Who we are

Culture/Values

Dapto Uniting Church is a welcoming, inclusive community, to people of all nationalities and cultures, trusting in and serving Jesus Christ.

Our Values are:

·      Welcoming: We strive to create a warm and inclusive environment where all people feel valued, accepted, and encouraged to connect with God and our community.

·      Hospitable: We seek to extend kindness and generosity to all, offering a safe and nurturing space where everyone feels at home and experiences genuine care.

·      Open to Change: We embrace new ideas, concepts, and approaches to mission, seeking fresh ways to share God's love and serve our community.

·      Multicultural: We celebrate the diversity of God’s people, embracing and valuing different cultures as we worship, serve, and grow together in faith.

·      Caring: We aim to show Christ’s love by offering compassion, support, and inclusion, especially to the lonely and marginalised, ensuring that no one is forgotten or left behind.

·      Flexible: We adapt to the changing needs of our community and mission, remaining open to new opportunities and responsive to God’s guidance.

·      Relationship-Oriented: We prioritise genuine connections, fostering love, trust, and support in our church and wider community as we grow together in faith.

·      Reliance on God: Trusting in and sharing the transformative hope, encouragement, and assurance that God brings to every aspect of life, offering a foundation of faith and strength in all circumstances.

Worship and morning tea after Services

To be God’s Church, God’s people.

·      People build strong connections, experience a sense of belonging, grow in faith, and become part of a caring and supportive community.

·      People find encouragement and support in their faith journey.

·      Opportunities for deeper relationships and shared experiences.

Every Sunday morning at 9:30 am.

Music Team, Minister, Youth and Sunday’s Cool occasional participation, Rostered service volunteers

·      Rev Keunil Ko.

·      Elders.

·      Youth Leaders.

·      Church Council.

Youth Group and Sunday’s Cool

To nurture and support children and young people as they explore faith, grow in their understanding of God’s love, and develop a strong foundation for their spiritual journey

·      Our children and youth growing in faith, confidence, and discipleship.

On the first and third Saturdays of each month during school term and on Sunday mornings concurrent with the worship service.

Youth Group and Sunday’s Cool gatherings include activities imparting Christian faith and values.

Occasionally having the young people participate in the leadership of the worship service.

·      Poasi Fisiliu.

·      Melé Fisiliu.

·      Poini Fisiliu

Pastoral Carers

To assist the minister and Elders to nurture and engage all congregation members.

·      All members receive regular pastoral care, keeping the church informed, robust and unified.

Bimonthly meeting of pastoral carers and ongoing contact and care for the congregation.

Volunteers.

Minister and Elders

Bible Studies

To grow people in Faith, Understanding and application of the Bible.

People growing in the sense of being missional.

·      Building meaningful connections with one another.

·      Deepening understanding of the Bible and Christian faith.

·      Growing in a faith that is both informed and lived out in daily life.

·      Tuesdays during school term at the church.

·      By Zoom twice a month.

Leaders.

·      Rev Keunil Ko,

·      Pat Harrison.

Zoom Chat

An online space where people can meet in the safety of their own homes to enjoy each other’s company, chat, share and pray.

·      Allows access to fellowship for some who are unable to gather in person, as well as other church and community members.

·      Share our successes, troubles, and joys.

Fridays at 10:00 am. Alternates with the online Bible Study

Zoom.

·      Rev Keunil Ko.

Caring Friends Group

To lift the spirits of participating members through receiving cards and letters.

·      Each participant is allocated a caring friend who will send encouragement.

Regular correspondence and a meeting at the end of the year

Enough people participating to share the experiences.

·      Janet Parnell

Men’s Fellowship

To create a welcoming space where men can connect, share life’s journey, and enjoy friendship and support through social gatherings and meaningful fellowship.

·      A supportive space where men can share experiences, encourage one another, and grow together.

·      A place for relaxation and enjoyment, where men can unwind and take a break from daily pressures in a welcoming environment.

·      Stronger friendships and a sense of belonging within the church.

·      Welcome and encourage men from the community as well as those who have not attended church for a time.

On the second Thursday evening of each month except January and December.

Leaders.

Games and equipment.

·      Rob Zeme.

·      Fred Badman

Christmas Lunch

A community Christmas lunch where everyone is welcome. This event will offer a warm and inclusive space for those seeking connection, friendship, and a sense of belonging during the holiday season, particularly those who do not have family at this time.

·      Community relationships providing friendship and support to those who need it.

·      Foster meaningful connections with our community, offering support and kindness – especially at Christmas – and extending a warm invitation for people to engage with our church family throughout the year.

Possibly on Christmas Day or near that time.

·      Donations.

·      Food.

·      Volunteers

·      Minister.

·      Elders.

·      Church Council.

·      Volunteers

Community Gathering

Provide a friendly event and meal for the community and church, including all age groups.

·      The gathering seeks to provide a fresh approach to building the church’s future.

·      Fostering outreach opportunities.

·      These monthly social events are designed to strengthen connections among members and with the community.

·      Serve as a welcoming space for new individuals to join and engage with the church.

