Good Fences, Good Neighbours
Everything is here, according to Jesus. Everything.
Synod News Feeds
The Synod regularly publishes news items and articles, along with evergreen content that remains relevant over time. This is ideal for congregations that want to keep their sites feeling fresh and up to date but lack the resources to create and maintain content themselves.
By drawing on a mix of timely news and enduring resources, congregations can offer their communities a consistently engaging online presence without the overhead of a dedicated content team.
Prayers for Dr Helen Haines, MP
A prayer from the National President, Rev Charissa Suli.
Scheduled Maintenance Notice: UnitingLearning
UnitingLearning, our Learning Management System, will be offline for scheduled maintenance and unavailable from 2:00pm on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. The system is expected to be back online on Thursday, 29 October 2026.
Pacific Voices, Climate Justice and the Road to COP31
For the Uniting Climate campaign, participation in Pre-COP was an opportunity to ensure that the voices of Pacific communities and people most affected by climate change were heard where decisions are being shaped.
Uniting Financial Services appoints John McComb as CEO
Uniting Financial Services (UFS) has announced the appointment of John McComb as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 12 October 2026.
Closing a Minister's Benefit Facility when a Minister moves on
Does your organisation currently employ a Minister who is moving on to a new placement? If so, it is important to ensure the right people are informed to avoid financial and administrative issues down the track.
Annual Financial Returns Reminder: Still Time to Submit Yours
The Annual Financial Returns (AFR) process is an important part of how we, as a Synod, support the financial health and sustainability of our congregations.
Faith in Climate Action in a Month of Action
In September, Uniting Church congregations across Australia came together for the 2026 Season of Creation in a Month of Action - worshiping, praying, and taking public action for climate justice.
A Blessing for our Firies
On 23 August, the driveway at Galston Uniting Church filled with red fire engines and a sea of yellow uniforms, as nine Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigades gathered for the church's annual Blessing of the Fleet service.
Bula!: Uniting Church and Uniting prepare for Pre-COP in Fiji
The Moderator of the Uniting Church in NSW and ACT will join members of the Uniting NSW.ACT Advocacy team in Fiji for Pre-COP31 in October, as the Church continues its engagement with climate justice and the Pacific.
City Meets Country, Again!
This September, we were delighted to have the opportunity to visit Coonabarabran, a small town in north-west NSW, some 160 kilometres north of Dubbo and 183 kilometres west of Tamworth.
Can Green AI shape the future of sustainability?
AI's environmental cost is well documented, but a new movement called Green AI is emerging to change that, cutting energy use while tackling biodiversity loss and climate resilience. The piece looks at what this shift means for companies and investors.
Busting the Myths About Child Safety Checks for Volunteers
Working With Children Checks (WWCCs) in NSW and Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registrations in the ACT often attract a surprising number of myths. From concerns about privacy to assumptions that they're expensive or unnecessary, let's separate fact from fiction.
New Website and Membership Applications for the UAICC
The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) in NSW/ACT is pleased to announce that we have a new website and a new electronic membership application form, allowing people to apply for membership online.
Good Governance Should Help
Devin North, Head of Risk, Audit, and WHS at Synod reflects on what years of working across the Uniting Church's governance structures have taught him: that good governance isn't measured by technical correctness, but by a simpler test - does it actually help the people who have to live with it?
Stitched with Care at Kippax
Three years ago, a minister at Kippax Uniting Church left a basket of wool and knitting needles out during worship, inviting anyone to pick it up. Since then, that quiet gesture has grown into a steady stream of handmade blankets, teddies and angels, offering warmth and welcome to people sleeping rough, escaping violence, and rebuilding their lives after arriving as refugees.
Resourcing more readily and effectively: Survey for Lay-Led Congregations
A Reference Group comprising Lay Leaders and ordained ministers from rural, metropolitan, and CALD communities has been formed to develop a survey to identify the specific needs of our rural, regional, remote, CALD, and UAICC communities.
Reflecting on Developing Healthy Teams Workshop
As the NSW ACT Synod reshapes itself into three new, geographically and culturally diverse presbyteries, Vital Leadership’s workshop on Developing Healthy Teams has been timely. Led by Ben Gilmour, with a significant contribution from Alicia Benardos, our new head of People and Culture, this workshop contributes meaningfully to our Synod's well-being.
