingston congregations) and am looking forward to reconnecting and learning more about what is happening around our Synod. In my 20s and 30s I was an active member of the Wild Duck Christian community (a new and emerging worshipping community within the Uniting Church) and, more recently, my family have been involved in the Uniting Faith and Families program.
Why is the Faithful Futures strategy so important for the Church?
I truly do believe that the Uniting Church is called to be “a pilgrim people, always on the way”, as noted in the Basis of Union (1971, 1992). This requires us to look forward towards the future while simultaneously stepping with compassion, justice and connection. Whilst I am only just starting this role and appreciate that I have much to learn, I am excited about this strategy. It is crucial in helping us to continue shaping the future of the Uniting Church in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, so that we can continue to be relevant, inclusive and grounded in the good news of the gospel.
How can Uniting Church members get involved in the Faithful Futures project?
This work is just starting, but the strategy is a shared collaboration between the Synod and Presbyteries and, therefore, congregations. I would encourage you to talk with your congregational presbytery representatives and your ministers about how Faithful Futures is unfolding in your own local regions. Keep your eye on Crosslight and our internet sites/social media, and feel free to reach out to the Faithful Futures team as another point of connection.
More information can be found here
Email the team at: FaithfulFutures@victas.uca.org.au
