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Picture of Discipleship school in the page School's in for discipleship

School’s in for discipleship

Younger Generations team member Kelly Woods is hoping to recruit 20 young adults to attend the annual School of Discipleship in New South Wales in June.

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Picture of Christmas bowl e in the page Bowl filled with compassion

Bowl filled with compassion

By Aimée Keay For 75 years, church communities have been uniting through the Christmas Bowl to give hope to families ...
Picture of Mark money in the page Sharing wealth promotes goodwill

Sharing wealth promotes goodwill

By Mark Zirnsak With Advent upon us, I have been reflecting on Charles Dickens’ 1843 ‘A Christmas Carol’ and its ...
Picture of Middle east converted in the page Advent and a call for peace

Advent and a call for peace

Advent marks the beginning of a new year in the Christian liturgical calendar. We begin with the world waiting, wondering ...
Picture of Valedictory eight in the page Pilgrim students complete studies

Pilgrim students complete studies

At its Valedictory Service on Thursday, hosted by Wesley Church, the community of Pilgrim Theological College said farewell to 17 ...
Picture of Candle image in the page Funeral service for Rev Dr Michelle Cook

Funeral service for Rev Dr Michelle Cook

Final arrangements are now in place for the funeral service for Northern Synod Moderator-elect Rev Dr Michelle Cook, who tragically ...
Picture of Colin and carol one in the page Faith and hope in focus

Faith and hope in focus

By Rev Colin Gurteen and Rev Carol Bennett What possible connection could there be between isolated Uniting Church communities scattered ...
Picture of Internal post image template x in the page Pastoral letter on Treaty

Treaty logo now available

As part of its commitment to walking together with Victoria’s First Peoples, the email signatures of Victorian-based staff of Synod ...
Picture of Faithful giving burwood heights e in the page Generosity reaches great heights

Generosity reaches great heights

By Andrew Humphries As a member of the Burwood Heights congregation since the Uniting Church formed in 1977, Len Trotter ...
Picture of Share sunday one e in the page Staff share stories of support

Staff share stories of support

Across the national life of the Uniting Church, numerous Sundays are earmarked for focused learning, celebration, prayer and fundraising activities, ...
Picture of Bayswater church two e in the page Bayswater's beacon of hope

Bayswater’s beacon of hope

By Marina Williams In the heart of Bayswater, a small but mighty group of volunteers is making a big difference ...
Picture of Peace pole beaconsfield two in the page Poles promote peace message

Poles promote peace message

By Andrew Humphries Nearly 80 years after it began as a response to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World ...
Picture of Children column in the page Duty calls us on care

Duty calls us on care

I write this just after Share Sunday, celebrating the community work of Uniting Church agencies, congregations and parish missions. When ...
Picture of Pam grant two in the page Cookbook success tastes sweet

Cookbook success tastes sweet

By Andrew Humphries What springs to mind when we think of great Australian traditions? Cricket in summer and footy in ...
Picture of Internal post image template x in the page Pastoral letter on Treaty

Pastoral letter on Treaty

Pastoral letter re: Statement in Support of the Treaty Process in Victoria Dear friends in Christ, I recently wrote a ...
Picture of Yoorrook logo in the page Pastoral letter on Yoorrook

Pastoral letter on Yoorrook

Dear friends in Christ, In March this year, the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania was formally approached by ...
Picture of Chin dinner signing e in the page Pen to paper seals deal

Pen to paper seals deal

By Rev Caro Field Whoa, Wednesday's church council meeting was probably the wildest and most exciting I’ve experienced in a ...
Picture of Ken baker two e in the page Mission flies at Airport West

Mission flies at Airport West

By Andrew Humphries Ken Baker says while the Airport West Uniting Church congregation may be an ageing one, that doesn’t ...
Picture of Sharon again e in the page Sharon returns to a new role

Sharon returns to a new role

Describing a “deep sense of joy in coming home”, Rev Sharon Hollis was last week inducted into the role of ...
Picture of Warragul church in the page Climate right for action

