November 2014 – Page 2 – My WordPress Website

Uniting Church members are joining forces with Christians across Australia to speak up against human trafficking and slavery on Abolitionist Sunday 23 November.

UnitingWorld is joining forces with World Vision for Abolitionist Sunday, to raise awareness of the issue of human trafficking and slavery and equip Christians to speak up on the issue. World Vision Australia’s chief executive, Tim Costello, says that Christians are often unaware of the human suffering that may be behind the products and services they buy.

“Human trafficking is woven into the lives we lead – whether we know it or not,” said Tim.

“Our own actions may even contribute to this demand because of the goods we consume.”

On Sunday morning 12 January 2014, a devastating bushfire sparked by a private power pole in Parkerville resulted in the destruction of 57 homes. Many properties were damaged and 386 hectares burnt in the affected areas of Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena. A meeting was arranged with the Uniting Church Emergency Response Team and members of the three local hills Uniting Churches, Mundaring, Glen Forrest and Gidgegannup. Representatives from these congregations formed The UCA Hills Fire Disaster Committee, supported by Synod/Presbytery representative, Rev Gordon Scantlebury, and Metro East regional pastor, Rev Alan Stubbs.

Contact was made with the local schools and the chaplains to let them know of the assistance that we could give. Other local churches, the Mundaring Shire Towards Recovery Centre and, of course, word of mouth in the community gave us many starting contacts. Vouchers were distributed directly by committee members and through the school chaplains. Cash gifts have also been given and we were especially keen to help children continue with their extra-curricular activities, some requiring sporting fees and uniform expenses.