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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260727T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261012T210000
DTSTAMP:20260609T025750Z
CREATED:20260609T025748Z
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UID:10000364-1785178800-1791838800@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Understanding the UCA
DESCRIPTION:This unit is designed for those interested in learning more about the identity\, history\, and life of the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA). It explores our historical formation\, theological foundations\, and the Basis of Union\, as well as the Church’s life\, witness\, and governance structures within its councils and ministries. \nParticipants will also engage with the UCA’s commitment to First Nations peoples and intercultural ministry through integrated learning and an optional Enrichment Day (available via separate registration). \nThis unit is particularly suitable for individuals undertaking Specified Lay Ministries programs—such as Lay Preacher and Ministry of Pastor—as it addresses the Assembly Standards core competency: “Work within the doctrine\, ethos\, and polity of the Uniting Church.” It also serves as a valuable introduction for ministers new to the UCA. \n  \nTo register\, click here \nRegistrations close strictly on Friday 17 July 2026
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/understanding-the-uca-8/
LOCATION:Online
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ORGANIZER;CN="Amanda Nicholas":MAILTO:amanda.nicholas@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.8136276;144.9630576
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260805T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261007T210000
DTSTAMP:20260804T042035Z
CREATED:20260609T051626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T042035Z
UID:10000365-1785956400-1791406800@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Exploring the Old Testament (ULVT4)
DESCRIPTION:This Uniting Learning unit is an invitation to participants to deepen their response to and faith in God as Trinity. The Old Testament describes God and how God acts in history and creation. Major themes that impact on Christianity find their beginning in the words of the Old Testament scripture. The unit is closely integrated with the study of the life of Israel as a community of faith as well as historical and contemporary scholarship. \n  \nDates: Wednesday 5\, 12\, 19\, 26 August; 16\, 23\, 30 September; 7 October \n  \nTo register\, click here \n  \nRegistrations close strictly on Monday 27th July
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/exploring-the-old-testament-ulvt4/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/EOT-tile.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Amanda Nicholas":MAILTO:amanda.nicholas@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.8136276;144.9630576
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260911T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260913T110000
DTSTAMP:20260804T043049Z
CREATED:20260622T023023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T043049Z
UID:10000368-1789153200-1789297200@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:2026 Feast of Faith
DESCRIPTION:FEAST OF FAITH 2026\nTheme: Come\, Taste and See\n“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” – Psalm 34:8 \n  \nFeast of Faith is a retreat for second-generation young adults and emerging leaders from intercultural communities across the Uniting Church. \n  \nThis weekend is an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and spend time growing in faith\, building meaningful connections\, and exploring God’s call on your life. Through worship\, Bible reflection\, prayer\, discussions\, and leadership development\, participants will be encouraged to deepen their relationship with God and learn from one another’s experiences. \n  \nThe theme Come\, Taste and See reminds us that faith is more than knowledge—it is an invitation to experience God’s goodness for ourselves. Together\, we will explore what it means to follow Jesus\, live out our faith\, and serve our churches and communities with confidence and purpose. \n  \nFeast of Faith is a space where emerging leaders can be enriched\, empowered\, and equipped to grow as disciples of Christ and contribute to the life and future of our intercultural church. \n  \nWhether you are already serving in leadership or simply looking to deepen your faith\, this retreat offers a welcoming community where you can reflect\, connect\, learn\, and be renewed. \n  \nCome hungry for more of God. Leave encouraged\, equipped\, and inspired. \n  \nTo register\, click here \n  \n**For those who want to register however do not have access to a credit card and require an invoice\, please contact Alicia (alicia.torres@victas.uca.org.au). Please note\, any invoice sent must be paid prior to the event. Failure to do this will unfortunately result in not being able to attend the event. \n 
