Category: News & Announcements

Carols in the Sun

Post author By revivewa
Post date December 15, 2015

Carols in the Sun is a new album and music book, written and composed by Uniting Church members Alison Davies and Heather Price.

The album encompasses the underlying themes of the Christmas story while also showing how relevant these themes still are today in a modern Australian society.

The collection includes congregational songs written for children, young people and adults, and the album includes both original recordings and instrumental backing tracks for each song. A companion music and activity resource book for musicians, teachers and families is also available, and comes complete with lyrics, notated sheet music and craft activity resources.

You can listen to the album and learn more about The Australian Christmas Carol Project at http://heatherprice.com.au/musicstore/.

The album is available for purchase on iTunes and Songs that Unite at https://www.songsthatunite.org.au/component/k2/item/75-carols-in-the-sun.

It’s also available at the Uniting Church WA Resource Centre, at 85–91 Edward St,Perth. For more info email resource@wa.uca.org.au.

Tags Books, Films, Art, Awards and Recipes

News & Announcements

Prayers and support during bushfire season

Post author By revivewa
Post date December 11, 2015

As summer approaches, bushfire season is well upon us. Already in WA we have seen devastating fires with properties destroyed and lives lost. Fire alerts have been issued in multiple areas across the state, including Toodyay, Ellenbrook and Bindoon. The community of Esperance has been particularly affected with, tragically, four people losing their lives as a result of fire in the area.

The Uniting Church WA’s Disaster Response and Community Recovery Working Group are working hard to respond to the situation. Letting the emergency services do what they do best, the working group exists to support communities in the wake of disaster, helping to rebuild in the months after a crisis.

Tags Disaster Relief, Remote and rural communities

News & Announcements

Senior citizens sought for super social club

Post author By revivewa
Post date December 9, 2015

A gap in social support services for people aged over 65 in the Busselton area has been identified and local aged care and community support provider, Juniper, is working to provide meaningful activities for older people.

“Juniper is seeking expressions of interest from seniors who would benefit from a new social group that has a focus on fun, friendship and wellbeing,” Juniper Community executive manager, Daymon Joseph, said.

“These people are perhaps finding things difficult after losing a partner they have cared for, or are socially isolated for a number of reasons, but want interesting and stimulating conversations and activities in a social setting.

Tags Ageing and Community

News & Announcements

Prime Minister launches UnitingCare National Christmas Appeal

Post author By revivewa
Post date December 9, 2015

“There are many Christmas Appeals as sadly there are many Australians in need. UnitingCare in conjunction with Target believe we have the easiest and most cost effective Christmas Appeal, something many Australians can contribute to,” said Lin Hatfield Dodds national director of UnitingCare Australia.

This year Australians are being asked to simply, give a dollar. At the every checkout of every Target store are $1 gift tag baubles. Our goal this year is to raise $1Million to provide simple humanity to Australian families in real need.

Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull launched the Target UnitingCare Christmas Appeal today at Kirribilli House.

“A Christmas meal, a petrol voucher, gifts for the kids. These are what our appeal will provide to thousands of families. In Australia one in every six children live in poverty. Last year our Appeal reached 42,000 families, this year we are aiming to reach even more.”

Tags Christmas

News & Announcements

President calls for prayers and support for our bushfire affected communities

Post author By revivewa
Post date December 1, 2015

Uniting Church in Australia president, Stuart McMillan, has called for prayers and support for those devastated by bushfires in recent weeks.

Communities in the Pinery region north of Adelaide and in Esperance on the south coast of Western Australia face a long recovery process after battling major blazes which claimed six lives and caused widespread destruction of homes, farmland and other property.

“We hold in prayer all those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost homes and everyone involved in the response, both now and in the long recovery phase ahead,” said Stuart.

“We are heartened to hear how people within those regions have responded with compassion for each other, opening up their homes, churches, clubs and businesses to assist those in need.”

Bushfires in South Australia’s mid north claimed two lives and left others seriously injured. Hundreds of firefighters were called on to contain the blaze which has burned more than 80,000 hectares.

SA Disaster and Recovery Ministries Coordinator Wendy Perkins said more than 20 chaplains from different denominations were called upon to be with people at the Relief Centre in Gawler.

