Planted in Unity, Growing in Grace: The Story of Blacktown Regional Uniting Church

Just over two years ago, two congregations — Blacktown Uniting and Grantham Heights Uniting — came together to form a single worshipping community: Blacktown Regional Uniting Church (BRUC). This joyful union marked the beginning of a new chapter, shaped by listening deeply to one another and to the Spirit. What emerged was a vibrant, intergenerational and intercultural church grounded in shared purpose and strong relationships.

From the outset, the congregation committed to a mission planning process, gathering 490 pieces of input from members and community partners. These reflections shaped BRUC’s vision and identified four core focus areas — affectionately called the ‘Petal Groups’ — symbolising growth, with Christ at the centre.

Worship and Discipleship

Today, BRUC is home to four worship groups: two multicultural services, one in Tongan, and another in Fijian. On special Sundays — from Pentecost to Frontier Services — the whole community comes together in celebration. Discipleship has also flourished, with the launch of new Sunday School programs, Bible studies in community languages, and participation in Uniting Mission and Education’s Living Our Faith Lay Preacher course. In every expression, worship is joyful, inclusive, and rooted in Uniting Church theology.

Community and Connection

BRUC’s vision of being a caring and inclusive community is lived out in the ordinary and the unexpected. Post-service morning teas are a weekly highlight, bringing people together in friendship and hospitality. Another standout is ‘Madminions’, a weekly badminton group for people aged 10 to 71 from six different cultural backgrounds. With encouragement, laughter, and coaching from Rev. Rodel Palma, the group continues to grow — often welcoming new members who simply wandered over from other courts and were invited in.

Serving the Wider Community

From local outreach to collaborative initiatives, BRUC’s discipleship extends well beyond Sunday. In partnership with local Catholic churches, the congregation recently welcomed a refugee family from Iran through the CRISP program. Their Hands and Feet ministry supplies fresh produce weekly to around 50 families — including ongoing support for Bidwill Uniting. And in response to health needs within the local Pasifika community, Pasifikare was born — a partnership with Blacktown Hospital to provide culturally safe, faith-filled support for those managing renal health.

Meanwhile, the community garden continues to be a place of welcome — whether for neighbours collecting herbs, or for residents from the Uniting Mullauna respite centre who stroll the garden paths when the strawberries are in bloom.

Children, Youth, and Joyful Witness

BRUC’s passion for growing faith in younger generations was on full display at their recent Family Fun Worship Service, where around 150 people — young and old — gathered for creativity, prayer, and community. In May, 31 BRUC members, aged 6 months to 86 years, took to the streets for the Blacktown City Festival, waving banners, wearing cultural dress and colourful t-shirts, and offering a joyful public witness of God’s inclusive love.

Through worship, connection, service, and growth, BRUC continues to live out its vision as a vibrant, welcoming congregation — grounded in Christ and shaped by community.

Worship with Blacktown Regional Uniting Church

The Blacktown Centre, 59 Bungarribee Rd, holds services every Sunday at 9:00am in English and 12:30pm in Tongan.

 The Grantham Heights Centre, 19 Nipigon Rd, Seven Hills, holds services every Sunday at 9:30am in English and 12:30pm in Fijian.

For more information, contact bruc.office@nswact.uca.org.au.