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/2026-feast-of-faith/
LOCATION:Peninsula Outdoors (Merricks)\, Frankston - Flinders Road\, Merricks\, VIC\, 3916\, Australia
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ORGANIZER;CN="Virginia Lavaki":MAILTO:virginia.lavaki@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-38.4028882;145.0715412
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Peninsula Outdoors (Merricks) Frankston - Flinders Road Merricks VIC 3916 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Frankston - Flinders Road:geo:145.0715412,-38.4028882
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261010T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261010T161500
DTSTAMP:20260908T035346Z
CREATED:20260908T035346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T035346Z
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SUMMARY:The Narrow Bridge Screening
DESCRIPTION:The Narrow Bridge \nFilm screening and Discussion \nA story of loss\, courage and human connection \n  \nWhen: Saturday 10 October\, 2pm – 4:15pm (afternoon tea included) \nWhere: Manningham Uniting Church – 109 Wood St\, Templestowe VIC \n  \n“The Narrow Bridge” follows four individuals whose lives have been shattered by conflict in the Middle East – yet who respond not with a desire for revenge\, but with courage and compassion. \n  \nRami\, Bassan\, Bushra\, and Maytal have each lost a child or parent. In the face of unimaginable grief\, they choose to transform their pain into a bridge towards understanding and peace. \n  \nHow do we live after a devastating loss? \nHow do we resist being defined by hatred? \nHow do we hold onto our humanity in the face of violence? \n  \nAfter the film there will be a facilitated conversation exploring themes of reconciliation\, shared humanity and connection across faiths. \n  \nEndorsed by: \n·         Manningham Uniting Church \n·         Uniting Church in Australia\, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania \n  \nTo register\, click here
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/the-narrow-bridge-screening/
LOCATION:Manningham Uniting Church\, 109 Wood St\, Templestowe\, Victoria\, 3106\, Australia
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ORGANIZER;CN="Mark Zirnsak":MAILTO:mark.zirnsak@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.7555264;145.1295634
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Manningham Uniting Church 109 Wood St Templestowe Victoria 3106 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=109 Wood St:geo:145.1295634,-37.7555264
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261012T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261019T213000
DTSTAMP:20260804T042714Z
CREATED:20260724T025222Z
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SUMMARY:Discernment Evenings 2026
DESCRIPTION:Discernment Evenings 2026 \n  \nWhen: 12 and 19 October \nTime 7-9:30pm AEST (online) \nCost: This is a free online event. \n  \nDiscernment Evening 1 –  Monday\, 12 October 2026 – Stories of ministry \n6 people from across the Synod share their stories of ministry. There will be time for listening and asking questions in both Breakout Rooms and all together. \n  \nDiscernment Evening 2 – Monday\, 19 October 2026 – Pathways and processes \nThis evening will look at: \n\nPilgrim Theological College units for next year\nThe Period of Discernment and how to begin one\nMinistry pathways\nWhat kind of support you could expect from your Congregation/Faith Community\, Presbytery\, and the Synod\, as you navigate different ministry pathways\nTimeframes associated with different pathways\nFAQs\n\nPlease register your interest to attend here by Monday 5 October. This is a free event. Enquiries to pod@victas.uca.org.au.