Climate right for action

By Andrew Humphries Warragul Uniting Church member David Morison only has to listen to the sound of children playing at ...
Picture of Johnsonville photo one e in the page Small in number, big in heart

Small in number, big in heart

By Talitha Fraser At East Gippsland’s Johnsonville Uniting Church, a small congregation is showing a big commitment towards lifesaving health ...
Picture of Charissa president e in the page Long journey for President

Long journey for President

By Rebecca Beisler For Rev Charissa Suli it was an “Emmaus Walk” moment. On the short road between Collaroy and ...
Picture of Moderator august e in the page God's stories worth exploring

God’s stories worth exploring

The Bible opens with a wonderful, big-picture view of God and the whole universe – the biggest picture view that ...
Picture of Sean winter in the page Sean to step down at Pilgrim

Sean to step down at Pilgrim

The Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Uniting Church in Australia, has sadly received the resignation of Rev Associate Professor Sean ...
Picture of Andy service six e in the page Service pays tribute to Andy

Service pays tribute to Andy

Family, friends and colleagues gathered yesterday to send Rev Deacon Dr Andy Calder into retirement with much love and appreciation ...
Picture of Assembly three in the page That's a wrap for Assembly

That’s a wrap for Assembly

The 17th National Assembly wrapped up this week, with a new President and General Secretary ready to guide the Uniting ...
Picture of Covenant image in the page Covenant date celebrated

Covenant date celebrated

By Andrew Humphries As today marks the 30th anniversary of the Covenant between the UCA and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander ...
Picture of Uaicc gathering in the page Covenant journey explored

Covenant journey explored

As we prepare to mark the 30th anniversary of the Covenant between the UCA and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian ...
Picture of Narana photo in the page Narana change announced

Narana change announced

After 30 years, a decision has been made by the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress to return indigenous cultural ...
Picture of Camping closure one e in the page Chapter closed on camping

Chapter closed on camping

When the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania made the difficult decision last year to sell its camping sites, it signalled ...
Picture of Richard allen in the page Congregation powers on

Congregation powers on

By Andrew Humphries As a long-time member of the Queenscliff-Point Lonsdale Uniting Church, Richard Allen has seen plenty of change ...
Picture of Bishop one e in the page Monica welcomes colleague

Monica welcomes colleague

Pilgrim Theological College faculty member Monica Melanchthon had the opportunity recently to catch up with an old friend and respected ...
Picture of Warrnambool faithful giving e in the page Commitment and community

Commitment and community

By Andrew Humphries Warrnambool Uniting Church minister Rev Malcolm Frazer reckons there could be a pretty good book written about ...
Picture of Scoresby one e1717386678165 in the page Faith and family to fore

Faith and family to fore

By Marina Williams For 150 years Scoresby Uniting Church has witnessed much change in a neighbourhood that has evolved from ...
Picture of People voting e in the page Democracy in the spotlight

Democracy in the spotlight

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their ...
Picture of Frontier services in the page Bush chaplains go extra mile

Bush chaplains go extra mile

By Jacqui Simpson Have you ever travelled through the outback, or seen those vast sprawling maps, and got a sense ...
Picture of Honours in the page Uniting Church members honoured

Uniting Church members honoured

A number of Uniting Church members throughout Victoria, and formerly Tasmania, have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours ...
Picture of Winter warmth one e1716774130929 in the page Spread warmth this winter

Spread warmth this winter

By Meg Hocking For over 30 years, Hartley’s Community Meals has provided community, connection and a hearty meal to the ...
Picture of 240605 digitalcontent image in the page Focus on content accessibility

Focus on content accessibility

Ministers, Lay Leaders and Church Council members are invited to attend workshops in September exploring how best to prepare content ...
Picture of Act2 project main graphic in the page Action stations on Act2 report

Action stations on Act2 report

By Bethany Broadstock When the National Assembly meets next month, members will be asked to consider the most significant piece ...
Picture of Mod column one in the page Working towards a just future

Working towards a just future

I am writing this article (in early May) the day before travelling to Bendigo for a regional meeting of the ...
Picture of Jessica uniting victas in the page Jessica's on a mission

