Rev Dr David Ferguson, Presbytery Officer for the Uniting Church WA, shares some biblical reflections on leadership during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 outbreak we are currently experiencing.
Month: March 2020
Following from his previous post, David Beards, member of Maylands Mt Lawley Uniting Church, gives us an update on the virtual church service held for his congregation over the weekend, and some tips for those who are moving to the space.
With Easter approaching and physical worship gatherings not taking place due to restrictions amid the COVID-19 outbreak, churches are preparing to acknowledge and celebrate Easter in a whole new way.
Rev Don Dowling, retired Minister and member at Margaret River Uniting Church, has made available a series of video resources which could be used for personal reflection or online group discussions, themed around the 2014 Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition, held at Uniting Church in the City, Wesley Perth.
David Beards is a member at Maylands-Mt Lawley Uniting Church who works professionally to provide communications solutions. He shares some great information for congregations moving worship services into the online space.
Sunday 22 March at Maylands-Mt Lawley Uniting Church will be remembered as a memorable service.
With the smell of bleach and hand sanitiser in the air, the congregation gathered in the hall for the last time for a while. We spaced out the chairs, our music team played, and Rev Steve Francis, Moderator of the Uniting Church WA, gave a message on ‘resilience’.
With worship services in WA closing due to COVID-19, churches are in a new (to some) space of keeping connected. Physical distancing is vital to lowering the impact of this virus, and thus needs to be taken seriously.
In good news, physically distancing does not have to mean socially isolating ourselves. In fact, with modern technology we can be more socially connected than ever, with an increase in online activity.
Busselton Uniting Church have been one of many to take up this opportunity, offering online resources for families or individuals to use while we are all practising physical distancing. Each Friday, Rev Andrew Broadbent, Minister at Busselton Uniting Church, will upload a video message and an accompanying PDF resource with prayers, reflection questions and links to traditional and contemporary music.
Categories
Coronavirus updates
The health, safety and wellbeing of Uniting Church members as well as the wider community is front and centre of everything we do.
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, we at the Uniting Church WA are adapting and responding to the global pandemic while adhering to the latest Government advice.
The Uniting Church WA website has gathered some information to provide much-needed certainty and hopefully some reassurance, during this most uncertain time. You can access the information, including updates, prayers, reflections, ideas for digital ministry and important links here.
Many years ago I was invited to speak to a group of students at an art college.
The meeting was arranged by one of the art lecturers who thought art students should be aware of some of the ways Christianity had influenced the arts over many centuries. Most of the students were Marxists, materialists or agnostics. I gave a short address and then engaged in a ‘question time.’ After some vigorous debate I was asked what was core or central to Christian belief and practice. All I could think of was two words “the cross”.
We have all seen or heard the stories. Maybe we have told some ourselves? I certainly have. “It was unbelievable at the shops! Empty shelves everywhere, the carpark was a nightmare!”
As inconvenient and even stressful as this is, there are of course impacts for some people that are harder to see in the struggle to adapt to the impacts of COVID-19. Many of us know people who are immuno-compromised, have an existing medical condition or are simply in an older age bracket that is more vulnerable to the virus.
UnitingCare Australia is encouraged by the Government’s response to the coronavirus crisis, but has called for further details and investment in measures that provide targeted and longer-term support to those most in need.
This year, for the first time in a long time, the Uniting Church WA has seen a jump in the number of people undertaking a Period of Discernment (POD). From just six people at the beginning of 2019, there are now 14 people who have entered the POD program.
A Period of Discernment with the Uniting Church WA is an opportunity for members to explore where their call from God might be leading them. While it is necessary to undertake a POD to begin candidacy for ministry in the Uniting Church, people may enter the program for a range of other reasons. It is a year-long journey of reflection on God’s call.