Changing Times, Unchanging Mission – Celebrating Frontier Services
Frontier Services Sunday is an opportunity for churches to honour the legacy of Rev John Flynn and to learn more about this vital national agency of the Uniting Church, providing ministry and support to people in the bush. The 2026 theme is ‘Changing Times’.
On Sunday 30 August many Uniting Church congregations across the country gave thanks for the work of Frontier Services. The Kalamunda and St Martin’s Foothills Uniting Church congregations joined together in a combined service to celebrate Frontier Services Sunday in their worship service, followed by a fundraising ‘Outback BBQ’. The service was led by Susan Blackburn, with input from members of both the Kalamunda and St Martin’s congregation based on the Order of Service and worship material provided by Frontier Services.
Our Moderator Rev David Jackson was invited to attend, sharing the sermon and leading communion. With his previous roles as Frontier Services Bush Chaplain in the Mid West and most recently the Pilbara, David was able to share with the congregation from his personal experiences, and experiences of other bush chaplains he has worked alongside.
In his sermon based on John 6:1-15 and the miracle of the feeding of the 5000, David highlighted how Jesus saw possibility where the disciples saw scarcity, the miracle being a model for contemporary ministry in regional and remote communities.
“This miracle is not just about bread and fish. It’s about God’s ability to meet human need in changing circumstances. It’s about seeing abundance where others see lack. And it’s about the call to serve people in ways that speak to their real, present needs.”
David reflected on how far Frontier Services have come from the Australian Inland Mission (AIM) Patrol Padre travelling vast distances bringing the Word of God along with vital supplies and connection to remote outback towns, to today’s Bush Chaplains, in modern times, with improved communications and transport, but still bringing vital connection and hope to people in the bush.
“Just as Jesus adapted his ministry to the needs of the crowd before him, AIM, now Frontier Services, has adapted – from camel patrols to 4WDs, from handwritten letters to video calls – yet the mission remains: to bring Christ’s love to the farthest places.”
The times may have changed, but the heart of God’s mission remains constant.
David reflected on recent ministry experiences in the Pilbara, where simple acts of care have made a profound difference. He highlighted partnerships between congregations across Australia, including donations of handmade quilts that have provided comfort to people experiencing loss, hardship and trauma.
We also heard about the work of Bush Chaplain Lindsay Ginn, who serves across the Goldfields region of Western Australia. Based in Kalgoorlie, Lindsay travels thousands of kilometres each month, visiting schools, farms, aged care facilities, churches and isolated communities. Through music programs, choirs, worship services and personal visits, he creates opportunities for people to feel connected, valued and supported.
The same Jesus who fed the crowd on the hillside continues to work through his people today, bringing hope, connection and grace to communities across Australia.
The congregation was also joined by Frontier Services Board Member Renata Paliskis who spoke further about the work of the agency during the service and BBQ. It was good to hear more about the difference Frontier Services are making in rural and remote communities across Australia.
A community BBQ followed the worship service offering an opportunity for fellowship and fundraising for the ongoing work of Frontier Services.
Frontier Services is Australia’s oldest bush charity, providing pastoral, practical, and spiritual care to people living in remote and rural communities, founded in 1912 through the work of Rev John Flynn. If you would like to find out more about the ministry of Frontier Services, serving people in rural and remote Australia, go to their website – https://frontierservices.org/
Article and photos by Wendy Hendry.