Jessica’s on a mission

By Aileen Muldoon About 60 people attended a service at Northcote Uniting Church recently for the commissioning of congregation member ...
Picture of Science and faith one e1716866740726 in the page Science, faith and lots of fun

Science, faith and lots of fun

By Rev Sandy Brodine The Younger Generations team had the pleasure of welcoming Dr Dave Gregory to Melbourne recently as ...
Picture of Pomonal people one e1716865444196 in the page Pomonal rises from the ashes

Pomonal rises from the ashes

By Damien Tann Fire and Pomonal are not uncommon associates. In 1939 on Black Friday, the orchards and tobacco plantations ...
Picture of David at yoorrook two e1714625397963 in the page Moderator calls for healing

Moderator calls for healing

By Andrew Humphries The Moderator, Rev David Fotheringham, yesterday formally acknowledged the harm that the churches in Victoria which historically ...
Picture of Yoorrook two in the page Churches to appear at Yoorrook

Churches to appear at Yoorrook

Moderator Rev David Fotheringham will represent the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania at the Yoorrook Justice Commission on May 1. ...
Picture of Crosslight magazine faithful giving artwork in the page Congregation gives generously

Congregation gives generously

By Talitha Fraser Koonung Heights Uniting Church Minister Rev Heather Hon considers herself extremely fortunate to be part of such ...
Picture of Crosslight magazine wesley centre photo in the page Faith in the public square

Faith in the public square

By Robyn Whitaker This month, Christians around the world will celebrate Easter, a time of year when we reflect on ...
Picture of Christian cross appears bright in the gold sky in the page Easter invokes grand themes

Easter invokes grand themes

The Easter period, moving from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, takes us through the grand themes of death and resurrection, ...
Picture of Pilgrim orientation sharon hollis and mark kickett in the page Pilgrim drives deep discussion

Pilgrim drives deep discussion

By Andrew Humphries Pilgrim Theological College staff and students kicked off the academic year yesterday with a deep question to ...
Picture of Leprosy two in the page Leading the fight against leprosy

Leading the fight against leprosy

By Andrew Newmarch and Andrew Humphries Out she came, clothed completely in protective gear: goggles, mask, gloves, and disposable gown, ...
Picture of Faithful giving two in the page Digging deep to help others

Digging deep to help others

By Andrew Humphries In Mount Waverley in Melbourne’s south-east, one Uniting Church congregation continues to faithfully live out the Christian ...
Picture of Mod column feb in the page Pray that peace prevails

Pray that peace prevails

In a week we will be moving into the season of Lent, with Ash Wednesday on February 14. Lent is ...
Picture of Helen geard in the page Helen leads list of honours

Helen leads list of honours

By Andrew Humphries Tasmanian Australia Day Honours recipient Helen Geard’s first congratulatory call came at 6.45am on Australia Day. Her ...
Picture of Xmas wrapping in the page Moderator's Christmas message

Moderator’s Christmas message

The grace and peace of God be with you! At the moment I’m on Wurundjeri land, and I offer this ...
Picture of Uniting xmas one in the page Uniting continues to care

Uniting continues to care

By Meg Hocking This year, many Australian families are dreading the countdown to Christmas. Forced to make devastating decisions between ...
Picture of Synod vote one in the page That's a wrap for Synod 2023

That’s a wrap for Synod 2023

By Andrew Humphries How a future Uniting Church will look at both a national and state level, the announcement of ...
Picture of New column angels e1701816849707 in the page Listen for the call from God

Listen for the call from God

“O that you would tear up the heavens and come down.” So begins one of the passages from Isaiah that ...
Picture of David closing new e1700556857281 in the page Synod 2023 day four recap

Synod 2023 day four recap

By Andrew Humphries Synod 2023 has wrapped up after four fruitful days of discernment and discussion around matters of importance ...
Picture of Synod vote five in the page Synod 2023 day three recap

Synod 2023 day three recap

By Andrew Humphries Robust discussion exploring important proposals in great detail was an important part of day three of Synod ...
Picture of Salesi and david 1 in the page Synod 2023 day two recap

