If you cannot find the answer you are looking for here, please contact the Uniting Church Centre or your local church.
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Are private motor vehicles, whilst being used in authorised activities, insured under the insurance programme?
The definition of a vehicle is extended to include your employee and voluntary worker’s vehicles, while this vehicle is being used by the employee or voluntary worker in the conduct of your business. -
If we have a large or complicated property loss, what help is available?
The Insurance and Risk Officer will arrange for a Loss Assessor to assist as required. -
What is not covered by the property policy?
Normal wear and tear, and gradual deterioration of property are two primary exclusions. -
What amount can we claim under the property policy?
The full cost of replacement or reinstatement (subject to the declared value of the property being adequate). -
Are we covered for Public Liability if we hold an event off-site?
Yes, the Public Liability Insurance policy covers all activities under the control of the Uniting Church. -
What happens at a confirmation service?
In infant baptism, parents make a declaration of faith and promises regarding their child’s growth in faith that are different to those asked of a person seeking to express their faith. In confirmation, a person who has been baptised seeks to make a public profession of their faith and make the pr...In infant baptism, parents make a declaration of faith and promises regarding their child’s growth in faith that are different to those asked of a person seeking to express their faith. In confirmation, a person who has been baptised seeks to make a public profession of their faith and make the promises on their own behalf. -
What about babies?
Just as for adults, the baptism of babies may happen by full immersion or by the sprinkling of water. -
Do I need to attend the church to have my child baptised there?
To baptise a child, the parents of the child are required to make personal statements regarding their faith and the local church needs to promise to help you raise your child within our faith. How this is expressed varies between local churches and will be discussed with you. -
What is the Uniting Church’s stance on cremation vs burial?
The Uniting Church provides services for both cremations and burials. We also provide a specific service for the interment of ashes and guidance as to some of the practical arrangements surrounding this. -
How long is a Uniting Church Funeral Service?
A Uniting Church funeral service can be quite brief, as little as half an hour. It all depends on what you choose to put in the funeral service. -
Who can be baptised in the Uniting Church?
Any person who wishes to express their faith within a local Uniting Church may be baptised, as well as any child for whom the local church is willing to take the responsibility for growing into faith. -
Why does any of this matter?
The Uniting Church believes that God created us to be in community and to love each other. For this reason, worship is very important because it creates, builds and reminds us of that community. For Christians, belonging to a worshipping community connects us with the mission of God in the world -
How will I know when to sit down and stand up?
Sometimes the congregation will stand during a worship service. Often, the worship leader will invite members to stand, but not always. There is no right or wrong way to participate in worship, but if you are feeling unsure about when to stand, take your lead from others in the church and follow wha...Sometimes the congregation will stand during a worship service. Often, the worship leader will invite members to stand, but not always. There is no right or wrong way to participate in worship, but if you are feeling unsure about when to stand, take your lead from others in the church and follow what they are doing. You are welcome to sit throughout a service. -
What is communion and should I take it?
Holy Communion is a special ritual or sacrament which holds great significance for Christians. A meal of bread and wine or juice is shared to remind them of the last supper that Jesus shared with his disciples before he died. It also reminds Christians that Jesus is always with us. The ritual is kno...Holy Communion is a special ritual or sacrament which holds great significance for Christians. A meal of bread and wine or juice is shared to remind them of the last supper that Jesus shared with his disciples before he died. It also reminds Christians that Jesus is always with us. The ritual is known by a number of different names: Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist (meaning thanksgiving). All persons, including children are welcome to share in communion. -
Why is the minister wearing a robe and sash?
Some Uniting Church leaders choose to wear a white robe (called an alb) and a sash (or stole). The alb represents anonymity on behalf of the wearer, and is white in order to represent baptism in Christ: purity and grace. Anyone who leads a service of worship in the Uniting Church is welcome to wear...Some Uniting Church leaders choose to wear a white robe (called an alb) and a sash (or stole). The alb represents anonymity on behalf of the wearer, and is white in order to represent baptism in Christ: purity and grace. Anyone who leads a service of worship in the Uniting Church is welcome to wear an alb, but it is entirely up to the individual whether they choose to do so. There are three special sashes that can also be worn by those leading worship. There is a blue scarf for people who are pastors or leaders who are not ordained. Ordained Ministers of the Word wear a Stole around their neck and ordained Deacons wear a Sash across their body. These too are optional and are representative of the role that the leader plays in the life of the faith community. -
Why do people raise their hands?
People express themselves in many ways, including with body language. In worship, people might bow their heads in prayer, close their eyes, dance, clap their hands or wave flags. Sometimes people kneel in order to convey humility, or raise their hands to signal honour and praise to God. -
What is a worship service?
