Worship Day 5
Getting dressed from God's clothing factory
July 15, 2024
Each day of the 17th Assembly meeting has begun with a Spirit-filled time of worship, teaching, prayer, singing and connection. Worship has been led by Assembly liturgists, Assembly members and by the President, and the music by the amazing 17th Assembly band.
On Day 5, the Call to Worship song ‘Into My Heart’ was sung in Portuguese and Niuean. An Acknowledgement of Country was given.
"Beloved friends, let us carry our worship into our work"
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.
17th Assembly liturgists Rev Pablo Nunez, Rev Hee Won Chang and Rev Ellie Elia led members in prayer.
“Gracious God, we bring you the worn and torn parts of ourselves. Hem us in before and behind.”
“We bring you the joyful parts of ourselves. Weave us together in hope and prayer.”
“God of new life, we bring our doubts and faith knotted together in our hearts. Unravel our doubts, weave faith in our hearts, draw us together in hope and faith we pray.”
Daniel Broadstock brought a heartfelt and passionate reading of Colossians 3:12-17.
Rev Dr Jason Kioa brought the teaching, inviting members to reflect on the spiritual clothing we are invited to wear as the people of God. Jason is the minister at Mascot Wesley Uniting Church in Sydney.
“I’m looking at this reading, and I’m thinking of a clothing factory! Twice in this reading, Paul is asking us to clothe ourselves in good things, in these fruits of the Spirit.”
“This clothing that Paul is taking about – it comes from the clothing factory that Paul has identified in his theology as the crucified and risen Lord.”
“I think this clothing from God’s clothing factory is one size fits all.”
“We clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, and we can stand in the faithfulness and steadfast love of God through generations.”
Members took part in the daily ‘Body Prayer’, spoken in Spanish, Korean and English, an invitation to open themselves to the day and to each other.
The Assembly had the opportunity for talanoa around the questions: What is the pattern of clothing we are to wear as God’s chosen, holy and beloved? And culturally, who decides the pattern?”
Members of the Assembly were invited to continue the practice of writing down their prayers of the people on pieces of cloth which are added to a weaving wheel.
Following the singing of the final song, ‘Tapestry: Weave Us Together’, President Rev Charissa Suli offered a benediction.
“Beloved friends, let us carry our worship into our work. Pay attention to the spiritual clothing we will offer to each other, as we continue to pray: O God, weave us together. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be always with you."
Seini Taufa gave a theological reflection to close the day, calling to mind the love, grace and movement of the Holy Spirit in this "big day".
"We rest and bring ourselves to be still in God’s love."
Read more 17th Assembly news
Choral Service of Thanksgiving for Australia-Tonga ties
Choral Service of Thanksgiving for Australia-Tonga ties This Sunday’s service will celebrate the 55th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Australia and Tonga, and the Golden Jubilee of the Tongan Consulate General in Australia The Uniting Church is set to co-host a historic celebration of diplomacy, culture and faith to honour two significant milestones in…
Review of UCA Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice
Review of UCA Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice begins This major review – the first in 16 years – provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen the ethical foundations and ministry practices that support the life of the Uniting Church Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest…
Paul Minty named full-time EO to National Commission
Paul Minty appointed as full-time Executive Officer to National Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration Dr Paul Minty brings to the role a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership experience and ministry engagementSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter…
Position Available: EO - Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration
Position Available: Executive Officer – Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration Apply your leadership skills, strategic thinking and understanding of the Uniting Church in Australia to a new phase of the national Act2 ProjectExecutive Officer – Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration Uniting Church in Australia Assembly PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: The Act2 Project is…
uHub: a new digital home for UCA resources
A refreshed home for UCA resources The Uniting Church Assembly is excited to introduce you to uHub – the refreshed digital home for the treasures of our Church, with a new name. Previously known as Illuminate, this central platform brings together Assembly resolutions, justice and theology statements, worship and liturgical resources, governance documents,…
Executive Officers appointed to new National Commissions
Executive Officers appointed to new National Commissions The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of key personnel for the two new Uniting Church National CommissionsThe Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of two key personnel to the work of the new National Commissions. Established by…
Chairs appointed to lead new National Commissions
Chairs appointed to lead new National Commissions The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Chairs for two new Uniting Church National CommissionsThe Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is delighted to announce the appointment of Chairs to lead two new National Commissions. Established by the 17th Assembly out of a…
What's next for Act2?
What’s next for the Act2 Project? The work of the Act2 Project is by no means over. Rather, it is in a time of transition after the 17th Assembly, writes Acting Act2 Project Lead Rev Erik Lennestålwritten by Acting Act2 Project Lead, Rev Erik Lennestål The work of the Act2 Project is by no means…