Gungahlin Uniting Church

108 The Valley Avenue, Gungahlin, ACT 2912

Order of Service – September 6

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Call to Worship

Come, you who hunger to taste the bread of life! 
Come, you who thirst for living water!
Come, you who hunger for justice and peace, 
and you who thirst for God’s kin-dom
to drop like rain upon the world:
come, let us journey together as a community of faith, 
come, let us worship God.

Source: Spill The Beans Issue 20

Psalm 119:33-40

God, teach me lessons for living
    so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
    my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
    I love traveling this freeway!
Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
    and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
    invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
    promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
    but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
    preserve my life through your righteous ways!

Message Translation

Song:

Flourishing by Sandra McCracken  

Readings:

Exodus 12:1-14
Romans 13:8-14

Song: When I Needed A Neighbour

Reflection

https://vimeo.com/454373090

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

God of all creation,
God of the universe,
of the stars in the sky,
of the grains of sand on the beach,we marvel at the wonder of all you have created and we marvel at our place in all of that.

You, Lord of all, care for us.
Lord, we confess that too often
we do not pause to realise your majesty.
We move through life with a sense of entitlement yet we are nothing without you.
you created all
and gift your creation to our safe keeping.

Forgive us, Lord,
when we so readily squander your gifts, when we mess up what you made perfect, when we despise what you call good.

Forgive us and call us back,
time and again, to gratitude and praise
for all that you are and all you created us to be and, as we recognise how blessed we are,
may we share that blessing with others
in honour of you, Lord of all.

Amen.

Source: Spill The Beans Issue 20

Song:

Give Us Love (Feat. Freddy Washington & Will Reagan)

Prayer for Others

Our loving God 

So much of our concerns these days surround the Coronavirus.  It seems to pervade our lives and rightly so as these generations have never experienced this before. And so we continue in prayer as we have all year to ask that you walk with us and may we know that you are here by our side. 

You have never promised us lives without trial and we ask today that we are aware and thankful that we know you as a God of the hard times,  the God of the journey to a better place. 

Of course our prayers are with those who suffer from this virus and all those both directly and indirectly who help us through this vale of tears. 

Be with those who make vital decisions about our wellbeing.  Be with them in the dark sleepless nights, in times of public scrutiny and times where we look to them for guidance and condolence.

As this virus dominates our thoughts let us not forget that life goes on.  Some are hungry,  some are homeless,  some are victims of violence,  others have health issues other than the coronavirus.

It has been and will continue to be a year of trial but as you have so often promised you will be there with us.  May we nurture the faith that affirms that.

Amen.

Chris Dodd

Sending:

May your week be one of blessing,
when your hearts are full,
your mind at rest,
your soul stirred to action.

May you find God the Father guiding you,
Jesus the Son walking with you,
and the Holy Spirit inspiring your days.

Source: Spill The Beans Issue 20

Home Brewed Worship – August 30, 2020

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This week’s Exodus reading is the story of Moses and the Burning Bush from Exodus 3:1-15. As we’re still telling the story of Moses this week’s material includes a lot of the videos and material from last week.

For those of you who want to make a space to worship on Sunday we’ve put together an order of service that you can use to reflect in music, read the scripture and pray in worship,

For those of you who feel that you only have cracks and crevices in your week available to intentionally spend time with God we’ve created this material as a kind of playlist for you to use through your week to dive in and out of when you can make space in your work, home, car or whenever you find yourself open to spend time with God.

Perhaps you might choose one prayer to pray daily, or commit to listening to two songs each day, or reading one of the bible verses every two days?

Aid to worship at home:

Order of Service – August 30, 2020

Aid to worship for people worshipping with young people

This resource has a number of videos and idea to help people explore the story from Exodus and pray together as a household. 

Worship at Home with Youth/Children – August 30, 2020

Worship Online

Join us on Zoom for community worship online this week, message us for the link.

