New Circle Advocates
Assembly welcomes two new Advocates for the Circles of Interest
February 15, 2023
Two of the Assembly Circles of Interest have new Advocates stepping into this leadership role.
Rev Jon Humphries has taken up the role of Advocate for the Transforming Worship Circle, while Rev Alex Sangster, the previous Advocate for Transforming Worship, is stepping in as Advocate role for Working for Justice.
“I look forward to the fresh insights, ideas and energy that will emerge as they begin to interact with their Circles."
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
The Assembly Circles provide a platform for learning and sharing in the national work of the church. An Advocate has been appointed to each circle to nurture and encourage activity, conversation and input from circle members.
Assembly Associate General Secretary Rev Lindsay Cullen welcomed the interim appointments which will be in place until the next triennial Assembly in 2024.
“We are delighted that both Jon as a new Advocate and current panel member and Alex as an Advocate from another circle have taken up this call to offer their gifts, their passion and their creativity to support these Circles in contributing to the national life of the Church.”
“I look forward to the fresh insights, ideas and energy that will emerge as they begin to interact with their Circles.”
“Loni has brought wise and gentle leadership to the Circle and has inspired us with his deep passion for the living out Jesus’ call to seek justice in the world."
At the same time, the Assembly gives thanks for the contribution of Rev Loni Vaitohi who has been the Advocate of Working for Justice for the past five years.
“We are extremely grateful for Loni’s leadership as the Advocate for the Working for Justice Circle since it began,” said Lindsay. “Loni has brought wise and gentle leadership to the Circle and has inspired us with his deep passion for the living out Jesus’ call to seek justice in the world, especially on climate action and justice for seasonal workers.”
The Advocates came together in Sydney last week with the Assembly Resourcing Unit for the opportunity to plan, collaborate and share inspiration for the work of the Circles in 2023.
The seven Circles and Advocates are:
Rev Dr Matagi Vilitama (Being a Multicultural Church), Rev Dr Matt Wilson (Seeking Common Ground), Rev Jon Humphries (Transforming Worship), Virginia Lavaki (Discipling the Next Generations), Alison Overeem (Walking Together as First and Second Peoples), Rev Alex Sangster (Working for Justice) and Rev Liam Miller (Growing in Faith).
Related news
Alison Bleyerveen Voice reflection
Voice. It’s a Yes from me. A reflection from Alison Bleyerveen after the recent UCA-Jewish Dialogue meetingBy Alison Bleyerveen, UCA member of the Dialogue Executive Council of Australian Jewry – Uniting Church in Australia DialogueVoice. It’s a strong yes from me.I was privileged to be a part of a national conversation between ECAJ (Executive Council
2023 Godly Play Training
2023 Godly Play Core Training Learn about Godly Play practice and be nurtured in your own spiritual journeyGodly Play Core Training is being offered in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney through 2023. Godly Play training events have evolved over 40 years of research, practice, reflection and prayer and are designed to be as innovative
NRW 2023
This year’s National Reconciliation Week from 27 May – 3 June invites all Australians to think about practical and meaningful ways we can create a more just and reconciled Australia with the theme, Be a Voice for Generations.“Act today for a reconciled tomorrow”Subscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2023
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 21-28 May 2023 What makes Christian Unity important? Responses and reflectionsAs we mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we invited responses from Uniting Church members engaged in the ecumenical and theological space, reflecting on what makes Christian Unity important. “The message of Christian unity is not a sweet occasional
2023 Budget response
Welcome support for most vulnerableFederal Budget Response 2023-24The Uniting Church in Australia welcomes the clear commitment in the Federal Budget to deliver support to those who are most vulnerable in our community, while noting some measures fall short of what is needed.“We are thankful for the priority given by the Albanese Government to address cost-of-living
Fijian Bible Study
A Fijian Bible Study A new book of weekly Bible Studies in Fijian based on the Revised Common Lectionary by Rev Dr Iliesa Jovili MeoA new publication containing detailed Bible Studies for the weekly Lectionary readings written in Fijian has been launched this week. The text is the work of respected Uniting Church Fijian minister
Rachel Turner Down Under
Rachel Turner Down UnderAugust 31 – Sep 14Rachel Turner is coming to Australia!Subscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.Best known for her book It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent and for founding Parenting
email your MP to raise the rate
Raise the Rate for GoodAsk your MP to the raise the rate of JobSeeker in the federal budgetThis morning UnitingCare Australia joined over 30 organisations in Parliament House to call for an increase to the rate of JobSeeker in the Federal Budget. An open letter to the Prime Minister gained over 300 signatures from community