2026 Winter Course
Service as Mission:
Living our theology through community
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2026 Winter Course
When Jesus calls us to love God and love our neighbour, he makes Diakonia (service) a relational bridge into God’s mission. By caring for the marginalised, we embody Christ’s ministry in the world. Community service is an integral part of the Uniting Church’s history, mission, and vocation.
How much does Diakonia (service) shape how we understand ourselves as the Church?
Over six weeks, with speakers including Professor Johannes Eurich and Dr Tanja Schmidt - world-leading experts on building connections between church and community service - we will explore what it means to step outside the church building and see God’s mission in the world.
We will grapple with questions such as:
Venue: Ormond Uniting Church, 264 Booran Rd, Ormond
Dates: Wednesdays, 1 July – 5 August 2026 (6 weeks)
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Refreshments: Soup and bread, hot and cold beverages provided
Cost: $75
Enquiries/Enrolments: 0411 958 127 | [email protected]
Facilitators
How much does Diakonia (service) shape how we understand ourselves as the Church?
Over six weeks, with speakers including Professor Johannes Eurich and Dr Tanja Schmidt - world-leading experts on building connections between church and community service - we will explore what it means to step outside the church building and see God’s mission in the world.
We will grapple with questions such as:
- What is the history of our social service vocation?
- What is the theology of service that underpins the church’s mission?
- How might we bear witness to Christ in the world through our actions?
Venue: Ormond Uniting Church, 264 Booran Rd, Ormond
Dates: Wednesdays, 1 July – 5 August 2026 (6 weeks)
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Refreshments: Soup and bread, hot and cold beverages provided
Cost: $75
Enquiries/Enrolments: 0411 958 127 | [email protected]
Facilitators
- Prof. Johannes Eurich, Director of the Institute for the Study of Diaconia, the University of Heidelberg
- Dr. Tanja Schmidt, the Senior Pastor of the Protestant Parish of Leutershausen
- Jessica Hateley-Browne, Director of Mission, Uniting Victoria and Tasmania
- Rev. Dr. Ji Zhang, Minister, Ormond Uniting Church
- Brad Denniston, Ormond Learning Hub Facilitator and Lay Preacher
Ormond Learning Hub is
- a safe, friendly and inclusive learning environment
- a focus on faith formation
- encouragement for curiosity and questioning
- an enriching learning experience
- a collaborative ethos
- time for small group discussion
- stimulating read-at-home texts
- art works, music and video
- short presentations by the facilitator
Quotes from previous courses:
- “I really enjoyed the rich diversity of materials, articles, quotes, video clips, art and alternative views.”
- “Brad brings a freshness and competence which are such great gifts he has to offer.”
- “I appreciate the style of facilitation, the warmth and encouragement - and the challenge to look a little deeper.”
Facilitator: Brad Denniston
Brad holds a Masters in Theology from the University of Divinity. He is passionate about making theology accessible and transformational for everyone.