Readings:

Exodus 3:1-15
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28

Singing The Scripture

This is a playlist of music that helps us all dive into the scripture readings for this week

The Story of Moses

The Saddleback kids videos on Moses help tell the story of Moses, this is a playlist of 6 videos including a kids song to learn

Psalm 105: 1-6, 23-26, 45c

We shout your name and give you thanks, LORD;
……..we will tell everyone what you have done for us.
We sing your praises in your presence,
……..and publicise your wonderful achievements.

We put your name up in lights, your name alone;
……..our hearts burst with joy when we approach you.
It is you we want most of all, you and your strength;
……..we try to keep near to you all the time.

Like all the descendants of Abraham and Jacob,
……..and all your chosen children,
we remember all the astonishing things you have done
……..and the breath-taking wisdom of your decisions.

Your people turned up in Egypt;
……..yes, Jacob migrated to Africa.
You let them breed there like rabbits, LORD,
……..and they grew stronger than the native population.
The Egyptians grew fearful and bitter
……..and plotted to force your people into slavery.

You sent your trusty worker, Moses,
……..and his chosen right hand man, Aaron.

You are the greatest, LORD!

©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net

Prayers

Prayer

for what shall we pray, O God?
where there is death,
let us offer life,
where there is brokenness,
let us be healers,
where there is loneliness,
let us offer a welcome.
for what shall we pray, O Jesus?
where there is cruelty,
let us seek justice,
where there is bitterness,
let us sow kindness,
where there is hatred,
let us offer hands of love.
for what shall we pray O Spirit?
where there is anger,
let us be the breath of hope,
where there is violence,
let us be peacemakers,
where neighbourhoods are in ruins,
let us rebuild communities.
for what shall we pray?
for more tenderness than tensions,
for more listening than lecturing,
for more forgiving than pointing fingers,
for more concern for the forgotten than the favoured,
for more humanity than hatred.
hear our prayers, God in Community, Holy in One,
hear our prayers, Amen.

Source:  2020 Thom M. Shuman

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Holy God,
we approach in awe.
We come into your presence
as Moses did:
slowly, cautiously, unsure of ourselves,
unsure of what, or whom we encounter.
Holy God, may we feel welcome in your presence, may we be bold and brave as we come.
Accept our prayers of love
yet, even as we approach,
we become aware of our place, our weakness and our lives. In silence now we name our shadows…
things which lurk in the darkness,
away from your burning light.
Silence
Holy God, forgive us we pray,
accept our humble petitions
so that freed from our burdens we may worship you In this place,
this day.
Amen.

Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16

Prayers for Others

Compassionate God, we thank you for your great love.  In a world which, for many, feels turbulent and uncertain, we call for your guidance and peace.

We pray for all who have lost their jobs or their businesses. We pray for those who are worried and anxious about their future. Guide them and grant them the hope they need.

We lift up the medical teams, heath professionals and researchers who continue to play a crucial role during the pandemic. Protect and restore them, providing new energy as they provide care and solve problems each day.

We pray for political and business decision makers in our nation and community. Grant them wisdom. May they lead with empathy, justice and compassion.

We continue to pray for greater wisdom and responsibility in our stewardship of this earth. May the world community and individuals answer your call to share resources to alleviate poverty, injustice and disease.

Loving God, we pray for those whose lives are troubled by illness and for those who care for them. Send healing and strength. We ask for your comfort and peace for those who grieve.

We pray for those who feel isolated or lonely. Send your light and love to give them the assurance and hope they need. May they find the support they need through family, friends and other services.

We pray for all who touch our lives – our family, our friends and those within the community. We pray for deepening friendships and relationships, and a greater awareness of the needs of others for support and encouragement. Help us to respond to those needs and show your love.

We lift up these prayers in Jesus’ name. 

Amen.

Brooke Kilah

Go Deeper:

Pete Ruins Exodus

The Bible For Normal People podcast ran a series on Exodus, if you’d like to dive into the story and theme of Exodus then this is a series for you.

Order of Service – August 30, 2020

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When We Share God’s Dream by Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan Colligan is a simple and great song, you can find the lyrics here

Psalm 105: 1-6, 23-26, 45c

We shout your name and give you thanks, LORD;
……..we will tell everyone what you have done for us.
We sing your praises in your presence,
……..and publicise your wonderful achievements.

