February 20, 2026 @ 5:00 pm – February 21, 2026 @ 5:00 pm
Summer Spirit 2026 – Walking Together, Covenanting Together.
20 & 21 February 2026
Lake Gwelup & All Saints Floreat Uniting Church
Last year we celebrated 30 years of the Covenant between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. Summer Spirit 2026 will give us an opportunity to hear the story of Congress, listen to the joys and challenges of First Peoples, and renew our commitment to the Covenanting process.
Join us as we listen to stories of this land, the journey of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Congress, and the Covenant that calls us to walk together. Created in consultation with local Congress leaders, Summer Spirit is an opportunity to grow in understanding and take steps towards reconciliation – together.
Whether you’re a church leader, a lay preacher, or a Christian seeking deeper engagement with your faith, this event is for you!
Event Details
Friday Evening, 20 February 5.00pm to 7.30pm – Walking on Country with Len Yarran
Meet on country at Lake Gwelup Reserve, Huntriss Rd, Gwelup, where local Congress leader and educator, Len Yarran, will share stories of the Gwelup area. This is a family friendly event. Soft drinks and nibbles will be provided. Please bring your own chair.
Saturday, 21 February 9.00am to 5.00pm (registrations from 8.00am)
Our Saturday program will be held at All Saints Floreat Uniting Church. The morning will begin with worship by the Moderator Rev David Jackson, with an extended Welcome to Country by Rev Mitchell Garlett, where we will hear the importance of this for Aboriginal people. Rev Ken Sumner, UAICC South Australia, will share with us the story of Congress, the joys and challenges. In the afternoon, there will be a variety of workshops facilitated by members of Congress and the Covenanting Commission to explore our theme from different perspectives.
Keynote Speakers
Len Yarran
Len Yarran, a member of Congress, is a Wadjak Noongar elder who has worked extensively in education and devoted much of his life in assisting the local aboriginal men’s community in Balga WA. He has gained outstanding recognition for his work in improving the health and wellbeing of local Aboriginal boys and men. Len is part of the team that founded Wadjak Northside, a resource centre and community group dedicated to improving indigenous lives in the northern suburbs of Perth.
Ken Sumner
Rev Ken Sumner is a Kukabrak/Ngarrindjeri korni (man) from the Moorundi (River Murray), Mungkanbuli (Lakes), Kurangk (Coorong) & Yarluwar (Southern Ocean) in South Australia.
Ken is a Minister of the Word and is currently employed as the State Development Officer for the Uniting Aboriginal & Islander Christian Congress in South Australia (UAICC-SA). He has served the UAICC & UCA in the South Australian Synod, Vic/Tas Synod & Northern Synod. He has served as Chairperson of the National UAICC. He says that, “he continues to learn”.
Seeking Expressions of Interest – Artwork
The Summer Spirit team are seeking expressions of interest from people who would like to create artistic works based on the theme Walking Together, Covenanting Together. If you are interested in contributing please contact Mahshid Zadeh – [email protected]
Early Bird Registration Now Open!
Go to the Eventbrite event page for registration options – https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/summer-spirit-2026-walking-together-covenanting-together-tickets-1962978502543
Early Bird Book Prize – Charles Harris: A Struggle for Justice
Register for Summer Spirit 2026 by 30 December and go into the draw to win a copy of Charles Harris: A Struggle for Justice by William W. Emilsen. This important biography tells the story of Rev Charles Harris, a key figure in the formation of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and a courageous leader whose legacy continues to shape the Church today.
Enquiries to Mahshid Zadeh – [email protected]
