Category Archives: UCA News and Other Upcoming Events
Uniting Church calls for immediate sanctuary for Syrian refugees
See here for the media release.
September 2015 Crosslight now available online
The September 2015 issue of Crosslight is now available online. Click here to access it.
Mark the Evangelist Update – September 4 2015
Friends,
the latest MtE update:
- This Sunday we begin a series of reflections on the book of James; more information here.
- On Sunday September 20 there will be a congregation discussion following worship (this replaces the previously planned Sunday Conversation). This will be an introduction of the Mark the Evangelist Futures Project (MTEFP), which is the process we will be going through to make a decision regarding our utilisation of the various capital resources we have for mission (including questions of the renovation of Union Memorial Church). The MTEFP is a major exercise which will engage us for the next 6-8 months. Further details about the September 20 discussion will be advised in the next week or so, but at this stage the Church Council encourages as many members as as possible to plan to be present at this particularly important conversation. We expect to begin after a brief morning tea, and for the introduction and discussion to run up to 1.5 hours.
- Some of you might be interested in this historic film strip, which gives some insight into the work of the Methodist Mission in North Melbourne several generations ago (perhaps some one of you can date it for us?!)
Craig
Mark the Evangelist Update – August 27 2015
Friends,
the latest MtE news update:
- This Sunday August 30 we’ve another of our occasional hymn-learning sessions following worship. If you’re especially keen you can have a look before we get together; the list will likely include TIS 394, 673, 183, 628, 178, 393 – some new, some refreshers!
- The President of the UCA National Assembly has sent this Pastoral Letter on Same-Sex Marriage to all congregations.
- If you’re interested in something more to read, here’s another “Worth a read” suggestion, principally on the theme of worship.
- The most recent Presbytery Update (August 20) is here.
Craig
Yarra Yarra Presbytery Update August 20 2015
· August Presbytery day – a quick reminder that our next Presbytery-in-council meeting will be held this Saturday 22nd August at Kingswood College, Box Hill. The agenda and papers have been sent, please let me know if you did not receive them.
· Mission Shaped introduction (MSI) – this introductory course exploring new ways of building communities which connect with Australians unfamiliar with traditional church will take place over the course of three evenings in August, September and October. Information is attached.
· Fundraiser for Asylum Seeker Resource Centre – Glen Iris Rd UC will be hosting a Jazz evening (and I see there will be cheese platters) to raise funds for the ASRC. An image with further information is attached and you can book here
· Thriving: Resilience and 40 Developmental Assets Training – a one day workshop for people passionate about the holistic and positive development of young people. Saturday 29th August. More information here
· Child, Mission and Education Symposium – a great opportunity for ministers, pastors, chaplains, religious educators and Christian teachers. Friday 11th September. More information here
· Justice and International Mission Unit convention – the 2015 convention will be held on Saturday 12th September at the CTM in Parkville. A registration form is attached.
· Disability Inclusion – the VicTas Synod’s Disability Action Plan will be launched by Victoria’s Public Advocate, Colleen Pearce on Friday 25th September. An invitation is attached.
· Transform Conference – “Let’s talk about sex: the Bible, faith and relationships” is the theme of the second Transform 2015 Conference for young adults, over the weekend of September 25-27, 2015 at Pallotti College. Prof. Bill Loader is the key presenter, with lots of other great presenters and stuff! Some registration subsidies are available for those not in full time paid employment. For more information: www.transformgatherings.com
· Living Leadership intensive – Living Leadership, resourced by the CTM, works to enhance the capacity of individual leaders and leadership teams across the church to exercise effective leadership. For anyone in a le
August 2015 Crosslight now available online
The August 2015 issue of Crosslight is now available online. Click here to access it.
President’s Pastoral Letter on Same-Sex Marriage
The President of the UCA National Assembly has issued this pastoral letter on same-sex marriage.
Mark the Evangelist Update – August 13 2015
Friends,
the latest MtE news update:
- This Sunday we have an after-worship conversation, led by Robert Gribben: “How to stay warm in the ‘ecumenical winter’: some recent travel notes.”
- Some of you might be interested in a recent and great little book by Rowan Williams, Being Christian; I’ve given a brief overview of it here.
- This is long-term notice, but we’ve another reading/discussion series lined up for later in the year: After Christendom.
- The Hotham Mission web site has had a few updates lately; have a look!
- The August 2015 newsletter Synod is here.
- The most recent Presbytery Update (August 6) is here; the next Yarra Yarra Presbytery Meeting is Saturday August 22.
Craig
Yarra Yarra Presbytery Update August 6 2015
· August Presbytery day – a quick reminder that our next Presbytery-in-council meeting will be held on Saturday 22nd August at Kingswood College, Box Hill. Put this date in your diary if you have not already! Further information will follow at the end of next week.
· Presbytery Induction – a reminder that the induction and recognition service for the Rev. Young Lee will take place this Sunday 9th August from 3:00pm at the Loving Church of Melbourne (Manningham UC, Westfield Dr, Doncaster).
· Dedication and opening of ‘Barry’s Place’ at Burwood UC – Thursday 27th August. An invitation is attached.
· 40 Developmental Assets Training – a one day workshop for people passionate about the holistic development of young people. Deepen your understanding of positive youth development in Australia and engage in conversations on how your community, school or faith congregation may enhance and develop young people’s resilience and capacity to thrive. Saturday 29th August. More information:http://ctm.uca.edu.au/ctm/
· ‘Mind, Body, Spirit’ at North Balwyn – Ms Jessica Morrison, who is a member of Christian Peacemaker Teams, will talk on the topic ‘Embodying Christ’s call to be peacemakers in a violent world’. Sunday 30th August, 5:30-7:30pm, NBUC, 17-21 Duggan St, Balwyn North.
· Music at St Margaret’s – is to be held on Sunday 13th September from 2:30 pm, featuring clarinet quintet Clique des Clarinettes with the St Margaret’s choir supporting. Admission by gold coin donation including a light afternoon tea. St Margaret’s UC, Hull Road, Mooroolbark. Further enquiries to 9726 5953.
· Celtic spirituality workshop at Bayswater – Sunday 16th August. Information attached.
· Hymn playing workshop at North Balwyn – Saturday 26th September. Information attached.
· ‘A Thoughtful Faith’ – is an new initiative of the Congregation of Mark the Evangelist (North Melbourne), which provides a listing of upcoming theological conferences and seminars and an email subscription if you’d like to be notified of new additions to the list. See www.marktheevangelist.