We put your name up in lights, your name alone;
……..our hearts burst with joy when we approach you.
It is you we want most of all, you and your strength;
……..we try to keep near to you all the time.

Like all the descendants of Abraham and Jacob,
……..and all your chosen children,
we remember all the astonishing things you have done
……..and the breath-taking wisdom of your decisions.

Your people turned up in Egypt;
……..yes, Jacob migrated to Africa.
You let them breed there like rabbits, LORD,
……..and they grew stronger than the native population.
The Egyptians grew fearful and bitter
……..and plotted to force your people into slavery.

You sent your trusty worker, Moses,
……..and his chosen right hand man, Aaron.

You are the greatest, LORD!

©2002 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net

Sing: Let Your Presence Fall

Call to Worship

Here in this place where we worship,
we stand on holy ground!

Here in this place
where songs of praise are sung,
we stand on holy ground!

Here in this place where prayers are said,
we stand on holy ground!

Come and hear God speak to your needs.

Come and let go of the burdens you carry.
Come and expect an encounter with God.

Be fully here in this sacred space.

Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16

Sing: God of Abraham Praise

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Holy God,
we approach in awe.
We come into your presence
as Moses did:
slowly, cautiously, unsure of ourselves,
unsure of what, or whom we encounter.
Holy God, may we feel welcome in your presence, may we be bold and brave as we come.
Accept our prayers of love
yet, even as we approach,
we become aware of our place, our weakness and our lives. In silence now we name our shadows…
things which lurk in the darkness,
away from your burning light.
Silence
Holy God, forgive us we pray,
accept our humble petitions
so that freed from our burdens we may worship you In this place,
this day.
Amen.

Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16

Prepare to hear today’s scripture

Readings:

Exodus 3:1-15
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28

Story:

*Temporary Password GUNGUCFF2020

https://vimeo.com/452523332

Sing: How Great Is Our God

Reflection

https://vimeo.com/452462748

Prayers for others – 30 August 2020

Compassionate God, we thank you for your great love.  In a world which, for many, feels turbulent and uncertain, we call for your guidance and peace.

We pray for all who have lost their jobs or their businesses. We pray for those who are worried and anxious about their future. Guide them and grant them the hope they need.

We lift up the medical teams, heath professionals and researchers who continue to play a crucial role during the pandemic. Protect and restore them, providing new energy as they provide care and solve problems each day.

We pray for political and business decision makers in our nation and community. Grant them wisdom. May they lead with empathy, justice and compassion.

We continue to pray for greater wisdom and responsibility in our stewardship of this earth. May the world community and individuals answer your call to share resources to alleviate poverty, injustice and disease.

Loving God, we pray for those whose lives are troubled by illness and for those who care for them. Send healing and strength. We ask for your comfort and peace for those who grieve.

We pray for those who feel isolated or lonely. Send your light and love to give them the assurance and hope they need. May they find the support they need through family, friends and other services.

We pray for all who touch our lives – our family, our friends and those within the community. We pray for deepening friendships and relationships, and a greater awareness of the needs of others for support and encouragement. Help us to respond to those needs and show your love.

We lift up these prayers in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Brooke Kilah

Prayer

for what shall we pray, O God?
where there is death,
let us offer life,
where there is brokenness,
let us be healers,
where there is loneliness,
let us offer a welcome.
for what shall we pray, O Jesus?
where there is cruelty,
let us seek justice,
where there is bitterness,
let us sow kindness,
where there is hatred,
let us offer hands of love.
for what shall we pray O Spirit?
where there is anger,
let us be the breath of hope,
where there is violence,
let us be peacemakers,
where neighbourhoods are in ruins,
let us rebuild communities.
for what shall we pray?
for more tenderness than tensions,
for more listening than lecturing,
for more forgiving than pointing fingers,
for more concern for the forgotten than the favoured,
for more humanity than hatred.
hear our prayers, God in Community, Holy in One,
hear our prayers, Amen.

