West End Uniting Church

28/08/2026

28/08/2026

A BIG Congratulations to Juliette, our Intergenerational Project Officer who recently completed her Master of Social Work!

Her thesis on Intergeneration Practice, "We Are Winning All Around": Intergenerational programs benefit all participants — children, older people and staff" was presented at the Global Extended Learning and Youth Development Association (GELYDA) International Conference in Korea earlier this year.

Well done, Juliette! (And Jacinta.. 'cause we all know spouses are the real heroes when it comes to postgrad life!!!!!)

27/08/2026

!!! Early Bird pricing available until Monday 31st August - Book NOW and save!!!!!

here is a unique opportunity to meet with progressive Christian thinkers from Queensland and all over Australia ...
goto Trybooking site for ticket sales ( https://www.trybooking.com/DMSME ). If you're unable to attend for both days there's a single-day option. and early-bird discounts apply to both ticket types.

26/08/2026

Our special guest this Sunday 30 August at 9:30am at Church In The Hall is Annika from The Sunday Collective, a 100% volunteer run community space in Dutton Park set up to eat, drink, connect, make art and music, swap clothes and meet neighbours. They believe that by meeting each other and sharing what we have, we can build resilient, connected community.

(A note from Annika: We are by no means experts or professionals in the field of community development - just a rag tag bunch of people who want to work together. I have no special revelations, just some thoughts and experiences that might resonate and be useful to others!)

Church In The Hall is our low-key cafe-style gathering in the hall one Sunday each month. All welcome. Always!

23/08/2026

We talked about these women from Exodus this morning at our Bluecare service! Bless you today.

For you—for us—this day. This blessing was inspired by the women we meet in the opening chapters of the Book of Exodus. The choices they make amid the currents of death, fear, and hatred call me to ask—What am I being called to be fierce about in this world?

FIERCE BLESSING

Believe me when I say
there is nothing
this blessing would not do
to protect you,
to save you,
to encompass you.

This blessing
would stand between you
and every danger,
every evil,
every harm
and hurt.

This blessing
would dare
to wade with you
into the waters that come
offering life.

It would make
a way for you
through the waters that come
threatening death.

I cannot explain
how fierce
this blessing feels
about you,
but I can tell you
it has more than pledged
itself to you;
it would lay down
its life for you
and not once
look back in regret
nor go in sorrow
for what it has chosen
to give.

And you—
so deeply blessed,
so utterly encompassed—
what will you save
in turn?

Not because
it is owed,
but because
you cannot imagine
failing to pass along
this grace
that casts its circle
so wide,
this love
that flows
so deep
through this perilous
and precious life.

—Jan Richardson
from The Cure for Sorrow: A Book of Blessings for Times of Grief
janrichardson.com/books

Image: "Streams of Mercy"
© Jan Richardson
janrichardsonimages.com

21/08/2026

It’s Bluecare Sunday this week!!! Come and see us 💙💙💙

17/08/2026

A room full of rainbow families on a Monday morning… honestly, what a lovely way to start the week 🥹

Today at our West End pop-up playgroup we had 11 adults and 11 little ones come along for a morning of play, chats, craft and connection, and it was so nice seeing new families walk in and everyone just settle into the space together.

A huge thank you to Trina Massey Councillor for the Gabba Ward for helping bring this event to life, to Play Matters Australia for continuing to support these beautiful little community spaces, to West End Uniting Church for welcoming us in, and to our amazing Paddington Playgroup coordinator Kiri for jumping in and helping make the morning run so smoothly.

These events might look simple from the outside, but there’s something really special about giving families a place where they can walk in, see other families like theirs and hopefully leave knowing one or two more people than they did when they arrived.

And Gold Coast families… you’re next!

Our Nerang Playgroup has something extra special happening next Tuesday, it’s their FIRST BIRTHDAY!

We’d love to fill the room with rainbow families again. If you’ve been meaning to come along, this is such a good one to make your first, bring the little ones, come say hi and meet some other local families.

Join our Facebook group and check the Events tab for all the details.

Link to join is in the comments.

16/08/2026

Join us for contemplative sounds, simple songs, mindful silence, and beautiful music this evening. All welcome. Always.

13/08/2026

🙌

08/08/2026

Please Note: there will not be a 5:30pm Contemplative Gathering today @ WEUC .... but, here is a recommendation for some contemplative food for thought – the latest “On The Way” podcast is a discussion with Rev'd Dr Sarah Bachelard, founding Director of Benedictus Contemplative Church, a theologian and teacher with the World Community for Christian Meditation and author of several books, including her latest book, Pools of Grace: The Gift and Call of Contemplative ... Church.stjohnscathedral.com.au/podcasts/