Uniting News

5 May 2026

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, a time when we are invited - indeed compelled - to listen carefully to voices that have too often been silenced, and to speak clearly where the church has sometimes been hesitant.

This month’s theme, Many Voices, One Spirit, is grounded in the promise of Scripture. In the Book of Acts, Peter proclaims the ancient words of the prophet Joel:

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)

The Spirit is poured out on all - not selectively, not conditionally. God’s Spirit gives voice. God’s Spirit calls truth to be spoken.  And yet, when it comes to domestic and family violence, the church has not always used its voice well.

There have been times when our words have caused harm. Words like forgiveness, covenant, or faithful endurance have sometimes been spoken too quickly, without fully recognising the fear, danger, and trauma someone was living with. Scripture and spiritual language have, at times, been misused - silencing people, excusing control, or keeping someone trapped in an unsafe situation.

Let me be clear: when someone seeks safety, they are not failing in faith, nor are they abandoning their commitment. They are responding to abuse. Abuse is never okay. 

Read more by the Moderator, Rev Bruce Moore at the Synod's Stories & News Page

The recent Moderator’s Convocation was a timely and encouraging opportunity to pause, listen, and step away from the busyness of ministry for a moment – creating space to reflect on where the Spirit might be leading the Uniting Church in this season.

Gathering with ministers and leaders from across the synod, the Convocation offered space for honest conversation, shared learning, and prayerful listening. Rev Charissa Suli led us beautifully into the practice of stillness – stillness before the chaos. Rev Bruce Moore challenged us through the story of Jacob wrestling with God. What stayed with me was this: when we wrestle with God, we are blessed – but we often walk away with a limp. And that limp becomes our teacher. It’s not about drawing attention to the limp but recognising the blessing of God that comes through it.

Throughout the conversations and shared stories in our groups, there was a strong sense of both the real challenges facing congregations and the deep faithfulness being lived out across the church. Churches are wrestling, yes – but they are also continuing to trust, serve, and follow.

What I valued most was the reminder that renewal is not something we manufacture. It is something we are invited into... Read more insights from the Convocation by Rev Willie Liebenberg at the Synod's Stories & News Page.

There is so much to be thankful to God for as we reflect on the course of our lives - God's goodness and grace found in so many ways and places, God's generosity and love discovered in the people and events that have shaped us. Out of this gratitude we bring our prayers to God and ask that we as individuals, and as communities of faith, would be refreshed and renewed to share the transformative presence of God in our lives with the world around us.

Each week, 7-7:30pm on a Tuesday night, and on the first Wednesday morning each month from 6-6:30am, a small group of us gathers online to pray together - nothing fancy, just an open space to bring what's on our hearts and ask God to move in our church and community. We'd love you to join us. Whether prayer feels natural to you or you're not quite sure what you're doing, you're welcome. Come as you are.

• To join us on Tuesday at 7pm use this link
• To join on Wednesday at 6am use this link

If you are unable to join us online, you might like to pause and take a moment to join us in this this prayer:

Lord, we praise you together -
you have been good to us,
and we don't want to take that for granted.
You have seen us through hard times.
There have been seasons that tested us,
stretched us, and left us unsure.
But you did not abandon us, and here we are.

Renew us now.
Soften what has grown hard in us.
Reignite what has grown cold.
Help us to stop going through the motions
and begin again to live with hearts filled with hope.

We come to you without pretending.
You see straight through us anyway -
and still you hear us.
Still you answer.
That is a gift we don't deserve.

Make us a church that is real.
A community people can look at and see that you are faithful.
Not perfect -
but honest, and genuinely yours.

In Jesus' name.
Amen.

Hi! This is my story as shared with Peter Mitchell when he came to Jensen Uniting Church for a building Audit this month.

My name is Robyn Leversha who in my retirement has taken on the role of church council/congregational chairperson, which is a very grand title for a very small faith community in the rapidly growing Northern Suburbs of Townsville.

My story starts:  I was in the Uniting Church before it began.  Living on Yorke Peninsula, our local Maitland circuit of 11 churches worked very closely with the Maitland Congregational Church, youth group camps and pulpit swaps were common from about 1967. In 1968 I was sent for my secondary education to PGC, a Presbyterian boarding school in Adelaide, so I picked up the theological flavours of all three denominations prior to Union.

Read more of Robyn Leversha's journey at the Synod's Stories & News Page

The Alcorn Fellowship Trust was established in 1972 in memory of two amazing brothers, Rev Cyril David Alcorn and Rev Ivan Wells Alcorn to commemorate and continue their work. Both were Methodist Ministers with a vision of equipping people for ministry and providing ongoing Christian education and training.

