Uniting Church Congregations
Christ invites us to serve humanity by creating an inclusive, connected and just world. This is the foundation of the work we do as Uniting. As part of the Uniting Church responding to God’s Mission and as part of the community serving humanity, the relationships we have with Uniting Church congregations are crucial.
Celebrating congregational community services
Our partnerships
Across Victoria and Tasmania, Uniting Church congregations deliver over 1000 individual community services. About 100 of these congregations partner with Uniting for some or all of their community service work. The partnerships we have with congregations cover many services. Just a few examples are:
- Early learning centres supporting many young children and families
- providing accommodation for asylum seekers
- community arts programs
- providing emergency relief to vulnerable people
The stories below highlight some of these partnerships.
We can support congregations that are looking to develop community services, through partnership, co-location or advice. You can use our contact form, just select Congregational Partnerships from the drop-down menu on the form.
Refugee and Asylum Seeker Emergency Appeal
This week 46 refugees were released from detention in a Melbourne hotel after more than a year in Australia under medevac laws. An additional 160 refugees and asylum seekers are about to be released from community detention with nowhere to go, no jobs and little income support.
This is because the Australian Government has recently decided to grant Final Departure Bridging Visa E (BVE) to some refugees and asylum seekers who were transferred to Australia from Nauru and Papua New Guinea.
Coffee Cup Challenge
A small sacrifice can make a big difference
Each year congregations across Victoria and Tasmania host Pancake Day events to raise vital funds to support people in our communities experiencing crisis, vulnerability and disadvantage.
This year we're adding an extra dimension to Pancake Day fundraising activities and inviting congregations to join us in the Coffee Cup Challenge.
Worship resources
Share Sunday resources
Several times a year we make available worship resources on a theme of particular interest to Uniting. We currently have Share Sunday resources available for download.
We welcome your suggestions for occasions when you would welcome a contribution to your worship from Uniting. Get in touch at [email protected]
Raise the Rate
Make an impact
Uniting is a supporter of the ACOSS Raise the Rate campaign that calls to increase Newstart and Youth Allowance payments.
By writing to your local, state of federal MP and asking them to support the Raise the Rate campaign, you can help break the cycle of homelessness.
Here is a resource pack to get you started:
- Letter template (pdf)
- Reference guide highlighting the number of constituents in your local area that are currently receiving Newstart and Youth Allowance payments (Excel)
- Helpful links: Find your local MP and see how they voted regarding welfare payments/
Thank you for your support. Together we can make a difference.
Share
Share’s trusted relationship with congregations across Victoria and Tasmania has nurtured and supported a strong culture of making a difference and strengthening our communities.
Donations made through Uniting’s Share Appeals will continue to support people who live life at the margins and the programs and services that are close to your heart. In addition, you will still be able to nominate specific locations or services where you wish to direct your donation.
You can find our regular newsletters on our Publications page. Information about our latest appeal is on our Get Involved page.
How you can get involved
There are plenty of ways for your congregation to get more involved with Uniting’s work.
We are currently working with Presbyteries to set up Local Engagement Groups. These groups enable community engagement with local congregations, presbyteries and community networks in the work of Uniting Vic Tas. If your congregation or community group would like to be involved in your area, please contact us.
Our volunteers are an important part of our workforce and we are grateful for the many congregation members that donate their time to support vulnerable individuals and communities. You can find out more and register your interest on our Volunteering page.
Congregation Connect
Congregation Connect highlights the work of congregations across Victoria and Tasmania. A printed copy will also be included as part of our Share Appeals and newsletters.
News and stories
Spellbinding stories at Scots Early Learning Centre
Armed with his trusty box of props, Scots-Memorial Uniting Church Minister Graham Sturdy brings stories to life at Scots Early Learning Centre in Hobart.
A new home for BreezeWay
For over 20 years, people in the Ballarat community looking for a hot meal and a warm welcome have found both at BreezeWay.
Celebrating 60 years of volunteering
For nearly 60 years, Jan has been a familiar face at St Mark’s Uniting Church.