Source:  2020 Thom M. Shuman

Sing: I The Lord of Sea and Sky

Sending

We walk on holy ground
every day of our lives.
We take God with us from this place to bless and guide our steps
this day and always.

Source: Spill The Beans – Narrative Lectionary – Issue 16

Sexuality and Gender Identity Conversion Practices Bill

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Over the last fortnight there have been a number of robocalls and emails received by people in the ACT about the Sexuality and Gender Identity Conversion Practices Bill. The message from these phone calls, emails and articles was being framed in a negative, transphobic way.

I (Darren) received one such email from a member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and became concerned that we had not yet provided an alternative voice into this conversation, one that sat alongside our LGBTQI+ kin or SOGICE survivors.

Some of us became concerned that the only message from the Christian Church making the media was one that was not supportive of our LGBTQI+ kin or SOGICE survivors.

What follows is a letter, signed by many leaders within the UCA in the ACT as a response to the recent emails, robo calls and articles in both the Canberra Times and Eternity News. This letter has now been forwarded to all 25 MLAs

A special thanks to Rev. Dr John Squires for penning the letter, and ensuring it is sent to our MLAs before the bill is considered on Thursday.

* The Justice and Community Safety Directorate has put together a good FAQ in relation tho the bill if you would like to know more.

To: Mr Andrew Barr MLA
From: Ministers of the Uniting Churches in the ACT
Re: Sexuality and Gender Identity Conversion Practices Bill
24 August 2020

Dear Mr Barr, 

We write to indicate our support for the legislation which has recently been introduced into the Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital Territory, to make illegal any activities which seek to change the sexual orientation of an individual (so-called “conversion therapy” or “reparative therapy”).

The Act seeks “(a) to affirm that (i) all  people  have characteristics  of sexuality and gender identity; and (ii) no combination of those characteristics constitutes a disorder, disease, illness, deficiency, disability or shortcoming; and (b) to recognise and prevent the harm caused by sexuality and gender identity conversion practice.”

As Christians, we support this legislation. Not all of our fellow Christians hold this position. However, we are very clear about our commitment to support this piece of legislation.

The Bible speaks of all living creatures being given life by God’s spirit (Gen 1:1-2, 29-30; Ps 104:24-30). Our identity is shaped by God in that process of giving life, of bringing to birth the identity of a new human being.

Furthermore, all creatures are “nephesh”, or sentient beings—we have a soul, a state of being, a life that is fully formed and given by God. All human beings are created with the spirit of God within us (Gen 1:20, 21, 24, 30, 2:7; Job 12:7-10). There are no exceptions to this in biblical understanding. 

All human beings exist within this understanding. Our human identity is grounded in the creative work of God’s spirit. Who we are is how God has made us to be—each human being is made in God’s image (Gen 1:27; Sir 17:3).

As further research has been done in recent decades, it has become increasingly clear that gender identity, and sexual orientation, as key elements of human identity, each exist on a spectrum. Neither is confined to a binary state. Humanity is not comprised, simply of heterosexual males and heterosexual females. 

There are differences and variety within both gender identity (males, females, transgender, intersex, and third-gender such as fa’afafine) and sexual orientation (same-sex attracted, opposite-sex attracted, bisexual, and asexual). Both of these characteristics exist across spectrums rather than existing in oppositional binary states. And this is the way that God has created human beings.

For this reason, we believe that it is important not to invalidate, undermine, or challenge the identity of any individual. It is vital that, in accepting people as they are, we accept their sexual orientation, and their gender identity, without qualification.

“Conversion therapy” provides a direct challenge to such acceptance. It seeks to intervene and “change” the way that an individual identifies. Because we believe that who we are is a gift from God, we therefore believe that we are called to accept the identity of each individual, as they perceive and understand themselves.

In 2018, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) declared that it “unequivocally condemns conversion therapy, as does the World Medical Association.” (See https://ama.com.au/media/transcript-dr-bartone-conversion-therapy-pacific-islands-forum-and-asylum-seeker-health-phi)

“Conversion therapy is harmful to both the individuals who are subjected to it, and society more broadly, as it perpetuates the erroneous belief that homosexuality is a disorder which requires a cure”, their President, Dr. Tony Bartone said.

