Multicultural Ministries VicTas Synod

14/10/2026

a multicultural leaders gathering, both ordained and lay leaders, with the VicTas Synod moderator, Rev Salesi Faupula, on 14 November 2026

Dear colleagues and friends in ministry,

I would like to invite you to a multicultural leaders gathering, both ordained and lay leaders, with the VicTas Synod moderator, Rev Salesi Faupula, on 14 November 2026, Saturday, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at CTM (29 College Cres, Parkville, VIC 3052)

This would be a fantastic opportunity to hear from the Moderator about the Synod’s ministry and mission directions and dreams, meet the Faithful Futures Intercultural Leadership goal group members, Talanoa during each session and fellowship lunch, and catch up with each other.

Here is further information on the gathering.

Date and Time: 14th of November, Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm (including morning tea and lunch)
Venue: Centre for Theology and Ministry (CTM) at 29 College Cres, Parkville, VIC 3052
Organiser Contact: Rev David D**g Won Kim ([email protected] / 0400 213 205)
CTM has limited carpark spaces. If you inquire a carpark space, contact David D**g Won in advance
If you require accommodation, contact David D**g Won by 2 November 2026
Registration: https://events.humanitix.com/a-day-with-the-victas-synod-moderator

13/10/2026

Thank you for supporting and participating in the first multicultural choral festival (4 October 2026) in the Uniting Church Victoria & Tasmania. Special thanks to equipping Leadership for Mission (eLM) and Wesley Church, Melbourne for their support and prayer.

Here is the program, including a list of choirs and individuals contributing beautiful and spirit-filled church music to all worshippers gathered in the Lord.

The multicultural choral festival was made possible by the following choirs/singing groups and soloists, and all music was dedicated to the glory of God.

- Canterbury Balwyn Rd UC Tongan Choir, Canterbury, VIC
- Ibero Latino Singing group from Parkdale UC, Parkdale, VIC
- St George's Bunley St UC Niuean Singing group, Richmond, VIC
- St Stephens UC, Keilor Youth Choir, Keilor, VIC
- IXTHUS Korean choir from the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK), South Korea
- Elder Joong Hyun Cho (IXTHUS)
- Rev Dr Kevin Kee Yoon Kim (Trinity Brighton UC, Brighton, VIC)
- Mrs Bora Cha (a guest soloist)
- Pastor Dan Yul You (a guest soloist)

20/09/2026

Dear colleagues and friends in ministry and mission,

大家好, Malo e lelei, 안녕하세요, Talofa lava, こんにちは, Bula vinaka, Manuhay, Kia orāna, G’day, Kia ora, Kudual, Fakaalofa lahi atu, שָׁלוֹם, Hming-thang, Maale, Hola, مرحبا, Goedendag, Xin chào, Buongiorno, Γεια σας, and more greetings from our siblings and friends in Christ.

On behalf of VicTas Synod Intercultural Forum and eLM Discipleship and Advocacy team, I would like to invite you to the Multicultural Choral Festival on 4th of October, Sunday 2:00 pm at Wesley Church, Melbourne.

As pilgrims of the spirit, we journey from east and west, from north and south following God’s call to be where God gathers us in. As we gather, we worship God! As we sing, we recognise each other as friends and siblings in God! And as we journey, we become pilgrims of the spirit walking together with the Lord. We are not mere performers because we can sing, but faithful worshippers because of grace and love from God. This multicultural choral festival isn’t just about singing; it’s also about celebrating the diverse richness among worshippers in our church.

Come and sing with several local church choirs, four soloists, and a praise band on the day to worship and paise the Lord together!

