News and Notes 18 August 2026

Our 50th Synod - Introducing Dr Ali Robinson

The 50th Annual Meeting of the Synod of Western Australia is taking place from 11 to 13 September 2026.

This year we are delighted to welcome Dr Ali Robinson as a guest to our Synod meeting. Ali is a Lecturer in New Testament at United Theological College in Sydney, where she has taught since 2020.

Ali Robinson will be our guest preacher at the Opening Worship and Celebration of Ministry Service on Friday 11 September and will also be leading the bible studies during our business sessions on 12 and 13 September.

Click to read more about Dr Ali Robinson on our website, along with details of our opening worship service and 50th Synod meeting.

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Good Sammy Day - 7 September

Good Sammy Day is coming up on 7 September celebrating 68 years of creating employment opportunities for people with disability.

As they reflect on the journey since 1958, Good Sammy are inviting Uniting Church WA community to share a favourite Good Sammy memory including:

A special item you found
A person you met
How Good Sammy has made a difference to you or someone you know

Would you like to share your story? Email hello@goodsammy.com.au or send a letter - click below for details.

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Fellowship Newslink - August 2026

The August 2026 edition of Fellowship Newslink is out now.

Newslink is the magazine of the Uniting Church Adult Fellowship WA. Printed copies have been sent out to congregations and subscribers via our congregation mailout. The digital version can be viewed online by clicking the link below

Read Newslink

Explore our website - Social Impact

There's much to discover on our Uniting Church WA website. Let's take a look at the Social Impact menu!

The Uniting Church in Australia is committed to working toward a just and peaceful world. As we continue our series highlighting the information and resources available on our Uniting Church WA website, this week we focus on the Social Impact menu which includes:

Social Justice Commission
First Peoples
Environment
Human Rights
International Partnerships

If you haven't visited our social impact pages for a while, why not explore today?

Social Impact

Order UCWA Name Badges

Uniting Church WA name badges are available for congregations and individuals to order from the Uniting Church Centre.

If you are attending the 50th Annual Meeting of the Synod of WA and would like to order a name badge, please place your order by Tuesday 1 September 2026.

Regular congregation orders can also be made at any time. Please download and complete the order form for group orders, and send orders to Wendy Hendry - communications@wa.uca.org.au

Order Badges

Uniting WA's Brekky for Better

A carton of milk or a box of cereal might seem small. But for someone experiencing homelessness, breakfast at Uniting WA creates opportunities for connection, trust and ongoing support.

In 2025, Uniting WA's Tranby Engagement Hub provided more than 235,000 instances of support to people experiencing homelessness. Because when people arrive looking for help, breakfast is often where the conversation begins.

There are two simple ways to support Brekky for Better:

Donate non-perishable breakfast essentials at a collection point near you (including Gosnells Uniting Church and St Stephen's Schools).
Make a tax-deductable donation online here.

For more information and a list of items to donate click below.

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UCA Associate General Secretaries gather (UCA)

Associate General Secretaries from across the Uniting Church gathered last week at Campfire in the Heart, Alice Springs, on the traditional lands of the Arrernte people, the Traditional Custodians of Mparntwe. Read Article

Church providers unite to call for action on gambling advertising
(UnitingCare)

Some of Australia’s largest church-based community service providers are joining forces to call on the Federal Government to take urgent action on gambling advertising and gambling harm. Read Article

A prayer for Flores and East Nusa Tenggara Indonesia (UnitingWorld)

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of near Flores island in Indonesia on Saturday. Authorities report more than 1,500 aftershocks and a briefly lifted tsunami warning .Please join us in prayer for the thousands of people impacted and our Indonesian church partners providing urgent aid. Read More

When fuel prices rise, who picks up the pieces? (UCA)

Most Australians will notice higher fuel prices at the petrol station. Frontline community services will notice them in the growing number of people seeking help. Read More

Season of Creation 2026 Resources Available
Season of Creation is observed by Christians around the world from 1 September through to 4 October. The Season of Creation is an opportunity to join together with other Christians in prayer, reflection and action as we celebrate God's gift of creation.
The 2026 theme is 'Living Water' inspired by Ezekiel 47:9 and 12 - a powerful biblical vision of hope and ecological healing.
Congregations across the Uniting Church are encouraged to take part. Resources are available on the UCA Assembly website including worship, prayer and practical actions.

