Features

By Andrew McKaysmith, Synod Writer and Content Creator Moreton Rivers Presbytery is taking a mission-driven approach to reinvigorate its congregations and engage with local communities. Reverend Mark Cornford, Presbytery Minister of Moreton Rivers Presbytery, recently discussed the Presbytery’s mission work and their efforts to support its 37 congregations and faith communities covering Brisbane CBD, southern river suburbs, and northern suburbs up ...

By Janice Mcrandal, Director – The Cooperative I remember the first time I read an Indigenous reading of the conquest of Canaan in the book of Joshua. Specifically, a reading that highlighted the violence of one religious group driving out a local people and claiming land in the name of their God. I was shocked. Why had I never thought ...

By Andrew McKaysmith, Synod Writer and Content Creator In a recent interview, Reverend Ansie Liebenberg from Warwick Uniting Church shed light on the transformative work carried out in Warwick, Killarney, and Freestone as part of the Project Plenty initiative that the church embarked on three years ago to create a flourishing community by addressing critical areas of need and providing ...

By Andrew McKaysmith, Synod Writer and Content Creator Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday, scheduled for July 16 this year (and the third Sunday of July each year), is a Sunday which the 16th National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia resolved to set aside and dedicate to promote intercultural engagement within congregations and faith communities. It serves to celebrate and appreciate ...

By Steve Webster, Mission Facilitator – Transforming Communities, talking with Aunty Annai Ghee In the Torres Strait Islands, a diverse community prepares to honour their rich heritage through the annual Coming of the Light celebration. This deeply significant event, commemorated on July 1st, embraces the fusion of faith, culture, and resilience within the island communities. The Coming of the Light ...

By Andrew McKaysmith, Synod Writer and Content Creator Australia is home to a wonderfully diverse society, and finding a community that embraces this diversity is always refreshing. That’s what you’ll discover at the Logan Central Multicultural Uniting Church. Church elder and worship leader Judy Hunter offered insights into what makes this church unique and why they are committed to serving ...

By Bruce Ames This small book by Rev Michael Moynagh (UK) and Rev Michael Beck (USA) provides tools for Christians who want to follow Jesus’ Great Commission but are unsure of how to do so effectively. The two Michaels encourages us to follow Jesus by practical measures in the wider community. Jesus did most of his teaching by reaching out ...

Last week, about 60 ministry agents from across the synod came together for what is traditionally known as the Ministers Convocation with the Moderator. Convocation is a term that describes the calling together of a formal gathering, usually in academic or ecclesial contexts, for the purposes of focussed discussion, input and recognition of the particular role of those assembled. In ...

By Andrew McKaysmith, Synod Writer and Content Creator.  Volunteers at Pine Rivers Uniting Church Emergency Relief (ER) are offering crucial resources and support to a growing number of struggling families. Jan and Chris are members of this dedicated team, helping address the needs of families navigating difficult circumstances. The message Chris and Jan want to convey on behalf of the ...

PreachFest is a three-day festival created to inspire and enliven the craft, art and vocation of preaching across churches in Australia. The event involves a series of speakers and workshops for attendees. PreachFest is organised by the Uniting Church Synod of NSW & ACT in partnership with the Synod of Vic/Tas and is open to anyone across Australia and beyond ...