It Doesn't Change God. It Changes Me.
C.S. Lewis once said prayer doesn't change God, it changes us. Michael Earl explores what that means for a church, and a world, in constant flux, drawing on Shadowlands, Scripture, and Sarah Coakley's idea of "prayer as crucible."
What is that in your hand?
“What is that in your hand?” God asks Moses as he calls him to a life of service in pursuit of freeing an oppressed peoples. That same question was posited to a group of Young Adults on the first night of our annual ritual of taking a small group of young leaders to experience and participate in the community outreach work of Alpine Uniting Church in Jindabyne.
Counting What Congregations Do
The 2026 National Church Life Survey (NCLS) gives Uniting Church congregations a chance to record what is happening in their churches and communities, and to use that information to plan for the future.
Forty Years at Ashfield: Rev. Bill Crews Answering One Door Knock at a Time
When Rev. Bill Crews arrived at Ashfield Uniting Church 40 years ago, he did not arrive with a plan for what the next four decades would become. Instead, people began knocking on the door.
Communicating Country Through Art
Willoughby Northbridge Uniting Church has recently commissioned congregation member Beniah Brooks, to paint a large wall mural for the interior of the Willoughby Church site.
Newington’s Co-Education Transition Off to a Strong Start
Nine months into one of the most significant changes in its 160-year history, Newington College’s transition to co-education is proving a positive experience for students, families and staff.
When the Aged Care System Changes, Dignity Must Remain
Change is a part of every stage of life. It shapes who we are, challenges what we know, and often asks us to imagine something better.
The Aging Elephant in the Room, and What Put It There
There is something frustratingly ironic about being a “young person” and leader in our church.
Are we ready for Gen Alpha?
Think you only just wrapped your head around Millennials and their avocado toast? Or Gen Z and their hyper connectedness? Cue the next generation on the conveyor belt of pointing out what makes us different – Generation Alpha.
“Never Once Wished to Be Anywhere Else. Even on the Hardest Days.”
Talking to Rev. Bronwyn Murphy about change is a bit like asking a river about water. She has spent almost three decades watching the Uniting Church shift shape again and again.
Belonging, and the Sacred Work of Seeing One Another
We often begin as strangers, carrying our stories quietly within us. Yet something remarkable happens when people choose to stay present to one another. Through listening, shared meals, stories, and music, the distance between us begins to soften. We unfold.
When Home is Nowhere to be Found
During Homelessness Week (3–9 August), Parramatta Mission is inviting the community to confront this reality through a new campaign that challenges how we see homelessness.
A New World Needs a New Church
Staring into the season of the rural and coastal church it’s hard to understand what the season is, except to know that the season has changed.
So You've Been Thinking About Becoming a Supervisor?
Supervision is a requirement for everyone in ministry within the Uniting Church, Ministers of the Word, Deacons, Pastors, and Pastoral practitioners. It's time set aside regularly with a professionally trained person to reflect on your ministry. But for some, supervision raises a further question: could this be something I offer to others?
Historic kindergarten begins a new chapter serving Orange's young people
For more than 100 years, children have passed through the doors of Orange Uniting Church's kindergarten hall.
Your Hall Deserves a Spring Clean Too
Spring is a good moment to ask a simple question: is our hall doing everything it could for the community?
Inside the Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday Resource Guide 2026
On Sunday 19 July, communities across the Uniting Church are invited to join in the fourth annual national celebration of Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday.
Moderator’s Talanoa : From Five Loaves to Faith Across Generations
Attending the 102nd General Conference of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, whilst celebrating 200 years since the Gospel was first proclaimed in Tonga in 1826, was one of those moments for me.
What Her Heart Was Singing
There is a moment Sarah Manche describes that stays with you. A room full of people singing happy birthday for a grown adult sitting at the table, eyes wide. People have told her, she says, that it was the first time in their life anyone had ever sung happy birthday to them.