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Change to Code of Ethics for Uniting Church Ministers
The Assembly Standing Committee has approved a revised Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice, strengthening support for healthy, faithful and accountable ministry across the Uniting Church. The revised Code is scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027.

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2026 Ethical Ministry Workshop
Join UCEF for the 2026 Ethical Ministry Workshop exploring Teaching and Competence, drawing on the Code of Ethics, Sections 3.3 (Teaching) and 3.4 (Competence). The mandatory workshop for Ministers and Pastors (including retired Ministers and Pastors who remain active in ministry) will be offered in two formats:

In person - Tuesday 25 August 2026, 9.30am–12.00pm
St Aidan's Uniting Church, Claremont
Online via Zoom - Tuesday 1 September 2026, 7.00pm–9.00pm

An optional professional development workshop, Responding to Domestic and Family Violence in Ministry will also be held on Tuesday 25 August from 1.00pm to 3.00pm at St Aidan's Uniting Church. Facilitated by Rob Andrew, the workshop will explore creating safer church communities for victim-survivors, responding to disclosures of domestic and family violence, the impact of language and communication, and available support services and resources.

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August Congregation Mailout
The monthly congregation mailout for August 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:

Opportunity to volunteers at the 2026 UCA Fijian National Conference in Fremantle
Good Sammy Day information and call for your Good Sammy story
Invitation to the 50th Synod Opening Worship and Celebration of Ministry Service
Congregation Resource Guide
UCAF WA Newslink August 2026

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

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Uniting Climate Justice Activation
Uniting Church community members are called to join together in September for a month of action in the leadup to major climate talks in our Pacific Region. Join the Uniting Climate Action Network online this Thursday 20 August from 5.00pm to 6.30pm (AWST) to discover how your congregation or community can take part in a month of action for climate justice.

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Commissioning Service - Evelyn Ashley
The Commissioning of Evelyn Ashley as Lay Preacher will take place during a service on Sunday 23 August, 9.30am at South Mandurah Uniting Church. All are welcome!

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August

Friday 21 August, 1.00pm to 1.45pm. Wesley at One - Nire Nire Trio at Uniting Church in the City, Wesley Perth.
Friday 21 August, 5.30pm to 8.00pm. Family Movie Night at Maylands Mt Lawley Uniting Church, Mt Lawley.
Saturday 22 August, 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Fundraising Concert at St Peter and Emmaus Church, Joondanna.
Sunday 23 August, 9.30am. Commissioning Service - Evelyn Ashley at South Mandurah Uniting Church, Wannanup, WA.
Tuesday 25 August, 9.30am to 12.00pm. Ethical Ministry Workshop at St Aidan's Uniting Church, Claremont.
Tuesday 25 August, 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Responding to Domestic and Family Violence in Ministry at St Aidan's Uniting Church, Claremont.
Sunday 30 August, 2.30pm to 4.00pm Welsh Free Church Gymanfa Ganu Hymn & Choral Singing Festival at Wesley Uniting Church, Perth.

September

Tuesday 1 September, 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Ethical Ministry Workshop - online, online via Zoom.
Sunday 6 September, 10.00am. Commissioning Service - Sue Strutt at St Peter and Emmaus Church, Joondanna.
Friday 11 September, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. 50th Synod Opening Worship and Celebration of Ministry at All Saints Floreat Uniting Church, Floreat.
Saturday 12 September, 8.30am to 8.00pm. 50th Annual Meeting of the Synod of Western Australia at The Hub - Bentley Technology Park, Bentley.
Sunday 13 September, 8.30am to 4.00pm. 50th Annual Meeting of the Synod of Western Australia at The Hub - Bentley Technology Park, Bentley.
Saturday 19 September, 9.30am to 12.30pm. Intergenerational Church Workshop at Kalamunda Uniting Church, Kalamunda.
25 to 28 September. CampFIRE 2026 at Lake Yealering, WA.