A worship service is the name given to a gathering of the church community where we give special attention to recognising and affirming the presence of God. Most congregations worship in a church building, but at times we can worship anywhere; in a café, at the beach or in someone’s home. Worshi...A worship service is the name given to a gathering of the church community where we give special attention to recognising and affirming the presence of God. Most congregations worship in a church building, but at times we can worship anywhere; in a café, at the beach or in someone’s home. Worship can take on many forms, but will usually involve music, Bible readings, a message on understanding those readings, Holy Communion, and a financial offering to the church (tithe). -
What do the Uniting Church believe in?
The Uniting Church believes that Jesus’ life, death and resurrection gives us hope for a reconciled world. The Uniting Church’s beliefs are drawn from the Bible and from the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. The Church’s foundational document, the Basis of Union, brings together aspects of these...The Uniting Church believes that Jesus’ life, death and resurrection gives us hope for a reconciled world. The Uniting Church’s beliefs are drawn from the Bible and from the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. The Church’s foundational document, the Basis of Union, brings together aspects of these writings and traditions and sets out the church’s way of living and being. -
How long is the Uniting Church marriage ceremony?
While there are a few required elements to constitute a Uniting Church Marriage Ceremony, the ceremony is capable of being customised. This means that a simple service may be as short as half an hour but can be significantly extended by optional inclusions. Our celebrants may adapt their service...While there are a few required elements to constitute a Uniting Church Marriage Ceremony, the ceremony is capable of being customised. This means that a simple service may be as short as half an hour but can be significantly extended by optional inclusions. Our celebrants may adapt their services to meet the needs of the couple, though our celebrants are instructed to encourage the couple to prepare for and plan their marriage in the spirit of simplicity. This is to avoid becoming distracted from the simple joy of the couple “pledging their love and fidelity to each other, before God and in the presence of their families and close friends.” -
What is the Uniting Church's stance on same gender marriage?
As with our broader society, there is a diversity of views regarding same-gender marriage within the life of the Uniting Church. The Uniting Church has recognised that these beliefs are strongly held as legitimate expressions of belief and has authorised our communities and celebrants to act accordi...As with our broader society, there is a diversity of views regarding same-gender marriage within the life of the Uniting Church. The Uniting Church has recognised that these beliefs are strongly held as legitimate expressions of belief and has authorised our communities and celebrants to act according to their conscience in matters relating to marriage. This means that while many of our local churches are willing to celebrate same-gendered marriages, not all communities or celebrants will do so. If you are having difficulties finding an appropriate celebrant or local church to celebrate your marriage, we encourage you to contact the Church Office at (08) 9260 9845.
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If we hire our premises to third parties, are they required to have Public Liability Insurance?
We expect most hirers to have their own Public Liability Insurance. However, insurance can be arranged to provide protection for venue hire. -
Are Volunteers insured if they injure themselves?
Yes, Personal Accident Insurance is arranged to cover all volunteers engaged in authorised voluntary activities. -
If someone trips on our property and suffers an injury, what do we do?
Contact our Uniting Church Risk and Insurance Team immediately. -
Does the age of our building make any difference?
No, even our oldest buildings are fully covered. However, Heritage listed buildings must be insured for reinstatement in accordance with Heritage requirements. -
Can I obtain evidence of our Public Liability Insurance cover?
Yes, the evidence of cover is known as a Certificate of Currency. The Public Liability Certificate of Currency is available by contacting our Uniting Church Risk and Insurance (UCRI) Team....Yes, the evidence of cover is known as a Certificate of Currency. The Public Liability Certificate of Currency is available by contacting our Uniting Church Risk and Insurance (UCRI) Team. -
Whom do I contact for Insurance Services at the Uniting Church Western Australia Office?
Contact our Uniting Church Risk and Insurance (UCRI) Team. -
Is the water holy?
In the service of baptism, the water is set apart for the special purpose it is about to be used. However, once we finish with the service of baptism it is reverently disposed of. -
Do I have to be fully immersed when I'm baptised, or is it more like a sprinkle?
The service of baptism may be by full immersion or by the sprinkling of water. The Minister or presider of the service may hold preferences, but both options are available within the life of the Uniting Church. -
What is the difference between baptism, confirmation, thanksgiving and a dedication service?
