The Uniting Church WA Ministry Expo was held over the weekend, on Friday 15 May, on Zoom. The expo invites people to explore ministry in the Uniting Church WA, and God’s call on their lives. Rev Bev Fabb, from the Candidates for the Ministries Committee, reports.
The Ministry Expo 2020 was very different to last year’s event, but just as successful.
Due to COVID-19 we were not able to meet face to face, but rather by Zoom. Meeting in this format actually made the event more accessible to some. One participant was located in Townsville, QLD, and others from rural WA joined the meeting as well.
In the end about 20 people participated in the discussion including seven people who were enquiring about possibilities for ministry in the Uniting Church. Presentations either by video or in person were made about the ministries of Lay Preacher, Pastor, Deacon and Minister of the Word, with a wide range of contexts for ministry from congregation, to chaplaincy and in the community being discussed.
Questions came thick and fast from participants and it was obvious that several people were seeking to discern God’s call upon their lives. Information about the Period of Discernment (POD) was provided and two people currently doing a POD spoke of their experience of this.
Since the Expo, two people have indicated they intend beginning a Period of Discernment and the level of interest at the Expo indicates that more applicants may come soon.
The evening ended with Rev Steve Francis, Moderator of the Uniting Church WA, blessing us all as we seek to discern God’s call to ministry.
Head here to find out more about the Period of Discernment, and here to view videos from some of the presenters.
Top image: Rev Bev Fabb encouraging people to attend the Ministry Expo, via YouTube.