Uniting Church Mission Fellowship (UCMF) celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia with three speakers: one who was at the inaugural service, one who was born into the Uniting Church, and one who came in from another denomination.
Rev Geoff Blyth gave us some understanding of the planning, the discussion, the argument and the scrutiny leading up to Union. It wasn’t all easy. The day of Union must have been so exciting with representatives from the Congregational, the Methodist and the Presbyterian churches meeting in different locations for official signings, then all processing to congregate together at the Sydney Town Hall.
Our second speaker wasn’t even born forty years ago. Alexandra Bingham, Co-ordinator of Partnerships with UnitingWorld SA and WA, gave us an insight into some of the projects in other parts of the world. They are working together to help disadvantaged communities become more independent. What an inspiration!
Next, we heard from Rev David Tressler who came into the Uniting Church from another denomination around 1984. He led our attention to his little, well-used book, The Basis of Union. This little book might renew your spirit, give you new vision. Maybe we should look at it from time to time.
I think that we should be pleased with what the Uniting Church has achieved over the last 40 years, but we had better not be complacent; God’s work is not done yet.
All are welcome at the UCMF meetings, third Wednesday morning of each month in the Guild Room, Uniting Church in the City, Wesley Perth.
Barbara Hoffman