A baptism service seeks to bring the person being baptised into the membership of the church. A person who has been baptised as an infant may choose to make their own commitment in a confirmation service. A thanksgiving service is one in which God is thanked, with the new life being celebr...A baptism service seeks to bring the person being baptised into the membership of the church. A person who has been baptised as an infant may choose to make their own commitment in a confirmation service. A thanksgiving service is one in which God is thanked, with the new life being celebrated and welcomed. A dedication service is sometimes performed in addition to a thanksgiving if parents wish to commit to raising their child in the faith and let them make their own decision regarding baptism later. As thanksgiving and dedication services do not convey membership, they are more flexible but do not convey some of the connection to services that baptism does. -
How much input can we have into the service?
The leader of the service will assist you to personalise your loved one’s service from several resources. In this, they will be seeking to balance your needs with their responsibility to represent the beliefs of the Uniting Church and their local church in the service. -
Who can have a funeral in the Uniting Church?
Anyone can have their funeral at a Uniting Church in WA. However, the leader of the service will need to be authorised by the local church. This is to ensure that the service respects the local church’s beliefs. -
There are so many jargons. What do some of them mean?
We’ve put together a list of jargon (glossary) that may assist. -
What is a tithe, should I give and if so, how much?
In the Old Testament of the Bible it was encouraged to give 10% of your income to the temple as a means of providing resources for its upkeep, as well as its mission to the poor. This is known as a ‘tithe’. These days, people still use this as a helpful guide to giving and a lot of good work is ...In the Old Testament of the Bible it was encouraged to give 10% of your income to the temple as a means of providing resources for its upkeep, as well as its mission to the poor. This is known as a ‘tithe’. These days, people still use this as a helpful guide to giving and a lot of good work is done in the community as a result of this. Many churches will have programs for the local community operating out of their building; others might support other mission projects. Giving to the church is purely voluntary. -
What is the liturgy and when do I know what to say?
Every worship service has a liturgy, which is simply the form according to which the service is conducted. It can involve people reciting words in a call and response. This reminds us that we are part of a community, and that we share our beliefs together. Churches will however order their servic...Every worship service has a liturgy, which is simply the form according to which the service is conducted. It can involve people reciting words in a call and response. This reminds us that we are part of a community, and that we share our beliefs together. Churches will however order their service in in different ways; some are quite formal and traditional, using a responsive liturgy, while others may be more contemporary. The person leading the service will usually give you cues on what to say. Sometimes you will receive a handout or book with the words and other times the words will appear on an overhead screen. -
What’s a sermon?
A sermon is delivered during worship and is usually a talk which relates to the Scripture reading for that day. It helps members of the congregation to understand the reading and relate it to a current context, and to their own way of lives or situations. -
What are hymns and why do they all sound the same?
Hymns are Christian songs which provide an opportunity for members to participate in communal singing. This helps build belonging and an attitude of praise to God. Not all music in church are hymns though, and not all hymns are old and traditional. Many congregations use modern contemporary songs wh...Hymns are Christian songs which provide an opportunity for members to participate in communal singing. This helps build belonging and an attitude of praise to God. Not all music in church are hymns though, and not all hymns are old and traditional. Many congregations use modern contemporary songs which have developed in recent years. Most Uniting Churches use a variety of music and songs during worship. While some congregations will use books for the words, many now use projected images on a screen. -
What should I wear?
You are welcome to dress formally or casually to a Uniting Church service. Each Uniting Church will have their own culture and style, but will not judge you on what you wear. Some churches are communities of faith from a specific cultural background and may wear traditional clothing from their cultu...You are welcome to dress formally or casually to a Uniting Church service. Each Uniting Church will have their own culture and style, but will not judge you on what you wear. Some churches are communities of faith from a specific cultural background and may wear traditional clothing from their culture. -
Who’s welcome?
Everyone of all backgrounds and cultures are welcome at the Uniting Church. If you feel unwelcome, or witness unwelcoming behaviour towards someone else, please chat with a congregation leader about your concerns. -
How can I find a church?
Visit our Find a Church page for a full list of our churches. -
Can I write my own wedding vows?
Marriages conducted within the Uniting Church need to include vows that reflect both the requirements of the Marriage Act and those of the Uniting Church statements on marriage. This means that our celebrants are discouraged from allowing couples to write their own wedding vows. -
Who can get married by the Uniting Church?
Marriages are conducted within the Uniting Church according to the civil laws and regulations surrounding Marriage. Celebrants are free to conduct marriages for all. This may include people who do not share our faith or are in same-gendered relationships. Our celebrants are not obliged to marry ...Marriages are conducted within the Uniting Church according to the civil laws and regulations surrounding Marriage. Celebrants are free to conduct marriages for all. This may include people who do not share our faith or are in same-gendered relationships. Our celebrants are not obliged to marry every couple that approaches. If you are having difficulties finding an appropriate celebrant or local church to celebrate your marriage, we encourage you to contact the Church Office at (08) 9260 9845.