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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250707T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250922T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20241211T035004Z
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SUMMARY:Exploring Christology
DESCRIPTION:Exploring Christology \nAn introductory online unit for anyone who wants to know more about the study of Christ \nExploring Christology has been created around the Worship and Preaching Competencies for Biblical studies from the “Assembly Standards and Competencies for the Formation and Education for the Specified Ministry of Lay Preacher”. So\, those training for the ministry of Lay Preaching\, and those needing to undertake training for the Worship and Preaching Competencies for Pastors (as these are the same)\, can be assured they are receiving training to help them meet these competencies. \nHowever\, Exploring Christology was also written and developed to encourage faith and discipleship formation. So\, it is also a great unit for: \n\nWorship leaders\npeople undertaking a Period of Discernment\nLay Preachers looking for some continuing education\npeople who would like to explore Christology as a way of deepening their faith and relationship with God and\nanyone just generally interested in knowing more about the study of Christ.\n\nExploring Christology covers: \n\nChristological questions and historical development\nThe ministry and mission of Jesus\nImages of the Christ\nChrist and the church\nWhy did Jesus die?\nThe work of salvation and atonement\nThe resurrection and its meaning\nChristology in context\nChrist in the Uniting Church in Australia\nJesus Christ and Religious Pluralism\n\nExploring Christology is offered through access to online learning materials and a Zoom class. \nInternet not great at home? The unit is also designed so that the base material can be downloaded and saved to your computer. Others interested in learning in your Presbytery? Why don’t you learn together – and download your learning material to work on at home. \n  \n  \nTo register\, click here
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/exploring-christology/
LOCATION:Online\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bible-thorns.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mel Perkins":MAILTO:mel.perkins@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.4713077;144.7851531
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250712T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250712T161500
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20250408T015533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T013212Z
UID:10000348-1752310800-1752336900@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Justice and International Mission Convention 2025
DESCRIPTION:Christian Community and the pursuit of Common Good \nJustice and International Mission Convention 2025 \n  \nWhen: Saturday 12 July\, 9 am – 4:15 pm \nWhere: Centre for Theology and Ministry\, 29 College Crescent\, Parkville \nCost: $50 Metropolitan/ $30 Concession and Rural and Regional\, $10 online (morning sessions only) (Morning tea\, lunch and afternoon tea included) \n  \nDo nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather\, in humility value others above yourselves not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 \n  \nWhen Jesus said\, “Whatever you do for the least of these\, you do for me\,” (Mt 25:40) he was inviting us to seek the Common Good. Jesus saw a common good as fulfilling God’s will that we love and serve others\, creating a society where all people are valued and treated with dignity\, and where justice and peace prevail. The common good is a collective responsibility\, where people live in harmony\, sharing resources\, offering help\, and showing kindness to one another in ways that build up the community\, and not just for individual gain. \nPolitical and financial inequality across the globe and in Australia is increasing\, resulting in people on lower incomes believing that the democratic system does not work for them. The increase in these inequalities also erodes trust and social cohesion in our society\, and increase the growth in racism. It also makes it harder to address problems that require whole of society and international cooperation\, such as climate change and pandemics. \nThe problem of the erosion of trust and social cohesion is enhanced by the spread of disinformation and misinformation in the online world. The ability of generative artificial intelligence to create realistic video material will increasingly make it more difficult to tell the truth from lies in the online world. \nThe Convention will examine what we\, in the Christian community\, can do to reverse these trends and rebuild a commitment to the common good in our society. \nKeynote Speaker \n  \n \nAssociate Professor Myra Hamilton \nMyra Hamilton is an Associate Professor in Work and Organisational Studies at the University of Sydney Business School. She is a sociologist and social policy scholar whose work identifies and challenges inequalities arising from gender\, age and social disadvantage. Among other things\, her most recent work challenges the notion of the ‘generation wars’ and seeks to uncover the workings of elite privilege and its harms. \nMyra will speak to her recent book on social\, political and financial inequalities that exist in Australia\, The Privileged Few. \n  \nPanel Members \n  \n \nGodfrey Moase \nGodfrey is an Executive Director of the United Workers Union\, that represents many workers on low incomes. He