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Blessed are the poor in spirit

During our most vulnerable moments, it is God’s love that acknowledges our humanity, writes Emeritus Professor Bill Loader.

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  • Bob Faser
  • Hotel quarantine
  • Rose Broadstock
  • Sean Winter
  • Vivienne Mountain
Bill loader article photo

Blessed are the poor in spirit

During our most vulnerable moments, it is God's love that acknowledges our humanity, writes Emeritus Professor Bill Loader.
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Christianity’s big questions

Rev Associate Professor Geoff Thompson from Pilgrim Theological College asks us to pause and consider some questions around what exactly is Christianity?
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Lent and the purpose of mission

Ahead of the beginning of Lent on Wednesday, Rev Nigel Hanscamp invites us to consider how a sense of mission might be at the forefront of our thinking.
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The present of presence

Tecoma Uniting Church member Diane Gow offers some heartfelt words about the importance of being with people in difficult times.
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Spotlight on gender fluidity

Retired academic Ross Mouer poses some questions around the issues of sexuality and gender identification in the Bible.
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When science meets faith

Rev Associate Professor Geoff Thompson replies to Rev Bob Thomas, who has suggested that resurrection is synonymous with new creation.
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Nick Cave and the church

Attending a recent Nick Cave concert had Richmond Uniting Church Minister Sally Douglas contemplating the nature of religious experiences.
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Cries ring out for justice

In his Crosslight magazine column, Moderator David Fotheringham reflects on how God hears the cries of those who have been exploited and are bereaved.
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Finding our voice again

Wesley Church Minister Alistair Macrae hopes to hear the Uniting Church's voice ring out loud and clear on important issues.
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Recognition drives justice

Assembly President Sharon Hollis says engagement with First Nations people in exploring the history of their land offers the possibility of justice, healing and restoration.
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Advent invites serious reflection

As he awaits the birth of his own child, Moderator David Fotheringham reflects on Advent and how it calls us to take a look at the state of the world.
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Vines grow with God’s care

“While different local contexts are at different points, we are all part of the one vine … (and) God is the ultimate vine-grower," writes Moderator David Fotheringham.
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Tempest and the former PM

Uniting Church Minister John Bottomley says former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's decision to appoint himself to several ministries during the pandemic needs to be seen through the prism of his Pentecostal beliefs.
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Abortion ruling hurts women

Rev Susan Malthouse has penned a thoughtful and thought-provoking article on abortion, in the wake of a recent US Supreme Court decision.
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Treasures are called to arise

In his first Crosslight column as Moderator, David Fotheringham writes about the theme of "Arise, Come with me", which resonates with the idea of us being the beloved treasures that God finds, and calls to “arise”.
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When did we begin?

The Uniting Church celebrated its 45th birthday recently and retired Minister Rev Dr John Evans poses a question or two about its birth.
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Lighting the way

Recent renovations to the illuminated cross at St John's UC in Cowes have given Minister Ian Turnnidge much to ponder about the meaning of faith.
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Pentecost brings hope

As we move from Lent and Easter into Pentecost, we look with hope towards a season of growth, writes Moderator Denise Liersch.
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The plague and the Easter faith

The book 'The Plague', by Albert Camus, provides much to ponder in our pandemic-weary world, writes retired UC Minister John Evans.
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Good Friday story challenges us

The story of the death of Jesus on Good Friday forces us to think deeply about the consequences of our own actions, writes retired UC Minister John Evans.
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Listen deeply to Luke’s message

With Easter nearly upon us, Moderator Denise Liersch writes about how the story of Jesus' death and the glory of his resurrection continues to resonate so strongly with us.
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Reflections on blessing

"To be blessed, is to be filled with wonder at the love of God who is on the side of those who are poor, in trouble or who are grieving," writes Moderator Denise Liersch.
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It’s a question of faith

Questions around the birth of Jesus add many layers to our life and faith, writes retired UC Minister John Evans.
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Season to be thankful

