Blogs
Vines grow with God’s care
By David Fotheringham |
“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.
- All
- Bob Faser
- Bradon French
- Denise Liersch
- Hotel quarantine
- Jennie Gordon
- Peter Whitaker
- Robyn Whitaker
- Rose Broadstock
- Sally Douglas
- Sean Winter
- Vivienne Mountain
Vines grow with God’s care
By David Fotheringham |
“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.
Tempest and the former PM
By John Bottomley |
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.
Abortion ruling hurts women
By Susan Malthouse |
Rev Susan Malthouse has penned a thoughtful and thought-provoking article on abortion, in the wake of a recent US Supreme Court decision.
Treasures are called to arise
By David Fotheringham |
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”.
When did we begin?
By John Evans |
The Uniting Church celebrated its 45th birthday recently and retired Minister Rev Dr John Evans poses a question or two about its birth.
Lighting the way
By Ian Turnnidge |
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.
Pentecost brings hope
By Denise Liersch |
As we move from Lent and Easter into Pentecost, we look with hope towards a season of growth, writes Moderator Denise Liersch.
The plague and the Easter faith
By John Evans |
The book 'The Plague', by Albert Camus, provides much to ponder in our pandemic-weary world, writes retired UC Minister John Evans.
Good Friday story challenges us
By John Evans |
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.
Listen deeply to Luke’s message
By Denise Liersch |
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.
Reflections on blessing
By Denise Liersch |
"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.
It’s a question of faith
By John Evans |
Questions around the birth of Jesus add many layers to our life and faith, writes retired UC Minister John Evans.
Season to be thankful
By Denise Liersch |
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.
What and why of worship
By Sally Douglas |
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.
Lessons learnt in nature’s gift
By Mel Perkins |
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.
Dealing with disillusionment
By Melanie J. Saward |
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.
Turn the page on opportunity
By John Evans |
The humble street library gives retired UC Minister John Evans plenty to be grateful for during our pandemic lockdown.
Recognising God’s guidance
By Malcolm Dunjey |
As we face an uncertain future, retired minister Malcolm Dunjey says seeking direction from God is more important than ever.
No scorecard for success
By Sally Douglas |
"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.
Ways we can cope with grief
By Vivienne Mountain |
Human connection and honesty are important when dealing with grief, says clinical counsellor and Uniting Church member Vivienne Mountain.
Giving birth to blessings
By Jennie Gordon |
In the era of COVID-19, Minister Jennie Gordon says our task is how to live when our expectations are sometimes challenged.
Life in the COVID-19 bubble
By Andrew Humphries |
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.
Climate is right for change
By Denise Liersch |
As Christians, we are called by God to work towards mitigating climate change as a matter of faith, says Moderator Denise Liersch.
What the label says about us
By John Evans |
Who we are as the Uniting Church, and what that 'label' means for us, is worth considering, writes retired Minister John Evans.
Find contentment in lockdown
By John Evans |
Even amid the stress and worry of lockdown, there is a great deal to be thankful for, says retired Uniting Church Minister John Evans.
Pandemic forces us to rethink connection
By John Evans |
The impact of COVID-19 throughout Australia and the world means we need to reconsider how we connect with each other.
Question of faith and vaccines
By Jennie Gordon |
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.
It’s time to make faith count
By John Evans |
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.
It’s faith that unites us all
By Denise Liersch |
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.
Prayer needs to reflect diversity
By Alistair Macrae |
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.
Risen Christ guides us on our journey
By Denise Liersch |
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.
Focus is on assisting faith communities
By Rohan Pryor |
As the Uniting Church's structures and responsibilities change over time, it's important to adapt and explore the opportunities presented.
New year brings the hope of renewal
By Denise Liersch |
A new year and all it brings allows us to work together as one and embrace the Spirit of God.
Why I am returning my Australia Day award
By Alistair Macrae |
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.
You learn something new every day
By Sean Winter |
Head of Pilgrim Theological College, Sean Winter talks about his role and what the college offers to students.
Let’s let God’s love flower
By Rose Broadstock |
Gardening teaches us a lot about God’s love and how spiritual growth can flower, writes Rev Rose Broadstock.
Christmas spirit brings out the best in us
By Bob Faser |
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.
Carol touches on the hope of Christmas
By Denise Liersch |
“In Advent, we hear the cries of the prophets, and are invited to join in their hopes for a world restored,” Denise Liersch says.
On the way home
By Jennie Gordon |
"Blessings on the homes who welcome family and friends as Christmas draws near. May the work to get ready be a labour of love and may the greeting meet and exceed expectations of joy."
Why we should embrace the advantages of virtual worship
By Peter Whitaker |
Our traditional understandings of worship are being challenged, but that doesn’t mean we should be wary of them. These conversations are necessary for the church to move forward.
How can we keep Holy Communion COVID-19 safe?
By Sally Douglas |
With the support of Synod's Crisis Management Team, Rev Dr Sally Douglas has put together some thoughts on keeping Holy Communion COVID-19 safe
What I’ve learned from leading funerals during COVID-19
By Claire Dawe |
"This has no doubt been a difficult time, but I am continually reminded of the importance of being present in whatever way possible, as well as the power of words of scripture.”
Why we should prioritise prayer practice
By Sally Douglas |
"We are doing ourselves, and one another, a disservice when we do not create spaces to safely discuss prayer, to experiment with prayer practices, to fall over, to learn and to be supported."
Why we should seek happiness through helping others
By Denise Liersch |
"Jesus encourages us to find our way through difficult times by turning our focus to others around us, knowing we are part of a community, turning our hearts and love toward each other."
What has COVID-19 taught us about connection?
By Denise Liersch |
"The constant surprise is finding God is at work sparking off new shoots of growth and opening up new possibilities, sometimes in ways we may have been resisting for years.”
How can youth ministry spark joy?
By Bradon French |
"If our ministries with young people embrace the opportunities joy presents, it must be reflected within the life of our wider church."
Hiroshima memorial reminds us to work for peace
By Denise Liersch |
Anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing is a time to remember that aggression met by aggression, and violence met by violence leads only to suffering.
Trump’s photo op with church and Bible was offensive, but not new
By Robyn Whitaker |
"Trump held the Bible like a baby holding a spoon for the first time – unsure which end is which – but the real problem was the complete disconnection between the text in his hand and the force, both verbally threatened and actually used, to clear the way for his stunt."