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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260721T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260721T213000
DTSTAMP:20260720T042751Z
CREATED:20260603T000400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T042751Z
UID:10000362-1784662200-1784669400@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Live reading of Mark's Gospel
DESCRIPTION:In a candle lit church\, gather with others to hear the whole of Mark’s Gospel read aloud in one evening. There will be mulled wine\, space for reflection\, and gentle silence. Whether you are spiritual-not-religious\, part of a faith community\, or simply curious to hear this ancient text come alive\,  you are welcome. \n  \nWhere: Brunswick Uniting Church \nWhen: 7.30pm Tuesday 21st July \nCost: Free \n  \nTo register\, click here
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/live-reading-of-marks-gospel/
LOCATION:Brunswick Uniting Church\, 214 Sydney Road\, Brunswick\, Victoria\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Marks-gospel.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Sally Douglas":MAILTO:sally.douglas@pilgrim.edu.au
GEO:-37.772608;144.9613464
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Brunswick Uniting Church 214 Sydney Road Brunswick Victoria Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=214 Sydney Road:geo:144.9613464,-37.772608
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T093000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T170000
DTSTAMP:20260720T043007Z
CREATED:20260603T034617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T043007Z
UID:10000363-1784971800-1784998800@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:2026 JIM Convention
DESCRIPTION:Blessed are the Peacemakers – Building a Peace Church \nJustice and International Mission Convention 2026 \nWhere: Centre for Theology & Ministry\, 29 College Crescent\, Parkville \nWhen: Saturday 25 July 2026\, 9:30 am – 4:45 pm \nCost: $50 for metropolitan participants/$25 concession and non-metropolitan Melbourne participants \n  \nThe 1982 National Assembly affirmed the Uniting Church in Australia to be a peacemaking body and encouraging alternatives to war. However\, the resolution did not rule out the use of “Just War” in exceptional circumstances. With a number of serious armed conflicts around the world\, and increased polarisation across communities\, the following statement from the World Council of Churches is highly relevant: \nWe are convinced: A clear witness to peace and nonviolence grounded in justice is what the world needs today from all the churches together…As Christians\, we are motivated and encouraged by the Gospel message of the peace of Christ and the rich Biblical tradition of peace and justice…We want to engage in constructive efforts to build a culture of peace. \n  \nTrue peace-building must seek to create socially just outcomes\, not simply aim for the absence of violence. Without addressing underlying injustices\, the chance for lasting peace fall to near zero. \n  \nAn assessment of civil resistance movements between 2010 and 2019 found 34% of non-violent struggles succeeded compared to 9% of violent campaigns. Thus\, in practice\, non-violent campaigns are four times more likely to be successful than violent ones. \n  \nThe focus of the 2026 Justice and International Mission Convention will be to explore how Uniting Church members can build greater engagement on non-violent peacebuilding. \n  \nKeynote speakers \n  \nDr. Nida Shoughry \nCo-Director\, Center for Women\, Peace and Security\, Itach-Ma’aki \n  \nDr Shoughry is a scholar-practitioner working at the intersection of feminist peacebuilding\, conflict transformation\, and women’s political participation. She has co-trained and accompanied over 100 Palestinian and Israeli women leaders in preparation for peace negotiations. She has collected more than 2\,000 online accounts of Palestinian women documenting survival\, resistance\, and visions for peace. \n  \nDr. Tsameret Levy-Daphny \nStrategic Advisor and Lecturer; Fellow\, Forum for Regional Thinking \n  \nDr Levy-Daphny is an expert on Turkey and the Middle East\, and a lecturer and strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience in Israeli academia and civic initiatives. She previously headed the Turkey Forum at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute\, where she led research programs and regional collaborations. \n  \nDr. Matt Anslow \nMatthew is a biblical scholar and theologian\, activist\, author\, and preacher. \n  \nMatthew’s first book\, Fulfilling