Title: VicTas Synod (UCA) Multicultural Choral Festival
Date: 4th of October, Sunday afternoon from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (incl. afternoon tea)
Venue: Wesley Church (136 Lonsdale St, Melbourne)
Contact: Rev David D**g Won Kim, VicTas Synod Multicultural Ministries Coordinator ([email protected] / 0400 213 205)
Registration: https://events.humanitix.com/multicultural-choral-festival

11/09/2026

CALD 2nd Gen 'Feast of Faith' Retreat
(11~13 September, 2026. Peninsula Outdoors)

Pastor Nia Lavaki, eLM Younger Generations Multicultural Communities, welcomed 60+ CALD 2nd young people this afternoon for '2026 Feast of Faith' retreat. This includes several cross-synod participants to celebrate the rich multicultural ministry of the church.

Rev Robin Yang kicked off the retreat with his personal journey of discovering his true identity in life and ministry. He introduced a variety of fusion dishes including Kimchi Pie and Vietnamese Rice Rolls. Mixing different ingredients together, referring to different cultural experiences and learning, was his way of discovering his true identity as a second-generation Korean living in Australia.

After dinner, everyone enjoyed catching up until it was time for bed, a very late night.

11/09/2026

Recently, I attended two induction services and a commissioning service in our Synod.

On 29 August 2026, Rev Uncle Will Pickett and Pastor Sean Weetra were inducted and commissioned as State Development Officers, UAICC Victoria. The service was held at the Aborigines Advancement League, Thornbury. I look forward to learning from their leadership and wisdom about how to sit together during yarning.

On 30 August 2026, Rev Ikani Vaitohi was inducted as minister for Bacchus Marsh UC and Pentland Hills UC. The service was held at Bacchus Marsh UC, Bacchus Marsh, VIC. As a colleague, I’m delighted to see him return to ministry and praying for his thriving ministry.

27/08/2026

Dr Silvia H. J. Yang 양희정 교수님, a lay leader of the Korean Church of Melbourne and a lecturer at Melbourne University, has been commissioned as the first Korean woman lay preacher in the Uniting Church Victoria & Tasmania Synod.
Her discernment into the ministry of lay preacher began when she was asked to be one of the multicultural ministries and intercultural leadership panel members two decades ago.
As she shared her faith journey into the ministry of preaching during the commissioning service, she highlighted her pilgrimage as a faithful journey 'from teaching to preaching.'

Here I'd love to share a few photos from the service held at Korean Church of Melbourne 멜본한인교회.

23/08/2026

One of the many privileges and opportunities I have in this ministry is visiting local congregations to build worshipping relationships with leaders and community friends.

After a joyful drive, I shared my reflection with the Paynesville Uniting Church, a faith community now. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about her pilgrimage as the church recently celebrated its 100th anniversary of worshipping together. Rev Ram and Ms Marilyn warmly welcomed me upon my arrival and introduced me to church members and friends. The worship was spirit-led and engaging and the hospitality over lunch was amazing. I also had great conversations with everyone.

Another warm faithful and welcoming church in our communities.

16/08/2026

Today I was honoured to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the Ballarat Central Uniting Church.
After the service, I visited Ballarat Old Cemetery to find the graveyard of the first Australian woman missionary in Korea, Bella (Isabelle) Menzies (1856–1935). Arriving in Busan, Korea in 1891, she dedicated 33 years to her mission in Busan, Korea. She founded the first Western school for women, ILSIN Women’s School, opened orphanage homes and gathered people for worship. Later it became BusanJin Church, the first church established by Australian missionaries.
During Japan’s colonial rule (1910–1945), the ILSIN Women’s School played a role in the independence movement. As a result, many students and Australian missionaries were arrested and imprisoned. While Australian missionaries were eventually released, unfortunately, some students never returned home.

Here is an article to learn more about her mission works in Korea.

https://sites.google.com/view/australian-dictionary-of-evang/m/menzies-isabella-belle-1856-1935

07/08/2026

Trinity Brighton Uniting Church (Rev Dr Kevin Kee Yun Kim) is a singing church tonight with LIFEROAD SINGERS from South Korea.

28/07/2026

2026 Annual Korean National Conference (20~22 July 2026)

Korean National Conference 2026 The Korean National Conference recently gathered for a time of worship, fellowship and discernment, celebrating the vibrant cont