Uca Riverina Presbytery

Uca Riverina Presbytery is a regional council of the Uniting Church in Australia that serves the Riverina area, a large geographic region in New South Wales. It supports and nurtures the pastoral workers and congregations within this region, helping them focus on their mission and community life without being burdened by administrative tasks. The Presbytery fosters Christian community, encourages faith development, and manages resources to enable vibrant church life across its 41 worship centres in diverse towns and rural areas.

Supporting Pastoral Workers and Congregations

The flagship activity of the Riverina Presbytery is to provide and nurture pastoral workers and aid and advise Uniting Church congregations throughout the Riverina region. This involves offering leadership, guidance, and practical support to ensure that churches can effectively serve their communities and grow spiritually. The Presbytery acts as a vital link between local congregations and the broader Uniting Church network, strengthening ministry and mission in this extensive rural and regional area.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Riverina Presbytery is to encourage and strengthen the mutual life and faith of Christian communities in Jesus the Christ. It envisions a council that shares administrative burdens while exhorting communities to be active disciples, supporting them to witness the gospel and serve God’s purposes in their neighbourhoods.

Main Objectives

• Support Christian communities to serve and witness in their local areas
• Encourage spiritual growth and development of individuals and congregations
• Facilitate sharing of human, property, and financial resources across the region
• Work collaboratively with the wider church to sustain and grow Christian life
• Review and manage physical assets to enable new forms of Christian community

Benefiting Groups

The Presbytery primarily benefits pastoral workers, church congregations, and local Christian communities across the Riverina region. It also supports individuals seeking spiritual growth and communities aiming to develop their faith and outreach.

Types of Services or Activities

• Providing pastoral care and leadership development for ministers and lay workers
• Advising congregations on governance, finance, and mission strategies
• Organising regional meetings, prayer, and theological discussions
• Facilitating resource sharing and collaborative projects among churches
• Supporting community engagement and outreach initiatives