OUR CHURCH AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR

In the Hamilton Uniting Church hang two large banners which proclaim the basis for our ministry in the City of Newcastle: WESLEY ON BEAUMONT SERVING OUR COMMUNITY. Located on the edge of the inner city in the 'eat street 'of Newcastle, the church holds strongly th the Uniting Church ethos of welcome and acceptance to all. This is also expressed by the Safe Place statement at the door which reads as follows:

"The Uniting Church in Australia believes that all people are made in the image of God, and as such we accept every individual regardless of race, age, creed or gender. As a Christian Community we believe that God reaches out to us in love and acceptance, and that our relationships with each other should express love and respect and should not be abused. As a community of faith we are committed to providing a place in society where human beings can explore what it means to be made in the image of God. As an expression of this commitment, the Uniting Church in Australia recognises its responsibility to provide worshipping and pastoral comunities that are free from abuse, and that provide safe environments for all people to explore and express their faith in the Gospel."

The congregation recently affirmed the following statement to encapsulate what we are on about. "Unconditional hospitality, Inclusive worship, faithful service"

Unconditional hospitality means that people are welcome irrespective of difference, for example, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, economic status. In this way we aim to be a community that emulates the spirit with which Jesus reached out to the people of his day. We trust that in so doing we may be able to create a healing space where Christ can work in our lives and the lives of all who come to bring about healing and positive transformation