is also the chairperson of CoPower\, a non-for-profit cooperative that seeks to transform the electricity and gas industries. He has published in the Guardian and New Matilda. \nGodfrey will speak on the importance of democratic reform for low-income people. \n  \n  \n \nBruce Poon \nIn his professional life\, Bruce worked as a consulting project manager and CEO in the infotech sphere. He has been the founder and director of several for-profit companies and not-for-profit charities and has led numerous expeditions overseas to aid communities in the developing world. \nHe joined the Animal Justice Party in 2012 and has served in various roles on the board and state committees\, parliamentary adviser to our first Victorian member of parliament\, and has served several terms as national president. \nHe is the president of the Animal Justice Foundation\, which seeks to provide long term funding to valuable initiatives within the animal protection movement\, including political initiatives. \nBruce will speak on the challenges faced by a small political party that lacks support from billionaires and millionaires in our current democratic system. \n  \n \nMark Zirnsak \nMark is the Senior Social Justice Advocate in the JIM Cluster. He has been in Synod social justice roles for 26 years. He has been a numerous government consultive bodies in that time. Prior to joining the Synod he was a research engineer with a multinational mining corporation. \nMark will speak to the threats that financial and political inequalities pose to our collective well-being and what could be done to address them to build the common good and rebuild trust between us. \n  \n \nAunty Esme Bamblett \nBangerang\, Taungurung and Wiradjuri \nAunty Esme has been involved in Aboriginal Affairs for over 50 years in various capacities. She is a member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria\, which is negotiating a Treaty with the Victorian Government. \nShe speak on what kind of reforms to the democratic system are necessary to advance social justice for First Peoples. \n  \n  \nWORKSHOPS \nPlease list your top three workshop options when registering (eg\, 6\, 3\, 7). Workshops will be run based on the number of participants\, and will not run if not enough participants register interest. Each workshop will aim to look for a specific way forward in each area. \n  \n\nOne person\, one vote – Giving people an equal say in democracy\nUnequal access – Regulation of Lobbyists\nSeparating ice from snow – Misinformation and Disinformation and the role of AI\nThe other person might be right – Addressing political polarisation\nGiving First Peoples a fairer say in democracy\nLimitarianism – Limiting the role of wealth in democracy\nRiders of the Apocalypse – Responding to threats to humanity’s future\nMake me a channe – The Synod’s role in peace-building\n\n  \nProgram \n9 am Gathering & Registration. Tea and coffee will be provided on arrival \n9:30 am Introduction\, acknowledgement of country and opening worship \n9:45 am Keynote address \n10:30 am Morning Tea \n11 am Panel Discussion on the common good\, democratic reforms\, and trust. \n12:20 pm Lightning talks: One minute presentations about what you are doing in your church or community on social justice. Please register your interest in advance if you would like to make a presentation. \n12:35 pm Lunch \n1:15 pm First Round of Workshops \n2:00 pm Short Break \n2:15 pm Second Round of Workshops \n3 pm Discussion on the direction and work areas of the JIM Cluster \n4 pm Closing worship \n4:15 pm Finish \n  \nTo register\, click here \nPlease register by Wednesday\, July 9 \n  \nIf you have particular access needs or need assistance to register contact Alicia Torres on 03 9340 8815 or alicia.torres@victas.uca.org.au \n  \n 
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/justice-and-international-mission-convention-2025/
LOCATION:Centre for Theology & Ministry\, 29 College Crescent\, Parkville\, Victoria\, 3052\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/JIM-.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Mark Zirnsak":MAILTO:mark.zirnsak@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.7922071;144.9619031
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250715T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251014T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20250408T004639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T053818Z
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SUMMARY:Understanding the UCA
DESCRIPTION:Understanding the UCA has been created around the Core Competency “Work within the doctrine\, ethos and polity of the Uniting Church” from the ‘Assembly Standards and Competencies for the Formation and Education for the Specified Ministry of Lay Preacher’ and UCA Assembly’s Standards for the Ministry if Pastor: Core Competencies’. \nUnderstanding the UCA covers: \n\nHistory of the formation of UCA\nTheological foundations of the Basis of Union\nThe place and role of key aspects of the Church’s life and witness\nUnderstanding the Councils and Ministries of the UCA\nUnderstanding the UCA’s commitment to First Nations People and Intercultural Ministry\nAct2\n\n  \nThose undertaking Understanding the UCA for assessment purposes\, must attend the tutorial and submit the given assessment. \nTo register\, click here \nRegistrations close strictly on Friday 1 July 2025
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/understanding-the-uca-7/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Understanding-UCA-x-px.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mel Perkins":MAILTO:mel.perkins@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.8136276;144.9630576