Third Friday evening of each month at 5:00 pm except December, January and public holidays.

·      Craft supplies and ideas.

·      Games.

·      Donated food.

·      Volunteers.

·      Rev Keunil Ko.

·      Youth Group Leadership.

·      Elders.

·      Church Council.

·      New people from the Gathering.

Craft Group

To create a warm and inclusive space where people can enjoy their craft, form meaningful friendships, and make a difference by contributing handmade items to charities and mission projects.
To share in Christian devotions, offering encouragement and reflection, while gently nurturing connections with faith and the life of the Church.

·      A sense of purpose and fulfillment through using creative skills to help others.

·      Meaningful contributions to charities and mission projects, providing comfort and support to those in need.

·      A space for relaxation and creativity, promoting well-being and personal enjoyment.

·      Increased connections between the church and the wider community, fostering inclusivity and goodwill.

·      We are looking to help this group become a bridge between the church and the community, creating opportunities for friendships to grow and for members to experience God’s love in a welcoming and supportive space.

Weekly on Tuesday mornings.

Invite members of this group to come to special services and other church activities to include them more in the life of the church.

·      Sue Athey.

·      Penny Green.

·      Chris Francis

Heart & Soul Exercise

To provide a time and space for looking after the bodies God has given us through exercise to music including some Christian tracks. To welcome community to this activity as well as church members.

·      Improved physical fitness and social engagement with one another.

·      Connection between the church and the community.

·      Communication of Christian values through the music and general caring within the group.

·      Donations of food are collected and given to Need a Feed and Lifeline Community program, engendering generosity and ensuring a sense of care for the wider community.

·      Our aim is to support this group in becoming a connection point between the church and the community, fostering meaningful relationships and providing a warm, inclusive environment where members can experience God’s love and grow together.

·      Monday mornings at the church hall for 7 or 8 weeks per school term.

·      Other days by Zoom.

·      Trained Fitness Leader.

·      An assistant.

·      Music.

·      Sound system with headset microphone

·      Janet Hyam.

·      Les Smith

Market Day

·      To foster connection, generosity, and outreach.

·      To creates a welcoming space where community members can come together, not only to purchase goods but also to connect with one another and build lasting relationships.

·      To reflect our values of being welcoming and caring, offering an opportunity to extend Christ’s love in practical and meaningful ways.

·      To celebrate diverse talents and contributions.

·      To provide additional funds to support the church’s needs as a secondary benefit to mission.

·      The Market serves as a vibrant hub for local church members and community stallholders, offering them a platform to showcase their talents and products.

·      It not only bolsters economic vitality but also celebrates creativity within our community.

·      The market generates essential resources to support our church's ministries and outreach programs.

·      This monthly event fosters a sense of unity and belonging.

·      It creates an environment where relationships flourish, goodwill is nurtured, and the bonds of a caring community are strengthened.

·      Through volunteering for the Market, church members come together to build friendships, spark collaborations, and embrace opportunities for both personal and spiritual growth, while gaining a deeper understanding of service, generosity, and encouragement.

·      We are looking to find more ways to connect this activity with our church in greater ways, creating more opportunities for DUC and the community to engage.

The first Saturday of each month except January, 7:00 AM setup, Market 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

·      Volunteers.

·      Cakes and other donated goods.

·      Stall holders.

·      People assisting in setup and pack up.

·      People attending the market.

·      Invite patrons and stallholders to attend activities, events and worship services at the church.

Market Coordinators:

·      Anne Pallas.

·      Janet Hyam

Op Shop

·      Serves the community by providing affordable goods, providing help with cost of living pressures.

·      Operate our Op Shop with care for people and the planet.

·      Provides a space for interaction for customers to chat with volunteer workers.

·      Offers a place for people from the community and congregation to volunteer and use their time in a meaningful way.

·      Provides income for the missions of the congregation and to give to other missions.

·      Reuses or repurposes goods, which is beneficial to the environment and lowers the impact on landfill.

·      Supports people as needs arise by being a place of pastoral engagement.

·      Provides donations to other missions.

·      Provides other engagement that could connect relationally with people.

·      Facilitates a ministry for volunteers.

·      Networks with other charities and welfare providers to serve the needs of the local community by mutual referrals.

·      We are looking to help this activity become a bridge between the church and the community, creating opportunities for people to experience God’s love in a welcoming and supportive space.

·      We are looking to inspire more volunteers from the community to join our team.

Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

·      Shop.

·      Volunteer Manager.

·      Shop volunteers.

·      Plentiful supply of donated goods.

·      Invite patrons and volunteers to church events and activities.

The Op Shop Committee:

·      Minister,

·      Cliff Hughes,

·      Carole Burns,

·      Janet Hyam,

·      Jim Nixon,

·      Pat Armstrong,

·      Rob Zeme,

·      Robyn Thompson,

·      Ros Nixon.

New Op Shop Building on Church Property

·      To expand the Op Shop's ministry & mission and strengthen and centralise its impact by building dedicated facilities on church grounds, enabling deeper community connections and enhanced outreach opportunities.

