One of my favorites all time worship inspirations passed away earlier this year. Her name was Mary Oliver. Of her many, many great works was this little gem, which, in a way, captures the heart of what worship can be…. “Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” As folk involved […]
Circle member Rev. Jon Humphries reflects on the story of Jesus birth as it is in the scriptures, without the cultural and religious filters on. This is what he found. 1. Life is hard for many. They eek out their daily existence following routine and culture. For some, even in the midst of daily struggle, […]
Circle Advocate Rev. Alex Sangster shares a Christmas message. We, the Transforming Worship Circle are journeying together in Advent. Advent is all about, the dark before dawn and the smashing and clashing of stars… and the preparation for the birthing… Advent is the time to go into the deep, where the night has eyes to […]
Rev. David McGregor is a Panel Member for the Transforming Worship Circle. He shares some of his story. I am nearing the end of my fifth year in ministry at Wellers Hill-Tarragindi Uniting Church in inner south-eastern Brisbane. I love being part of an intergenerational community that seeks to go deeper in faith, discipleship, worship […]
Transforming Worship Panel Member Rev. Radhika Sukumar-White offers a few words of introduction. Hi all! I’m Rev. Radhika Sukumar-White, and it’s a pleasure to *meet* you all! I am currently finishing up my first placement as Minister of the Word at West Epping Uniting Church, to take up a new placement at Leichhardt Uniting Church, alongside my […]
By Rev Cathie Lambert from her blog Deep Water Dwelling. My introduction to up-front ministry and worship leading came some 30 years ago. Our congregation, at the time, was mostly singing from the one hymn book and a small group of us had learnt some new songs at church camps. We asked the minister if […]
Get to know our Advocate Rev Alex SangsterThe Advocate for the Transforming Worship Circle is Rev. Alex Sangster. Alex has been a minister in the Uniting Church in Australia for over 12 years and is committed to opening up worship to all people and finding ways to connect people into God’s story incarnated in Jesus […]
By Rev Ellie Elia, Minister at St Andrew’s Uniting Church Glenbrook Something is growing at St Andrew’s Uniting Church Glenbrook NSW, and it’s wild and beautiful and surprising.The Season of Creation gives to the worshipping life of the congregation an opportunity to awaken the senses, reconnect and recommit to our place in God’s creation, and reflect […]
By Simon Lee, Lead Minister, NEW Beginnings Uniting Church Towards the end of 2017 NEW Beginnings Uniting Church (NBU), in Cronulla NSW, felt it was important for the health of our church that we should be not only singing songs in worship that have represented our faith heritage, but also songs that represent who we […]
By Tasha Crumpler This story was first published in New Times, the Synod of SA publication. When Laura, Adam and Dave spoke to each other about what God was pressing on their hearts four years ago at SAYCO, (an annual camp for high school students to explore faith) they didn’t realise how quickly things were […]