Uniting Church leaders flock to Kincumber for fellowship

Uniting Church leaders from across the country assembled at Kincumber on the New South Wales Central Coast for a four-day gathering in May.

Up to 100 members of the Uniting Church Adult Fellowship group held their triennial National Consultation at the St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre.

“Adult Fellowship groups are the backbone of our Church, comprising around 12,000 members,” said President of the Uniting Church in Australia’s National Assembly, the Rev. Alistair Macrae.

“Their volunteer work in our congregations is making a difference in their communities and showing our faith in action.”

Mr Macrae noted the religious significance of the conference venue.

“I’m delighted that we are gathering at a venue closely associated with Australia’s first Catholic saint, Mary Mackillop.

“The Uniting Church has always put a very high value our relations with other Christian churches and other faiths.

“In her work with the poor, Mary Mackillop is renowned for saying, ‘Never see a need without doing something about it’. That’s something we will all reflect upon as members of the Uniting Church during our stay at Kincumber.”

Other senior Uniting Church leaders attending the National Consultation included General Secretary of the National Assembly the Rev. Terence Corkin, Moderator of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT the Rev. Brian Brown, and Adult Fellowship Chair the Rev. Alistair Christie.

Past UCAF President Anne Connan, now President of the World Federation of Methodist & Uniting Church Women, was one of a number of special guests.

Gosford Uniting Church Minister and Chair of the Ku-Ring-Gai Presbytery the Rev. Greg Woolnough extended a warm Central Coast welcome.

“The Ku-ring-gai Presbytery is delighted to be able to host this important national gathering,” he said.

“We hope this consultation will continue to build strong relationships across our Church.”

The Rev. Richard Harris from the Terrigal Uniting Church led Bible study sessions during the meeting.