October 2023

Almighty and loving God, you who created ALL people in your image,

Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past....

 “They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain...”  

(cf. Isaiah 11:9)

God of Comfort,

send your Spirit to encompass all those whose lives are torn apart by violence and death in Israel and Palestine.... 

^{Rose Marie Berger, Sojourners October 9, 2023}

"but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love."

(Ephesians 4:15-16)

Christmas Bowl    

It’s not too late to sign up for the 2023 Christmas Bowl

There is still time to sign up your church community for the 2023 Christmas Bowl. Be a part of this important tradition of Christians across Australia coming together on the one great day of sharing to support people uprooted by conflict and disaster around the world.  

Refugee Support Fund Grant

The NCCA and the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce have a funding opportunity, currently open for applications.

Applications due Monday 30 October 2023.  

Prayer Vigils for the Voice Referendum

Churches prepare with prayer vigils on Friday 13 October 2023, the eve of the Referendum

• Referendum Online Prayer Gathering: Catholic Church in Australia
• Referendum Eve Vigil: Uniting Church in Australia, Assembly  

LAUDATE DEUM - Praise God

Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation released 4 October 2023.

“Praise God” is the title of this letter. For when human beings claim to take God’s place, they become their own worst enemies. [73].

Iraqi Christians fear for their safety and future in country 

Australian communities of Iraqi Christians are seeking support and prayers for their brothers and sisters in Iraq. Recent tragic events have left the minority Christian congregations fearing for their safety and future in the country.

Eyewitness to Armenians displaced from their homes – WCC delegation

Hundreds of ethnic Armenians, that are the majority population in the enclave of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), have been arriving into Armenia in response to shelling by Azerbaijan’s armed forces on 19 September 2023. 

"The Fringe of Jesus' Cloak: Evoking a Liminal Identity"

An in person and streamed event.

With: Dr Toar Hutagalung, Director of Theology & Church History, Uniting College of Leadership and Theology

When: Wednesday 11 October 7:00 pm ACDT

Where: Uniting College for Leadership & Theology, SA - An in person and streamed event