Synod 2023 day two recap

By Andrew Humphries Day two of Synod 2023 featured the announcement of Rev Salesi Faupula as Moderator-elect, a diverse range ...
Picture of Salesi crosslight e1699829948200 in the page Moderator-elect announced

Moderator-elect announced

Rev Salesi Faupula has today been named Moderator-elect of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. Moderator Rev David Fotheringham this ...
Picture of Day one one e1700296019143 in the page Synod 2023 day one recap

Synod 2023 day one recap

By Andrew Humphries Synod 2023 is officially under way, with Opening Worship at the Salvation Army Hall in Box Hill ...
Picture of David service one e1698010513518 in the page Service calls for peace

Service calls for peace

Moderator Rev David Fotheringham participated in an ecumenical and interfaith service at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne on Friday, organised ...
Picture of Heather award e1697595473265 in the page Environment right for change

Environment right for change

By Andrew Humphries In her four years as Minister at Koonung Heights Uniting Church, Heather Hon has come to appreciate ...
Picture of Anne pate two in the page Opening the door to faith

Opening the door to faith

By Andrew Humphries When Anne Pate is asked what her role as Missional Spirituality Pastor with Northcote Uniting Church involves, ...
Picture of Website post voice in the page Statement on the Voice

Statement on the Voice

The Uniting Church in Australia and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) acknowledge the deep disappointment for many ...
Picture of Voice prayer post in the page Prayer on the Voice

Prayer on the Voice

Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis has offered a prayer for use in worship on Sunday 15 October and beyond ...
Picture of Synod post cards in the page Future in focus at Synod 2023

Future in focus at Synod 2023

By Andrew Humphries As the National Assembly considers the Uniting Church’s long-term future through the Act2 Project, Victorian and Tasmanian ...
Picture of Yes image in the page Speaking up for the Voice

Speaking up for the Voice

As the referendum on an indigenous Voice to Parliament draws closer, the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania is affirming its ...
Picture of David august in the page Church thrives in regions

Church thrives in regions

The weekly Bible readings in the lectionary recently included the Matthew 10 story of Jesus calling together a groups of ...
Picture of Nia lavaki e1688945373557 in the page Nia embraces youth role

Nia embraces youth role

It’s a fair change from sunny Queensland to the depths of a Melbourne winter, but it’s one Nia Lavaki is ...
Picture of Song one in the page The science of song

The science of song

By Rev Dr Peter Blackwood I sing in choirs and have sung oratorios and masses, operas and requiems, Bach, Mozart, ...
Picture of Australian flag in the page Honours for UC members

Honours for UC members

Victorian Uniting Church member Kate Jenkins has been honoured for her extensive work in human rights by being made an ...
Picture of Winter one scaled e1686280357449 in the page Putting faith into action

Putting faith into action

By Meg Hocking They say the eyes are a window to the soul and the smile a front door to ...
Picture of David column in the page Break down the barriers

Break down the barriers

One of the things that I enjoy about celebrations of Pentecost is that they often involve congregations stepping out of ...
Picture of Easter online in the page Moderator's Easter message

Moderator’s Easter message

Three years ago, many of us were in lockdown for Easter. Many churches were closed. In a mirror of the ...
Picture of Easter one e1680485266931 in the page Reflections on Easter

Reflections on Easter

Rev Bob Thomas As a born scientist, “but that I can’t believe!” has been my usual response to so many ...
Picture of Resource one in the page Word's out on worship

Word’s out on worship

By Andrew Humphries Sometimes in the midst of chaos, drama and uncertainty it is a simple idea that resonates and ...
Picture of Column two e1679606774809 in the page Cries ring out for justice

Cries ring out for justice

The fourth chapter of Genesis gives us the powerfully important story of Cain and Abel. It’s the story in which ...
Picture of Uluru one in the page Uniting Church supports Voice

Uniting Church supports Voice

As Australians prepare to vote on the issue later this year, the Uniting Church in Australia's National Assembly has thrown ...
Picture of Transpride pic two in the page Statement from the Moderator

