Hold this space tells the story of an exploration into alternative worship, public sacred spaces, ritual, justice and spirituality in Melbourne, Australia.

There are fifteen Victorian Uniting Church Schools. The Schools Liaisons Officers are responsible for building deeper, trusting relationships between the wider church and its schools. The Unit has developed an online forum for sharing resources and ideas amongst UCA chaplains in response to the feedback from the 2010 Chaplains gathering. Contact the Schools team if you would like to find out more, or follow us on on Twitter.

Chaplaincy Development and Support has three key functions: developing - linking chaplains to one another, ecumenical networks, professional associations and providing opportunities for education and in-service of chaplains; supporting - providing pastoral support for individual chaplains and connecting them with a network of support; promoting - the work of chaplaincy in congregations & presbyteries, and connecting congregations to chaplains in their neighbourhood. 

The role of Disability Inclusion is broadly to encourage and promote inclusion of people with disabilities within the life of faith communities. Within this sector we implement the Multifaith Disability Project (see below). 

The Multifaith Disability Project is exploring issues of disability inclusion within multifaith settings. Visit the blog.

UCAF Responsible Travel provides adventurous but responsible travel journeys that enable participants to learn, have fun and help others by uniting together on a remarkable small group travel experience. Learn about the impact of tourism on host communities, travelling more responsibly and future tours at www.responsibletravel.org.au

The John Paver Centre established in 2010 under the auspices of the Commission for Mission, honours the significant contribution of Rev Prof John Paver (see image) to the practice of supervised ministry reflection. The program is offered particularly to people involved across the spectrum of community-based pastoral care. To date, participants in the programs have come from prison, forensic psychiatry, schools, parish, and hospital contexts. The Centre welcomes inquiries and applications. Read more about the Centre and the CPE program. 

StreetBank is an initiative that builds neighbourhood connections. It is a website that allows you to see all that your neighbours are giving away or lending and to offer things yourself for others to borrow, to give things away or to offer your skills freely to assist others. It is a giant attic, garden shed, toolkit, fancy dress chest, library and DVD collection for you and anyone living within your neighbourhood. www.streetbank.com

The Road Trauma Memorial Project, in conjunction with Road Trauma Support Services Victoria, aims to develop a permanent memorial to recognise and honour the loss of so many lives on Victorian roads. Discussions are continuing with a range of government and community organisations to develop a suitable concept. Simultaneously, plans are unfolding to develop a virtual ‘memorial book’ component at www.journeybeyondroadtrauma.org

Not a church enables the sharing of transformative ’not-a-church’ moments - those innovative, imaginative, non-traditional programs, events or reflections occuring in congregations and daily loves. You can see the Commission for Mission (CFM) Not a Church presentation to the 2011 UCA Vic-Tas Synod meeting. Delegates 'postcard' moments, of transformation, connection, community and hospitality in its broadest sense are shared on the site, where you can also share your own story. 

Uniting through Faith encourages conversations about spiritual journeys. The contention is that by having a respectful and open dialogue about our own spiritual journeys and truly listening to each other we will grow clearer about our own faith and more appreciative about the depth and sincerity of other spiritual pathways.  In 2011 three such dialogues have occurred. You can find the reflections on two of these journeys of faith, and other conversations at the UTF blog.

Schoolies with a Cause is an alternative new way to end high school, which takes place during schoolies weeks. Schoolies can choose to spend two weeks in the program with one of three focus causes. In 2010 the program took place from the 21st November to 5th December 2010.

EdgeSpace is a blog featuring video, podcasts, and the written word relating to outreach ministries within the Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, particularly chaplaincy related ministries.