Lent Event... keeping poverty on the back foot!

40 days of worship, prayer and informed action - connecting communities for life

With Lent nearly upon us, many in the Uniting Church have determined to set themselves a spiritual discipline through Lent Event – to live simply, reflect more deeply on our faith and act to support people working hard to free themselves from poverty. In this video UnitingWorld’s overseas church partners share their hopes and dreams of a better future – with your help, these are the communities that Lent Event supports. Get your Guide to Living Lent and join the Lent Event movement today and be sure to download the latest Lent Event app to receive daily prayers on your mobile device. All resources for congregations available free at www.lentevent.com

Fiona Johnson 

(Community Engagement and Events Co-ordinator) at UnitingWorld

Uniting Church Opportunity Shop Blessing and Celebration

A wonderful gathering of over fifty people was held at the opportunity shop on Sunday October 11th 2015 at 2:30pm to celebrate the completion of the extensions to the building.

Ian York from the Management Committee gave a comprehensive overview of the process involved from inception to completion.  John Baker, chairperson of Church Council thanked all those involved in the project including the valued volunteers and then Reverend Christine Thomson read a reflective and very beautiful blessing, most appropriate for the ongoing work at the opportunity shop.

Following the formalities, warm fellowship and a sumptuous afternoon tea were enjoyed by all, along with the opportunity to view the renovations.

The two new extensions will make a huge difference to the smooth running of the facility, with one being used for the unpacking of goods and the other as a display area for books and household goods.

Welcome Petition - A Walk From Melbourne To Canberra For Refugees

On January 29, Jess Hackett, a young woman who is walking from Melbourne to Canberra to carry a petition to Parliament, arrived in rain in Wangaratta.  Her petition seeks to alert Parliament to the plight of refugees especially in Australia's offshore detention centres and to ask for a more compassionate policy.

Originally Wangaratta's welcome to Jess was meant to be in King George Gardens with a picnic lunch.  Instead, the weather being wet, we retreated to the Uniting Church Hall.  About one hundred people gathered to be with Jess and to sign her petition.  Many others had signed the petition prior to her arrival.  We were delighted that Rural City of Wangaratta Administrator, Irene Grant was able to attend the welcome.

Jess was accommodated for two nights by Uniting Church couple, Adrian and Helen Twitt. The day following her arrival in Wangaratta, Jess had a scheduled "rest" day.  Instead of walking, she visited Shepparton at the invitation of its Ethnic Council.  The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Shepparton greeted Jess and took her on a tour of the Filipino Cultural Centre, the Lutheran Church with its Africa House, one of the three Mosques in Shepparton, and the Sikh Temple.  She was accompanied by several people representing various ethnic backgrounds, and the Inter Faith Chaplain for Shepparton. 

Jess then returned to Wangaratta  for the second night in the city.  She set off in rain the next day, for a 33 km trek by foot to Chiltern, the next leg of her long journey. 

Jess is planning to arrive in Canberra on February 23rd to present her petition.

Jess Hackett 

The welcome group in the Uniting Church Hall

Check out her journey on The Welcome Petition Facebook page - www.facebook.com/thewelcomepetition