the Law and the Prophets\, was published in 2022 and he has published numerous academic and popular articles on subjects such as peacemaking\, nonviolent activism\, agriculture\, biblical studies\, preaching\, and philosophy. \nProgram \n9:30 am – 9:45 am Acknowledgement of Country and Opening Worship \n  \n9:45 am – 10:45 am Plenary Session \nTheological reflections on peace building – Matthew Anslow \n  \n10:45 am – 11:15 am Morning Tea \n  \n11:15 am – 12:30 pm \nHalf the Story\, None of the Power: Women\, Exclusion\, and the Failure of Israeli-Palestinian Peace – Nida Shoughry and Tsameret Levy-Daphny \n  \n12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch \n  \n1:30 pm – 2:15 pm Workshop Session 1 \n  \n2:20 pm – 3:05 pm Workshop Session 2 \n  \n3:05 pm – 3:30 pm Afternoon tea \n  \n3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Plenary Session – How to build support for non-violent peacebuilding and the direction of the JIM Cluster \n  \n4:30 pm – 4:45 pm Closing worship \nThe Workshops \n1.      Swords into ploughshares – Campaigning against the arms trade\, including autonomous weapons and biological weapons \nFacilitator: Mark Zirnsak \n  \n2.      Non-Violent Strategies versus Armed Conflict – How do we assess the alternatives? \nFacilitator: – Mark Zirnsak \n  \n3.      Move the Money Campaign – Increasing funding for peacebuilding \nFacilitator: Heather Clarke\, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom \n  \n4.      Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel – Practical non-violent involvement in conflict zones \nFacilitators: John Wardlaw (who recently returned from a placement in the West Bank) and Rev Sandy Boyce\, Executive Officer\, Victorian Council of Churches \n  \n5.      Peacebuilding in Myanmar \nFacilitator: Myanmar Campaign Network \n  \n6.      Solidarity with peacebuilders in Palestine and Israel \nFacilitator: Friends of Standing Together Melbourne \n  \n7.      Correcting the historical injustice of the colonial conquest of Australia \nFacilitator: Tim Molineux\, Synod Social Justice Officer \n  \n8.      Addressing family\, domestic and sexual violence \nFacilitator: Mark Zirnsak \n  \n9.      Settings relationships right: practicing peace in congregations \nFacilitator: Rev Michael Wood\, author of “Practicing Peace: Theology\, Contemplation\, and Action” \n  \n10. What does peace-building look like in real communities today? The experience of UnitingWorld’s partner in Maluku\, Indonesia \nFacilitator: Antony McMullen\, Church Engagement Manager at UnitingWorld \n  \n11. Peace-building in the Philippines \n  \n12. From Story to Strategy: What Can Australians Do for Inclusive Israeli-Palestinian Peace? \nFacilitators: Dr Nida Shoughry and Dr Tsameret Levy-Daphny \n  \n13. Peacebuilding from a Palestinian Perspective \nFacilitators: John Na’em Snobar\, Director of Advocacy for Palestinian Christians in Australia \n  \n  \n  \nDietary Requirements \nAll catering will be vegetarian to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the catering. \n  \nIf you have a special dietary requirement please let us know when you register. \n  \nTo register\, click here \n 
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/2026-jim-convention/
LOCATION:Centre for Theology & Ministry\, 29 College Crescent\, Parkville\, Victoria\, 3052\, Australia
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260727T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261012T210000
DTSTAMP:20260609T025750Z
CREATED:20260609T025748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T025750Z
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/UUCA-tile.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Amanda Nicholas":MAILTO:amanda.nicholas@victas.uca.org.au
GEO:-37.8136276;144.9630576
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T150000
DTSTAMP:20260715T030212Z
CREATED:20260714T011623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T030212Z
UID:10000369-1785333600-1785337200@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Psychosocial safety
DESCRIPTION:Psychosocial safety\nPeople and Culture is inviting ordained ministers\, ministry agents\, church members\, lay staff\, workers\, volunteers and managers to attend a webinar on July 29 at 2pm on psychosocial safety. \nRegister Here
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/psychosocial-safety/
LOCATION:Victoria
CATEGORIES:Conferences
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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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260902T140000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260902T153000
