President launches national appeal for disaster relief

Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia

Beloved Community,

In the wake of destructive weather events across Queensland and northern New South Wales, we stand together in solidarity with all who have been affected. The worst of the storms are passing, but for many, the hardship is just beginning—homes have been lost, communities battered, and lives changed. We grieve with those who are suffering, assessing the damage, and we lift up in prayer all who face the long road of recovery.

Yet even in the midst of such damage, we also bear witness to hope. We see it in the hands that reach out to help, in the voices that offer comfort, and in the communities that come together to rebuild. Across our Uniting Church family, prayers are rising, and hearts are moving to respond. Through acts of care, support, and generosity, we will walk alongside those in need—because this is who we are as God’s people.

Today I am launching a national appeal through the Uniting Church Assembly's National Disaster Relief Fund. I call upon Uniting Church members and communities to show their support and solidarity through donations to the Fund which supports local projects and long term disaster recovery efforts.

As we journey through this season of Lent, we are reminded that suffering does not have the final word. Christ’s love carries us through the wilderness, His light breaks through the darkest nights, and His resurrection assures us that even from the depths of despair, new life will rise again.

Let us pray together.

God of compassion and restoration,

We come before You with heavy hearts, grieving the loss and destruction caused by extreme weather. We pray for all who are hurting—the families who have lost homes, the communities damaged, and those struggling to find hope. Wrap them in Your mercy, Lord. Hold them in Your love.

We give thanks for the hands that are helping—the first responders, the neighbours, the volunteers, and all who are working tirelessly to bring relief and comfort. Strengthen them, Lord, and bless their work. May they be signs of Your presence, bringing hope where it is needed most.

As we look upon the damage left behind, remind us that You are a God who makes all things new. Just as Christ walked through suffering to resurrection, may this time of rebuilding be one of renewal—of homes, of communities, and of hearts. May we, as the Church, be bearers of Your light, responding in love and practical ways that reflects our standing in solidarity with all who are struggling.

We trust in Your goodness, Lord, even in the face of hardship. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, surround those who mourn, sustain those who labour, and strengthen us all in faith and hope.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our refuge and our redeemer. Amen.

National Disaster Relief Fund – Tropical Cyclone Alfred Appeal

Direct Deposit

UFS Disaster Relief
BSB: 634634
Acct#: 100017929

Cheque

Please make your cheque payable to “UCA Assembly - National Disaster Relief Fund” and post to:

UCA Assembly - National Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box A2266 Sydney South NSW 1235

Please include a reference (for example, your surname or congregation name)

If donating by direct deposit or cheque, please email us when you make a donation, including your name and or congregation and we will provide a receipt.

Credit Card

Use this form to donate via Credit Card (form is linked to a secure payment system using Stripe).

You can also give to the individual appeals by the Synod of Queensland and Synod of NSW/ACT.