The Communications Unit conducts media relations and provides publishing services for the Uniting Church. It also helps church and other organisations find affordable solutions to their communications problems — in the media, on the internet or with publications. By offering end-to-end — concept to final product — communications services we can help you identify and realise your specific communication goals.

Jesus said it was impossible to serve God and wealth. But in our economically-interconnected and consumption-obsessed society how can we discern what, if anything, Jesus would want us to buy? How he would want us to live? They’re not easy questions, but as July Insights finds out, they go to the heart of what it means to live as a person of faith today.

Also in this issue, members of the Springwood and Keiraview congregations describe how they’ve become “fair trade congregations”, encouraging people in parishes and the wider church community to use fairly-traded tea and coffee at church, in their homes and work places. Their easy to follow tips will help your congregation do the same!

And there’s a story about how West Epping Uniting Church’s “One Weekend Without”, and other active steps parishioners there are taking to stand in solidarity with people from developing countries.

Inclusiveness a focus in Synod Bible studies

Can the church define itself by its inclusiveness? What might it be able to learn from the ideas of the Democratic Presidential Candidate, Barack Obama, who is said to have inspired Americans with his imagination?

Synod members will be challenged to consider questions like these during daily Bible studies at Synod 2008.

Howard Packer, a barrister, lay preacher and member of the board of UnitingCare, will lead this year’s Synod Bible studies on the theme “Inclusive”, which ties in with the theme chosen by the Moderator, the Rev. Niall Reid, for the 2008 Synod meeting.

All people of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT are invited to attend the Synod meeting. See http://nsw.uca.org.au/synod2008/ for more information.

Get your message out by advertising in Insights

Advertising in the now full-colour Insights magazine and on the Insights website is the best way to reach Uniting Church members in New South Wales and the ACT. The new rate card is linked here. For more information about recruitment ads and contract bookings, contact Adrian Drayton, adriand@nsw.uca.org.au.

Put yourself in the Living is Giving picture: Choose focus areas now!

Has your congregation made its decisions about which mission focus areas to support in the coming financial year, and how much money it can contribute?

Planning Forms for 2008–09 are now due. If you need a new form, just contact Mele Akau on (02) 8267 4393 or melea@nsw.uca.org.au.

Funds raised through Living is Giving are the backbone of the work of our Uniting Church in this Synod, in Australia and beyond.

Please give as generously as you are able — increasing your contribution from last year if possible — to ensure that the important ministries of our church can continue. And look out for the July update posters which will arrive in the mail soon, giving you news about what has been happening in the mission focus areas you support.

Community Connections

The Communications Unit produces Community Connections, a monthly e-newsletter that keeps Uniting Church people (and others) informed about significant news, resources and events in the life of the Synod and the wider Uniting Church.

Subscribe to Community Connections by emailing cu@nsw.uca.org.au or visit http://nsw.uca.org.au/e-news/.

Do you need a web site designed? The Communications Unit can help. Visit the Portfolio section of this web site. This showcases some of the Unit’s web work. Then email us if you are interested in knowing more or having a web site designed. We’d love to hear from you.