A Prayer for the People of Venezuela
A devastating earthquake has struck Venezuela, causing widespread loss and displacement. In response, Rev Pablo Nunez has written a prayer for all who wish to join the Uniting Church in praying for the people of Venezuela. The prayer is offered in both English and Spanish.
Una Oración por el Pueblo de Venezuela
Un devastador terremoto ha sacudido Venezuela, causando pérdidas generalizadas y desplazamiento. En respuesta, el Rev. Pablo Núñez ha escrito una oración para todos los que deseen unirse a la Iglesia Unida en oración por el pueblo de Venezuela. La oración se ofrece en inglés y en español.
Centre for Ministry installs 100kW solar system in step toward Net Zero
The Synod has installed a 100-kilowatt rooftop solar system at the Centre for Ministry in North Parramatta, as part of its commitment to climate justice and its goal of reaching Net Zero by 2035.
Pride, Belonging, and the Work Still Ahead
June is Pride Month, a time of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to the dignity and belonging of LGBTQIA+ people everywhere.
“No One Wants to Be Saved. Everybody Wants to Belong”
Bec Reidy does not think of herself as a good person. She will tell you that fairly early in a conversation, and she means it. "Doing what I do helps me sleep better at night," she says. "It's just as much for me as it is for anybody else."
Kiama Lecture Hall 175th Anniversary Celebrations
On Sunday 14 June 2026, the Kiama Jamberoo Uniting Church celebrated 175 years of Methodism in the region.
Building the Foundations for a New Central Presbytery
On June 12 and 13, the PRCs across the Central Presbytery cluster met to consider what the Central Presbytery pastoral relations committee might look like.
Service is in His DNA
Will Giacometti did not come to service through a single defining moment. He came to it the way most things that last tend to arrive, quietly, gradually, and through the people around him.
The Long Way With Young People
There was a passion at Gungahlin to bring people together and drive the young people’s ministry forward, and someone had to be the one driving this. That person was Narelle Dodd.
“You don’t fight darkness with a broom. You light a candle”
When the Bill Crews Foundation’s kitchen in Ashfield went offline for renovations, thousands of Sydney’s most vulnerable people still needed to eat. A Jewish community kitchen in Bondi made sure they did. Every single day
Armenian Community Celebrates a Legacy of Hope and Resilience
This year marks a season of celebration for the Armenian Evangelical community in Australia and around the world.
Uniting Financial Services Wins Gold Award for Transformation Excellence
Uniting Financial Services (UFS) has been recognised at the 2026 Infosys Finacle Innovation Awards as the winner in the category of Transformation Excellence.
Mid North Coast congregations gather in worship on Trinity Sunday
Members of five Mid North Coast congregations gathered for a combined Trinity Sunday service at Coffs Harbour Uniting Church, welcoming the Moderator, Rev. Faaimata Havea Hiliau.
A Life Built Around Asking Why
There is a particular kind of person who does not wait to be asked. Loraine Holley is one of them.
Welcoming the Stranger Starts Long Before Someone Reaches our Shores
When Maya* fled Syria with her children, she arrived in Jordan carrying more than a few belongings. She carried uncertainty. Fear. And the overwhelming responsibility of trying to rebuild a life from nothing.
You Are Seen
"Many of those people may never know the full impact of their faithfulness — the ways their teaching, encouragement, welcome, and witness have shaped lives and ministries beyond what they could have imagined."
Uniting Financial Services nominated for Two Tech Industry Awards
Uniting Financial Services (UFS) and its software partner Infosys have been nominated for two awards for the migration from the Temanos platform to Finacle in May 2025.
How are you going to transform the world?
This was the question put to participants in the Moderators workshop with UCA school prefects.
A New Season of Unity and Mission for Carlingford–West Epping Uniting Church
Recently the congregations of Carlingford and West Epping Uniting Churches became the new entity of Carlingford-West Epping Uniting Church and on March 29.
The Unsung Heroes
Lifeline was the first telephone crisis support service established in Australia in 1963 by Wesley Methodist Minister Rev. Alan Walker.
Why Are You Crying – Tribute for Jione Havea
Why are you crying? Because we will miss him. What are you going to do about it? Take off my shoes.