·      To ensure the sustainability of the Op Shop mission.

·      The new Op Shop will improve its visibility, accessibility, and association with the church by relocating to purpose-built premises on church grounds.

·      It will foster stronger community engagement and outreach.

·      By eliminating rent expenses, more funds can support the church’s mission and ministry.

·      The new location and facilities will improve safety, convenience, and operational efficiency for volunteers and patrons.

·      This project will also create long-term value for the church as a versatile asset and an opportunity to inspire new volunteers and expand its missional impact.

·      Sustainability enhanced by no longer paying commercial rent.

·      A Community Building Grant Application was submitted in January 2025, and the result will be announced in August 2025.

·      The project will only proceed once all finance required is confirmed.

·      If we are successful in our Grant application, the funds from the grant will be available from October 2025. We will then begin the process of obtaining quotes and appointing a builder for the project.

·      We will aim to have the project completed and the New Op Shop operational by June/July 2026.

·      Secure all necessary approvals.

·      Finalise financing.

·      Tender construction by late-2025.

·      Continuing prayerful discernment.

·      Engagement with stakeholders throughout.

·      Janet Hyam as coordinator/driver of the project with assistance from:

·      Cliff Hughes.

·      Les Smith.

·      Rev Keunil Ko Minister.

·      Jim Nixon & John Shepherd from the Finance and Property Committee will assist Janet Hyam during the construction phase.

Op Shop Sorting

·      To perform the practical task of organising donations for the Op Shop.

·      To serve as a tangible expression of our commitment to community care and stewardship.

·      To ensure that every item is thoughtfully sorted and prepared, to honour both the generosity of our donors and the dignity of those who will benefit from these contributions.

·      To reflect our faith in action, by demonstrating love and service in a way that uplifts all who are involved.

·      To use the Sorting Day as a social support for the volunteers involved.

·      The Sorting Day brings about numerous positive outcomes. Practically, it allows the Op Shop to maintain high standards in the quality of goods it offers.

·      Beyond the tasks themselves, Sorting Day builds a stronger sense of shared purpose among volunteers.

·      It reminds the volunteers that even in the smallest acts of service, we contribute to the greater mission of extending care and compassion to those in need and helping the planet.

·      We are looking to inspire more volunteers from the community to join our team.

Every Thursday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

·      Volunteers.

·      Pricing guidelines.

·      Tubs for sorted clothes.

·      Space to store goods.

·      The Op Shop Committee have the overall responsibility.

At Sorting, various volunteers have some informal leadership roles, with regards to the types of sorting being carried out, including:

·      Carole Burns.

·      Sue Bayly.

·      Ros Nixon.

·      Other volunteers.

Stewardship of our Buildings

·      To steward the church’s buildings and resources faithfully by maintaining and utilising them for mission, ministry, and community engagement.

·      To offer facilities for hire.

·      To create spaces for both congregational and community activities.

·      To ensure that all resources support the mission of the church while generating income for sustainable ministry.

·      Strengthened relationships with community groups through hall hire, fostering connections with organisations such as the dance group, CWA, and Garden Club.

·      Increased opportunities for outreach as community members engage with church facilities, potentially drawing more people to church activities and ministry.

·      A sustainable and financially responsible use of resources, with income generated from hall hire and residential rental income used for mission and ministry.

·      Enhanced capacity for ministry activities as well-maintained facilities are vibrant hubs for both church and community use.

·      Growth in visibility and goodwill within the community as the church provides accessible, welcoming spaces for various groups and events.

·      Build bridges between the church and the community by inviting groups hiring the facilities to church events and activities.

Ongoing

·      Church and grounds.

·      Hall.

·      Residence for rent.

·      Op Shop (currently leased with plans for future construction on church grounds).

·      Minister’s residence.

Finance and Property Committee acting as a sub-committee of Church Council

Volunteers

·      To advance the church’s mission and ministry.

·      To cultivate a thriving volunteer culture by intentionally valuing their contributions.

·      To celebrate their service and therefore provide meaningful support.

·      To equip them to serve effectively, safely, and joyfully.

·      Improved volunteer safety and effectiveness through adherence to established policies and procedures.

·      Increased volunteer engagement and satisfaction as their contributions are valued and celebrated.

·      Enhanced capacity for church ministries and outreach programs enabled by a supported volunteer base.

·      Strengthened connections within the church community as volunteers feel acknowledged in their roles.

·      Deeper relationships between volunteers, leadership, and congregation through mutual trust and collaboration.

·      Expanded outreach as volunteers serve as ambassadors of the church's mission within the wider community.

·      Sustained ministry impact through the development of a dedicated, empowered, and capable volunteer network.

·      A growing pool of volunteers inspired by effective management and the church’s commitment to their wellbeing.

·      Greater confidence among volunteers, enabling them to take on more significant roles and responsibilities.

Ongoing.

Volunteer Policy and Procedures approved by Church Council.

·      Church Council.

·      Volunteer Coordinator.

·      Activity Leaders