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/discernment-evenings-2026/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DE-tile.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mel Perkins":MAILTO:mel.perkins@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.8136276;144.9630576
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261026T120000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261027T120000
DTSTAMP:20260908T035556Z
CREATED:20260908T034625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T035556Z
UID:10000373-1793016000-1793102400@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Beyond Relevance: Waiting\, Witness & Formation
DESCRIPTION:Beyond Relevance: Waiting\, Witness & Formation \nA conversation with Andy and Kara Root \n  \nAndrew (Andy) Root\, PhD (Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary. He is most recently the author of Evangelism in an Age of Despair and the six volume Ministry in a Secular Age series (including Churches and the Crisis of Decline\, The Congregation in a Secular Age\, The Pastor in a Secular Age\, The Church After Innovation\, The Church in a Age of Secular Mysticism and Faith Formation in a Secular Age). He is also the author of The End of Youth Ministry? and more than dozen other books. \n  \nKara K Root \nRev. Kara K. Root is the author of The Deepest Belonging (2021)\, Receiving This Life (2023)\, and  A Pilgrimage Into Letting Go (2025\, with husband\, Andy). \nPastor of Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis\, MN\, a Christian community that shapes its life around worship\, hospitality and Sabbath rest\, she is a trained Spiritual Director and Certified Educator in the PCUSA. Kara leads retreats and workshops on sabbath rest\, prayer practices\, and church leadership and transformation. \n  \n  \nProgramme \n  \nMonday 26th October \n  \nFocus: ministers and congregational leaders and those interested in renewal. \n12:00- 1:00 Lunch \n1:00-2:30 Lecture and questions: The Waiting Church \nIt feels like the church is in an unquestioned crisis.  But what is the shape of this crisis?  And have we misunderstood it?  In this presentation we’ll explore an understanding of the church that avoids the temptation to busy ourselves with pursuits of relevance.  Instead\, we’ll think again about what kind of action can really address the crisis in which the church finds itself.  The crisis may not be the loss of relevance and resources\, but the very crisis of how to discern and following the living God.  Inside this kind of crisis church must learn to wait.  We’ll explore how waiting is faithful action. \n2:30 Afternoon Tea \n3:00 4:00  Panel Discussion \n6:00- 7:30 Drinks and Dinner \n  \n7:30 pm – Lecture: Pastoring in an Age of many spiritualities. \nIn a secular age offering a buffet of spiritualities\, all focused on the self and personal transformation\, how is the Christian view similar or different than these alternative pathways? When everyone is spiritual\, but few are religious\, what is distinctive about following Jesus? \nFollowed by discussion and questions \n  \nTuesday 27th  October 10 am \n  \nFocus on younger generations leaders. \nIntro\, Acknowledgement of Country and simple worship. \nMinistry in an Era of Over-Parenting: Moving from the Thing to the Story \nYouth workers know what it is to watch parents and youth participate in multiple other activities. Most families have limited time and space for youth ministry activities or youth group.   Often parent(s) (and youth) express desire to participate but say they have no time.  A parent might even say\, “Sorry\, we haven’t gotten her to youth group in the last six month\, it’s just that gymnastics is kind of her thing; it’s really who she is.”  This can be frustrating for youth workers.  Some respond by contending that youth ministry needs to up the commitment level and move higher up the ranking of things.  In this presentation we’ll together explore how this approach can’t work\, because the decisions parents and young people make exist inside very deep conceptions of what makes for a good life.  In a time of limited time and unlimited options\, youth ministry can’t—and I’ll show\, shouldn’t—compete in ranking of important activities. Youth ministry should not be just another thing (like basketball\, violin\, or debate club).  Instead\, we should turn toward story to reimagine what youth ministry can be for. \nFollowed by Q&A \n12:00 lunch and questions with Andy and Kara. \n  \nTo register\, click here
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/beyond-relevance-waiting-witness-formation/
LOCATION:Centre for Theology & Ministry\, 29 College Crescent\, Parkville\, Victoria\, 3052\, Australia
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ORGANIZER;CN="Sandy Brodine":MAILTO:sandy.brodine@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.7922071;144.9619031
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END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261026T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261130T210000
DTSTAMP:20260622T021838Z
CREATED:20260609T052216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T021838Z
UID:10000366-1793041200-1796072400@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Exploring Worship in the UCA
DESCRIPTION:This Uniting Learning unit introduces participants to an understanding of worship and its biblical and theological warrant\, patterns of worship in the church and in the Reformed and evangelical tradition (Uniting Church). Participants will look at elements of worship in constructing a service\, exploring and choosing resources for worship (Uniting in Worship 2\, video\, book and online resources). The unit includes approaches and contexts for worship including multi-sensory and multi-intelligence\, communicating effectively\, and ethics and knowing yourself as a worship leader. \nTo register\, click here \nRegistrations close strictly on Monday 19th October
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/exploring-worship-in-the-uca-2/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/EWUCA-tile.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Amanda Nicholas":MAILTO:amanda.nicholas@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.8136276;144.9630576
END:VEVENT
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