Presenters

Natasha He

I am a candidate for Ordained Ministry. My background in is youth ministry where I served as a Youth coordinator for 10 years. I am passionate about the voiceless and nameless. I enjoy quality time with my darling husband while taking our 4-year-old daughter for a swim and cuddles with our 18 month old son. It is a joy to be around my loved ones, sharing stories over a meal with lots of laughter and love

Jermaine Yan

I am a Candidate UCA and studying at the Uniting Theological College, North Parramatta. I was born in Hong Kong and am a father of a 14yr old and an 8yr old. I am member of Eastwood UCA. I like reading and building LEGOs.

Darren Wright

Lay Pastor at Gungahlin UCA in the ACT. Darren likes to be a baker, cook, photographer, storyteller, father, husband, musician, fool!

Warwick Cadenhead

I live East Maitland . I am passionate about the worshipping life of the Church. I'm not able to ride my motor cycle enough! I'm also a fan of some obscure science fiction.

Jean Shannon

Jean arrived in Australia in 1970 from the UK and spent many years in the Hawkesbury,Bathurst, Canberra, Sydney and Adelaide. She was a hospital chaplain for 10 years and was Head of Chaplaincy for Uniting NSW/ACT. Jean is currently in placement with the SapphireCoast Uniting Churches in Merimbula and Wyndham. Her passion is for the church in the world reaching the unconnected and those yearning for community. She is a spiritual director and mentor

Steve Everist

Steve has (mostly) joyfully served the last 27 years serving 2 Uniting Church congregations and loves what he does. Steve enjoys nothing more than playing music for people for worship and he sings and plays guitar, keyboards and bass. Steve enthusiastically works with his wife Deb, who is a great servant to the congregation and a powerhouse of creativity.

Tay Lee

I am a Candidate for ordained ministry in the UCA and studying at the Uniting Theological College, North Parramatta. I came from South Korea and have lived in Australia for 16 years. I worked for a mission organisation before the candidacy, so I am interested in how I can respond to God’s mission and how I can live as a disciple. Also, I like playing the guitar and cooking.

Andrew Jago

Andrew is a minister at North Belconnen Uniting Church in the ACT

Duncan McDiarmid

Minister at Eurobodalla Uniting Church and Community Chaplain for Bushfire Recovery. Particular interest in walking together with First and Second Peoples, and attending to the marginalised in our community.

Nicole Fleming

I am currently serving the UCA as the Candidate Formation Coordinator at United Theological College. As an ordained minister of the UCA, with a background in Youth Ministry, I have been in placement with Dubbo congregation, the Synod Youth Unit, and more recently with the Congregation in Balmain.In my current role at UTC, I am enthusiastic about supporting candidates through their formation program and assisting them to integrate academic learning with ministry placement. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my partner and 3-year-old son. One of our recent shared hobbies has been riding bikes along Parramatta River. I also love spending time sharing food and wine with friends, travelling (although that’s been limited to short trips in NSW during 2020), and I quite like knitting and watching movies.

Gail Hinton

Mrs Gail Hinton I am an advanced Candidate for Ministry of the Word, studying at the United Theological College in North Parramatta. My husband, Shane and I have two children, Amber 26 and Brynn 21, Brynn my son, still lives at home with us in Penrith. I am a mad keen gardener and before going into formal ministry I worked in Garden Centres as a horticulturalist.

Suzanne Holloway

I am a ministry candidate at the Uniting Theological College, North Parramatta, in my final year and in part-time supply at Maitland Eastside. I relax by listening to novels on my iPod, Admiring sunsets and beautiful gardens that I have not looked after, and learning about new people and places.

Rick Johnson

Minister at Lane Cove Uniting. Part-time preacher at Forbes Uniting (every 6 weeks). Interests include music (guitar) and 4 WD travelling.

Andy Corkill

Andy’s moved between cities and has lived in Perth, Melbourne, New York, and has returned to Sydney where he lives with his wife Felicity, little daughter Jacquie and tabby cat, Pounce. When Andy isn’t studying, working, reading or playing with Jacquie, you’ll probably find him in the kitchen making sourdough bread.

