Growth in the Midst of Change – Presbytery June 2026

The 21st Annual Meeting of the Presbytery of WA took place on Saturday 20 June 2026 with the theme ‘Growth in the Midst of Change’.

The June Presbytery meeting began with a joyous opening worship led by Presbytery Chairperson Rev Ken Devereux, alongside Rev Samuel Annan and the worship team from our host church Rockingham Uniting Church. Samuel preached on the theme ‘Holy Spirit, Agent of Change and Growth’.

Service of Induction – Rev Ana Lea’aetoa

During the opening worship there was a Service of Induction for Rev Ana Lea’aetoa into her role as Presbytery Minister (Pastoral). The Induction was led by Rev Ken Devereux, and included a blessing from Presbytery colleagues and representatives from the wider church.

Recognition of Lay Preachers

The Candidates for Ministries Committee Chairperson Rev Bev Fabb presented five people for recognition of Lay Preacher, who each spoke to the gathered members about their calling and commitment to the ministry. Following deliberation and voting, we welcome Gordon Smith, Sue Strutt, Fiona Bentley, Evelyn Ashley and Mark Hackling as recognised Lay Preachers in the Presbytery of WA!

Presentations and Reports

As well as annual reports from committees and networks, presentations included:

• Uniting WA Co-CEO’s Jen Park and Michael Chester with an update on the vital work of our community service agency;
• an update on the work of Assembly’s Act2 (Stream A – Local Communities) presented online by Rev Dr Sunny Chen;
• an insight into the ministry of Naval Defence Force Chaplaincy with Rev Lyall Reid, Defence Force Chaplain, and Rev Toby Keva, Minister at Willetton Uniting Church;
• an informative update on the Fijian National Conference by Laitia Vuniwaqa. The conference will be taking place in October 2026 in Fremantle;
• information from the Thrive Mission Committee about the upcoming National Church Life Survey (NCLS) and ways they are making it easier for congregations to take part, presented by Yvonne Robinson, Convenor of the Thrive Mission Committee and Rev Luke Williams, Presbytery Minister (Mission);
• information about updated Property Use and Maintenance Guidelines from Heather Hamblin, Chair of the Presbytery Property Committee and Lora Brown, Executive Officer: Property;
• WA Synod General Secretary David Beards informing members about support available for congregations including the Future Mission Fund and Missional Property Fund, and opportunities for congregations to work towards the Synod’s Net Zero targets.

Other decisions of the Presbytery meeting included amendments to the Rules of the Presbytery which can now be found on the website.

Office bearers were elected and commissioned at the conclusion of the meeting, with past office bearers acknowledged and thanked.
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We give thanks to all of the Presbytery of WA staff, office bearers and volunteers who helped make the day run so well, to those who have finished their time on committees, and to those continuing or taking up roles on committees.

Thanks also to the congregation of Rockingham Uniting Church for their generous hospitality!