Humans of the Uniting Church

In a new regular series this year, we’re excited to be featuring some of the inspirational people who make up the Uniting Church. Check out the growing hub of stories here.

If you know of someone with a great story to tell, contact us and nominate them to be featured.

This week we hear from Hannah Blair from Pittwater Uniting Church in NSW where she is involved in youth and young adults ministry. She also works in ministry for Soul Survivor NSW and is involved in Planted Ministries.

What’s your Uniting Church story?

My Uniting Church story goes back a long time, with my dad being raised in a Uniting Church and my mum coming to faith in a Uniting Church. While growing up, my family spend time in lots of different places with lots of different churches as my parents pursued ministry. My siblings and I have all landed in Uniting Churches that we love to call home, and with communities that we love to call family.

What enlivens your faith?

My faith is enlivened by seeing youth and young adults encouraged and equipped in their faith - to know and experience the Spirit in new ways, to understand the Word intimately and to walk in freedom with the Father. In particular, getting to spend time in prayer ministry and also coming alongside young girls/women who are working out their faith in the gritty moments of life is so special to me.

What’s one thing happening in your community that’s really exciting for you?

Over the last 12 months, I have seen the young adults community in my church be empowered to seek spiritual maturity and be filled with a passionate for actively living out a discipleship-focussed faith. It has been so exciting, and I'm keen for what 2023 has for us.

What’s one thing you love telling people about the UCA?

I consider myself lucky to have, for so long, known only a Church which prioritises social justice, pursues biblical teaching and spiritual understanding hand-in-hand, and also tries to build a culture that models Jesus above all else. I love telling people how much I love the way the UCA loves (count how many times I say the word 'love'!). I can see the impact it makes to always love and honour first.

What’s one thing you’d like to change, or something you hope for?

I think that one thing I do hope for is a shift towards more ongoing, intentional discipleship of young adults within their church communities. I can definitely see how the COVID season left some gaps in mentorship and training, and I can also see so many young adults who are excited to do more with their faith but at times feel stuck because they need someone to get alongside them, to help them learn how to listen to and discern the voice of God.

What's one thing you would like the rest of the Uniting Church to pray for?

I would love the rest of the Uniting Church to pray for continually renewed excited and passion among young adults, because I think we will see tremendous things keep happening for as long as young people are pursuing what it means to know God personally.