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Covenant journey explored
Members of the Walking Together in Covenant committee gathered in Tasmania recently for deep discussion around the journey between First and Second Peoples.
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Narana change announced
After 30 years, a decision has been made by the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress to return indigenous cultural centre Narana Creations to the Wathaurong Co-Op.
Chapter closed on camping
The Synod of Victoria and Tasmania's decision last year to sell its camping sites brought back a host of memories for those who enjoyed great times spent outdoors.
Congregation powers on
Queenscliff-Point Lonsdale congregation members are embracing renewable energy in the fight against climate change.
Monica welcomes colleague
Pilgrim Theological College's Monica Melanchthon recently caught up with friend, colleague and former Bishop for the Madras Diocese of the Church of South India, Vedanayagam Devasahayam.
Commitment and community
Warrnambool Uniting Church's strong missional commitment to the local community, and beyond, lies at the heart of what makes it such a wonderful congregation.
Faith and family to fore
Scoresby Uniting Church's 150-year history and important role in the community was celebrated recently.
Democracy in the spotlight
As inequality in Australia grows, people with little money have less of a say in how we are governed. The Synod's Justice and International Mission Cluster wants to change that.
Bush chaplains go extra mile
Frontier Services' bush chaplains continue to go above and beyond the call of duty around regional and remote Australia.
Uniting Church members honoured
Uniting Church members have been recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours List for services to the Church and the wider community.
Spread warmth this winter
Prahran's Hartley’s Community Meals has provided a sense of community and connection for over 30 years for those doing it tough.
Focus on content accessibility
A series of workshops are guiding Synod staff members and Ministers, Lay Leaders and Church Councils on how to prepare content for people with a disability.
Action stations on Act2 report
The final report of the Act2 Project has been released to 17th Assembly members and the wider Uniting Church ahead of July's Assembly meeting.
Working towards a just future
In his regular Crosslight magazine column, Moderator Rev David Fotheringham calls on Uniting Church members to walk alongside our First Peoples towards reconciliation.
Jessica’s on a mission
Northcote Uniting Church member Jessica Hateley-Browne was commissioned recently as the new Director of Mission at Uniting VicTas.
Science, faith and lots of fun
Christian and former astrophysicist, Dr Dave Gregory, tackled questions around science and faith in a fun and challenging way recently.
Pomonal rises from the ashes
Pastor Damien Tann has written a wonderful article about how the Pomonal community has come together in the wake of the fire which ripped through the town earlier this year.
Moderator calls for healing
Moderator Rev David Fotheringham appeared at the Yoorrook Justice Commission yesterday, pledging the Uniting Church's support for the truth telling process around injustices suffered by Victoria's First Peoples.
Churches to appear at Yoorrook
Moderator Rev David Fotheringham will join Anglican and Catholic church representatives on a panel at the Yoorrook Justice Commission on Wednesday, May 1.
Congregation gives generously
Koonung Heights congregation members are contributing to the wellbeing of their neighbours, outreach mission projects, and the broader Church in a number of ways.
Faith in the public square
The Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy will be launched next month, aiming to speak words of hope and life into the public conversation in Australia.
Easter invokes grand themes
In his Crosslight magazine column ahead of Easter, Moderator Rev David Fotheringham tells us that "God shares in our death, even as God leads us into life".
Pilgrim drives deep discussion
'Doing ministry on stolen land' was the question unpacked yesterday as Pilgrim Theological College staff and students began the academic year.
Leading the fight against leprosy
Lay preacher Merrill Cole and the Eaglehawk Uniting Church congregation are working hard to support education around leprosy in countries like Nigeria.
Digging deep to help others
The St Luke's congregation in Mount Waverley lives out the ethos of Faithful Giving by lending a hand to those in need.
Pray that peace prevails
In his February Crosslight magazine column, Moderator Rev David Fotheringham urges us to pray during Lent for a just peace in the Middle East.
Helen leads list of honours
Tasmania's Helen Geard is among a number of Victorian and Tasmanian Uniting Church members recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours List released by the Governor-General.
Moderator’s Christmas message
"In a world that needs community, compassion and justice, Jesus shows us how to lean into that with humility, faithfulness and love," says Moderator Rev David Fotheringham.
Uniting continues to care
As Christmas looms, the wonderful work done by Uniting to support families comes sharply into focus.
That’s a wrap for Synod 2023
Uniting Church members from throughout Victoria and Tasmania gathered in Melbourne last month for four days of discernment, discussion and connection as part of Synod 2023.
Listen for the call from God
In his regular Crosslight magazine column, Moderator Rev David Fotheringham asks us to be still and listen to God's call.
Synod 2023 day four recap
Synod 2023 has come to a close today, following four days of discussion around important issues facing the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania.
Synod 2023 day three recap
Adopting a health-based approach to drug use, and supporting the concept of secure work were proposals adopted today on day three of Synod 2023.
Synod 2023 day two recap
The announcement of Rev Salesi Faupula as Moderator-elect, a Tributes Service, a number of proposals, and the opportunity for members to explore a range of issues were all part of day two of Synod 2023.
Moderator-elect announced
Rev Salesi Faupula has been confirmed today as Moderator-elect of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, and will fill the role of Moderator from 2025-2028.
Synod 2023 day one recap
Day one of Synod 2023 featured Opening Worship, Bible studies, a number of reports and a presentation from Moderator-elect nominee Rev Salesi Faupula.
Service calls for peace
Moderator David Fotheringham joined other Church leaders on Friday in a service of peace, prayers and meditations in the wake of recent conflict in the Middle East.
Environment right for change
Koonung Heights Uniting Church has joined a long list of churches being recognised for their environmental achievements.
Opening the door to faith
Anne Pate and her husband Alister are building a strong community of faith at Northcote Uniting Church.
Statement on the Voice
National President Rev Sharon Hollis and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress National Interim Chair Rev Mark Kickett have issued a statement folliowng the rejection on Saturday of an indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Prayer on the Voice
Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis has written a prayer that can be used in worship on Sunday and beyond following the referendum on an indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Future in focus at Synod 2023
General Secretary Rev Dr Mark Lawrence is encouraging Uniting Church members to embrace Synod 2023 from November 18-21.
Speaking up for the Voice
Moderator David Fotheringham recently joined other faith leaders at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne to affirm the Synod's support for the October 14 referendum on an indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Church thrives in regions
In his regular Crosslight magazine column, Moderator David Fotheringham reflects on a recent trip around western Victoria, which again showed the wonderful work being done by Uniting Church members.
Nia embraces youth role
Nia Lavaki is looking forward to an engaging journey focusing on promoting youth and multicultural ministry as part of the equipping Leadership for Mission team in Parkville.
The science of song
Uniting Church members Rev Dr Peter Blackwood and Geoffrey Grinton will take centre stage at the Melbourne Recital Centre next month.
Honours for UC members
A number of Uniting Church members have been recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours List for their outstanding community service.
Putting faith into action
As we enter winter, an annual Uniting Vic.Tas appeal is helping many people deal with unexpected hardship.
Break down the barriers
In his Crosslight magazine column, Moderator David Fotheringham tells us of what can be achieved through faith when barriers are broken down.
Moderator’s Easter message
During Easter we are invited to bear witness to the emergence of hope and life in the resurrected Jesus, says Moderator David Fotheringham.
Reflections on Easter
As we look ahead to Easter, five Uniting Church Ministers share what the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ means to them.
Word’s out on worship
The third Sunday in March marked the third anniversary of the creation of a worship resource that has helped Uniting Church members worship from home since 2020.
Cries ring out for justice
In his Crosslight magazine column, Moderator David Fotheringham reflects on how God hears the cries of those who have been exploited and are bereaved.
Uniting Church supports Voice
The Uniting Church in Australia has confirmed its strong support for a yes vote later this year on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Statement from the Moderator
Moderator David Fotheringham has issued a statement following the anti-trans rally held at Victoria's Parliament House on March 18.
New roles celebrated
Five Uniting Church members were welcomed into new roles within the Synod at a service at the Centre for Theology and Ministry yesterday.
Warm welcome for refugees
Swan Hill Uniting Church congregation members are opening their hearts to refugees from Afghanistan.
Project is right as rain
As part of a strong environmental ethos, Warrandyte Uniting Church members have created a wonderful raingarden on their property for the community to enjoy.
Awards honour long service
Eaglehawk's Judith Richards is among six Victorians connected to the Uniting Church honoured with Australia Day awards.
Moderator’s Christmas message
In his Christmas message, Moderator David Fotheringham invites us to celebrate "the grace, love and hope God brings" to our world.
Christmas blessings
As we celebrate Christmas, Rev Jennie Gordon offers us three poems she hopes will "birth a new hope, screaming with life, cradled with love".
Moderator’s flood letter
Moderator David Fotheringham has written a pastoral letter expressing support for communities impacted by flooding in Victoria and Tasmania.
The Lord/Force be with you
The hit 1977 movie 'Star Wars' and its character Obi-Wan Kenobi offer plenty to ponder for people of faith, says author Peter Malone.
Questions on the Bible
Author Meredith Lake believes questioning the messages we’ve inherited from a colonial Bible is central to understanding our faith.
The meet of the matter
Synod 2022 last month brought together about 200 people for three days of deep engagement and discernment around issues affecting the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania.
Synod 2022 day three recap
Synod 2022 wrapped up today, with a number of proposals adopted, and seven members elected to the Standing Committee.
Synod 2022 day two recap
Today's second day of Synod 2022 included a response to Tasmania’s End-Of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) legislation, and well-deserved recognition for former eLM executive officer Jenny Byrnes.
Synod 2022 day one recap
Day one of Synod 2022 today welcomed new Moderator David Fotheringham, featured a report from outgoing Moderator Denise Liersch, and included the tabling of a number of important reports.
New Moderator installed
Wesley Church was the setting last night as Rev David Fotheringham was officially installed as Synod of Victoria and Tasmania Moderator, replacing outgoing Moderator Denise Liersch.
Fond farewell to Denise
As Denise Liersch prepares to leave the role of Moderator, she reflects on a three-year term which involved a number of unexpected challenges.
Building on faith
For 150 years, a Lockwood South church has been the spiritual centre for generations of worshippers.
Reconciliation on right track
As our First Peoples mark National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week, the push for change continues to gather momentum.
Home is where the art is
A two-bedroom property sold recently in north-western Tasmania contained an interesting feature which recognised its link to history as a former church.
Safe space to speak up
Inclusion and diversity will be front and centre when the Sacrededge Festival returns to Queenscliff this month.
Good Friday story challenges us
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.
Focus on heads and tales
Manningham Uniting Church will give a voice to the stories, hopes and struggles of those people on the margins during its Building Bridges Through Story event next month.
Sylvia relishes new role
Rev Sylvia 'Akau'ola Tongotongo brings a wealth of experience to her new role in intercultural development within equipping Leadership for Mission.
Indigenous link honoured with renaming
Rooms at the Centre for Theology and Ministry in Parkville have been renamed to acknowledge the fact they are located on Wurundjeri land.
Synod 2022 offers the chance to have a say
Moderator-elect David Fotheringham has invited Uniting Church members to take an active part in Synod 2022, to be held from June 30 to July 3.
Australia Day honours for UC members
A number of Uniting Church members have been recognised for their service to the Church and community in this year's Australia Day awards.
Faith to the fore in Tonga after tsunami
The people of Tonga will bounce back from the devastation caused by a recent tsunami, say Victorian-based Uniting Church members from the South Pacific Island nation.
Call to prayer after tsunami devastates Tonga
Uniting Church members are being urged to pray for the people of Tonga, after the South Pacific Island nation was devastated by a tsunami last weekend.
COVID-19 warning for congregations
Church Councils have been reminded of their obligations to ensure they are COVID-compliant in the interests of health and wellbeing.
Peace of mind in music
Music is providing much-needed relief to people living with dementia, including those in Uniting AgeWell facilities.
Members urged to speak up
The call is out encouraging younger members and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to nominate for next year's Synod Meeting.
How do we reopen doors?
As we return to a sense of normality following COVID-19 lockdowns, a recent Synod online forum raised plenty of interesting questions around vaccination and how our congregations navigate the path towards reopening.
Pastoral letter from the Moderator
Moderator Denise Liersch has written a pastoral letter addressing questions which have arisen around COVID-19 vaccination, face-to-face worship and reopening requirements.
Good food for a good cause
Summer means the perfect weather for a barbecue and Frontier Services' Great Outback BBQ is a fantastic way of supporting our farmers.
It’s time to act on climate
Ahead of COP26 which starts on October 31, Moderator Denise Liersch and Senior Social Justice Advocate Mark Zirnsak are calling for concerted action to address climate change.
Hope shines in dark times
As our resilience is tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, Moderator Denise Liersch encourages us to remember that it is our faith that sustains us.
An open letter of sincere gratitude and encouragement
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc throughout the country, Uniting Church leaders have written an open letter recognising its impact on us all and asking us to "carefully consider vaccination".
Ton of joy as Eve celebrates special day
Rev Sani Vaeluaga performed a very special act recently for Lara aged care resident Eve Crumpton, who decided, at the age of 101, that it's never too late to be baptised.
Sharon Hollis installed as President
The 16th Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia was held online over the weekend, with former Synod Moderator Sharon Hollis installed as President.
