By Aileen Muldoon
About 60 people attended a service at Northcote Uniting Church recently for the commissioning of congregation member Jessica Hateley-Browne as the new Director of Mission at Uniting VicTas.
Those attending the service for Jessica included the Moderator Rev David Fotheringham, Northcote minister Rev Alister Pate, Uniting VicTas CEO Bronwyn Pike, members of the congregation, colleagues, friends and family.
The Director of Mission position was created following the merger of 26 founding agencies to form one Uniting community services organisation.
The role was designated to maintain a strong connection between the Uniting Church and its community services.
Jess was appointed following the retirement of Rev John Clarke in January this year, and she is just the second Director of Mission and the first woman to fill the role.
During the service, Jess reflected on her first connection with the Uniting Church more than 20 years ago and the deepening of her faith through engagement in church and community.
“I have been invited to participate in a very particular way in the realm of God, and in the life of the Uniting Church,” she said.
“I am humbled and energised by the invitation to participate in God’s restorative project in this world by taking up the role of Director of Mission at Uniting.”
Flagging how she intends to fulfill the role, Jess pledged to her Uniting colleagues:
“There are times when I will stand alongside you, in solidarity and in partnership as we pursue the next right thing together.
“And, occasionally, stirred by faith, I’ll stand in front of you, and I’ll point to a horizon of hope and justice and invite you to come with me, even if you can’t see it yet.”