The Alcorn Fellowship Trust supports future leaders preparing for service in the Uniting Church in Australia, and also provides grants for lay and ordained persons. The Trust also funds fellowships, scholarships, and grants that align with the Trust's mission, and collaborates with associations or organisations that share similar goals and contribute to religious or charitable causes.

If you are interested in making an application to the Trust, we encourage you to reach out to Anthony with any enquiries: anthony.donald@ucaqld.com.au or to apply using The Alcorn Trust Application Form 

The Safe Church questions are now live in Protecht and are due for completion by the end of May 2026.
They can be found here

From this year onward, the Safe Church audit will be completed annually each May through Protecht.

A key update is that congregations are no longer required to upload supporting evidence for their responses.

The person assigned to complete the questions has been notified directly through Protecht. If you think you should have received the task but haven’t seen it, please check with other Protecht users in your congregation to confirm who it has been assigned to.

If your Safe Church questions were already completed earlier in 2026, this information has already been updated in Protecht and no further action is required, unless you are contacted for clarification.

Support materials are available on the Hub. For assistance, contact your Presbytery Support Officer by email: psu@ucaqld.com.au or phone: 07 3377 9984, or email Protecht Support on protechtsupport@ucaqld.com.au

This year, thousands of churches across 20 denominations will take part in the National Church Life Survey (NCLS). Since 1991, the NCLS has provided trusted insights into church life and trends, making it the longest‑running survey of its kind in the world. Post-COVID, this year's snapshot is a vital check.

All Uniting Church congregations are encouraged to participate.
We want to hear from all voices!

Cost involved:
Qld Synod pay the $400 fee, per local church.  
Congregations pay $2 per survey (no cost if congregation < 30)

To Sign-Up:
Please email our regional co-ordinator, Naomi Bell, to confirm participation and order the number of surveys required for your congregation. Email Naomi:  naomi.bell@ucaqld.com.au

To learn more about the NCLS you can watch the Norman and Mary Millar Lecture from the 36th Synod featuring Dr Ruth Powell, Executive Director of NCLS Research:  Norman and Mary Millar Lecture - Dr Ruth Powell NCLS.

General information about the NCLS survey can be found on the NCLS website

We'll be sharing more stories on socials.
Make sure you like our pages, and like and share the content.
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Longtime worship songwriters and musicians, Rev David MacGregor with wife Dale have a new calming, reflective and quiet and album out - for PEACE & MEDITATION.

There are 20 tracks, all contemplative and ideal for personal, group or retreat use. Each track uses modern technology to enhance the ambience.

The album can be streamed or purchased through Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and Amazon Music.  Click here to purchase

Common Grace have released their National Reconciliation Week 2026 resourcetoolkit. You might choose to use these resources in your church service on Sunday 31 May during National Reconciliation Week, or adapt them for other gatherings throughout the week.

Sign up to receive the toolkit here

St Paul’s Uniting Church in Stafford have over 200 Australian Hymn Books (blue) to give away.

If anyone would like these, please contact Rev Annie Baker on 0427 938 191 or send an email to minister@stpaulsstafford.org.au

Through its network of schools and residential colleges, the Church appoints members to the boards of these institutions. Appointments are skills-based, and board members are strongly encouraged to be active Christians in the Uniting Church in Australia or the wider Christian Church.

The Uniting Church seeks a broad mix of skills and experience for these roles and welcomes expressions of interest from people with lived experience, insight, and leadership. We particularly encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds to strengthen inclusive governance across our schools and residential colleges.

There are currently multiple opportunities across disciplines including Education, Cyber security, Finance, Commercial & entrepreneurship, Infrastructure, Architecture, and Multicultural leadership. While many roles call for strong governance experience, others are suited to people new to board service and keen to grow.

Uniting Education is committed to providing students and their families with an experience that goes far beyond traditional education—one marked by excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership, and grounded in the enduring values of compassion, justice, and respect for all.

For an initial conversation, or to submit an Expression of Interest, please contact Jon Moriarty, Executive Officer Uniting Education by email: jon.moriarty@ucaqld.com.au, or Mobile: 0460 310 433

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevent Month in Queensland. Access the Queensland Synod resource on the Hub here for ideas on how to get involved.

Use the toolkits saved under Church Life/Social Justice/Campaign Resources on the Hub to take action on AI regulation, gambling advertising, modern slavery, deepfakes and fossil fuel.  