Steve Larkin

Minister currently at Port Macquarie Uniting Church. Ministered in The Monaro, Tuggeranong, then Perth in various positions.

Ashley Ray

I am from Bulahdelah Uniting Church. I am a current serving Police Officer . I truly love being a fatter and husband.

Myeongcheol Oh

John is a Candidate for Ministry of the Word at Uniting Theological College, North Parramatta. He also preaches at Turramurra Uniting church - see https://www.turramurrauniting.org.au/sermon-speaker/myeongcheol-john-oh/

Karyl Davison

For the last 5 1⁄2 years, I’ve been one of the ministers at Kippax Uniting Church. In addition to an active congregation, we also run a community service organisation, UnitingCare Kippax, which seeks to provide assistance for some of the more vulnerable members of the West Belconnen community. This interaction with people who are doing it really tough has the effect of focusing on the need for a more equitable society.

Anton Dykman

I am now officially retired from the Ministry but am still involved in taking services on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where I live with my wife Nerolie. I have recently become a grandfather and enjoy spending time with my grandson and taking him for walks along Collaroy Beach.

Ian Sharp

Retired and living in Wauchope NSW. Interests are gardening, woodworking, metal work, camping, photography, cooking, fishing, spending time with my family and a few others. Member of both the Mid North Coast Presbytery and Wauchope Church Council. My passion is meeting with people in their own space and listening to their story.

Kevin Kwang Min Kim

Minister within the Turramurra Uniting Church. Passion for ministry among young families and pastoral care. Enjoys playing tennis and spending time with family.

Phil Swain

Phil has been the minister at Turramurra Uniting Church for the past 5 years. Phil has spent his formative teenage years in rural NSW, growing up in a small country town (Coolamon). He is married with 3 young adult kids (who all still live at home) and spends his time being with people (which he loves) and being on his computer (which he also loves).

Paul Cameron

Retired minister of the Word living in Dargan and Leura.

Ross Neville

Retired, Pastor, Board of Mission and Evangelism, Lay Preacher, elder. Ministry Upper Hunter, Rural NSW, Coonamble, Parkes, Forbes.

Leon Kruger

As you might pick from my accent, I am originally from South Africa. We moved to Australia in 2011 and spent the first 2 years in Albany, WA, before moving to Sydney. Married for 31 years and have 3 adult children and 1 grandson. I used to minister in a parish ministry from 1995-2017, and then became a Chaplain in 2018. I love sport, the outdoors, and a good BBQ. I collect diecast airplanes. My passion in ministry is to share the compassion of Jesus with vulnerable people

David Manton

David Manton OAM: Previously a Methodist and now a retired UCA Minister. Former Moderator of the NSW/ACT Synod, member of Bowral/Mittagong UCA. Grandfather and great grandfather, married to Frances.

Karyn Burchell-Thomas

Karyn is a retired Uniting Church minister. Her interests include Sewing, Gardening, Cheesemaking, Family, Friends, Food and Travel. She is passionate about First People's rights

Sue Pepper

I grew up in Eastwood (Sydney) and move to Newcastle when I married Warren more than 50 years ago.I love people and children's ministry is a passion of mine

Dermot Armstrong

I am a member of Wesley Castle Hill UCA. I am a retired solicitor and have been lay preaching for more than 10 years. I do (wonderful) courses as an Audit student at UTC. I simply like to be useful! I have a major concern that we are in transition from our traditional church to some new way of journeying in faith, a faith based in Jesus. How can we enable that?

Rick Bollen

Pastor Ric Bollen Involved with Pittwater Uniting Church, retired, love to travel with our caravan, heading to Queensland for the winter, married, children, grandchildren, golf and bike riding

Mel MacArthur

Retired UCA Minister; university researcher with an ongoing interest in relating scripture to his studies in philosophy and English literature; multi-day remote area bushwalker; pilgrim, by foot and bicycle, to sacred sites world-wide.

John Queripel

I am an author completing my 4th book, “Christ and Budda: Comparison and Contrast” soon to be published. I also contribute to journals and newspapers of geo-political issues. I enjoy reading, writing and am now a retired (too old) surfboard rider.