Statement from the Moderator

In response to the anti-trans rally in front of the Victorian State Parliament on March 18, Moderator David Fotheringham has ...
Picture of Induction one e1678224639844 in the page New roles celebrated

New roles celebrated

The Centre for Theology and Ministry in Parkville was the setting yesterday for a celebration of ministry as five Uniting ...
Picture of Swan hill one e1676927304568 in the page Warm welcome for refugees

Warm welcome for refugees

By Donald Moss Imagine entering Australia as a refugee from Afghanistan more than a decade ago, leaving behind your wife ...
Picture of Raingarden one 1 in the page Project is right as rain

Project is right as rain

North-east of Melbourne, the village of Warrandyte is a well-known tourist attraction filled with galleries, art and craft shops, restaurants, ...
Picture of Judith richards in the page Awards honour long service

Awards honour long service

Eaglehawk resident Judith Richards’ many years of commitment to the town’s Uniting Church has been recognised with an Australia Day ...
Picture of Xmas message in the page Moderator's Christmas message

Moderator’s Christmas message

A child taking flesh is a wonderful and slightly terrifying thing! I know it as a parent, and we all ...
Picture of Poems one e1671412656678 in the page Christmas blessings

Christmas blessings

By Rev Jennie Gordon Christmas, they say, is a ‘family time’. In most families there will be at least one ...
Picture of Flood pic two in the page Moderator's flood letter

Moderator’s flood letter

As Victoria and Tasmania have been hit hard by flooding, Moderator David Fotheringham has written a pastoral letter expressing the ...
Picture of Star wars one in the page The Lord/Force be with you

The Lord/Force be with you

By Peter Malone Where is that text in Matthew’s Gospel about not calling anyone Master or Rabbi? It is there ...
Picture of Adelaide one scaled e1660890939170 in the page Questions on the Bible

Questions on the Bible

By Adelaide Morse The thread of Christianity weaves itself throughout history – frayed in some time periods, bound intricately with ...
Picture of Synod four in the page The meet of the matter

The meet of the matter

About 200 members of the Uniting Church gathered at Box Hill Town Hall last month for Synod 2022. The three-day ...
Picture of Test pic synod in the page Synod 2022 day two recap

Synod 2022 day three recap

Day 3 was largely devoted to working through proposals still outstanding and hear from the Facilitation Group, which reported on ...
Picture of Test pic synod in the page Synod 2022 day two recap

Synod 2022 day two recap

The major item on today’s agenda was considering a response to Tasmania’s End-Of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) legislation. Members moved ...
Picture of Synod meeting three e1656675321431 in the page Synod 2022 day one recap

Synod 2022 day one recap

The first in-person Synod Meeting since 2019 got under way at Box Hill Town Hall today, with those present relishing ...
Picture of Worship four e1656595663243 in the page New Moderator installed

New Moderator installed

A changing of the guard took place in Melbourne last night, with Rev David Fotheringham installed as Synod of Victoria ...
Picture of Denise version three in the page Fond farewell to Denise

Fond farewell to Denise

By Andrew Humphries When Rev Denise Liersch passes the baton to incoming Moderator Rev David Fotheringham tomorrow night, it will ...
Picture of Lockwod two 1 e1655960802576 in the page Building on faith

Building on faith

By Andrew Humphries Ask Lockwood Uniting Church member Sue Bewsell what the building means to the community and her reply ...
Picture of Alison one e1655974646137 in the page Reconciliation on right track

Reconciliation on right track

By Andrew Humphries As our First Nations people mark two important dates on their calendar this week, Tasmanian indigenous spokesperson ...
Picture of House one scaled e1650509981712 in the page Home is where the art is

Home is where the art is

By Andrew Humphries When a two-bedroom property at Sulphur Creek in Tasmania went on the market recently, keen buyers would ...
Picture of Sacrededge music scaled in the page Safe space to speak up

Safe space to speak up

By Andrew Humphries While some organisations pay lip service to the concepts of inclusion and diversity, one regional congregation is ...
Picture of Jesus two in the page Good Friday story challenges us

Good Friday story challenges us

By John Evans During Lent, my congregation is reflecting on the stations of the cross as seen through the eyes ...
Picture of Bridges pic two in the page Focus on heads and tales

