News and Notes 13 April 2026

Uniting WA Socks Appeal

When you put on a pair of socks, your whole body feels warm.

As the cooler months begin to settle in, Uniting WA are once again reaching out to our Uniting Church community seeking donations of new socks ready for distributing to those in need this winter.

Socks will help bring warmth, comfort and dignity to those experiencing homelessness. They welcome donations of new socks for men, women and children in all sizes.

Donations can be delivered to Uniting WA's Tranby Engagement Hub - 6/5 Aberdeen St, Perth. Find out more here, or email fundraising@unitingwa.org.au

Find Out More

Building Healthy Church Communities

The Uniting Centre for Education and Formation (UCEF) invites you to take part in a series of workshops with Rev Joan Wright Howie on conflict, spirituality, and pastoral care from 4 to 8 May 2026.

Join UCEF for a series of practical and reflective workshops with Rev. Joan Wright Howie, Uniting Church minister, spiritual director, supervisor, and PhD candidate. Joan’s research explores what spiritually informed care looks like in practice, and throughout this residency she brings these insights into conversation with the real experiences of church communities.

Further information and details on each workshop can be found on our website and event calendar.

Find Out More

When the cyclone passes, the work begins (Frontier Services)

A week on from Cyclone Narelle, the immediate danger has eased in many places. But for many rural and remote communities, the disruption is far from over. Read Article

WCC, Middle East Council of Churches denounce attacks on civilian locations in Lebanon (NCCA)

The World Council of Churches and Middle East Council of Churches, following the serious and catastrophic security escalation witnessed on 8 April in the city of Beirut, along with many other Lebanese regions, expressed deep concern and strong condemnation of what has occurred. Read Article

Warning of an ‘apocalypse’ in international aid (UCA)

The disturbing and worsening problems of international aid were at the centre of a forum held in Canberra last month. Read Article

Build confidence and skills for work (Good Sammy)

Work Ready, Work Skills and DRIVE programs starting soon. Are you, or someone you know, living with disability and looking to grow job skills or prepare for employment? Read Article

Call for Expressions of Interest: Serving on Church Boards/Councils
Across the WA Synod, there are eight schools and four agencies—each guided by its own Board/Council and Constitution. Many of these Boards/Councils require representation from members of the Uniting Church.
We know our Church community includes people with a wide range of professional skills, experience, and wisdom. However, it can sometimes be difficult to identify and connect with those who may be well-suited to serve in these important governance roles.
The Nominating Committee are inviting expressions of interest from members who would like to be considered for Board/Council positions, either now or in the future. You may also wish to nominate someone within your congregation who you believe has the right gifts and experience for such a role.
The aim is to develop a list of potential candidates that can be drawn upon as opportunities arise. Registering your interest does not commit you to a position—it simply opens the door to a conversation when a suitable role becomes available.
If you feel called to contribute in this way, or know someone who might, we would love to hear from you. Please contact the Nominating Committee - nominating.committee@wa.uca.org.au

RSCM Choir Camp
Join the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) for an unforgettable Choir Camp from 8 to 12 July 2026 as they celebrate their 50th camp! Spend five days immersed in music, friendship, and fun as we rehearse exciting repertoire, develop vocal skills, and perform together in a supportive and inspiring environment. Whether you're a seasoned singer or new to choir, Choir Camp is a fantastic opportunity to grow your confidence, connect with fellow singers, and experience the joy of making music together. Residential and daytime places are available, so there’s an option for everyone. Don’t miss this special milestone and highlight of the year. Find out more here.

Chaplaincy Training - Post-Service Veteran Support
Expressions of interest are invited from Chaplains, Ministers and Pastoral Carers for a free chaplaincy training day on Tuesday 19 May 2026 from 8.30am to 3.30pm at the Royal Australian Airforce Association, RAAFA Club, in Bull Creek.
This one-day course, developed through the Returned and Services League in Western Australia (RSLWA) Chaplaincy, is designed to enable helpful pastoral connections, provide an understanding of military veterans and family, and share information on how to best offer support to post-service veterans and families in our community groups and especially in religious organisations. For further information please contact RSL WA Chaplaincy services - chaplaincy@rslwa.org.au

Wesley at One - Matt Jones
Wesley at One free lunchtime recital featuring Matt Jones (theorbo) on 1.00pm Friday 17 April at Wesley Uniting Church, corner of William & Hay Streets, Perth. Bring along your lunch and enjoy some beautiful music in a peaceful sanctuary.

April

Friday 17 April, 1.00pm to 1.45pm. Wesley at One: Matt Jones at Uniting Church in the City, Wesley Perth.
Saturday 25 April. ANZAC Day.
Monday 27 April. ANZAC Day Public Holiday. No News and Notes.
Wednesday 29 April, 9.00am to 2.00pm. Safe Church Awareness/Refresher Workshop at Bay Life Uniting Church, Busselton.

May

Saturday 2 May, 10.00am to 1.00pm. Social Justice Hive at Uniting WA, Perth.
Monday 4 May, 4.00pm to 9.00. Dynamics of Conflict in Congregational Settings at Mount Pleasant Uniting Church, Mount Pleasant.
Wednesday 6 May, 10.00am to 3.00pm. Providing Spiritually Informed Care at South Perth Uniting Church, South Perth.
Thursday 7 May, 1.00pm to 4.00pm. Being the Uniting Church: Exploring Spirituality and Religion at Bay Life Uniting Church, Busselton.
Friday 8 May, 10.00am to 3.00pm. Beyond the Nice Chat and Cup of Tea: Spiritually Informed Pastoral Care at St Augustine's Uniting Church, Bunbury.
Saturday 9 May, 9.00am to 2.00pm. Safe Church Awareness Workshop at South Mandurah Uniting Church, Wannanup.
Saturday 16 May, 1.00pm to 5.00pm. Trek 4 Timor 2026 at St Stephen's Uniting Church, Applecross.