Uniting Church In Australia St Stephen’s Sydney

About Uniting Church In Australia St Stephen’s Sydney Worship and Community Outreach Sydney

Uniting Church In Australia St Stephen’s Sydney is an open and affirming congregation of the Uniting Church in Australia, established in 1977 following the union of Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches. It shares Jesus’ good news of life for all people, cares for and seeks justice for all people and God’s creation, and supports each other and the city. With roots tracing back to 1842 on Gadigal land of the Eora nation, it has over 180 years of experience serving Sydney’s central community.

Early Bird Cafe: Free Breakfast for Homeless and Vulnerable

The Early Bird Cafe at Uniting Church In Australia St Stephen’s Sydney provides free breakfast Monday to Saturday from 7am to 8am, served from the steps at 197 Macquarie St. Originally housed in Ferguson Hall from September 2019 with support from City Community Care, it offers meals to people who are homeless and those in restricted circumstances. Volunteers from the church, companies like Mirvac and Woolworths, and organisations such as Sydney Cove Rotary and Food Bank assist in this risk-taking mission of extravagant generosity and practical support.

Mission and Vision

The mission focuses on confessing the faith of Christ crucified, being Christ’s faithful servants, and engaging in a big wonderful life as followers of Jesus. It includes learning together in an open congregation, discerning gifts of the Holy Spirit for ministry and mission, and living out God’s call to care and seek justice.

Main Objectives

• Inspire people, enliven the community, and confront injustice through social justice and advocacy.
• Speak up for those without a voice, acting alongside the oppressed, hurt, and poor.
• Support initiatives like Christmas Bowl, Frontier Services, Sydney Alliance, and healing the earth.

Benefiting Groups

• People who are homeless and those in restricted circumstances via the Early Bird Cafe.
• Displaced people worldwide through Christmas Bowl support.
• Outback communities via Frontier Services events.
• City residents through Sydney Alliance campaigns on housing, transport, and workers.

Types of Services and Activities

• Sunday 10am worship with choir, organ, prayer, Bible readings, and Holy Communion; Crave Church at 4pm.
• Tuesday 1pm Bible reflection and prayers; Jazz Vespers on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.
• Community outreach including Christmas packs for Early Bird Cafe friends, weddings, vow renewals, and music events.
• Support for UnitingWorld, student ministry, and environmental efforts like recycling and sustainable purchasing.