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250729T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250729T190000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20250615T235113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250615T235115Z
UID:10000351-1753810200-1753815600@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Northey Lecture - Dei Ex Machina: The Images of God in our Conceptions of AI
DESCRIPTION:AI has emerged as a tool for productivity\, a threat to jobs\, and even a stand-in for God. Much of the language used to discuss AI draws on apocalyptic and prophetic discourse\, as well as on images of God rooted in divine omniscience. Rev. Dr Kristel Clayville\, a lecturer in ethics in the computer science department at University of Illinois Chicago\, suggests an alternative theological framework. \nRather than emphasising AI’s godlike powers of omniscience and control—traditionally masculine divine attributes —Clayville examines how feminine divine imagery might reshape our understanding of artificial intelligence. Could we envision AI through metaphors of nurturing\, relationship\, and collaborative wisdom instead of domination and all-knowing power? Does embracing feminine images of God offer new ways to conceptualize AI’s role and possibilities in human society? Her talk will explore this alternative and attempt to offer a different conceptual vocabulary for AI. \n  \n \nNorthey Lecturer: Rev. Dr Kristel Clayville PhD \nRev. Dr Kristel Clayville holds a PhD in Religious Ethics from the University of Chicago’s Divinity School and completed Fellowship training in clinical medical ethics at the MacLean Center. She has served as the Acting Director of the Zygon Center for Religion and Science\, and was a Fellow in the Sinai and Synapses program. She has a clinical background as a chaplain and ethicist at the University of Chicago Medical Center. \nCurrently\, she teaches ethics in the Computer Science Department at UIC\, where she also serves on the hospital ethics committee\, and the medical school ethics education committee. Her research interests encompass the ethics of emerging (bio)technologies\, organ transplant ethics\, the role of religion in medical education\, AI and religion\, and the function of ethics committees in hospitals and tech companies. \n  \nWhen: Tuesday\, July 29 \nWhere: Pilgrim Theological College; 29 College Cres\, Parkville\, 3025 \nRefreshments available from 5pm \nLecture commences at 5.30pm \n  \nTo register\, click here \n 
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/northey-lecture-dei-ex-machina-the-images-of-god-in-our-conceptions-of-ai/
LOCATION:Centre for Theology & Ministry\, 29 College Crescent\, Parkville\, Victoria\, 3052\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/x-Northey-Banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Robyn Whittaker":MAILTO:robyn.whittaker@pilgrim.edu.au
GEO:-37.7922071;144.9619031
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Centre for Theology & Ministry 29 College Crescent Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=29 College Crescent:geo:144.9619031,-37.7922071
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T150000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20250602T035509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T053911Z
UID:10000342-1755248400-1755270000@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Resilience and Hope
DESCRIPTION:With 76% of young Australians expressing that ‘the future is frightening’ due to climate change\, this event aims to empower young leaders to navigate climate emotions and advocate for taking action on the ongoing climate crisis. More details to come prior to the event! \n  \n**This event is specifically for schools associated with the Uniting Church in Australia Network – Synod Victoria and Tasmania \n\nAudience: Students Year 6-8\nDay: Friday\, August 15\nTime: 9 am to 3 pm.\nLocation: Business Hub\, Level 1\, Wesley Place (130 Lonsdale St\, Melbourne)\nCost: AU$300 (Group of 10 students)\n\n  \nTo register\, click here \n  \nFor further details\, contact Paola Rojas paola.rojas@victas.uca.org.au
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/resilience-and-hope/
LOCATION:Wesley Place\, 130 Lonsdale Street\, Melbourne\, Victoria\, 3000\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/unnamed-file.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Paola Rojas":MAILTO:paola.rojas@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.8101202;144.9686266
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Wesley Place 130 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=130 Lonsdale Street:geo:144.9686266,-37.8101202
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250830T080000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250902T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20250519T015951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250719T041537Z
UID:10000350-1756540800-1756832400@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Presented by the Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
DESCRIPTION:The Synod 2025 Meeting will begin on Saturday\, August 30 and conclude on Tuesday\, September 2. Synod 2025 will this year include the installation of a new Moderator\, Rev Salesi Faupula. Theological reflections will be presented by Rev Tara Tautari\, General Secretary of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa (the Methodist Church of New Zealand)\, while Rev Prof John Flett will present daily Bible studies.
