"Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint, but happy are those who keep the law. "

(Proverbs 29:18)

To have a vision could be ‘spiritual’ but most often it is about an organisation and its purpose. 

News 

• WCC demands immediate ceasefire, humanitarian corridors in Palestine and Israel
• Violence against Palestinians is rising in the West Bank

Online Liturgy 

All welcome!

A ‘blessing of the bowls’ liturgy will be offered online via Zoom this year, followed by an update from Act for Peace field staff about programs that receive funding through the Christmas Bowl. 

When: Wednesday 29 November 2023, 7:00 -8:00 pm AEDT (Can, Syd, Melb, Hob.)

Gifts for Peace

Give a meaningful gift this Christmas. 

Struggling to know what to give this Christmas? Why not consider a Gift for Peace. As we reflect on the extraordinary gift of love and compassion that Christ has given us this Christmas season, Gifts for Peace offers a practical way to share His example with those around us.

Raising Voices 

• Indigenous Theology Conference: Raising Our Tribal Voice for Justice: An Indigenous Theological Revolution 5-8 February 2024, Melbourne VIC
  
  
• Watch: Dr Stan Grant Wiradjuri man and journalist speaking at the Queensland UCA Synod in October.

News

• 16Days of Activism: against gender based violence from 25 November to 10 December. 
• Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) tool: developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission with support from UNICEF
• International Day of People with Disability: respecting diversity and promoting equity in your church

At the NCCA Annual General Meeting on 1 November 2023, His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese was elected as a new Director of the company.

 Break the Silence Sunday – Liturgy 

The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) offers the global community a liturgy for ‘Break the Silence Sunday’, observed the Sunday prior to November 25.

The pdf packet includes background to the commemoration, liturgical and other resources for use prior to, or during the 16Days of Activism (Nov 25 – Dec 10).

Save the date - Call for papers 

Talanoa Oceania facilitates the gathering of Pasifika peoples from home islands and the diaspora to share, engage, create and reflect theologically.

When/Where: 4 - 6 April 2024 at the United Theological College, Sydney, NSW.

Theme: Indigeneity: Belongings and Subversions. The call for papers closes on 31 December 2023.

Holding the Light 

"Holding the Light" is an ecumenical service remembering victims and survivors of family domestic violence. 

When: Thursday 30 November, 5:00 pm AEDT

Where: Wesley Uniting Church, Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC

Prayer Service  

Join representatives from the three Abrahamic faiths to pray for peace in Israel and Palestine.

When: Thursday 30 November, 12:30 to 1:00 pm AEDT

Where: St Stephen’s Uniting Church, 197 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW