Presence

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Stay connected with the national work of the UCA - Circles of Interest

The Assembly Circles of Interest provide a platform for Uniting Church members to connect, contribute and learn more about the national work of the Uniting Church. 

At this time, they are providing an important place of connection for people when we cannot gather face-to-face. A number of resources, ideas and questions are being shared that relate to the specific areas of the Circle. Each Circle has a Facebook Group and newsletter. 

JOIN A CIRCLE

Links to resources have been included under the relevant Circles. 

Walking Together as First and Second Peoples

 

Transforming Worship

 

Seeking Common Ground

WCC Resources for the time of Coronavirus, including access to a number of resource people with particular expertise:
https://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/covid-19/resources

 

Being a Multicultural Church

 

Growing in Faith

 

Working for Justice

Easy to use resources for online or home worship with an environmental theme collated by Uniting Earth
https://www.unitingearth.org.au/worship/

 

Discipling the Next Generations

Here are some helpful links and resources for intergenerational, families, children, youth and young adults

Check out more ideas and resources www.ucapulse.org.au and www.ucayouth.org.au

IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS

Here are some of the ideas that have been shared on our Circles pages:

  • The Contemplative Cottage offers a collection of ideas for checking in on people and connecting one-one-one or in small groups, including setting up prayer partners, sharing the Daily office via text, sending cards via post
  • “Social distancing and social isolation is a great opportunity to reinforce our connectedness when we are not together and to get creative in maintaining community; whilst being scattered. Take the challenge, observe the wise instructions and get creative!”
  • Suggestions for alternative ways to pass the peace:
    • Learn how to say peace in another language, given we have several in our community it may encourage people to learn from each other.
    • Use Auslan, this will help people learn some core Auslan signs.
    • Foot tap, this was a bit of fun, ends up with a couple people doing a jig together, but not great for our older members.
    • Air high five, add sound effects to increase its usability.
    • Hand on chest. See also https://www.pluralguild.com/journal/pass-the-peace-alternative
  • Faith, Wellbeing and Covid-19 - a short article by Rev. Dr Judy Redman on five ways to wellbeing. 
    Download here

REFLECTIONS FROM ACROSS THE UCA

Coping with COVID-19: A Reflection by Rev Claire Dawe of Manningham UC, Melbourne.
The first in a series of features that VicTas Synod's magazine Crosslight is running on how congregations and faith communities are adapting to the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions.

Toilet Paper Blues: A 5-minute reflection and prayer from Rev. Rod Pattenden, Adamstown Uniting Church on toilet paper shortages – “We thank you God that you provide us with what we need.” https://vimeo.com/397871432

Uniting Earth: has a compilation of podcasts and videos which you may like to catch up on or to use as a resource for preparing devotions.
https://www.unitingearth.org.au/podcasts/

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