On a crisp May weekend, Mardi Lumsden, UnitingWorld Donor Relations Manager, had the pleasure of venturing to Tasmania to visit UnitingWorld supporters and churches.
In Launceston, Mardi spent time with Presbytery Chairperson Rohan Pryor, hearing about the joys and challenges of the Uniting Church in the region. She also met with the staff of Scotch Oakburn College, a UCA school, as they shared their unique style of teaching and learning at AgFest.
On Sunday, Mardi enjoyed joining Penguin Uniting Church on Tasmania’s north coast to celebrate UnitingWorld Sunday, where everyone was welcomed with a lei*. Mardi presented Penguin Uniting Church with a certificate celebrating the fact that this small regional church raised over $5,500 through their Everything in Common stall last Christmas, the most raised in Australia!
Members of the community didn’t just buy gift cards. They also sold knitting and craft creations and donated the proceeds. The congregation were delighted at their achievement!
“We were most surprised to receive the news about Penguin being the best Everything in Common stall in the country,” said Penguin Uniting Church’s Jeanne Koetsier.
“To us it was a wonderful way to give twice: gift cards to family and friends especially at Christmas, then for the money raised to be given to countries where it will make a difference. In giving to UnitingWorld, we can be assured that we are ‘connecting Australian people to God’s work in the wider world’.”
Locally, the Penguin congregation has also made an intentional connection with seasonal workers in Tasmania. This year, that included around 40 young people, mostly women, from Timor-Leste who joined the church for the special UnitingWorld Sunday service and sang in multiple languages as well as giving a blessing to the congregation.
“UnitingWorld Sunday was joyous,” said Jeanne.
“We were inspired by our global church neighbours as we heard about their work … and were delighted to celebrate our global neighbours together with our friends from Timor-Leste.”
Mardi’s final stop was at Hobart North Uniting Church, where she enjoyed hearing an update on the region from Presbytery Minister, Rev Denise Savage. She also met with a group of wonderful UnitingWorld supporters coordinated by past UnitingWorld Board Chair, Rev Andrew Glenn, to discuss the vision and mission of UnitingWorld and hear of their own connections to this important work.
Find out more about UnitingWorld Sunday.
*Traditional Pacific garland worn around the neck.