Ann Perrin

Ann is Mission Facilitation Consultant Rural Regional Focus a member of the Mission Enablement Team. Part of the Synod’s resourcing of rural regional NSW/ACT through Uniting Mission and Education. Ann is available for mission consultations for congregations in rural regional NSW.

Daniel Gibb

Daniel is a Children’s and Youth Worker at Turramurra Uniting Church. Having been involved in Children’s and Youth ministry for many years, Daniel has a passion for helping young people grow and develop their faith. Daniel enjoys watching TV, playing board games and spending time with his wife.

James Ellis

Life-long member of the Uniting Church who attends Tuggeranong congregation in the Canberra Region presbytery. James is passionate about how we worship as the body of Christ in the 21st Century and has had a long interest in preaching.

David Toogood

David Toogood is an Education and Resourcing officer for the Pulse Team at Uniting Education and Mission – working on training leaders and young people to lead across the spectrum of the Uniting Church in NSW/ACT Synod. When not at work he loves hiking, music, and cooking plant-based food.

Kira Mileham

Dr Kira Mileham Is employed by “The Union for the Conservation of Nature” as the Global director of Strategic Partnerships for the Species Survival Commission. She is a congregational member of New Lambton Uniting Church in Newcastle. She is a qualified Science Communicator and holds a life-long passion for creation and wildlife. Kira finds peace, joy, and connection with her faith when she is camping, walking her dogs in the Aussie bush or galivanting around the world watching any kind of wildlife.

Geoff Stevenson

I live in Old Toongabbie with my wife, Susan and our 2 dogs, Nico and Nessa. I am the Chairperson-Mission Strategist of Parramatta-Nepean Presbytery and I love to share with congregations around mission and living as God’s people in the world, sharing hope, peace, and love. I enjoy walking the dogs, playing music (saxophone and guitar) photography and sports (mainly football-soccer).

John Cox

I am married with 6 children and 7 grandchildren. I am a retired Uniting Church minister living in Wentworth Falls and attend Leura Uniting Church. I enjoy my family, traveling, gardening, photography, music jazz and classical, movies, art including aboriginal art, reading, food and wine.

Ian Pearson

Best known for his 10 years in placement at Pitt Street Uniting Church, Ian has spent all his 38 years of vocational ministry in Parish work. He now lives in both Strathfield (near his daughters and granddaughters) and Katoomba (near wonder-filled mountain walks). He is an active member of our Leura Uniting Church. Ian’s passions include: The Matildas, rugby league, plane spotting, travel, and exploring the wideness of God’s grace.

Miriam Pepper

Dr Miriam Pepper is a social researcher with NCLS Research, a long-standing member of Uniting Eco Group, and secretary of the Forest Advocacy Ministry Committee.

Gareth Thomas-Burchell

Gareth is a retired UCA minister. His interests include making beer, cheese and scale plastic models of World War 2 planes. His other other activities include swimming and gardening. His passion is First People's rights

Sharon Hoogland

Mrs Sharon Hoogland Sharon Hoogland OAM: ordained deaconess in the Presbyterian Church prior to union, member of the Bowral/Mittagong UCA, keen sewer, baker, knitter, formally worked at Mission Australia and Wesley Mission, Sydney, mother of three grown up boys, married to Jon.

John Squires

I am a UCA Minister who has served for over 4 decades in congregational and presbytery roles, as well as Senior lecturer in Biblical Studies at UTC, Parramatta, and Principal of Perth Theological Hall WA. I am currently the Editor of With Love to the World and blog regularly at An Informed Faith (https:johnsquires.com) and enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle in retirement.

Mitch Forbes

Rev Mitch Forbes Mitch is the Minister at New Lambton Uniting Church. In 2017 Mitch founded the experimental Christian Community called NewCity. NewCity now meets as a ministry of New Lambton UCA. He regularly appears on the Spiritual Misfits podcast and has been a guest presenter for Common Grace, CAP and Consumes. He has a wife and 3 kids and loves Marilynne Robinson, drinking and making coffee, beer, listening, thinking, and speaking.