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/presented-by-the-uniting-church-in-australia-synod-of-victoria-and-tasmania/
LOCATION:Victoria
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1920x1080-Synod-2025-Web-Banner-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250831T183000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250831T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20250812T054302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T032958Z
UID:10000354-1756665000-1756674000@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Mending Our Social Fabric: Learning from Palestinian and Israeli Women Peacebuilders
DESCRIPTION:Mending Our Social Fabric: Learning from Palestinian and Israeli Women Peacebuilders \n  \n \nRiman Barakat – Is a veteran peacebuilder and social entrepreneur from East Jerusalem. She currently serves as the co-CEO of FeelBeit\, an Israeli-Palestinian cultural centre on Jerusalem’s East-West boundary that harnesses the transformative power of the arts to bridge divides\, foster dialogue\, and is a prototype of a shared future. \n  \n \nPeta Jones Pellach – Is an educator\, activist\, and blogger. She is committed to interfaith dialogue and peace-building. She is Director of Education\, Elijah Interfaith Institute\, co-founder and moderator of Praying Together in Jerusalem and an active member of Women Wage Peace. \n  \n \nThe moderator for the night will be Margaret Hepworth. Margaret is an inspiring peace educator\, speaker\, and advocate for non-violence and building social cohesion. She is currently serving as the Victorian Education Coordinator for Together for Humanity and founder of the peace education initiative\, The Gandhi Experiment. \n  \nSunday 31 August \n6:30 pm for 7 pm start \n  \nVenue: The venue will be in the inner South-East suburbs of Melbourne/Naarm. Location will be provided three days before the event for community safety reasons \n  \nCost: $18/ $10 concession/ Free for the unwaged and those unable to pay at this time \n  \nTo register\, click here \n  \nFor questions about the event please e-mail jim@victas.uca.org.au or melindajones613@gmail.com \n  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/mending-our-social-fabric-learning-from-palestinian-and-israeli-women-peacebuilders/
LOCATION:Victoria
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/mending-tile-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Mark Zirnsak":MAILTO:mark.zirnsak@victas.uca.org.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251003T170000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251005T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20250812T053501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T033724Z
UID:10000353-1759510800-1759683600@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:2025 Women's Intercultural Conference
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the 2025 Women Intercultural Conference (WIC)\, a three-day gathering to empower\, equip\, and enrich Intercultural women in ministry and leadership. \nThis event will include: \n·         Inspiring keynote speakers \n·         Small-group discussions \n·         Interactive workshops \n·         Networking across communities and generations \n  \nTickets are only $60\, covering all three days at all three venues\, with catering included \n  \n2025 Event Schedule \nFriday 3 October | 5PM–10PM\nBox Hill Town Hall\n1022 Whitehorse Road\, Box Hill \nSaturday 4 October | 9AM–5PM\nCentre for Theology and Ministry\n29 College Crescent\, Parkville \nSunday 5 October | 1PM–5PM\nSt John’s Uniting Church\nCnr Mt Alexander Road & Buckley Street\, Essendon \nOur Speakers\nFeaturing leaders in theology\, ministry\, advocacy\, and community development\, including: \n  \nRev Charissa Suli\nPresident\, Uniting Church in Australia \n  \nAssoc Prof Monica Melanchthon\nAssociate Professor & Research Coordinator\, Pilgrim Theological College \n  \nVirginia Lavaki\nFaith leader and advocate for CALD communities in the Uniting Church \n  \nLuisa Tuilau\nLawyer and activist in decolonisation and nuclear disarmament \n  \nSylvia Coombe\nMulticultural Commissioner\, Victorian Multicultural Commission \n  \nAssoc Prof Hye Kyung Park\nDirector and Associate Professor\, Department of Theology\,\nChang Jung Christian University (Taiwan) \n  \nRev Salesi Faupula\nModerator\, Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania \nFor full event details and to read more about our speakers\, download the event flyer. \n  \nTo register\, click here \n  \nBe sure to follow us on Facebook at WIC 2025 for updates and announcements. \n  \nWIC is a safe space for all.