The AMA joined a number of other international bodies who have previously  expressed this view. The United Nations Committee Against Torture raised concerns about the practice of conversion therapy in 2014 and Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, has reiterated those concerns in July 2020. (See https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=26051&LangID=E)

The American Medical Association, The American Psychiatric Association, The American Psychological Association, The American Psychoanalytic Association, The American Academy of Paediatrics, and The National Association of Social Workers (USA) have all said that homosexuality is not a mental disorder and that sexual orientation cannot be changed.

A comprehensive report by researchers at LaTrobe University and the Human Rights Law Centre, Preventing Harm, Promoting Justice: Responding to LGBT Conversion Therapy in Australia (2018), recommended that the State Government “introduce legislation to specifically prohibit conversion activities.”

Other Christian leaders share the views which we hold. In the UK, during a 2017 debate on conversion therapy, Bishops in the Church of England spoke out against the practice. The Rt Rev. John Sentamu, the archbishop of York, said conversion therapy was “theologically unsound, so the sooner the practice of [it] is banned, I can sleep at night”. The Rt Rev. Paul Bayes, the bishop of Liverpool, said LGBT orientation was neither a crime nor a sin. “We don’t need to engage people in healing therapy if they are not sick.” The Synod adopted the proposal to seek to have “conversion therapy” banned. 

See https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/08/church-of-england-demands-ban-on-conversion-therapy 

and https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/gs-2070a-conversion-therapy.pdf

The Uniting Church in Australia has had a longterm commitment to supporting and valuing LGBTIQ people in our churches and in society, and we see our support for this legislation to be a logical extension of this commitment.

We note that the explanatory statement for the legislation observes that “conversion practices cause harm. Evidence from survivors of conversion practices in the ACT and Australia reveal the extent and long-term impact of this harm”, and lists “depression, suicidality, anxiety, decreased sexual function, poor self-esteem, social isolation, and decreased capacity for intimacy” among the impacts. We do not wish to see any activity that produces such results encouraged.

We urge you to support this legislation when it is considered by the ACT Legislative Assembly.

Signed by Ministers of the Uniting Churches in the ACT:

Rev. Dr Ross Kingham, Co-Chairperson, Canberra Region Presbytery
Rev. Dr John Squires, Presbytery Minister, Canberra Region Presbytery
Rev. Dr Sarah Agnew, Wesley Forrest Uniting Church
Rev. Dr Paul Chalson, Canberra City Uniting Church
Rev. Dr Nikki Coleman, Senior Chaplain Ethicist, Australian Defence Force
Rev. Karyl Davison, Kippax Uniting Church
Rev. Aimee Kent, Kippax Uniting Church
Rev. Riana Kok, Yarralumla Uniting Church
Rev. Chris Lockley, St James Curtin and St Margaret’s Hackett Uniting Churches
Rev. Andrew Mead, Uniting Church Chaplain, Canberra Hospitals
Rev. Dr Neil Millar, St Ninian’s Uniting Church, Lyneham
Rev. Miriam Parker-Lacey, St Columba’s and Canberra City Uniting Churches
Pastor Heather Potter, Canberra Region Hub Chaplain, Uniting
Rev. Elizabeth Raine, Tuggeranong Uniting Church
Rev. Jangwon Seo, Canberra Korean Uniting Church, Reid
Lay Pastor Darren Wright, Gungahlin Uniting Church

Home Brewed Worship – Order of Service – August 23, 2020

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Sing: We Light A Candle by Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan

Psalm 124

If you had not sided with us, LORD,
……..we all know where we’d have ended up.

If we had not had you on our side
……..when people turned against us,
…………….attacking with the fury of a wounded shark,
……..they would have made mince meat out of us.

Their frenzied rage would have dragged us under,
……..their lust for blood would have torn us apart.
The thrashing waters would have closed over us,
……..hiding the violence,
…………….concealing our fate.

All the credit and all the honours go to you, LORD;
……..it was you who saved our flesh
…………….from the teeth of our enemies. 

