Arana Hills Uniting Church

24/05/2026

We ran our inaugural women’s afternoon conference at Arana Hills on Saturday, May 23rd. The theme was “Rest for Your Soul” and we heard from Christine Woods, author of the book, “The Burdens We Carry” and creator of the “Living With Margins” podcast - both available here:

https://www.livingwithmargins.com/

Christine shared her story with us and what she realised about trusting Jesus and resting in Him when she pushed her body beyond what He intended for her.

We had 45 ladies attend to learn from Christine, to share fellowship with women from other churches over afternoon tea, and to create a keyring with photos and breath prayers or Bible verses to take home and use when resting in God and meditating on His Word and who He is.

Some of the women commented to us that they had been really blessed by the afternoon, and that it was just what they needed.

It was awesome to see how God worked through each of us on the committee (and the other congregation members who helped in various capacities) in bringing our different gifts and abilities to the preparations for the afternoon so that He was glorified.

Kathryn Evans

24/05/2026

PENTECOST SUNDAY

From the Minister’s Desk -

John 7:37-39

The story of Jesus giving the Holy Spirit to his fearful disciples reminds us that the church should offer forgiveness beyond its own members. In John 7:37-39, Jesus empowers his friends to move past isolation by giving them the Holy Spirit. Today, churches can also become closed off through traditions and routines that may exclude newcomers. Like the early disciples, we are called to reach out, offering grace and acceptance rather than judgment. By intentionally welcoming and forgiving others, the church helps heal and include all people, fulfilling its mission as agents of reconciliation.

17/05/2026

From the Minister’s Desk -

10 May - Acts 17:22-31 and 1 Peter 3:13-22
God’s love is unconditional and not based on our actions; it inspires us to seek and embody goodness. As Paul notes in Acts, God gives us life and purpose. Jesus urges his followers to show their love by keeping his commandments, grounded in their experience of God's love. Ultimately, we are called to participate in this love.

17 May - Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11
The disciples likely felt lost after Jesus ascended into heaven. In the book of Acts, they are described as staring upward, but they're essentially encouraged to look ahead and continue Christ’s mission. In John's Gospel, Jesus gives a heartfelt farewell, entrusting ordinary people—his friends then and those who follow today—with the responsibility of representing him in the world. Acts show the disciples gathering and praying together in preparation. Likewise, we can prepare ourselves through prayer, which is important, but we are also called to move forward and make a positive impact in the world.

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

REFLECTION SERVICE
Wednesday, 20 May, 7 pm
All welcome.

05/05/2026

Ladies:
Do you feel like you are finding the juggling act of day-to-day life increasingly difficult? Are you carrying burdens you were never meant to carry? Come and join us as we learn from Christine Wood how to move from a place of struggle to a life of abundance, peace, and joy that Jesus offers.

03/05/2026

From the Minister’s Desk -

1 Peter 2: 2-10

Stones serve many purposes in scripture—building, destroying, sheltering, and marking significance. You may have a stone that holds personal meaning. Reflect on how you want your life to be like a stone for others: solid, sheltering, or guiding. If you view your faith as a rock, what qualities of strength, support, or direction do you value in your relationship with Jesus?

26/04/2026

From the Minister’s Desk -

John 10:1-10

The passage from John describes Jesus as the protector of his sheep, ensuring their safety so they can find everything they need to thrive. His care creates a space of security and plenty, where we are invited to live with faith. Within this setting, we are also encouraged to reflect on our stewardship. If we accept Jesus' invitation to abundance, what does it mean to be a faithful steward? What do we choose to retain, and what are we willing to share? How do our daily actions reflect our understanding?

19/04/2026

From the Minister’s Desk -

Luke 24:13-35

Enjoying coffee, sharing a meal, or taking a walk with a friend or family member can be just as meaningful as attending a church service, because these moments foster true connection. In this ordinary routine, we often experience something sacred. During everyday conversations, we sense God's presence. On the road to Emmaus, the disciples expressed their disappointment by saying, “we had hoped,” revealing unmet expectations and loss. We also encounter this—whether hoping for a second chance, good news, or better outcomes. Jesus meets us in these spaces, offering hope and companionship, as he did with the disciples, inspiring them to share good news. And here, the mystery and grace of God are felt in a real and meaningful way. When meeting up with someone, ask yourself, what grace is waiting to be discovered here?

12/04/2026

REFLECTION SERVICE
in the church
7 pm this Wednesday, 15 April
All welcome!