Garry Derkenne

Garry is a Uniting Church Minister in active retirement, having served congregations in the Riverina, Central West, Northwest Sydney and as a Chaplain with Uniting Communities. With his wife Christine, they have 12 grandchildren in Newcastle, Sydney, Darwin and Des Moines Iowa, and love spending time with them. He likes gardening. He is on Church Council at Adamstown UCA in the NSW/ACT Synod, where the church is developing an open and relational congregation, growing in numbers with younger age profile.

Keith Hamilton

I am a Uniting Church Minister currently in placement at Bathurst Uniting Church NSW.

James Aaron

I am a Minister doing supply with the Pulse Team. I have been a musician, worked in corporate roles and then came into Ministry through formation and now have been ordained for 6 and a bit years. I ‘work out’ and am also a qualified Personal Trainer, which I get to do for fun outside of the Church, mostly.

David Chegwidden

David is retired, a Lay Preacher and a member of Charlestown Garden Suburb Uniting Church. He is very involved in both the local church and in the Presbytery. He attends a Men’s Shed in the suburb, Windale, and enjoys tinkering there with the other guys. He is married to Laraine and they have 2 adult married children that live some distance away.

Elizabeth Raine

I am a Uniting Church Minister who has served the church as a School Chaplain, Tenants Rights Worker, Presbytery Minister, Intentional Interim Minister, Theological College lecturer, Adult Education Teacher, and Congregational Minister. I am enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle as a “retired” Minister

Somerset Drayton

I am the youth pastor at Willoughby and Northbridge Uniting Church. As a creative person I'm always doing something in that field, so when I am not preaching or running youth groups I am usually painting, drawing or writing. Writing, art and creative pursuits in general are my way of connecting very deeply with God as well as my favourite ways to blow off steam.

Ella Evans

I work as the youth and young adults pastor at Glenbrook Uniting Church, in the lower Blue Mountains. I love bushwalking in the beautiful national park around where I live, reading murder mysteries, and scheming ridiculous new games for our youth group and our state Uniting Youth Camp (if you’re a highschooler - you should come!)

Simon Lee

I am one of the ministers at Pittwater Uniting Church. Recently, travelled around Australia, exploring this amazing vast land we call home.

Liam Miller

I am currently in placement on Garigal and Gayamaygal land with The Forest Kirk Uniting Church. I have two young daughters, the eldest of whom is in primary school, and I am completing a PhD with Charles Sturt University which is exploring the task of Christian Doctrine in conversation with theatre and adaptation

Joyce Tangi

Pastor Sosiona Joyce Tangi lives on the lands of the Baramattagal Peoples on Durug Nation. Her passions include laughing and empowering young people! Interests include reading, being with her family, and spending time adventuring into new places! She is a second generation Tongan Australian who loves her big family. She is very much a woman of the ocean who also enjoys reading Australian fiction books and listening to live music.

Greg McConnell

Rev Greg McConnell Minister in Placement at St Luke’s Uniting Church, Belmont NSW in The Hunter Presbytery, NSW/ACT Synod.

Andrew Cunningham

Rev Andrew Cunningham Living in Orange, NSW where I am the minister in placement. I’m originally from Ireland where I most recently served as a Methodist minister. I love spending time with family, watching funny things on TV and, when possible, being outside. I like looking forward to the next trip away with my family.

Cherie Strudwick

Cherie is the Pastoral Relations Minister for the Mid North Coast Presbytery and has a passion for making Christ real in the lives of people. She is a mother of 3 and grandmother of 8. In her leisure time she loves to paint and create. See: cheriestrudwick.com

Kim Langford

Kim serves as a Uniting Church Chaplain at the University of Newcastle. Her professional experience includes adult education, human services, research, counselling, pastoral supervision, congregational ministry, and spiritual care. She enjoys encouraging people’s growth as unique and fully alive humans. For replenishment and fun, she reads/writes fiction, explores family history, plays music, hangs out with loved ones, and wanders around the beautiful bush and waterways of Lake Macquarie.

