Campbelltown Uniting Church SA

Campbelltown Uniting Church SA Campbelltown Uniting Church (South Australia) is an all age, multi-cultural, warm, friendly and accepting community focused congregation.

Our Synod recently held a ‘Safeguarding Conference’, the aim of the conference was to remember that every person should ...
03/09/2026

Our Synod recently held a ‘Safeguarding Conference’, the aim of the conference was to remember that every person should feel safe, every story should be seen and that every community should be supported to grow stronger. We know the church has not always been a safe place for people, that abuse has occurred in congregations and agencies of the church.

The early church were also concerned about how to deal with conflict and abuse within the church community. The membership of the early church was drawn from many places, from people with different backgrounds and life experiences. There was conflict, there was abuse of power and status, and the leaders developed ways of acknowledging the problems and resolving the issues.

In the gospel according to Matthew there is a section that includes teaching about forgiveness, a suggested process for conflict resolution and a parable about forgiveness and repentance. These were clearly issues in the early church and continue to challenge the church because we are a community of people with different backgrounds and life experiences.

Matthew’s church remind Christians in every age that we must talk about safety and conflict resolution, we must listen to the stories of the vulnerable and we must create a culture of safety and care so that people can grow in their faith and discipleship.

28/08/2026

𝗔 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗹

As we hear of the devastating floods in Nepal, we pause in sorrow and solidarity with all those affected. In the face of lives lost, families separated and communities facing profound uncertainty, we turn to God in prayer. We pray for those who grieve, those still waiting for news, and all who are working to bring rescue, care and hope.

God of compassion and mercy,

We hold before you the people of Nepal following the devastating flash floods in the Bhote Koshi River area.

We grieve with those who have lost loved ones. We pray for the many who are still missing, local people and visitors alike, for families waiting anxiously for news, for those who have been injured or displaced, and for communities facing such immense loss.

Draw near, O God.

Where there is grief, bring comfort.
Where there is fear, bring courage.
Where there is exhaustion, bring strength.
And in these difficult hours of searching and waiting, sustain hope.

We pray for all involved in search and rescue, evacuation, medical care and relief. Protect and strengthen them. Give wisdom to those coordinating the response, and may help reach those who need it most.

Jesus Christ, you entered into the suffering of our world and showed us a love that draws near. Draw near now to the people of Nepal in their suffering.

By your Spirit, weave together communities of care and compassion. Strengthen neighbours supporting one another, families holding one another close, and all who are offering shelter, comfort and hope.

God of life, we entrust to your mercy all who have died. Hold those who mourn. Be near to those still waiting for news. Strengthen all whose lives and livelihoods have been devastated by this disaster, and sustain them through the long journey of recovery.

Hold the people of Nepal in your love —
the love of the crucified and risen Christ,
a love that crosses every boundary,
a love that will not let us go.

Amen.

– 𝙒𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙍𝙚𝙫 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙖 𝙎𝙪𝙡𝙞

When following a big court case we are reminded of the complexity of human beings. Through the questioning of lawyers an...
26/08/2026

When following a big court case we are reminded of the complexity of human beings. Through the questioning of lawyers and the testimony of witnesses we are reminded that people can be both good and bad, loving and angry, wise and foolish. In the gospel accounts we read about the disciples, and we see their very humanity on display.

Peter was something of a leader amongst the disciples, he sometimes has great insights and faith in Jesus’ power and authority, and sometimes his doubts and misunderstandings get him into trouble. When Jesus spoke about his impending death and the cost of discipleship, Peter felt uncomfortable and tried to change the subject.

Jesus chastised him for his lack of understanding, he told Peter that his focus was misdirected, he was thinking in human terms, but as a follower of Jesus he should think in Godly terms. Thoughts, actions and values should be driven by the promise of the kingdom of heaven to come, how can we as followers of Jesus bear witness to the promises of the reconciliation and renewal of the whole creation.

All of us are complex and contradictory in our dealings with others and our influence in our world, Jesus calls his followers to strive to show his love, mercy and peace in all our relationships, interactions and living in this world.

