Lay Worship Teams

The Synod Lay Preachers' Association supports and encourages the ministry of Lay Preachers throughout the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.

The 2012 annual conference offers excellent and engaging speakers, and great opportunities to meet and share with Lay Preachers from across the Synod. 

The periodic journal "Witness" includes notice of events, reports from each Presbytery representative, books for lay preachers, and other useful information. 

The manual "Called to Preach" includes information about the training and accreditation of Lay Preachers, and the ongoing responsibilities of accredited Lay Preachers, Ministers and Church Councils regarding this specified ministry of the Uniting Church.

Continuing Education is an expectation upon every Lay Preacher, and is self-directed. The Lay Preachers' Association awards certificates of Continuing Education to Lay Preachers who undertake sufficient activities over a two-year period. 

By-laws of the Lay Preachers' Association appear below for download. The Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice for Lay Preachers is another useful resource.

Consider supporting the restoration of the grave of the first Lay (Local) Preacher in Victoria, William Witton, through the purchase of the recent book by Rev Dr Barry Brown. 

What are they?

Lay Ministry Intensives are introductory theological studies aimed specifically at lay people involved in various forms of lay ministry. Four units of study are offered on a two year rotating program, and each unit also includes a focus on the practical skills needed for Preaching and leading Worship. Completing the four units meets the study requirements for Lay Preacher candidates. 

This page gathers links to useful online resources for Lay Preachers and lay worship leaders:

[Jill Tabart, President of the Lay Preachers' Association, preaching in the  chapel of the Centre for Theology and Ministry (CTM), April 2011]

Why do we bother about copyright?

Copyright laws exist in order to support artists/authors who produce artistic works, and whose royalties provide their income. There is a lot of legal complexity which supports this, but that is the core intent of all our effort. Artistic works may include song words, song tunes or music, poems, photos, music, videos, paintings, etc.

Note that the performance of music by churches in worship services, weddings, and funerals – whether in a church or other setting – is granted a specific voluntary exemption from copyright licensing.

Information regarding John J. Williams' "1001+ images" library

General:

This library contains 1271 pictures, virtually all taken by John J. Williams. Two pictures of clouds were provided by John's daughter Jay, and 15 rainbow pics were been added by Greg Fry, otherwise all the photos are John's and therefore any copyright matters are his for those pictures.   

The images are intended for use as either a background  screen or as an illustration for worship service segments, such as children’s talks, and as such, free use may be made with general acknowledgement given on the screen at the conclusion of the service.   Permission must be given for any other form of publication. 

 

View the images at 1001images.unitingchurch.org.au

To contact John or request permission for other uses, contact:

John J. Williams, 7 Page Street, MITCHAM  Vic.  3132

Phone: (03) 9874 3957   Email: johnmargwill [at] netspace [dot] net [dot] au

 

Suggested Copyright notice:

"Image copyright John J. Williams. Used with permission. One of the 1001+ images available at 1001images.unitingchurch.org.au"

"Witness" is the journal of the Lay Preachers' Association of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. 

 

CENTRE FOR THEOLOGY & MINISTRY

LAY EDUCATION GRANTS POLICY