News and Notes 9 December 2024

December Revive Out Now!

Our summer edition of Revive magazine, a fresh perspective on faith, church and life, is out now!

We’re delighted to bring you a selection of stories from across our Uniting Church Western Australian community and beyond.

In this edition we’re exploring Intergenerational Ministry. You will also find an introduction to the themes of Summer Spirit 2025, a reflection on prayer, and other stories from around our diverse church. We also have some Christmas reflections from our national Uniting Church agencies, along with other stories from our Uniting Church WA agencies and schools.

Printed copies will be available in your local congregation and from most Good Sammy stores, or you can find it online here. If you'd like a copy posted to you please email Wendy at revive@wa.uca.org.au
Happy Reading!

Find Out More

Continuing the legacy of Christ's birth through Everything in Common

The message of Christ’s birth is as radical today as it was more than two thousand years ago. Born in humble circumstances, the Son of God came to embody hope for the poor, the oppressed and the forgotten.

"As I reflect on this journey, having just returned from Indonesia where I witnessed the harsh realities of climate change, poverty and inequality, I was reminded that the birth of Christ is not just a past event but an ongoing story—a living invitation to all of us to join in God’s mission of transformation."

A reflection by Apwee Ting, Manager of International Partnerships, UnitingWorld. Originally published in the December 2024 Revive magazine.

Read Article

Godly Play Core Training

Expressions of Interest
Core Training is an intense three-day course in which participants are immersed in Godly Play practice, and learn and tell a story for supportive feedback and evaluation. The core training required to achieve accreditation as a storyteller / doorperson takes three days (a minimum of 21 hours training).
The training dates will be 1 to 3 March 2025 at a cost of $550.

In order to proceed, this training will need ten participants. Expressions of interest will close on Monday 17 December 2024.
Registrations will open on Monday 7 January 2025.

Find Out More

Uniting Church Campsite

The Uniting Church WA campsite is located on Geographe Bay in Siesta Park, Busselton.
There are 21 powered sites and 7 unpowered sites that can be booked individually. Hire bookings can only be accepted for members of the Uniting Church including employees of schools and agencies.

Site bookings can be made online with two booking options for weekdays and weekends.
Go to our Campsite page to find out more, and to make a booking.

Find Out More

Pastoral Statement following declaration of martial law in South Korea (UCA) - a Pastoral Statement and prayer from the Uniting Church in Australia President, Rev Charissa Suli, holding our Korean brothers and sisters in prayer and solidarity.
Reflection from the President (NCCA) - "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20. These few words from Jesus mean a lot to us as a promise and assurance. We are reminded that Christ is with us, particularly when we are with other people of faith.
Embracing Patience During Advent (Insights) - It is often said that patience is a virtue, but the landscape of waiting has undergone a profound transformation, courtesy of our devices.
Good Sammy Annual Report 2023-2024 (GSE) - In the past 12 months, Good Sammy Enterprises created over 100 new jobs for people with disability through their growing and diverse social enterprises, now employing over 420 people with disability, who represent more than 50% of its workforce. You can read all about this achievement and much more in their Annual Report.
CORRECTION to our note about stamps - In last week's edition (2/12/24) of News and Notes we let you know that the WA Mission Fellowship were ceasing their stamp collecting fundraising on 11 December 2024. We shared that this stamp collecting fundraising activity had been going on for 11 years, however it has actually been at least 60 years! We apologise for this oversight, and once again thank all who have been involved over this time, and for the years of dedication and support to the work of Frontier Services. If your congregation has been collecting stamps for the WA Mission Fellowship please drop them into the Uniting Church Centre in Perth before 11 December.

December

Tuesday 10 December, 12.00pm. Uniting Church Centre closed for staff function.
Friday 20 December, 1.00pm. Wesley at One: Pipe Organ Extravaganza at Uniting Church in the City, Wesley Perth.
Tuesday 24 December, 1.00pm. Christmas Eve - Uniting Church Centre closed for Christmas break until Thursday 2 January 2025.
Wednesday 25 December. Christmas Day
Thursday 26 December. Boxing Day public holiday.