Uniting Seniors in the City

09/10/2026

𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘶𝘱-𝘵𝘰-𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬'𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.

𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗹-𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴

On Tuesday 6 October faith communities across Australia gathered together for a major national movement of public action, standing with our Pacific neighbours. The events, co-ordinated by the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC), were held in seven cities at significant places of worship, including outside Wesley Church, Perth.

A number of faith leaders spoke at the event including the Moderator Rev David Jackson, Assistant Anglican Bishop of Perth Right Reverend Hans Christiansen, Baha'i Spiritual Assembly Fremantle faith leader Wendy Wisschoski, Uniting Church Deacon Rev Frances Hadfield and Uniting Church Presbytery Chairperson and ARCC member Rev Ken Devereux.

Here are the remarks I made:

𝘈𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘙𝘙𝘊𝘊 𝘝𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦, 𝘸𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦.

𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘴, 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘥𝘰𝘮, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.

𝘛𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘸𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥: 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦.

𝘈𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

𝘐𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘮𝘦𝘥, 𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯.

𝘚𝘰 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘴, 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦. 𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥, 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦.

In conjunction with the events the President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Charissa Suli, has joined with senior Australian faith leaders who have signed an open letter calling on the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to turn Australia’s commitment to its Pacific neighbours into action by supporting a global Fossil Fuel Treaty and a fair transition away from coal, oil and gas. Visit www.arrcc.org.au/open_letter_to_pm_pre_cop to read the letter.

Pacific Church Leaders have also issued an urgent and deeply faith-filled call for climate justice, declaring that communities on the frontline of climate change need more than praise for their resilience. Visit www.arrcc.org.au/pacific_church_leaders_statement_to_cop31 to read the statement.

You can also add your voice by holding the upcoming COP Summit in prayer and reflection and signing the International Multifaith Fossil Fuel Treaty Petition. For more information on the Fossil-Fuel Treaty and to sign the petition visit www.arrcc.org.au/fossil_fuel_treaty

𝘙𝘦𝘷 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯

Fossil-Fuel Treaty Public Gathering On Tuesday 6 October faith communities across Australia gathered together for a major national movement of public action, standing with our Pacific neighbours. The events, co-ordinated by the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC), were held in s...

02/10/2026

𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘶𝘱-𝘵𝘰-𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬'𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀

Each year on 1 October, the world observes the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, a day set aside to recognise the invaluable contributions that older people make to families, communities, and society as a whole. As Christians, this observance provides an opportunity not only to celebrate older members of our church family but also to reflect on the biblical call to honour and care for them.

Scripture consistently reminds us of the wisdom, faithfulness, and blessing that come with age. Proverbs tells us, "𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘳; 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴". Throughout the Bible, God works through people in every season of life, demonstrating that age is never a barrier to purpose, ministry, or spiritual fruitfulness.

Our older members are living testimonies of God's faithfulness. They have weathered challenges, witnessed God's provision, nurtured families, served congregations, and passed on the faith from one generation to the next. Their stories, prayers, and experience enrich the life of our church in countless ways.

In a culture that often celebrates youth and productivity above all else, the gospel invites us to see older persons differently. We are called to value every individual as one made in the image of God and to recognise the unique gifts that older people bring to the body of Christ. Their discipleship, encouragement, wisdom, and perseverance continue to strengthen and guide us.

The International Day of Older Persons is also a reminder of our responsibility to ensure that older people are respected, included, and supported. Simple acts of care—a phone call, a visit, a listening ear, or practical assistance—can communicate Christ's love in powerful ways. As a church, may we continue to build a community where people of all ages belong, contribute, and flourish together.

This October, let us give thanks for the older persons among us. May we honour their legacy, learn from their wisdom, and celebrate the many ways God continues to work through them.

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿:
Loving and gracious God,
We thank You for the older persons in our families, churches, and communities. We praise You for their wisdom, their faith, their perseverance, and the many ways they have shared Your love with others throughout their lives.

Bless them with good health, peace, and joy. Strengthen them in times of difficulty and remind them each day of their priceless worth in Your sight. Help us to honour and support them with compassion, respect, and gratitude.