Uniting Financial Services seeks new Board Directors
Uniting Financial Services is seeking to appoint two new Non-Executive Directors as the organisation enters a new season of leadership succession and strategic growth.
Breaking Every Yoke: A Reflection from AEYA 2026
In May 2026, four young leaders from the Uniting Church in Australia travelled to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to take part in the Fifth Asian Ecumenical Youth Assembly (AEYA 2026) — a gathering of young Christians from across Asia united under the theme "Break Every Yoke" (Isaiah 58:6).
Rev. Punam Bent Has Accepted a Call to the Role of Associate General Secretary
I am delighted to announce that Rev. Punam Bent has accepted a call from the Placements Committee to the role of Associate General Secretary for the Synod of NSW and ACT. Punam will commence in the role on August 1.
A Farewell message from Rev. James Baker
A Farewell message from Rev. James Baker
ALL IN leaders Zoom gatherings – Picture books we shared (and an invitation to share your favourites and new finds!)
On Thursday evening 30 April, Pulse hosted the second Children’s and Family ministry leaders ALL IN Zoom gathering – an accessible space to connect with other leaders who share a passion for ministry with children and families across Uniting Churches.
Prayer Vigil – Rev Dr Jione Havea
In the wake of the passing of Rev Dr Jione Havea, the Uniting Church Centre for Ministry will open its Chapel from 6pm to 8pm this Tuesday and Wednesday (5th and 6th of May).
David Barrow appointed as Uniting’s Director of Mission and Social Impact
Uniting NSW.ACT has announced the appointment of David Barrow as its new Director of Mission and Social Impact, following the earlier announcement that Suzanne Stanton will step down from her role as Director of Mission later this year.
The Fabric of Generosity
Some of the most valuable threads in a community are the ones you don't immediately notice. For years, Shortland-Wallsend-Jesmond Park Uniting Church has been one of those threads — showing up consistently and practically to support young people at Margaret Jurd College who are working hard to find their footing.
A Seat at the Table
Meet Lauren Harkness, Uniting Creative's new Mission Catalyst, who believes creativity has far less to do with art and performance than we might think and more to do with a meal shared, a space made welcoming, and the quiet ways we show up for one another.
Transition Commission Town Halls: What We Heard From You
The Transition Commission held a series of Town Halls across April.
Canberra Youth Gathering - A reflection by Oliver Peppermint
The Canberra Youth Gathering was graciously hosted by Gungahlin Uniting Church on Saturday the 2nd of May. Young people from all over the region attended including Molongolo, Gungahlin, North Belconnen, Kippax, Yarralumla, St. Margaret's and Wesley Uniting Churches. There were three exciting workshops, with young people choosing between puppetry, visual art and music.
Church Planters Gather for Rest and Prayer at Mittagong Retreat
Five Uniting Church NSW & ACT church-planting teams came together last week for a three-day retreat at The Hermitage in Mittagong, a time set aside for rest, prayer, and honest conversation ahead of the next stage of their planting journeys.
Celebrating the Life of Rev. Dr Jione Havea
We mark with deep sadness the passing of Rev. Dr Jione Havea, who died suddenly in Tonga on 29 April.
The Ella Centre Celebrates 50 Years of Community, Care and Connection
On April 29, The Ella Centre celebrated a remarkable milestone: 50 years of supporting people in Sydney’s Inner West to live connected, meaningful and joyful lives.
The Ella Centre Marks 50 Years of Community Service
The Ella Centre today marked 50 years of supporting people with disability, older people and those living with dementia across Sydney’s Inner West.
Weaned from Personal Preference, Enchanted by Grace
In a culture shaped by personal preference and digital fragmentation, what does it mean to live by grace? This reflection explores why the Christian vision of grace feels so foreign today and why it matters more than ever
Synod in Session Videos and Reporting
The Synod meets every 18 months to receive reports, discern proposals, and discuss matters that concern the general oversight, direction and life of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT.
One Church, One Moment: A Call to Gather the Church in October 2026
More than a standard event, ONE is being shaped as a purposeful gathering, an opportunity for the Church to come together in a time of change, renewal, and shared mission.