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/2025-womens-intercultural-conference/
LOCATION:Victoria
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WIC-tile-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="David Kim":MAILTO:david.kim@victas.uca.org.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251013T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251124T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20250925T041235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T041319Z
UID:10000355-1760382000-1764018000@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Exploring Preaching
DESCRIPTION:Exploring Preaching in the UCA \nAn online course for anyone who wants to learn how to Preach in the UCA. \nExploring Preaching in the UCA has been created around the Preaching Competencies from the “Assembly Standards and Competencies for the Formation and Education for the Specified Ministry of Lay Preacher”. So\, those training for the ministry of Lay Preaching\, and those needing to undertake training for the Preaching Competencies for Pastors (as these are the same)\, can be assured they are receiving training to help them meet these competencies. \nHowever\, Exploring Preaching in the UCA is also a great course for: \n\npeople undertaking a Period of Discernment\nLay Preachers looking for some continuing education.\n\nExploring Preaching in the UCA covers: \n\nwhere preaching ‘fits’ in Worship\nethical preaching\npractical preaching skills\nexegesis\nplanning to preach\n\nExploring Preaching in the UCA is offered through access to online learning materials and a Zoom class. \nInternet not great at home? The unit is also designed so that the base material can be downloaded and saved to your computer. Others interested in learning in your Presbytery? Why don’t you learn together – and download your learning material to work on at home. \n  \nTo register\, click here
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/exploring-preaching/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/fish-tile.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Mel Perkins":MAILTO:mel.perkins@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.8136276;144.9630576
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251025T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251025T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20250603T083212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T054448Z
UID:10000352-1761382800-1761411600@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Discernment Day
DESCRIPTION:Discernment Day  \nCome and see …   An opportunity to learn about discernment\, discipleship and ministries in the Uniting Church\, and pathways into lay and ordained ministries. \n• Meet UCA Ministry agents and learn about their different roles and contexts \n• Discover educational pathways for discipleship and ministries \n• Learn about the Period of Discernment and ministry pathways \n• Consider how to discern your gifts and your sense of call \n  \nThis session is available both in person and online. \n  \nThere is limited carparking available for people with mobility issues only. Bookings are essential and can be done by contacting CTM Reception on 03 9340 8800 \n  \nTo register\, click here \n 
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/discernment-day/
LOCATION:Centre for Theology & Ministry\, 29 College Crescent\, Parkville\, Victoria\, 3052\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Lauren Mosso":MAILTO:lauren.mosso@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.7922071;144.9619031
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Centre for Theology & Ministry 29 College Crescent Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=29 College Crescent:geo:144.9619031,-37.7922071
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251201T170000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251201T183000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20251031T025142Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T025142Z
UID:10000356-1764608400-1764613800@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Book Launch for Rewilding Prayer: God Beyond Gender\, Faith Beyond Formulas
