This is my Uniting Church

Describe your faith community

I would describe my church as a place where you can come as you are. I would describe my church community as a source and a resource, compassionate, hospitable, growing. We offer courses for healing through Grief and Loss. We hold the Alpha course each year. We are multicultural with workers from PNG and South Korea, some of them studying here. 

Amongst our Ministry groups we have Courtyard Coffee each Friday morning providing a space for people to meet and also offering the best deal for coffee/tea and a treat in town.  This is perfect for those wanting to come to church sometimes for the first time and feeling unsure or nervous about coming. We have such a range of experience and talent for the missional work that comes our way. For instance, professional baristas for our Courtyard Coffee, two farmers in our Community Garden and a qualified accountant as our Treasurer.  Our community spreads beyond our geographical boundaries.

What’s one thing that makes your community unique?

Our outreach ministries such as Courthouse Cuppa where we take morning tea to the Magistrate’s Court. We have a ministry agent who shares her husband with another Church, Pittsworth Millmerran, and that makes our church unique.

Where do you see God at work in your community?

God’s provision in our people. We have heroes in our community. Heroes who renovated a fairly derelict old manse, allowing us to rent it to Protea Place, a Women's Support Centre providing support, dignity and safety to vulnerable women. Our heroes have given time, energy and expertise and often provided materials out of their own pocket. Our heroes come forward to ask what they can do. Our heroes have put on a fun social night to raise money for a defibrillator for our Williams Hall, providing entertainment and a meal as well as a social space for others to come and meet us. Our heroes are walking the labyrinthic paths of affordable housing and grants.

What are the intergenerational and/or intercultural aspects?

In the beginning of 2023 we began holding a monthly evening Intergenerational worship service. Since September 2023 it’s been a weekly service and the material provided by the Intergen team is amazing. A number of young people have joined and are participating in the running of these services. Every night the service is concluded with a very tasty meal provided by someone in the congregation.

What are some of the challenges you are facing?

Accommodation in the town for newcomers, particularly affordable housing.

What can the rest of the Church pray for in that place?

The ongoing response to intergenerational worship. Affordable housing for our community.