Embracing the New

By Rev Cheryl Wilson

The Ascot Community Uniting Church was formed in 1997 by the coming together of four Uniting Church congregations: Clovelly Park, Ascot Park, Plympton Park and St Stephens Edwardstown.

Many of the members of those original congregations chose to join the newly formed Ascot Community UC in Fifth Avenue, Ascot Park, however some went elsewhere, including the nearby Vermont Uniting Church on Cross Road, Plympton.

Both of these congregations have been strong but small churches over the years, each with an emphasis on community building and local outreach, especially with people from a variety of cultures. Ascot Community has hosted other congregations of various backgrounds, English speaking groups, and provided hospitality and support to new migrants and international students. Vermont has had close connections to a large Fijian congregation for many years.

During 2021, with an ageing congregation, Vermont UC decided that they could not continue in their current form. With the help of the Presbytery of Southern SA and the Uniting Church Synod of South

Australia, they incorporated the Fijian group into their existing congregation, working with them to take over responsibility for worship and spiritual oversight, Church Council, and the Vermont Church property. A ‘Transitional Service’ was held in November 2022 and the congregation became the Vermont Uniting Church Fijian Congregation. This was a time of great celebration of the work of God over many years, and the on-going hope for the continuation of God’s mission in that place.

As this transition has occurred, many of the members of the Vermont UC have chosen to move to the nearby Ascot Community UC. Here they have found welcome and hospitality, and they have been warmly embraced into the life of their new community. On Sunday, 23rd April, 2023, twenty new members from the previous Vermont congregation were welcomed into the Ascot Community congregation.

This is a time of transition for the Ascot congregation too, as we celebrate the work of God’s Spirit in our midst and the contribution that new people bring. In the last year, our congregation has also grown through newcomers to our local area and people reconnecting with the church. We are now seeking ways to be the body of Christ in a new context, realising that this might mean letting go of old traditions and embracing new ones. We are grateful for the involvement of each of these people, and the gifts and skills they bring to enable us to consider what new opportunities God might have for us. We are excited to see where God will lead us next!