DESCRIPTION:You are warmly invited to join Sally Douglas for the launch of Rewilding Prayer: God Beyond Gender\, Faith Beyond Formulas. \n  \n5pm Monday 1st December 2025 \nYuma Auditorium\, Centre for Theology and Ministry 29 College Crescent\, Parkville \nRSVP Wednesday 26 November. \n  \nRev Salesi Faupula\, Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia\, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania\, together with Julie Perrin\, storyteller and writer\, will launch the book. Rewilding Prayer disrupts the idol of pretending that God is a man and upends the delusion that prayer is about wishful thinking\, vending machines\, or reciting words. With insight and honesty\, questions about what prayer is for\, what prayer does and does not do\, and what we can do when we cannot pray are explored. Exuding a gritty hope\, Douglas demonstrates that prayer is the call to the real. This book is for the curious\, the “spiritual not religious”\, the faithful\, the disenchanted\, and for those who thirst for more. \n  \nView the event flyer here \n  \nTo register\, click here \n  \n“There is deep pastoral and biblical wisdom in these honest\, unfussy prayers and reflections.” —Amy Plantinga Pauw\, Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. \n“Attuned to human experience\, and concerned with shaping language that is sensitive\, straightforward\, devout\, and daring.”—Pádraig Ó Tuama\, Host\, Poetry Unbound. \n“With passion and honesty\, she invites us to ‘live close to the fire’ of liberating divine grace.” —Steven Shakespeare\, Liverpool Hope University. \n“A gentle yet insistent call to rediscover prayer as wild encounter with the divine.” —Tim Nash\, Host\, Nomad Podcast. \n“Sally Douglas inspires us to pray with ‘guts and integrity amidst the chaos’ of everyday life.” —Seforosa Carroll\, United Theological College\, Charles Sturt University. \n“More than a book about prayer—Douglas has gifted us a challenge\, an invitation\, a treasury.” —Cathie Lambert\, Uniting College for Leadership and Theology.
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/book-launch-for-rewilding-prayer-god-beyond-gender-faith-beyond-formulas/
LOCATION:Pilgrim Theological College\, 29 College Crescent\, Parkville\, Victoria\, 3052\, Australia
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ORGANIZER;CN="Sally Douglas":MAILTO:sally.douglas@pilgrim.edu.au
GEO:-37.7922071;144.9619031
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Pilgrim Theological College 29 College Crescent Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=29 College Crescent:geo:144.9619031,-37.7922071
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T100000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260214T140000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20251222T022301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T022301Z
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SUMMARY:VicTas Synod Intercultural Forum Annual General Meeting
DESCRIPTION:The VICTAS Synod Intercultural Forum invites you to attend the SIF annual general meeting. This is a great opportunity to support the multicultural ministries and intercultural leadership within the Synod.  You will find plenty of chances to make new friends in ministry\, catch up with colleagues and friends\, worship and praise together\, and engage in Talanoa with Synod leaders. Plus\, a new SIF leadership team will be elected. \nRev Salesi Faupula\, the VICTAS Synod Moderator\, has been asked to open the meeting with his message and prayer.  Rev Sylvia ‘Akau’ola-Tongotongo from Toorak Uniting Church will share her experiences and insights on multicultural ministries and intercultural leadership as she continues to her journey with the Uniting Church in Australia. \n  \nDate: 14 February 2026\, Saturday (10:00 am ~ 2:00 pm) \nVenue: Glen Waverley Uniting Church (10-12 Bogong Ave\, Glen Waverley VIC 3150) \nNote: \n\nThe church carpark spaces for disability carpark permit holders and guest speakers only.\n\n\nFellowship lunch will be provided\, please indicate your dietary requirement.\n\n  \nTo register\, click here \nPlease register by Saturday 7 February\, 2026
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/victas-synod-intercultural-forum-annual-general-meeting/
LOCATION:Glen Waverley Uniting Church\, 10-12 Bogong Ave\, Glen Waverley\, Victoria\, 3150\, Australia
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ORGANIZER;CN="David Kim":MAILTO:david.kim@victas.uca.org.au
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260223T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260223T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20251208T234333Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T234333Z
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SUMMARY:Introduction to Uniting Learning Orientation - Semester 1
DESCRIPTION:This is a free introductory and orientation session to the Uniting Learning units offered in Semester 1\, 2026. This introduction is recommended for anyone undertaking a Uniting Learning unit in semester 1\, 2026. This orientation will cover becoming familiar with the online learning environment (LMS); Dalton McCaughey Library usage\, access and membership; academic integrity\, referencing your work and assessment submissions; meeting the teaching and support staff for this semester; and outlining the students learning expectations\, supports services and resources available to you. \n\nTo register\, click here
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/introduction-to-uniting-learning-orientation-semester-1/
