Across the national life of the Uniting Church, numerous Sundays are earmarked for focused learning, celebration, prayer and fundraising activities, which are related to different initiatives, services, and agencies.
Share Sunday traditionally marks the celebration of the Uniting Church’s community services work, and this year was held on August 25.
As the Synod’s community services organisation, Uniting VicTas prepared resources to support congregations choosing to hold a Share Sunday service.
The theme this year was ‘Draw Near’, inspired by a verse in Psalm 34:15-22.
This theme was about illuminating the heart of Uniting staff – what motivates them to do the work they do and how, through that work, they lean into the struggle against the causes and effects of disadvantage and injustice.
Uniting’s Director of Mission, Jessica Hateley-Browne, said Share Sunday was an opportunity for people across the life of the Church to think about ways to build a more just and equitable society.
“On Share Sunday, we think about the ways we ‘draw near’ to human need, even when it’s uncomfortable or upsetting, because we recognise and celebrate the inherent dignity of every person,” Jessica says.
“In Psalm 34 we are reminded that God hears cries for help, is near to the broken-hearted and restores those who are crushed in spirit.
“So, we too tune our ears to the cries and stand with those who are experiencing trauma, hopelessness, despair and pain.”
As part of the celebrations and steeped in the history of the Covenant between Uniting and the Wesley Church, Jessica invited a panel of Uniting staff to tell their stories to the gathering at Wesley Church in Melbourne.
Panel guests included General Manager Housing and Property Kristie Looney, General Manager Alcohol and other Drugs, Mental Health, Carers and Tasmania Adrian Webber, Senior Manager Youth, AOD and Mental Health Social Supports Nellie Jackson, and Community Engagement Lead, Escaping Violence Payment program Angela Nguyen.
Jessica told the congregation that rather than the typical sermon “where you would usually hear the Good News proclaimed in word – today instead we will hear stories of the Good News in action”.
“Today is an opportunity for some of Uniting’s staff to tell their stories about the human need they draw near to each day, their values, and what inspires them in their work,” she said.
The discussion centred around how congregations could support the community services work of Uniting through advocacy, volunteering, or fundraising.
The discussion was vibrant and wide ranging.
The issues that were addressed included the need for more social and affordable housing and how to counter the stigma associated with community housing tenants and those affected by drug and alcohol addiction.
Family violence was another key theme.
The focus here was on how to better equip community members to recognise signs of family violence and how to improve access to information about the services available to support victim/survivors of family violence.
With its ambition to build a deeper connection and understanding between the congregations of the Uniting Church and its community services organisation, the day undoubtedly fulfilled that purpose.