Laraine Chegwidden

Laraine is a lay presenter on Project Reconnect and musician at Charlestown NSW

Murray Lund

Murray is a Navy Chaplain (Retired from full time but still working as a Reservist occasionally) and is a Uniting Church Minister. He worships at new Lambton Uniting Church and is a keen yachtie!. I am a passionate yachtie, sports car enthusiast and road cyclist

Sanghyeon Nam

Rev Nam came from South Korea with his wife 13 years ago and they now have two daughters. He has been serving the Forestville UC since June. He is interested in spirituality, church, the next generation ministry, and cross-cultural ministry and is making various attempts while learning He is 41 years old, from South Korea, husband, also a father of two daughters, a church minister of Forestville UCA and a Christian following the truth. Above all, I am trying to live how Jesus wants people to live in this society as one of Korean-Australian.

Jon Humphries

Jon is ministry leader at St Matthew ‘s Uniting Church Baulkham Hills. He has been in placement since October 2023. He is passionate about creative ways of engaging with God. Jon was the National Advocate for the UCA Assembly’s Transforming Worship Circle of Interest until the Assembly in July this year. He also has a passion for wellbeing and flourishing. His favourite way to look after his wellbeing and recharge his spirit is to go kayaking.

Leisl Homes

I am currently working part-time as an advocate for people with a disability. I am a 1st Year candidate for ministry studying at the UTC in Sydney. I have been married for 2 ½ years to my lovely husband Hilton. I am passionate about Aboriginal reconciliation, people being empowered to live full and fulfilling lives, no matter their situation, and for all people to know God’s love for them.

Elliot Burns

I live in Lambton, a suburb of Newcastle, with my wife, one of our adult sons our dog. I am part of Jesmond Park Uniting Church. I love playing watching sport. My favourite exercise is riding my pushbike. I also enjoy practical tasks like restoration of old cars. After 8 years my 1934 MG has just achieved road registration.

Michael Earl

Current Minister in placement at Bowral/Mittagong UCA (11years), formally minister at Wesley Mission, Sydney (4years), keen cyclist, chess player, and father of 4 growing children, married to Lucy.

Cathy Beeton

Children and Family worker for Charlestown Uniting Church. I hav e a passion fro children hearing the word of God though SRE, playgroup, Children's Holiday Clubs. My interest are my family, reading and gardening.

Rod Pattenden

Rod Pattenden works part time as Mission Development Consultant in The Hunter Presbytery of the UCA and also has a studio practice as an artist and painter.

Allison Forest

A 2nd year candidate for the ministry of Deacon in the UCA. Always lived in Sydney and spent most of my adult life in the inner city, before moving here to Centre for Ministry. I love the space and natural environment here, and enjoy walking in the nearby bush. I have been an early childhood teacher, mission worker, church and university administrator, and have qualifications in English, education, philosophy and TESOL. I was studying to be a librarian when God changed my life by calling me into formation! I love to learn and studying theology is definitely my happy place! I also enjoy practising yoga, singing, knitting, bushwalking, cooking (especially dinners for friends!), and learning to become a gardener.

Rob Hanks

Rob is a Minister of the Word at the Hamilton Uniting Church in The Hunter Presbytery, with a background of 30 years in ministry with young people and a focus on the church’s participation in God’s mission. Rob’s interests include: stories, sport, movies and music.

Greer Hudson

Since Easter this year, she has been the Minister at Adamstown UCA in Newcastle, a vibrant and inclusive church that focuses on faith, creativity, and justice. Greer has 20 years of experience in ministry in congregational, school and Synod roles. As a trained InterPlay facilitator, Greer is passionate about embodied spiritual practice, and the convergence between spirituality and creativity. She is a dancer, art-maker, mother, and an extrovert who relishes her alone time.

Tom Stuart

Rev Tom Stuart Minister of the Charlestown and Garden Suburb Congregation. Celebrating this year 40 years of marriage and 31 years of ministry. Past placements include Nyngan, Gloucester,and Parkes. I started out ministry as a youth worker in Griffith, and then as a Lay pastor at Menindee. These days I am spending more time doing spiritual practices, which gives me a greater opportunity of seeing what God wants me to do rather than having my sensibilities being consumed by day-to-day life.

Maria Williams

Maria has the inspiration and dedication to produce our animations. She is a retired primary school principal, with a passion for teaching children and adults. Her interests include ; exploring my faith, reading, and (when it is safe to do so), A cappella singing and choral directing.