Get tickets to these Free Short Courses here

Saturday 9 May 9.30am
Albert Street Uniting Church

Speaker: Rev Paul Clark
Dean of Formation, Trinity Theological College, Lecturer in Pastoral Care
Twenty+ years Ministry experience

Burnett Room (Wesley House) 140 Ann St, Brisbane (a short walk from Central Station)
For enquiries or to RSVP call: 0452 631 847 or email: admin@albertstreet.church

Come along for an evening of Praise and Worship followed by dinner
Check out the 2026 AXIOS Events on Instagram: @axiosqld

Join The Gap Uniting Church for "Stories that Shape Us", an inspiring evening celebrating the power of stories to shape our lives, values and sense of purpose. Through a panel conversation with local authors, discover what draws them to their stories, motivates their writing and how stories have influenced their lives.  

Cafe and book sales from 4pm and the panel commencing at 6pm.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased via our Facebook event.

To Register Call - (07) 4125 5233
or email admin@hbuc.org.au

Entries to be received by 14th May. 
For more information email: info@stdavidsnc.org.au

Hosted by The Lakes College, in partnership with the Queensland Synod, this event brings together principals, chaplains, and school and college leaders committed to strengthening the relationship between spiritual formation and educational excellence.

You are warmly invited to join school, college, and church leaders from across Australia for the 2026 National UCA Education Conference – a two-day gathering of connection, reflection and shared insights, as we explore what it means to nurture thriving Uniting Church learning school communities.

When | 18–19 June 2026
Where | The Lakes College, 2 College Street North Lakes

👉 Register here by 18th May

Find the invitation here or for further information contact Jon Moriarty by email: jon.moriarty@ucaqld.com.au

Further information can be found here.

Free community event - all welcome!  At Orleigh Park, West End (Brisbane)

Each year, we come together to honour the strength of Stolen Generations survivors and descendants and to show our support for their ongoing healing. Join us for breakfast, guest speakers and live entertainment as we acknowledge the past and advocate for a future built on truth, recognition and justice.

A light complimentary breakfast will be served from 8am, with official proceedings commencing at 8:30am and concluding at 10am.

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s event will feature songs by Kristal West (Piadram, Manbarra and Palawa) and a cultural performance by the Nunukul Yuggera Dancers.

• Find out more here
• Register Now

For enquiries contact Amy Yang by email: heavenlybird@gmail.com  

Includes breakfast, lunch, a raffle, and plenty of fantastic prizes.
Enquiries to jeff.howard@ucareqld.com.au
MAKE A DONATION OR REGISTER NOW - See you on the fairway ⛳️ 
SPOTS FILLING FAST!

This is an opportunity for you to: 
Pray / Lead
Volunteer / Drive a bus
Send your young people / Sponsor a Registration
Registration: Gr 1-6 $140; Gr 7-8 $170

Register here
For more information email: daycamp@bremerbrisbane.org.au

The UCA QLD Synod will host the Code of Ethics Refresher Training and Safe Church Training for Ministry Agents on Wednesday, 8th July. You are invited to join us in person at the Uniting Church Queensland Synod, 60 Bayliss St, Auchenflower.

This training equips Uniting Church Ministry Agents with the knowledge and skills to uphold ethical standards in ministry and to cultivate safe church environments.

Session Times
Date:Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Session 1: Code of Ethics Refresher: 9am - 12pm
Session 2: Safe Church Training: 1pm - 4pm
Location: Chapel, UCA QLD Synod Office.

(NB. both training sessions require in‑person attendance - an online option is not available)
Please register for one or both sessions as soon as possible to secure your place.

Register here

If you are planning to attend both sessions, you will have to register for each individual session. Registrations will close on 21 June 2026, or earlier if capacity is reached.

Young Adults (18–25ish) - gain leadership skills through this 10-week live-in experience, supported by a personal mentor, study at Trinity College and weekly opportunities to grow in communication and community building. Grow in faith, develop ministry skills, and step boldly into who God has created you to be.

Find more information about this exciting program here!
For enquiries email Amelia Brown: amelia@toowongunitingchurch.org.au, or rlp@toowongunitingchurch.org.au

Download the Position Description.  Expressions of Interest COB 11/5/2026.

Download the Position Description.  Expressions of Interest COB 11/5/2026.

Find more information here 

Download the Position Description.  Expressions of Interest COB 11/5/2026.

Download the Position Description.  Expressions of Interest COB 11/5/2026.

Download the Position Description. Expressions of Interest by COB 11/5/2026.

Download the Position Description. Expressions of Interest by COB 11/5/2026.

Download the Position Description. Expressions of Interest by COB 11/5/2026.

Download the Position Description.  Expressions of Interest by COB 11/5/2026.

Download the Position Description.  Expressions of Interest by COB 11/5/2026.

Download the Position Description.  Expressions of Interest by COB 11/5/2026.

Download the Position Description.  Expressions of Interest by COB 11/5/2026.

Download the Position Description
 

Download the Position Description
 

Download the Position Description
 

For more information click here

Visit the Vic/Tas Synod's website under Placement Vacancies to see available opportunities.