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Mission focus areas

The Uniting Church’s indigenous, cross-cultural, emerging and traditional ministries, theological education, school and tertiary ministry, community services, advocacy, and rural evangelism are all sustained by congregations’ contributions to Living is Giving.

There’s a wide range of Living is Giving mission focus areas to choose from. For more detailed information on each, download the 2008-2009 Handbook.

To read the July updates on the various areas of ministry you can support, click on the pictures below. Or click on the video links to see some interviews with chaplains, mission workers and ministry agents.

1. Speaking up for justice, fairness and peace

Advocacy and policy analysis on issues like health, homelessness, international trade, human rights and the environment, informed by biblical and theological reflection.
APR 08 & July 08

2. Ministry with Australia’s first peoples

The work of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress incorporates pastoral care, counselling, and working for reconciliation with non-Aboriginal Australians.
APR 08 & July 08

3. Living in a multicultural church

Cross-cultural workshops help break down barriers and are a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of those from other cultures so we can work together with sensitivity. APR 08 & July 08

4. Sharing faith in schools and universities

Support, encouragement and dynamic leadership for students at critical points in their faith journey, through university chaplaincy and Special Religious Education. APR 08 & July 08

See interviews with tertiary mission workers & students.

5. Preparing people for lay ministry roles

Training and education to equip people for lay ministry is a growing need, particularly in rural and remote areas. It aims to help people to develop a vibrant faith in Christ. APR 08 & July 08

6. Understanding our faith and sharing our hope

Help support those who study at Uniting Theological College where students gain a greater understanding of their faith and a number prepare for ministry. APR 08 & July 08

7. Evangelism and sharing faith

Assist congregations and faith communities to be a unique presence in their communities by sponsoring programs or providing resources to help them share their faith. APR 08 & July 08

8. Ministry with mental health patients and with prisoners

Pastoral care and counselling for mentally ill people in acute, rehabilitation and community settings, and in prisons around NSW. APR 08 & July 08

See interviews with mental health and prison chaplains.

9. Encouraging young people in the Uniting Church

Encouraging and providing resources for youth ministry … camps, workshops, training days and more to help young people connect with Christ. APR 08 & July 08

10. Bringing Christ's hope to rural and remote areas

Equipping lay leaders and ministry teams; raising awareness of rural issues across the Synod; promoting strategies to assist the church’s mission in declining rural towns. APR 08 & July 08

See interviews with rural ministry agents.

11. Hospital chaplaincy with patients, staff and families

Much-appreciated pastoral care at Prince of Wales, Royal Prince Alfred, Royal North Shore, Westmead and Westmead Children’s Hospital. APR 08 & July 08

12. Advocacy and support for children, young people and families

Help children, young people and their families cope with the stress of modern living through counselling, parenting programs and many other services. APR 08 & July 08

13. Growing new congregations and faith communities

Providing resources, support, mentoring and advocacy for people and faith communities taking adventurous steps in new directions. APR 08 & July 08

14. Including children in the life of our church

Camps, expos and other fun activities where kids can explore and develop their faith, plus support for congregations and presbyteries.APR 08 & July 08

15. General contribution (undesignated)

To support the mission of the Synod, Assembly, Presbyteries, congregations and new faith communities wherever needed. APR 08 & July 08

Do you want more information?

Contact Mele ’Akau on (02) 8267 4393, livingisgiving@nsw.uca.org.au.