Allison Forrest

A 2nd year candidate for the ministry of Deacon in the UCA. Always lived in Sydney and spent most of my adult life in the inner city, before moving here to Centre for Ministry. I love the space and natural environment here, and enjoy walking in the nearby bush. I have been an early childhood teacher, mission worker, church and university administrator, and have qualifications in English, education, philosophy and TESOL. I was studying to be a librarian when God changed my life by calling me into formation! I love to learn and studying theology is definitely my happy place! I also enjoy practicing yoga, singing, knitting, bushwalking, cooking (especially dinners for friends!), and learning to become a gardener.

Tau'alofa Anga'aelangi

Tertiary Chaplain at Charles Sturt University - a ministry of the Port Macquarie Tau'alofa is a newly ordained deacon in the NSW/ACT Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia. She is currently serving as a tertiary chaplain at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie. She loves a good book at the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Lothar Nowak

Born in Germany and came to Australia in 1950 as a young child. Now retired. Worked in a coal testing laboratory. Married with 2 boys and four grandsons and one great granddaughter. Love Sci-Fi books and movies. Love music: sing and play guitar and write songs.

Carolyn Sharp

I currently live in Wauchope on the Mid North coast and am Treasurer on the Church Council as well as leading some services. I’m a Mum and a Granny. I love catching up with our widespread family as often as I can. I enjoy reading, gardening, walking, knitting, crochet and puzzles and I am looking forward to seeing more of Australia

Geoff Battle

Pastor at Forster Tuncurry UCA in NSW. Prior to being a pastor, I was a funeral director for 10 years and prior to that, a loans officer in CBA. I love cycling and wish I could find time to do more of it

Paul Simpson

I grew up in Hornsby Heights and went to Kuringai Creative Arts High School. I met my wife Amy in 1999 whilst leading at a Vision Valley kid’s camp – we now have two young boys and a pair of cavoodles. My spare time is often spent gaming, at the skate park with the boys or spending time with Amy. I love music, free time and Facebook market place. I joined the PUC team in 2015.

Stephen White

I am married with 3 grown up children, two granddaughters and one grandson. I am a retired Railway Rolling Stock Engineer living in the Blue Mountains in NSW. My wife and I like traveling around Australia as well as seeing other parts of God’s beautiful world. I am a Lay Preacher in the Leura Uniting Church. I have an interest in old cars and drive a 1976 Triumph Stag and enjoy spending time with other members of the car club. I am a member of the Rural Fire Services and the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group

Glenda Downie

Glenda is an experienced Family Worker with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions and industry. Skilled in Government, Emergency Management, Children's Ministry, Environmental Awareness, and Management. Strong community and social services professional with a Bachelor's Degree focused in Applied Science- Environmental Health from University of Western Sydney.

Josh McPaul

Minister in Placement at Northern Illawarra Uniting Church, just north of Wollongong. I am married to Robin, a teacher who comes from California, USA. I spent most of my working life in the US, helping to start a church in Oakland, California, focused on racial reconciliation. I love living near Wollongong, close to family – swimming, kayaking, and camping up and down the coast.

Alan Robinson

Rev Alan Robinson Alan is a retired Uniting Church Minister living in Orange with his wife Sharyn. He has recently completed a series of four children’s picture books called ‘Grandpa’s Farm”.

John Barker

Minister in Northern Beaches Uniting Church, Sydney-part of a multi-site centre comprising Balgowlah, Manley, Cromer and Freshwater. Married to my wife Joanna with 4 adult sons aged from 18-28. My interest is Theology and just completed a Masters at UTC – I am a lifelong learner! My sporting interests are surfing – I used to watch for the kids in the water and now they look out for me!!

Bill Loader

Retired Professor of New Testament and UCA Minister, William (Bill) Loader is a retired UCA minister and Professor of New Testament, now living in Orange. He taught for 40 years in the Perth Theological Hall and at Murdoch University. He has written many books on the gospels, sexual issues, and early Judaism. He also has a website with a wide range of resources from children’s stories to weekly commentaries on the lectionary: wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader