News and Notes 20 April 2026

Listening for Peace, Confronting Racism

The next Justice Hive gathering is on Saturday 2 May at Uniting WA starting at 10.30am. The theme for the gathering is 'Listening for Peace, Confronting Racism'.

In the face of escalating war, racism and intolerance of the Other, how might our congregations and communities be built for Peace? The Social Justice Commission invite you to conversations on how we might transform church and society into a reflection of the inclusive and equitable reign of God. Engage with three migrants from different religious traditions: John Na’em Snobar, Palestinian Christian; Maryam Eshghi, Iranian Baha'i; and Kevin Koay, Malaysian, Uniting Church.

Date - Saturday 2 May
Time - 10.30am to 1.30pm
Location - Djidi-Djidi Training Room, UnitingWA, 10/5 Aberdeen St, Perth.
RSVP - by 30 April - chair.socialjustice@wa.uca.org.au

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Workshops with Rev Joan Wright Howie

The Uniting Centre for Education and Formation (UCEF) are hosting Rev Joan Wright Howie for a series of workshops – Building Healthy Church Communities - focused on conflict, spirituality, and pastoral care from 4 to 8 May 2026.

Monday 4 May
Dynamics of Conflict in Congregational Settings
Mount Pleasant Uniting Church

Wednesday 6 May
Providing Spiritually Informed Care
South Perth Uniting Church

Thursday 7 May
Being the Uniting Church: Exploring Spirituality and Religion
Bay Life Uniting Church, Busselton

Friday 8 May
Beyond the Nice Chat and Cup of Tea: Spiritually Informed Pastoral Care
St Augustine Bunbury Uniting Church

Click on each event heading for details, or register by 28 April on the UCEF Eventbrite site - https://bit.ly/UCEFresidency26

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Uniting Church WA Campsite

The Uniting Church WA Campsite in Busselton is available for Uniting Church community including employees, and school and agency programs.

The Property Services team have recently updated the online booking system to enable a clearer online booking process. Sites can be booked for single night stays (and more). The updated system also enables group bookings to be made online.

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Safe Church Awareness & Refresher Workshop

There will be a Safe Church Awareness/Refresher Workshop taking place on Wednesday 29 April at Bay Life Uniting Church, Busselton.

All ministers, pastors, church leaders, volunteers, members of congregations and those involved in community services are welcome and urged to attend. Refreshments will be provided.
For further information or to register by 23 April please contact Kerry Shields, Administrative Support Officer: Culture of Safety, on 9260 9800 or cultureofsafety@wa.uca.org.au

Date - Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Time - 9.00am to 2.00pm
Location - Bay Life Uniting Church, 47 Kent St, Busselton
Cost - $30

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Uniting Generations Newsletter

The April edition of Uniting Generations News is now available.

Find out the latest information on events, workshops and available resources for congregations relating to intergenerational ministry.

If you'd like to find out more about Intergenerational ministry you can also contact Pastor Julie Ridden, Children, Families, Youth and Young Adult Co-ordinator with the Presbytery of WA - julie.ridden@wa.uca.org.au

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Frontier Services announces its new National Director (UCA)

The Board of Frontier Services has announced the appointment of Mr Dave Parker as its new National Director, marking an important moment of renewal and growth for Australia’s oldest bush charity. Read Article

Middle East Crisis Appeal (UnitingWorld)

Conflict has forced a million people from their homes in Lebanon. Shelters are overwhelmed. Families are going without food, medicine, and water. Will you help today? Read Article

Gen Z is choosing to unplug - a quiet spiritual shift (Insights)

Gen Z grew up in a world shaped by constant connection. For many, smartphones arrived before independence, and digital life became second nature. But something is changing. Read Article

The tilting kettle making Home Care customer Monica’s mornings a little brighter (Juniper)

Juniper Home Care customer Monica Flint is a natural optimist. The retired prison guard has been receiving domestic cleaning and occupational therapy support with Juniper since November last year, working with an occupational therapist to find practical ways to stay safe and independent in her own home. Read Article

Trek 4 Timor 2026
The Uniting Church WA’s International Partnerships & Development Commission (IPDC) invites you to join them for Trek 4 Timor 2026 on Saturday 16 May starting at 1.00pm! The event raises money for our Synod partner Lafaek Diak who operate a mobile health clinic in Timor Leste. Starting and ending at Saint Stephen’s Uniting Church in Applecross, there will be two walk options for people to choose – 3.4km and 6.8km – finishing the day with afternoon refreshments. Registrations are now open - you can register to walk, fundraise, or simply support this great cause with a donation.

Covenant Posters Available
In 1994 the Uniting Church in Australia entered into a Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). The Uniting Church’s 7th President Dr Jill Tabart formalised the relationship by reading the statement to UAICC Chairperson Pastor Bill Hollingsworth who responded on behalf of the Congress.
A new supply of printed A2 sized Covenant Posters designed by the UCA Assembly featuring the Covenant statement and painting are now available from the Uniting Church Centre. If you would like a copy of this poster for your congregation please contact Wendy - communications@wa.uca.org.au

Building a Discipling Culture
How do I share my faith? How do we make disciples?
Many congregations are engaging with members of their local communities through programs and initiatives, but how do you help those people go on their own journey with Jesus? How do you build a culture where the members of your congregation are comfortable and confident in helping others explore faith?
BDC coaching (Building a Discipling Culture) is a proven process of learning to live a missional life and help others do the same. If you’d like to know more about this or other training opportunities, please contact Rev Luke Williams,
Presbytery Minister (Mission) - pmmission@wa.uca.org.au
You can read more about BDC coaching in Luke's recent Mission Reflections article.

Garage Sale at Star Street Uniting Church
All are welcome to Star Street Uniting Church's latest Garage Sale which is being held on Saturday 9 May, 8.00am to 1.00pm. Come along and grab a bargain in clothing, bric-a-brac, books, dvds and art. There's also a crafts and bake sale, an impressive array of plants by Mr Retired, and a sausage sizzle to power you along in your bargain hunting.
Proceeds from the garage sale go to the Star Street UC emergency food relief program, which provides food to those in need in the local area. You can also bring non-perishable items to donate to the food program.

April Congregation Mailout
The monthly congregation mailout for April was sent out last week to every congregation and faith community, as well as to our UCWA Schools, Colleges and Agencies. Included in this envelope were the following:

Uniting WA Socks Appeal poster
Trek 4 Timor 2026 flyer
Building Healthy Church Communities flyer
Property Use and Maintenance Guidelines for Congregations
Building a Discipling Culture flyer
Presbytery of WA Staff Team poster
Uniting Church WA Campsite brochures

We appreciate this information being shared within your community. If you would like further copies of any of the included information, or if your congregation or faith community have not received your envelope please contact Wendy - communications@wa.uca.org.au

April

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, 10.30am to 1.30pm. 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, 8.00am to 1.00pm. Garage Sale at Star Street Uniting Church, Carlisle.
Saturday 9 May, 9.00am to 2.00pm. Safe Church Awareness Workshop at South Mandurah Uniting Church, Wannanup.
Saturday 9 May, 9.00am to 12.00pm. Treasure Market at Maylands-Mt Lawley Uniting Church, Mount Lawley.
Saturday 16 May, 1.00pm to 5.00pm. Trek 4 Timor 2026 at St Stephen's Uniting Church, Applecross.