Teach us to listen to their stories, value their experience, and cherish the gifts they bring to Your Church. May all generations grow together in faith, serving one another in love and reflecting Your kingdom here on earth.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

𝘙𝘦𝘷 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯

Honouring the Gift of Older Persons Each year on 1 October, the world observes the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, a day set aside to recognise the invaluable contributions that older people make to families, communities, and society as a whole. As Christians, this observance prov...

25/09/2026

Step into a world of creativity at the 'Uniting Seniors in the City' Art Exhibition!

At Uniting Seniors in the City (USIC), we believe in the power of connection, creativity, and lifelong learning. To celebrate the incredible talents and journey of our community, we are hosting an Art Exhibition, and we would be absolutely delighted to have you join us.

Event Details:
📅 Date: 12th - 15th October
🕒 Time: 9am – 3pm
📍 Location: Trinity Church Art Room (Behind Trinity Church), 72 St Georges Terrace, Perth 6000

This exhibition showcases the creativity and peer learning of our seniors, reflecting the vibrant spirit of our outreach. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists, see and purchase their work, and connect with other like-minded people passionate about supporting our community. For more information email us on [email protected] or calling us at 08 9483 1333

We hope you can join us for one of the inspiring days of art and companionship!

25/09/2026

𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘶𝘱-𝘵𝘰-𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬'𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.

𝗔𝘄𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻

To conclude the Season of Creation for 2026, please enjoy this reflection on just corn.

𝘙𝘦𝘷 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯

𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 [𝘎𝘰𝘥], 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥. [𝘎𝘰𝘥’𝘴] 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴. Psalm 145:3-4 (NRSV)

I was looking forward to teaching the day’s lesson in my Intro to Religious Studies course at Mercy College in Toledo, Ohio. Early in the semester, I had become aware that my nursing and pharmacy students, though inquisitive and thoughtful, were sceptical about anything without scientific proof. On this day, the lesson explored awe: what it is, what it teaches, and how it is a core aspect of spirituality and life as a human being.

I began by asking if anyone could define the word “awe.” Silence. Not discouraged, I asked them when the last time they had experienced something they might call “awe.” Again, silence.

So I told them about the evening before. I was driving home from school on Highway 75, which is lined by corn fields. The sun was setting at such an angle that it appeared to have set all the tassels on top of the stalks on fire. The fields looked as if they were aflame in glory. It took my breath away. I had to pull over. All I could do was express gratitude to the One who had granted me this vision.

A young woman called out from the back row in an exasperated voice: “Doctor Kate, it was just corn!”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It confirmed for me that book learning wasn’t all we needed to do that semester. Developing a reverent awe for creation is the most reasonable thing we can do to heal our planet and bless one another.

When was the last time you experienced awe in your body, mind, and soul? What did it teach you?
Tell someone about it. Share it, so that this essential spiritual practice of awe is cultivated for generations to come.

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿:
God of creation, give us the eyes to see the glory of just corn in a cornfield, and the heart to embrace the mystery of all creation. Amen.

𝘒𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴

𝘒𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 (𝘜𝘚𝘈) 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳.

Great is [God], and greatly to be praised. [God’s] greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall laud your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. Psalm 145:3-4 (NRSV) I was looking forward to teaching the day’s lesson in my Intro to Religious Studies course at Mercy College in T...

18/09/2026

𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘶𝘱-𝘵𝘰-𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬'𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.

𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲:
𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

September offers the Church a special opportunity to reflect on two deeply connected themes: peace among people and care for God's creation.

The United Nations International Day of Peace, observed annually on 21 September, invites people around the world to promote peace, reconciliation and non-violence. The 2026 theme, Invest in Peace – 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝘿𝙖𝙮, reminds us that peace is not only the responsibility of governments and world leaders but is built through everyday acts of kindness, justice, compassion and understanding.

As followers of Christ, we know that peace is more than the absence of conflict. Jesus said, "𝘉𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥" (Matthew 5: 9). Peace begins in our hearts, grows in our families and churches, and reaches into our communities. In a world marked by war, division and uncertainty, Christians are called to be agents of reconciliation, offering hope, forgiveness and love wherever God places us.