I am a day and a half into a two-and-a-half-day conference, it is tiring sitting and listening, the topic – safeguarding...
22/08/2026

I am a day and a half into a two-and-a-half-day conference, it is tiring sitting and listening, the topic – safeguarding the church, is challenging, but it is good to be with leaders from across denominations and states. The Royal Commission into institutional child abuse made many recommendations for the churches and a decade later the church is continuing to learn and change.

Across the four gospel accounts there are only two references to the ‘church’, both found in Matthew, the first comes after Peter’s messianic confession, when the lead discipled said the quiet part out loud – that he believed Jesus was the long promised Messiah and the Son of God.

Jesus then spoke of the church being built on Peter the Rock, and the role of the church in the world. The church will be a place of support and community for believers, a place of worship and teaching, prayer and pastoral support. The church is also called to stand against the ‘gates of Hades’ to be people of peace, to be people who seek justice in our communities and in the world.

And the church, followers of Jesus, are given the ‘keys to the kingdom’. During Jesus ministry he spoke about his impending death and that his followers would be empowered to continue his ministry and mission in the world. After the resurrection, the risen Jesus met with his disciples and commissioned them to go into all the world to share the good news of divine, love, mercy and peace.

14/08/2026

Some people are extra special. One of those was Campbelltown City Council (SA)’s 2018 Citizen of the Year Peter Allen.

Peter’s life was celebrated on Thursday 13 August by his family and friends who filled the Campbelltown Function Centre. He was recognised for his enormous contribution to his community. It started as a young man who joined the Citizens Military Force. Later he joined Rotary Club of Campbelltown and was a valued, dependable and energetic worker. For that he was awarded multiple Paul Harris Awards. He served on every committee and as President too.

His trade as an electrician ensured many an electrical item was saleable. Many local residents benefitted from his work at the Rotary Shed in Benjamin St. This included countless families impacted by domestic violence who had to start their lives again with nothing.

He worked for the local domestic violence service in other ways too. He raised valuable funding to help establish an education centre, kitchen and garden.

In addition he worked for his Campbelltown Uniting Church which provides meals and social interaction on a Thursday.

These were all the features that led to him being nominated and overwhelmingly endorsed as the 2018 Citizen of the Year. He was also a charming man of the old school with a fun sense of humour.

Vale Peter Allen.
19/10/1933 - 5/7/2026.

The portrayal of Jesus in the Western world is often of a fair skinned, blue eyed, handsome man. Artists seem to forget ...
14/08/2026

The portrayal of Jesus in the Western world is often of a fair skinned, blue eyed, handsome man. Artists seem to forget that Jesus was Jewish and that his physical features would reflect his ethnicity. Indeed, Jesus’ life and ministry were deeply influenced by his Jewish heritage and tradition.

There is a tendency to think of Jesus as being polite and kind, always welcoming people who were hurting, and being filled with compassion for the sick and the lame, the lonely and the lost. But there was that one time when Jesus visited the region of Tyre and Sidon when a pushy gentile woman stepped into his path and began shouting, asking for Jesus to heal her demon possessed daughter.

Jesus ignored the woman, his focus was on the people of the Jewish nation, and then he insulted her, he called her a dog! But one should never get in the way of a persistent, desperate mother, she would not be silenced, and she challenged Jesus’ narrow view of his ministry and mission. Her daughter was healed, and the woman was affirmed for her faith, and Jesus was changed.

Jesus models for his followers the value of being open to unexpected voices and experiences. In a broken and divided world we need more people open to listening and learning from people beyond our circles, and to be people of peace and healing.

Andrew Lloyd Webber made Joseph famous for his technicolour dream coat, in his musical interpretation of a story found i...
05/08/2026

Andrew Lloyd Webber made Joseph famous for his technicolour dream coat, in his musical interpretation of a story found in the Old Testament. It is an upbeat interpretation of a saga that includes sibling rivalry, false imprisonment, a royal pardon, a famine, and family reconciliation. There is a lot of good material to base a musical on!