Thanks to you, we have shaken off their grip,
……..and soared to safety, as free as a bird.
Their savage attack was repelled,
……..and we have escaped unharmed.

It is you, LORD, the creator of heaven and earth,
……..who guarantees our safety.

©2000 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net

Sing – You Are The Light of The World by Cathy Pino

https://vimeo.com/422037417

Story – Miriam Hides Moses

https://vimeo.com/450070152
Miriam Hides Moses from the Growing in God’s Love Storybible published by FlyAway Books

Sing – More Light by Christopher Grundy

Prepare to spend some time with the scriptures as you sing along or listen to this prayer. Be prepared to hear what needs to be heard today.

More light
More truth
Is breaking from your word
More light
More truth
Holy Spirit
Help us hear what needs to be heard
More light
More truth
Is breaking from your word
More light
More truth
Holy Spirit
Help us hear what needs to be heard
Help us hear what needs to be heard

Bible Readings

This week’s scripture readings are:

We’ve focussed on the Exodus story for this week’s resources.

Listen: We Shall Overcome

Sing: Be Still My Soul

Reflection

https://vimeo.com/450052097
Today’s reflection explores this week’s reading from the book of Exodus

Prayers for Others

Dear Heavenly Father,
We give thanks and praise for your wonderful love and compassion.
Thank you for answered prayers.

Lord, across our beautiful world there is trouble,
many have become infected with the Coronavirus, and the death toll is vast.
Many have lost employment and businesses have closed.
Whole states have been locked down and borders closed to travellers.
People are weary of the restrictions
and look for different ways to supplement their income.
Mental health is on the rise and tempers are frayed.

Help us to contact those we know with a friendly call or visit,
a casserole or cake to make life brighter and ease some of the stress in their lives.

Give us hope Lord, that there will be an end to this pandemic
and that a satisfactory vaccine is developed, ready for use in the near future.

We pray for all who are feeling depressed, for those who are disheartened,
for the unemployed, the lonely, and the forgotten.
Give them hope for a brighter and meaningful future.

Loving God, we bring before you all who are in need of your healing touch today.
We pray for the terminally ill, those going through chemotherapy and radiotherapy,
those whose independence is slowly slipping away,
and those who have difficulty with memory.
Be with them Lord, and give them comfort, strength and compassion.

You call us to pray and work for peace.
We pray for those who lead the different nations,
that they might rule with justice and concern for all.
Where there is division between nations,
let cool heads prevail for continued world peace.

We pray for ourselves, that with your Holy Spirit working through us,
we may reflect your glory and love to others.

Surprise our limited understanding with new glimpses of your love and compassion.

May we grow in your grace, in Jesus name. Amen

Pauline Loughhead

Sing: Goodness is Stronger Than Evil by Desmond Tutu & John Bell

Sending

Loving God

Let us hear the voice of those crying for justice

and be filled with compassion.

Let us hear the voice of the children of our community

and be filled with compassion.

Let us hear your voice calling out to us

and may we answer your call.

About GUC

We are a community on a journey, we’ve grown from a small faith community planted in Ngunnawal in the early years of Gungahlin’s development to a thriving inclusive, intergenerational & multicultural community. As Gungahlin has grown we have seen a lot of change.

We are an open and inclusive community, everyone is welcome to use their gifts in worship, prayer, leadership, hospitality and teaching.

Find out more…

Worship With Us

Every Sunday, 9:30am
Gungahlin Uniting Church and Community Centre
108 The Valley Avenue
Gungahlin, ACT, 2913

Worship is for all ages, (0 to 93!) and seeks to be meaningful in different ways for us all.

In Jesus Christ we see how he drew near to each and all and so we hope our worship expresses this nearness too.

Find out more…

Finding us

We worship at the Gungahlin Uniting Church & Community Centre.
Find us on Google Maps here

Car
Free parking is available in our on-site car park.

Light Rail
We are less than a 5 minute walk from the Gungahlin Place Light Rail Station.

Bus
The ACT has a number of bus options for people travelling around, or to Gungahlin. Timetables available here.