At the same time, Christians across the world celebrate the Season of Creation. The theme, 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙒𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧, reminds us that water is both a physical necessity and a spiritual symbol. Just as rivers nourish ecosystems and sustain communities, God's grace renews and restores all creation. The Season of Creation calls us to recognise our interconnectedness with the natural world and to become faithful stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us.

These two observances belong together. There can be no lasting peace without justice, and there can be no justice while creation suffers degradation, and communities lack access to clean water, healthy environments and sustainable resources. Caring for the earth is an act of love for our neighbours and future generations.

In this time, we can:

Pray for peace in regions affected by conflict and violence.
Seek reconciliation in our relationships.
Give thanks for God's gift of creation.
Reduce waste and use resources responsibly.
Support local environmental initiatives.
Reflect on how our faith calls us to care for both people and planet.
May this season inspire us to become both peacemakers and caretakers - people who embody Christ's love through our actions. As we celebrate the International Day of Peace and the Season of Creation, let us pray that God's living water may flow through us, renewing our hearts, healing our communities and bringing hope to the whole creation.

"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦; 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳." (Isaiah 32:17)

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿:
𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦. 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦. 𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥. 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘯.

𝘙𝘦𝘷 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯

Peace, Creation and Christian Hope: Reflecting on the International Day of Peace and the 2026 Season of Creation September offers the Church a special opportunity to reflect on two deeply connected themes: peace among people and care for God's creation. The United Nations International Day of Peace,...

11/09/2026

𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘶𝘱-𝘵𝘰-𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬'𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.

𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱

This year, the global 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 invites Christians everywhere to reflect on the theme "𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿", drawing our attention to God's gift of water as a source of life, healing, renewal, and hope. As we gather during this sacred season, we are called not only to give thanks for creation but also to consider our responsibility as stewards of the earth and advocates for those who lack access to clean and abundant water.

The prophet Ezekiel offers a powerful vision of God's renewing presence:
"𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩... 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦; 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩; 𝘴𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴." 𝗘𝘇𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝟰𝟳:𝟵

Further in the vision, Ezekiel sees trees growing on both banks of the river:
"𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘭... 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨." 𝗘𝘇𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝟰𝟳:𝟭𝟮

This remarkable image begins with a small stream flowing from the Temple of God. As it travels, the stream grows into a mighty river, bringing life wherever it flows. Waters once barren become abundant. Trees flourish. Communities prosper. Creation is restored.

For Christians today, this vision points us towards Jesus Christ, who proclaimed himself to be the giver of "living water" (John 4:10). Just as the river in Ezekiel brings life to the desert, so God's Spirit refreshes weary souls and renews the world. The living water of God's grace is not meant to be hoarded but shared generously with others.

The Season of Creation reminds us that water is both a spiritual symbol and a precious physical resource. Around the world and here in Australia, communities face challenges of drought, flooding, pollution, and environmental degradation. Caring for waterways, wetlands, oceans, and rivers is therefore an act of faith and a practical expression of our love for neighbour and creation.

As we observe the 2026 Season of Creation, let us prayerfully consider how we can become channels of God's living water in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Through sustainable living, wise stewardship, advocacy for environmental justice, and care for those most vulnerable to climate change, we participate in God's work of renewal.

May Ezekiel's vision inspire us with hope. God's river still flows. God's Spirit continues to bring life where there is dryness, healing where there is brokenness, and hope where there is despair. As followers of Christ, may we be refreshed by the living water of God's presence and become bearers of that life-giving water to the world around us.

Prayer:
𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘸𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩, 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩. 𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺. 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘯.

𝘙𝘦𝘷 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯

Season of Creation 2026: Living Water for a Thirsty World This year, the global Season of Creation invites Christians everywhere to reflect on the theme "Living Water", drawing our attention to God's gift of water as a source of life, healing, renewal, and hope. As we gather during this sacred seaso...

04/09/2026

𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘶𝘱-𝘵𝘰-𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬'𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.

𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘀

𝘚𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩.
- Colossians 3:2 (NRSV)

Slavery. Patriarchy. Parental supremacy. Obedience, ingrown and toxic. These are a few reasons to take issue with Paul’s (or someone’s) letter to the Christians in Colossae.