The words of Luke tell us that it is in our darkest moments that God breaks in and fills us with the Spirit, says Moderator Denise Liersch.
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What and why of worship

As churches come out of extended lockdown, it's the perfect time to take stock of what we are doing in worship and why, writes Minister Sally Douglas.
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Lessons learnt in nature’s gift

A pair of blackbirds have taken up a spot under the roof of the pergola in Mel Perkins' garden, offering the perfect example of the importance of making space for others.
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Dealing with disillusionment

Melanie J Saward's latest book is particularly timely, as we deal with a sense of disillusionment exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Turn the page on opportunity

The humble street library gives retired UC Minister John Evans plenty to be grateful for during our pandemic lockdown.
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Recognising God’s guidance

As we face an uncertain future, retired minister Malcolm Dunjey says seeking direction from God is more important than ever.
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No scorecard for success

"Caring is not a competition and when we slip into competing, this is a sure sign that we are not anchored in Christ", says Richmond UC Minister Sally Douglas.
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Ways we can cope with grief

Human connection and honesty are important when dealing with grief, says clinical counsellor and Uniting Church member Vivienne Mountain.
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Giving birth to blessings

In the era of COVID-19, Minister Jennie Gordon says our task is how to live when our expectations are sometimes challenged.
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Life in the COVID-19 bubble

Two weeks in hotel quarantine in Far North Queensland gave Synod communications officer Andrew Humphries plenty of time to ponder the role of faith in the era of COVID-19.
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Climate is right for change

As Christians, we are called by God to work towards mitigating climate change as a matter of faith, says Moderator Denise Liersch.
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What the label says about us

Who we are as the Uniting Church, and what that 'label' means for us, is worth considering, writes retired Minister John Evans.
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Find contentment in lockdown

Even amid the stress and worry of lockdown, there is a great deal to be thankful for, says retired Uniting Church Minister John Evans.
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Pandemic forces us to rethink connection

The impact of COVID-19 throughout Australia and the world means we need to reconsider how we connect with each other.
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Question of faith and vaccines

Gippsland Minister Rev Jennie Gordon has written a thoughtful, and thought-provoking, article around the need for vaccinations as COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc throughout the world. “History has shown us that vaccination works,” Jennie says.
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It’s time to make faith count

Tuesday, August 10 marks Australia's official 2021 Census night and Uniting Church members are encouraged to fill in the question relating specifically to their religion.
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It’s faith that unites us all

As the Uniting Church celebrated its 44th anniversary recently, Moderator Denise Liersch reflects on what can be achieved when we come together with a common purpose.
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Prayer needs to reflect diversity

Rev Alistair Macrae argues that it is no longer appropriate to open sessions of the Victorian Parliament with a recitation of the Lord's Prayer.
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Risen Christ guides us on our journey

Ahead of Easter Day, Moderator Denise Liersch invites us to experience the life of the risen Christ and celebrate the limitless possibilities of life in God.
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Focus is on assisting faith communities

As the Uniting Church's structures and responsibilities change over time, it's important to adapt and explore the opportunities presented.
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New year brings the hope of renewal

A new year and all it brings allows us to work together as one and embrace the Spirit of God.
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Why I am returning my Australia Day award

Uniting Church minister Alistair Macrae is returning his 2017 Australia Day honour in protest over the upgrading of an award to tennis great Margaret Court, despite her controversial anti-LGBTI comments.
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You learn something new every day

Head of Pilgrim Theological College, Sean Winter talks about his role and what the college offers to students.
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Let’s let God’s love flower

Gardening teaches us a lot about God’s love and how spiritual growth can flower, writes Rev Rose Broadstock.
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Christmas spirit brings out the best in us

The spirit of Christmas, and all the joy that it brings, has the ability to bring out the very best in people, says retired Hobart minister Rev Dr Bob Faser.