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:20260409T120000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260411T160000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20260303T053447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T045654Z
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SUMMARY:Talanoa 2026
DESCRIPTION:Talanoa 2026 will be a platform for folx to talanoa (tell storied realities\, invite conversations\, explore ways forward) around the “arts of negotiation” in/from their life situations\, and to unpack the “gifts in negotiation” for their communities and for the rest of us. \n  \nThe theme for this conference is “negotiation\,” and there will be keynotes (2)\, presentations (24)\, and panels (4). The keynotes will address “Indigenous justice” (from UAICC) and “Migration and Climate justice” (MP Anasina Gray-Barberio). \n  \nThe presentations will address topics in the general areas of Pasifika cultures\, theology\, bible\, climate justice\, pastoral care\, CPE\, art\, queer\, decolonization\, gender justice\, youth justice\, and more. The panels will be on “Justice matters\,” “Negotiating identities in diaspora\,” “Raising families in diaspora\,” and “Youth matter!” \n  \nThursday\, 9 April 12pm–8pm \nCanterbury Balwyn Uniting Church \n15A Balwyn Rd\, Canterbury 3126 \n  \nFriday\, 10 April 9am–8pm \nCentre for Theology and Ministry \n29 College Crescent\, Parkville 3052 \n  \nSaturday\, 11 April 9am–4pm \nCentre for Theology and Ministry \n29 College Crescent\, Parkville 3052 \n  \nCost \nRegistration fee includes conference materials and meals. \nFull cost $ 120 \nStudent $ 50 \n14yo and under $ 1 \n  \nTo register\, click here \n  \nFor full program details\, click here
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/talanoa-2026/
LOCATION:Centre for Theology & Ministry\, 29 College Crescent\, Parkville\, Victoria\, 3052\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Talanoa-tile.jpg
GEO:-37.7922071;144.9619031
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Centre for Theology & Ministry 29 College Crescent Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=29 College Crescent:geo:144.9619031,-37.7922071
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260413T120000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260420T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T132221
CREATED:20260220T042918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T042921Z
UID:10000359-1776081600-1776704400@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:2026 Contextual Learning Group to South Korea
DESCRIPTION:In 2016\, a group of six people from the VICTAS Synod visited Korean partner churches. After a decade I’m privileged and moved to organise another group of young people to South Korea. \n  \nThey’ll learn about Australian mission work and its missional ties between the two countries. \n  \nThis 7-day intensive group tour visits 3 Korean partner churches of UCA and various mission sites established by Australian missionaries since 1889. The group aims to strengthen historical and missional ties with Korean partner churches and mission organisations. \nThe group will learn and appreciate the UCA’s rich history\, leadership and involvement in ministry and mission works in overseas. The group will receive valuable insights\, particularly highlighting the significant contributions of Victorian missionaries during the early stages of Australian mission works in Korea. There will be a series of group and individual activities with local hosting churches and organisations\, debriefing and sharing sessions among participants and several group tours learning more about local culture and food. \nPlease submit your expression of interest by the end of 9 March 2026 \n  \n\nTitle: 2026 Contextual Learning Group to South Korea\nDuration: 13 April\, Monday evening ~ 20 April\, Monday afternoon\nVenue: various mission sites in Seoul\, Busan\, Masan and Chang Won in South Korea\nRequirements: Participants must have a valid passport\, be aware of their own medical and dietary needs and be able to walk approximately 6–8 km including subway staircases each day.\nWho can join: friends and colleagues in the VICTAS Synod\nWhat’s next: Once accepted\, you need to arrange your own round-trip ticket between Melbourne and Seoul\, South Korea. (after registration\, a copy of ‘2026 CLG guideline booklet’ will be emailed)\nContact: Rev David Dong Won Kim\, VICTAS Synod Multicultural Ministries Coordinator (0400 213 205 / david.Kim@victas.uca.org.au)\n\n  \n  \nTo register your expression of interest\, click here \n 
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/2026-contextual-learning-group-to-south-korea/
LOCATION:Victoria
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ORGANIZER;CN="David Kim":MAILTO:david.kim@victas.uca.org.au
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END:VCALENDAR