Growing up in the so-called Bible Belt, I have seen Colossians justify true horrors: blatant racism, domestic abuse, folks told to endure harm because “scripture says to.”

Why, then, am I so hung up on Colossians 3:2? Well, at the risk of seeming like some out-of-touch quibbler, it’s the adverb modifying the first “are.” It’s “above."

As we make the turn from spring into summer, we are surrounded by vivid reminders of the earth’s ability to literally do what theology calls us to imagine: transform death into life. As flowers and trees and shrubs explode with new vivacity, resurrection is on full display. Rather than “above,” the things on earth seem to be where Christ most evidently is, right?

Given all the emphasis on the “above” - the heads of households and other hierarchies - could that be at least part of what gets us into trouble, into pain, into systemic harm?

I vote we change the adverb, if not in scripture, then in theology. Let’s take it upon ourselves to seek the things that are “deep down”: the roots that revive creation, sunk into the same humus from which, according to Genesis, we ourselves are made. Let Christians seek those who are downcast, downtrodden, and downright tired - not to “help,” but to listen, learn, and maybe even obey the truths such a turn might reveal.

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿:

God who knelt down alongside those who had been pushed down, help us to see You on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

𝘙𝘦𝘷 𝘛𝘰𝘯𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯

𝘛𝘰𝘯𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘜𝘊𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘛𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘦.

Angry about Adverbs Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.  - Colossians 3:2 (NRSV) Slavery. Patriarchy. Parental supremacy. Obedience, ingrown and toxic. These are a few reasons to take issue with Paul’s (or someone’s) letter to the Christians in Colo...

28/08/2026

𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘶𝘱-𝘵𝘰-𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬'𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗖𝗖

As we conclude our Season of Mission, we welcome representatives from ARRCC – the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change. ARRCC is a multi-faith network that brings together people from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Indigenous, and other faith traditions who share a common commitment to caring for God's creation and pursuing climate justice.

At first glance, climate change may seem like a scientific, political, or economic issue. Yet for people of faith, it is also a spiritual and moral issue. It raises questions about how we care for the earth, how we love our neighbours, and how we respond to those who are most vulnerable.

Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that the earth belongs to God: "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." (Psalm 24:1)

The opening chapters of Genesis portray humanity as caretakers of God's creation, entrusted with the responsibility to nurture and protect what has been placed in our hands. Climate change challenges us to consider how faithfully we are exercising that responsibility.

ARRCC encourages faith communities to reflect on the connection between spirituality, justice, and environmental stewardship. Their work includes education, advocacy, prayer, and practical action, helping faith communities respond thoughtfully and faithfully to environmental challenges. They seek to unite people of diverse beliefs around a shared moral commitment to care for creation and future generations.

One of the strengths of ARRCC is its conviction that hope and action belong together. Faced with enormous global challenges, it can be tempting to feel overwhelmed or powerless. Yet faith teaches us that even small acts of care, when offered in love, can become part of God's transforming work in the world.

As we bring our Season of Mission to a close, ARRCC reminds us that mission extends beyond the walls of the church. Caring for people and caring for creation are not separate tasks. Both arise from love for the God who made the world and all who live within it.

As we hear from our guest, may we be encouraged to embrace our calling as stewards of God's good earth and partners in God's work of renewal.

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿:

Creator God,

We thank You for the beauty and abundance of Your creation and for the work of ARRCC in helping people of faith care for our common home.

Teach us to be wise and faithful stewards of the earth You have entrusted to us. Open our eyes to the needs of our neighbours and future generations, and guide us to act with courage, compassion, and hope.

Bless all who work for the protection of creation and the flourishing of all life. May we honour You in the way we live, serve, and care for the world around us.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

𝘙𝘦𝘷 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯

Caring for Creation with ARRCC As we conclude our Season of Mission, we welcome representatives from ARRCC – the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change. ARRCC is a multi-faith network that brings together people from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Indigenous, and other faith ...

21/08/2026

𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘶𝘱-𝘵𝘰-𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬'𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.

𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀

Throughout our August Season of Mission, we are exploring organisations that reflect God's love in practical and transformative ways. This week we turn our attention to Uniting WA, an agency of the Uniting Church that serves thousands of Western Australians through a wide range of community services. Uniting WA's vision is simple yet profound: to inspire people, enliven communities, and confront injustice.