The story of the sons of Jacob, focussed on Joseph is relatable, it is intriguing and challenging, sad and hopeful. It is little wonder that this saga has inspired further reflections and writings recorded in the scriptures. The psalmist, writing about the mercy of God, reminded his readers about the story of Jospeh, a ruler who helped his estranged brothers in a time of famine, a time when they were hungry and afraid.

Joseph helped his family even though they had abandoned him and left him for dead. He helped his brothers even though he was sent to jail by the king, put in leg irons and had to wear a collar of iron. When his brothers came looking for help, Joseph’s life had taken a positive turn, he had received a royal pardon and was serving in the court of the king, he had the power to help with some sacks of grain.

The psalmist recalls this story as an example of mercy, of new beginnings, the poet uses this story as an illustration of the unbounded mercy of God, a mercy for all who turn to the Lord. A mercy that causes people to give their thanks and praise to their God saying with strong voice - Praise the Lord!

Madagascar Movie NightAfter lots of preparation for our Movie Night we were delighted to welcome about 50 guests to our ...
03/08/2026

Madagascar Movie Night
After lots of preparation for our Movie Night we were delighted to welcome about 50 guests to our event, and some people from our own congregation. The evening began with a meal of hot dogs, Madagascan curry, Massaman curry and rice. Dinner was followed by fruit, tea and coffee.
After dinner people could enjoy the offerings of the candy bar, and slushies, popcorn and fairy floss.
A dance part using ‘Go Noodle’ preceded the showing of the movie. And children could make zebra, lion, giraffe, lemur, and hippo puppets.
Then it was time to watch ‘Madagascar’.
After the visitors left it was time to clean up and pack up, an end to a wonderful night of connection and fun. Thank you to all who helped in the preparation, on the night and with the cleaning up. It was a great event and a blessing to our church and community.

In every season of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ is an episode dedicated to bread; viewers see the many varieties of brea...
30/07/2026

In every season of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ is an episode dedicated to bread; viewers see the many varieties of bread that people make, bread from different cultures and traditions, using a variety of grains and baking methods. It is a reminder that bread is a staple, a source of sustenance and the making, baking, and eating of bread is often a communal activity.

In the gospel according to Matthew we read an account of the feeding of the multitudes, an account that has Eucharistic overtones as bread is blessed and broken and given to followers of Jesus to sustain and strengthen.

Before the feeding Jesus had left to go away to a quiet place, he was feeling unsettled and fearful after hearing that John the Baptist had been killed on the orders of King Herod. But Jesus could not get away, his reputation as an interesting preacher and miracle healer preceded him and people followed him wherever he went.

On this day people were looking for healing, for themselves or their loved ones; so many people came to Jesus that time passed quickly and the people became tired and hungry. The disciples gathered some bread and fish, Jesus took the bread, blessed t and broke it, and distributed it amongst the crowd, and all were satisfied.

When the church gathers around the communion table we remember Jesus actions, we bless, break and receive the food that sustains and encourages.

‘Everything old is new again’ sang the late Peter Allen, a phrase which has become part of everyday conversation. We kno...
24/07/2026

‘Everything old is new again’ sang the late Peter Allen, a phrase which has become part of everyday conversation. We know that history and fashion is cyclical, that old ways and ideas can come back into modern life.

Jesus told many stories during his earthly ministry; he used stories to engage people as he told them about the promised kingdom of heaven. Jesus wanted people to embrace and be transformed by the promises. The stories included characters people would recognise and objects and experiences that would be familiar to people. Jesus told stories of encouragement and challenge, and to encourage people in their faith and discipleship.

The early church gathered many of these stories and wrote them down, they wanted to remember, and to share these stories with people who had not met Jesus but wanted to know about his ministry and message. The early church recorded the story of Jesus, including his parables, for future generations so that people like us could read and reflect on the messages within.

Much of what Jesus said came out of his own Jewish tradition; his closest disciples were also Jewish and shared his history and traditions. The old promises and understandings about God were the basis of Jesus’ parables, told to a new generation. The promise of a new world order is a timeless one, a word of hope, joy and peace, a promise that encourages and brings new life.

Address

607 Lower North East Road
Campbelltown, SA
5074

Telephone

+61883364731

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Campbelltown Uniting Church SA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category