DTSTAMP:20260804T044028Z
CREATED:20260804T043813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T044028Z
UID:10000372-1788357600-1788363000@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:Northey lecture – Mawson
DESCRIPTION:Faith in Protest: Liberation Theologies and Activism in the 1970s and 1980s. \n  \nIn 1969\, the World Council of Churches launched its controversial Programme to Combat Racism. Over the next two decades\, the programme funded and supported Civil Rights activism in the USA\, anti-apartheid movements in South Africa\, and revolutionary groups in South America. What is less well known is that the programme made important contributions to anti-racist theologies and activism in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. \nUsing the work of the Programme to Combat Racism as a point of departure\, this lecture will explore the kinds of ideas and theological commitments that led New Zealand and Australian Christians to become involved in anti-racist activism in the 1970s and 1980s. Moreover\, it will suggest how this history can continue to provide valuable lessons for responding to racism and white supremacy today. \n  \n \nMichael Mawson is a Pākehā (white) theologian and holds the Maclaurin Goodfellow Chair of Theological and Religious Studies at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland. He previously worked at the United Theological College in Parramatta. Some of his recent books include Standing Under the Cross: Essays on Bonhoeffer’s Theology (2023) and\, with Brian Kolia\, Unsettling Theologies: Memory\, Identity and Place (2024). \n\nTo register for in person or online attendance\, click here
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/northey-lecture-mawson/
LOCATION:Centre for Theology & Ministry\, 29 College Crescent\, Parkville\, Victoria\, 3052\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Northey-tile.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:20260904T120000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260906T131500
DTSTAMP:20260720T060115Z
CREATED:20260720T042416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T060115Z
UID:10000370-1788523200-1788700500@victas.uca.org.au
SUMMARY:2026 National Lay Preachers' Conference
DESCRIPTION:Weaving Christ’s Love as a Lay Preacher\n  \n2026 National Lay Preachers’ Conference\n  \nAn Inspiring National Conference for Lay Preachers\, Worship Leaders and Church Leaders\n  \nJoin Lay Preachers and leaders from across Australia for an exciting\, engaging and interactive conference exploring the many dimensions and challenges of preaching\, worship and ministry in today’s world. \n  \nThis valuable and empowering program will address issues including: \n\nmulticulturism\ndisability and inclusion\nScripture and theology\ndiversity\noutreach and mission\niconography\nsocial justice\ncreativity\n\n-centred around weaving the Love of God into our preaching \n  \nTo register\, click here \n  \n  \nFor the full program\, click here \n  \nAccommodation \nAccommodation is being arranged at Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton. This motel is on Royal Parade about 15 minutes stroll from CTM\, or two tram stops with a credit/debit card\, phone or smart watch\, Myki travel card. A ‘best rate’ is being offered with price depending on whether a king or twin room is booked. \nBooking and payment will be direct to Park Inn. \nLimited accommodation for participants with special needs is available at Maclean House within the CTM grounds. For more information or to book\, please email macleanhousectm@victas.uca.org.au \nIt is recommended that you stay at Park Inn by Radisson\, if possible\, to make the most of this collegiate gathering as it is a comprehensive and tightly-packed program.
URL:https://victas.uca.org.au/event/2026-national-lay-preachers-conference/
LOCATION:Centre for Theology & Ministry\, 29 College Crescent\, Parkville\, Victoria\, 3052\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LPA-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
END:VEVENT
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FOF.jpg
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261012T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261019T213000
DTSTAMP:20260804T042714Z
CREATED:20260724T025222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T042714Z
UID:10000371-1791831600-1792445400@victas.uca.org.au
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
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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