Uniting WA works alongside people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, financial hardship, disability, family difficulties, and social isolation. Through housing support, community services, advocacy, and practical care, they help people find stability, dignity, and hope.

At the heart of their ministry is a conviction that every person matters. In a society where people can often feel invisible or forgotten, Uniting WA seeks to ensure that individuals are treated with respect, compassion, and dignity. Their work reminds us that mission is not only about what we say, but also about how we accompany people through life's challenges.

The prophet Micah reminds us of God's call:
"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"�(Micah 6:8)

The phrase "walk humbly" is particularly significant. Mission is not about rescuing others from a distance; it is about walking alongside them. This is the approach embodied by Uniting WA. Whether supporting someone experiencing homelessness, providing mental health services, or helping families navigate difficult circumstances, their ministry is grounded in relationship, compassion, and hope.

Mission begins when we recognise Christ in the people we meet and respond with love. Through the ministry of Uniting WA, we see a living expression of the Gospel—good news shared not only through words, but through practical acts of care, justice, and compassion.

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿:

Loving God,

We thank You for the ministry of Uniting WA and for all who serve our community with compassion and hope.

Help us to see Christ in those who are struggling, lonely, or in need. Open our hearts to walk alongside others with kindness, dignity, and grace.

Bless the staff, volunteers, and all who are supported through Uniting WA's ministries. Strengthen them in their work and guide us all to be faithful servants of Your love.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

𝘙𝘦𝘷 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯

Walking Alongside Our Neighbours  Throughout our August Season of Mission, we are exploring organisations that reflect God's love in practical and transformative ways. This week we turn our attention to Uniting WA, an agency of the Uniting Church that serves thousands of Western Australians through...

14/08/2026

𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘶𝘱-𝘵𝘰-𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬'𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.

𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲

As part of our August Season of Mission, we will be learning about the work of 12 Buckets, a remarkable Western Australian organisation dedicated to supporting children and young people experiencing disadvantage and hardship. Through mentoring, relationship-building, and community partnerships, 12 Buckets seeks to ensure that young people are seen, heard, valued, and supported as they grow.

At the heart of the 12 Buckets story is a simple but powerful belief: every young person deserves the opportunity to flourish, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through volunteer mentors, school-based programs, and community initiatives, 12 Buckets helps children develop confidence, resilience, belonging, and hope for the future.

As Christians, this vision resonates deeply with the ministry of Jesus. Again and again, the Gospels show Jesus making time for those whom others overlooked. He welcomed children, listened to those on the margins, and recognised the worth and dignity of every person.

When the disciples tried to keep children away, Jesus responded:
"Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." (Mark 10:14)

The work of 12 Buckets reminds us that mission often begins with presence. Before problems can be solved, relationships must be built. Before confidence can grow, a young person needs to know they matter. A listening ear, a trusted mentor, and a safe community can make an extraordinary difference in a child's life.

One of the values underpinning the ministry of 12 Buckets is belonging. In a world where many young people experience isolation, instability, or uncertainty, belonging is a precious gift. It is also central to the Gospel. God calls us into community, where we are known, loved, and encouraged to discover and use the gifts we have been given.

Mission is not only about changing lives; it is about building relationships that enable people to discover their God-given potential. The ministry of 12 Buckets is a powerful reminder that when a child is supported, encouraged, and believed in, hope takes root and futures can be transformed.

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿:

Loving God,

We thank You for the work of 12 Buckets and for all who support and encourage young people through mentoring, friendship, and care.

Help us to be a community where children and young people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Open our eyes to opportunities to share Your compassion and hope with those around us.

Bless the young people, families, volunteers, and staff of 12 Buckets. Strengthen them in their work and help all young people to discover their gifts and their worth in Your sight.

May we continue to grow as disciples who reflect the love of Christ in our words and actions.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

𝘙𝘦𝘷 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯

Seeing, Hearing, and Supporting Young People As part of our August Season of Mission, we will be learning about the work of 12 Buckets, a remarkable Western Australian organisation dedicated to supporting children and young people experiencing disadvantage and hardship. Through mentoring, relationsh...