This is my Uniting Church

Could you share a little bit about your church community?

Echunga Uniting Church is a small congregation in the Adelaide Hills, in a town of around 100 people. Last November, we welcomed Nicholas and Amanda Tuohy into the life of the church, with Nicholas beginning as Minister. Nicholas has served as an ordained Baptist minister for 25 years and is grateful to be entering a new season of ministry with Echunga Uniting.

Amanda owns and runs Sanctuary Gallery in nearby Hahndorf, where she showcases her wildlife art developed over several decades.

Our church may be small, but there is a strong sense of belonging and care for one another, and a deep desire to serve our community well.

What does worship look like at your church?

Our worship is simple, thoughtful and centred on Scripture. We sing a mix of hymns and contemporary songs, pray together, and hear preaching that connects faith with everyday life.

Prayer is an important part of our life together, with weekly prayer gatherings on Sunday mornings before worship and on Tuesday mornings during the week.

One fun recent addition has been a professional coffee machine, which means Sunday mornings now include great barista coffee and lively conversation during morning tea in our community building, Wandeen.

What is one thing that makes your church unique?

In a town as small as Echunga, church life and community life are closely connected. Many people in our congregation have lived locally for generations, and the church has long been part of the fabric of the town.

What are some of the things happening that are really exciting for people?

Our Families Support Worker, Sarah Mosbey, plays a key role in helping us connect with local families. She also serves as a pastoral care worker at Echunga Primary School.

With the help of volunteers from the church she helps run breakfast clubs, Lego Club, and special events such as Shrove Tuesday pancakes. Our pastoral care team also provides Christmas hampers for families in need through the school, and some church members offer mentoring support for students at the school’s direction.

We also host an annual community Carols event at the Echunga Hall, which is always well attended by locals.

What energises the faith of this community?

Faith here is sustained through simple rhythms – worship, prayer, Scripture, and caring for one another. Many in the congregation have followed Christ faithfully for decades, and their quiet faith encourages everyone.

How does your church engage with the local community?

In a small town, connection often happens through relationships rather than large programs. Each month we host informal social catchups for men and women at local cafés, and many of our people can often be found connecting with neighbours at our local café, The Plough.

These everyday moments of hospitality and friendship are an important part of how we engage with our community. We also run a fortnightly Coffee with Kids which creates space for mums and carers in the community to find community and support.

Where do you see God currently at work?

We see God at work in the relationships being formed with families and in the growing sense of openness in the community. We are also aware that the nearby Mount Barker region is expanding rapidly, with many new families moving into the area.

How do you include intercultural and intergenerational aspects in the life of your church?

One of our strengths is being an intergenerational community. Older members bring deep faith and wisdom, while we are intentionally creating spaces where children, families and older members can share life together.

Can you share a story that reflects how your congregation has supported people during challenging times?

Much of our support happens quietly – through meals, visits, prayer, and practical care. The Christmas hampers we provide through the local school each year are one small example of how our congregation seeks to support families who are doing it tough.

Are there any challenges your church is facing?

Like many rural churches, we are a small congregation with an ageing membership. At the same time, we see a significant opportunity just a few minutes away, with thousands of people moving into the greater Mount Barker region. Our prayer is that we will be ready to welcome and serve the many young families moving into this growing area.

What can the rest of the Uniting Church be praying for you and your community?

Please pray for wisdom as we discern how best to connect with the rapidly growing Mount Barker region and the many new families settling there. Pray that we would remain faithful, welcoming, and courageous in sharing the love of Christ.

If you could share one message with the wider Uniting Church or Australian community, what would it be?

Our vision at Echunga Uniting Church is: “A New Generation Finding Jesus and His People in the Adelaide Hills.”

Jesus is the Hope of our world, and churches must be centred upon and empowered by the gospel of God’s grace in Christ. As it has been said, “God does not have a mission for His church; God has a church for His mission”. This flows out in divine love as both proclaimed Word and embodied deeds and service. Our prayer is that God will continue to use small local churches like ours to share the hope of Christ in communities across Australia.

- with thanks to Rev Nicholas Tuohy, Minister at Echunga Uniting Church