Focus on heads and tales

By Andrew Humphries In the modern fast-paced world of 24-hour news cycles, opinion shaped by social media, and seemingly endless ...
Picture of Sylvia pic e1645485113160 in the page Sylvia relishes new role

Sylvia relishes new role

By Andrew Humphries When Rev Sylvia 'Akau'ola Tongotongo talks about the importance of multiculturalism and developing an intercultural framework within ...
Picture of Jenny new plate in the page Indigenous link honoured with renaming

Indigenous link honoured with renaming

By Andrew Humphries The focus has been on indigenous issues at the Centre for Theology and Ministry this week, with ...
Picture of Synod art pic e1644355661386 in the page Synod 2022 offers the chance to have a say

Synod 2022 offers the chance to have a say

By Andrew Humphries As the countdown begins to Synod 2022, Uniting Church members from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are ...
Picture of Bronwyn pic in the page Australia Day honours for UC members

Australia Day honours for UC members

By Andrew Humphries Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike’s outstanding contribution to the community in a number of fields has been ...
Picture of Tonga two in the page Faith to the fore in Tonga after tsunami

Faith to the fore in Tonga after tsunami

By Andrew Humphries Ten days after the South Pacific Island nation of Tonga was devastated by a tsunami, the ripple ...
Picture of Another tonga pic in the page Call to prayer after tsunami devastates Tonga

Call to prayer after tsunami devastates Tonga

Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) President, Rev Sharon Hollis, and Chair of the Uniting Church’s Tongan National Conference (TNC), Rev ...
Picture of Covid pic in the page COVID-19 warning for congregations

COVID-19 warning for congregations

To ensure the health and wellbeing of Uniting Church members, every Church Council is reminded of their obligations around COVID-19 ...
Picture of Dementia three in the page Peace of mind in music

Peace of mind in music

By Cathy Withiel Sunsets lost their beauty for David Ross-Smith when they were replaced by sundowners. Sundowning is the term ...
Picture of Synod cards e1638914264113 in the page Members urged to speak up

Members urged to speak up

As next year’s Synod Meeting draws closer, Uniting Church members are being invited to have their say. Younger members and ...
Picture of Opening pic three in the page How do we reopen doors?

How do we reopen doors?

By Andrew Humphries As Victorians emerged from the sixth, and hopefully last, COVID-19 lockdown in late October, they were confronted ...
Picture of Pastoral photo in the page Pastoral letter from the Moderator

Pastoral letter from the Moderator

Vaccination and Reopening: face to face worship and COVID requirements Dear Friends, Over past weeks, questions around vaccination and reopening ...
Picture of Barbecue pic in the page Good food for a good cause

Good food for a good cause

By Andrew Humphries Summer is the time our bathers come out, our sprinklers come out, the kids’ cricket bats come ...
Picture of Climate change australia e1634856387858 in the page It's time to act on climate

It’s time to act on climate

By Donald Moss As leaders and environmentalists gather in Glasgow at the end of this month for the UN Climate ...
Picture of Denise letter in the page Hope shines in dark times

Hope shines in dark times

Dear Friends, Greetings to you all in these times of change. As a Church and in our wider communities, we’re ...
Picture of Covid love one e1629177044487 in the page An open letter of sincere gratitude and encouragement

An open letter of sincere gratitude and encouragement

From the Chairs of Uniting Vic.Tas, Uniting AgeWell, U Ethical Investors, and the Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia ...
Picture of Baptism eve e1628545977791 in the page Ton of joy as Eve celebrates special day

Ton of joy as Eve celebrates special day

Rev Sani Vaeluaga has done many wonderful things in his time as a Minister, but one of the most memorable ...
Picture of Assembly sharon e1626681080693 in the page Sharon Hollis installed as President

Sharon Hollis installed as President

The first-ever online meeting for the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia took place over the weekend, with former ...
Picture of Full hd image in the page Narana pastoral letter from Moderator

Narana pastoral letter from Moderator

Last Friday, I had the chance to visit Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Narana is a significant centre of ministry of ...