Tags Disaster Relief, Remote and rural communities

News & Announcements

October ordination celebrations

Post author By revivewa
Post date November 4, 2015

Two ordinations were held recently in the Uniting Church WA.

Rev Kim Francis was ordained as a deacon on 18 October at Nedlands Uniting Church. Rev Dr Alison Longworth preached for the occasion on John 21: 15-17. She explained that the reading is significant to Kim, for three reasons.

“The first Bible study Kim ever attended was focused on this passage and made a deep impression,” Alison said. “On a second occasion some twenty years ago this same passage confirmed Kim’s decision to leave her teaching career and enter into children and family ministry. The third occasion occurred more recently during a visit to Buckfast Abbey in England when Kim sensed again the call of Christ to ‘feed my sheep’.

“We have observed today that on three occasions in her life, the sequence of three questions and answers in John chapter twenty-one has caused Kim to consider how much she loves her risen Lord. And in the words of Jesus’ commission to Simon Peter – feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep – Kim has heard God’s call to her to the pastoral ministry of deacon,” Alison said.

After her ordination, Kim thanked everyone who has supported her through her journey towards ordination. Kim will be taking up a call to ministry with Maylands Mt Lawley Uniting Church in February.

Rev Rick Morrell was ordained as a minister of the Word in an outdoor celebration on 24 October at the Cottesloe Civic Centre.

Rev Hollis Wilson preached at the service, and spoke about the importance of taking notice of God’s call.

“Rick, remember the Great Commission: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’.” Hollis said.

“Rick, these words from the great commission always seems to give me a shiver. A shiver because of the profound call that Christ makes to us – to go.”

Rick has been in placement as the co-ordinator of the First Third Team with the Uniting Church in WA since 2008 and has worked with young people in the church for 23 years. He began a process towards ordination in 2009. He has taken up a placement as director of mission for UnitingCare NSW and ACT.

To read more on Rick’s journey visit http://revivemagazine.org.au/2015/10/22/rick-morrell-honoured-to-be-part-of-the-journey/.

Photos from Rev Kim Francis’ ordination:

Photos from Rev Rick Morrell’s ordination:

Tags Our People and Agencies

News & Announcements

Forging a new way on asylum seekers

Post author By revivewa
Post date October 15, 2015

The President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Stuart McMillan, has joined faith representatives and members of Parliament in Canberra today to support renewed efforts to restore some compassion to Australia’s asylum seeker policies.

At a cross-party forum at Parliament House Stuart described the continued abuse of asylum seekers in offshore detention centres as “inexcusable”.

“In increasing numbers, courageous citizens are expressing their concerns about the inhumane and illegal treatment of people seeking asylum, especially children.

“I applaud the actions of staff at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital in refusing to return children in detention to places where they are at risk of further abuse and trauma. Concerned citizens including many of deep religious faith continue to make their voices heard on this issue in public rallies and other peaceful protests.

“It’s vital that we harness growing goodwill in the community to improve the plight of these most vulnerable people.

“I congratulate MPs of principle and good faith who are not letting this matter rest in their party rooms or in public.

Tags Refugees and Asylum Seekers

News & Announcements

National Day of Unity

Post author By revivewa
Post date October 14, 2015

President of the Uniting Church in Australia Stuart McMillan has joined civic and religious leaders across the country in supporting this year’s National Day of Unity.

“As Christians we are called to love our neighbour, welcome the stranger, and offer refuge and care to those who are marginalised,” said Stuart.

“The National Day of Unity is a timely reminder of the values we share across our faiths – dignity and respect for all people.”

“We call on all Australians to embrace a spirit of generosity in the way we approach each other, welcome each other and offer hospitality to one another,” said Stuart.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, Greens Leader Richard Di Natale and leaders of different faiths officially launched the 2015 National Day of Unity program at Parliament House in Canberra yesterday.

The Prime Minister said the tragic killing of Curtis Cheng in Parramatta a little over a week ago was a reminder of the importance Australians must place on the values of mutual respect and harmony.

“Those who oppose us, those who seek to do us harm want to divide us. We answer them best by being strong and resolute in our unity,” Malcolm Turnbull said.

Tags Harmony, interfaith