UCA - Dapto Uniting Church

The UCA - Dapto Uniting Church is a community-focused nonprofit religious organization affiliated with the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA), located in Dapto, New South Wales. Registered under Australian Business Number 33601642037RR0001, the church serves as both a spiritual congregation and a center for local community engagement.

History and Affiliation

Dapto Uniting Church emerged as part of the Uniting Church in Australia, which was established in 1977 through the union of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational churches in Australia. This union aimed to create a non-denominational Christian community with shared ministry and mission principles[2][5].

Mission and Community Role

The church’s identity focuses on inclusivity, bringing together people of different ages, cultures, and life stories to celebrate and support one another. It seeks to be recognized as followers of Jesus Christ committed to working with and for the community. Its worship services blend modern and traditional styles centered around biblical teaching and offer a relaxed, family-friendly environment[1].

Activities and Services

Dapto Uniting Church hosts various community activities, including:

• Monthly local markets held on the first Saturday of every month (except January), featuring stalls and community engagement from early morning to early afternoon.
• An Op Shop providing affordable second-hand and some new goods.
• Group exercise sessions run during school terms to promote health and wellness within the community.
• Regular Sunday worship services at 9:30 AM which serve as the highlight of the week for congregants.
• Accessibility to recent worship service videos and health advice related to infectious disease prevention, including COVID-19[1].

Leadership and Governance

The church is governed under the structure of the Uniting Church in Australia, which includes synods and presbyteries corresponding roughly to state boundaries. The local congregation participates in the broader church's mission, theological education, and governance activities at the regional level[5].

A notable minister who has served at Dapto Uniting Church is Rev Charissa Suli, who also holds significant roles within the Uniting Church nationally, exemplifying the church’s commitment to inclusive and transformative ministry leadership[4].

Denominational Context

As part of the Uniting Church in Australia, Dapto Uniting Church aligns with the denomination’s values and operates under the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT. The UCA is the third largest Christian denomination in Australia, emphasizing shared ministry among laity and ordained ministers alike, with a focus on community service, education, and pastoral care[5].

This church stands as an active religious and community institution, dedicated to spiritual growth, social connection, and inclusive ministry within the Dapto region.

[1] https://dapto.uca.org.au [2] https://dapto.uca.org.au/about-us/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/5fec8970-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [4] https://uniting.church/meet-our-president/ [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniting_Church_in_Australia