Summertown Uniting Church | Grant Recipient

Reliable Technology and Renewed Spaces are Helping
Summertown Uniting Church Focus
Less on Logistics and More on People.

“With expert advice and the right equipment, Summertown UC now has reliable projection, stable internet, and improved screen placement, allowing worship leaders to lead with confidence and congregations to engage undistracted. Streaming videos, sharing modern music, and hosting services can be done without hesitation or fear of failure. The difference has been immediate and visible: the space feels current, welcoming, and ready to serve today’s community.” – Rev. Lesley Vince, Minister, Summertown UC

Summertown UC is a small but active faith community with a passion for bringing people together in worship and fellowship.

When ongoing technical issues began disrupting services, however, it became clear that their ageing technology was no longer fit for purpose. Projectors failed, internet connections dropped mid-service, and even local funeral directors began bringing their own equipment to avoid embarrassment. What should have been occasions for care and connection were becoming stressful and fraught with uncertainty.

The church saw an opportunity to improve their worship ministry and outreach but lacked the resources to make it possible. Receiving a UC Invest grant changed that.

“With expert advice and the right equipment, Summertown UC now has reliable projection, stable internet, and improved screen placement, allowing worship leaders to lead with confidence and congregations to engage undistracted. Streaming videos, sharing modern music, and hosting services can be done without hesitation or fear of failure. The difference has been immediate and visible: the space feels current, welcoming, and ready to serve today’s community.“

Projector — *New projector installed for the congregation*

*New TV installed for the minister preaching*

This same sense of renewal has flowed beyond Sunday worship. With upgraded facilities, the church has become a trusted and usable space for the wider community. Local groups, emergency services gatherings, historical societies and community organisations have all benefited from the update. Technology that once held the church back is now enabling connection.

*New Coffee Machine Made Possible by Renew Grant*

A second grant, received through the special Renew Grants initiative, in which UC Invest partnered with the Synod of SA’s Renew event, has taken this momentum even further. Looking ahead, the church is preparing to open its grounds to young families through a new playgroup, and to hold men’s breakfasts and other community events.

Improved fencing is being brought in to create a safe, well-maintained environment, while simple additions like quality coffee will make the space even more inviting.

What’s exciting about their journey is not just the upgrades that the grants funded, but what grew from them: confidence, outward focus, and a renewed sense of purpose. For a small congregation, being recognised and supported affirmed that mission can be effective regardless of size.