Narana pastoral letter from Moderator
Ahead of NAIDOC Week, a recent visit to the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre has given Moderator Denise Liersch plenty of reason to feel optimistic about the march towards reconciliation.
Cold comfort for many
With your support, Uniting Vic.Tas will continue its outstanding work and help more than 9000 families in crisis this winter.
New centre promotes old perspectives
Australia's oldest and largest theological school is about to take the exciting step of launching its own Indigenous Studies Centre.
It’s access all areas
How a strong communication and engagement process among staff members meant that one shop ensured it was open for business for all customers.
Queen’s Birthday honours
Seven UCA members have been recognised for their service to the community in this year’s Queen's Birthday Honours List.
New lessons learnt during lockdown
New ways of worship have resulted from the need to be innovative during lockdown, says Rev Mat Harry.
All you need to know: answers to your frequently asked questions
To help you get the answers you need, our Coronavirus Crisis Team has listed your FAQs. This page will be updated regularly and we hope it will satisfy most of your queries, saving you from having to pick up a phone or send an email.
Lockdown pastoral letter from Moderator
Moderator Denise Liersch has penned a pastoral letter reminding us of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. “Sometimes when we are in the midst of tough life experiences we can be more deeply in touch with our hearts than when life is running smoothly.”
Journey continues towards reconciliation
National Reconciliation Week offers an opportunity for First and Second Peoples to walk together in partnership, says Leprena Centre's Alison Overeem.
Helen is never bone idle
Regular exercise at an AgeWell gym and participation in a groundbreaking study have Hawthorn resident Helen Malins ready for her next big adventure.
Cookbook still tasting success
For more than a century, The PWMU Cookbook has been a staple item in kitchens right around Australia, with money from sales funding mission projects around the world.
Service marks special occasion
Easter Sunday was an appropriate day on which to welcome new life, in the form of Kew Uniting Church.
Moderator’s Easter message 2021
Moderator Denise Liersch’s Easter message invites us to get personal. “Being known and called by name makes us into people considered by others as being of value and of worth. It includes us, holds us and enfolds us. It gives us a place and a home where we know we belong."
Online Synod Meeting a winner
Organising the first ever online Synod Meeting presented plenty of challenges, but those responsible succeeded with fantastic teamwork.
April Crosslight now available
The April edition of Crosslight is now available at all of its regular distribution points. For those of you unable to get a copy, Crosslight is also available online in its popular Flipbook format and as a PDF for you to download and print out.
App offers a new avenue of worship
An app to be launched across the country later this month provides an opportunity for people to share faith and explore new forms of church.
Synod 2021 prepares to make history
This month's "virtual" Synod Meeting will be like none before it, but it remains vital to ensuring we continue to serve the life and mission of the Church.
February Crosslight now available
The February edition of Crosslight is now available at all of its regular distribution points. For those of you unable to get a copy, Crosslight is also available online in its popular Flipbook format and as a PDF for you…
Resources help healing in times of disaster
A new resource provides vital information and guidance for ministers and lay leaders to begin the healing process after a disaster.
Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill 2020: Statement from the Moderator
Moderator Denise Liersch says "the Uniting Church supports the intention of the legislation to protect vulnerable people from the harm of coercive practices".
Help Philippines residents hit hard by typhoons
Philippines residents need our support after the country was rocked by two major typhoons in November.
Moderator shares a Christmas message
Moderator Denise Liersch reflects on the carol 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' and how it speaks to the sense of disconnect many are feeling this Christmas.
Message from the President
"In this season of Advent, we reflect on the coming of Christ into our world with anticipation and hope", writes President Deidre Palmer.
Award win tastes wonderful for volunteers
The Boroondara Community Outreach service has been recognised with a prestigious award for its wonderful work providing meals and other services during the COVID-19 crisis.
Hobart church service marks historic milestone
Faith community members in Tasmania had plenty to celebrate last Sunday as they gathered to mark the 200th anniversary of the arrival of Methodist mission to the Apple Isle.
Crosslight December now available
The December edition of Crosslight is now available both in print and as an easy-to-access, reader-friendly digital “flipbook”. It features an array of engaging stories and thought-provoking opinion pieces.
NAIDOC 2020 resources
Below is a ’boutique’ list of resources to engage young people in conversation around the significant of NAIDOC week. As always, if you think something is missing, please get in touch! The NAIDOC website seems a good place to start…
NAIDOC Week 2020 reflection
Leprena Centre Manager Alison Overeem has written a poetic reflection for NAIDOC Week, asking that we learn the history of First Peoples and hear and honour their stories.