Marking the Armenian Genocide: Resources for Congregations this 24 April
Tomorrow, 24 April, is the annual day of observance of the Armenian Genocide. The Friends of Middle East have compiled prayers, films, podcasts and reading to help congregations and individuals engage with this important commemoration.
Holding the Story, Stepping Forward Together
On April 18, members of congregations across the Riverina met at Pilgrim Uniting Church in Wagga Wagga for a gathering.
Transition Commission - April Update
Throughout April, the Transition Commission will be busy hosting nine Town Halls to share the first full draft of the baseline staffing model and hear your feedback.
Revitalising Our Congregations: A Strategy for Change
Revitalising our congregations through quality ministry leadership and faithful stewardship
Walking on Country Deepens Understanding and Connection
On Saturday 28 March, members of Uniting Churches from across Sydney and the Hunter gathered at the Murrook Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Williamtown.
Step Right Up: Serving at Kids Camp Out
KCO was held at Wedderburn Christian Camp site, and welcomed over 200 people, primary school aged children and their families and leaders, from across the Synod.
Quirky the Quokka Brings Easter Story to Life for Children Across the Church
A creative children’s ministry initiative from Gordon-Pymble Uniting Church is helping young people engage with the meaning of Easter through storytelling.
Service of Thanksgiving Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Dr Keith Douglas Suter AM
A Service of Thanksgiving celebrating the life and witness of Dr Keith Douglas Suter AM has now been made available online.
Hope Lives at Parramatta Mission
Easter is a season of renewal, a time to pause and reflect on the promise of resurrection and the new beginnings made possible through hope, love and connection.
Education as Ministry: Rethinking Schooling for Young People Who Don’t Fit the Mould
Two months into the school year, familiar concerns are not only resurfacing but persisting: attendance rates, school refusal, and student disengagement.
Talanoa 2026: Negotiation
The bi-annual Talanoa conference will be held at Naarm (Melbourne, Australia) from April 9–11, 2026 (following the Easter weekend). The theme for Talanoa 2026 is Negotiation.
Lent @ JPUC: Jesus flips the script …
During Lent this year, Jesmond Park Uniting Church in Newcastle, NSW undertook a deeply embodied, creative, and communal spiritual journey shaped around the theme “Jesus flips the script.”
Uniting Unveils Corporate Hijab
One of Australia’s largest Christian community services providers is introducing an optional uniform hijab for practicing Muslim women in its 12,000-strong workforce.
Parramatta Mission - Renewal, Hope and Transformation
For more than 50 years, Parramatta Mission has been a place of welcome, hope and practical support for people experiencing crisis.
The Kingdom of God is Like … a Table
The idea was simple: create a space where everyone is welcome and everyone is fed.
Transition Commission - March Update
The Transition Commission has begun an important phase of consultation with Presbyteries.
Resurrection Begins in the Darkness
This Easter, the Moderator, Rev. Faaimata (Mata) Havea Hiliau, invites us into a familiar but often overlooked truth: resurrection doesn't begin with triumph.
Police Forum for Faith Leaders
On Wednesday, March 4 over 100 faith leaders attended a Terrorism Protection Unit Safe Places Forum for Places of Worship
Celebrating With Love to the World, “the gem of the Uniting Church”
WLW is a daily Bible Study guide following the ecumenical lectionary, written by Australians (mostly Uniting Church), for the church in the southern hemisphere, with attention to the issues that matter most for folks downunder.
Lismore Business Chaplaincy Project Concludes After Years of Community Support
The Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network (DRCN) has wound-up its Lismore Business Chaplaincy Project.
Light overcoming darkness at the 13th Iftar Dinner
More than 100 people of different faiths and cultural backgrounds gathered at Wesley Castle Hill Uniting Church for the 13th annual Iftar Dinner “United in Hope” on Wednesday 4 March.
Transition Commission – February Update
February has been a significant and productive month for the Transition Commission, with important steps taken as we continue preparing for our Transition to 3P.
Uniting’s My Aged Care Forum: Bridging Gaps and Empowering Communities
Uniting, in partnership with Mt Colah Uniting Church, hosted a My Aged Care Forum on 17 February, bringing together congregation members and the wider community for a morning designed to empower attendees with practical, accessible information on navigating the aged care system.