Worship begins with attention
Karl Barth, the influential twentieth-century Swiss Protestant theologian, is remembered for his advice to preachers: “Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.”
That is a helpful principle for worship preparation. We read Scripture, but we also pay attention to the world in which we live – its joys and hopes, suffering and injustice, conflicts and movements towards peace, the cries of people and the cries of creation.
Many of us have heard familiar Scripture passages many times. Sometimes, bringing Scripture into conversation with what is happening in the world enables us to hear those passages afresh. There can be an “aha!” moment when an ancient story, prophetic voice or gospel teaching suddenly speaks into something happening in our own time.
This is why I find it helpful, when preparing worship, to look beyond the lectionary and church calendar to significant days, weeks and events recognised nationally and internationally. They are not prescriptions for worship, but prompts to pay attention.
Sometimes one may suggest a theme for the whole service. Sometimes it may find its way into an early word, a prayer, a hymn, a confession or prayers for others. Sometimes it may simply prompt a question.
The purpose is not to make worship more “topical”. It is to make worship more attentive – attentive to God, attentive to Scripture, attentive to one another, and attentive to the world in which we are called to live as God’s people. Worship begins with attention.
(see also the slightly longer version posted here).
This page continues to be a work in progress to collate key dates and weeks that may be of interest to those seeking to integrate what’s happening in the community with what’s happening in the church (and visa versa).
Some links below relate to resources on this website, and others are relevant websites. I try to check the links are working – apologies if I’ve overlooked some that no longer work.
JANUARY
(New Year’s Eve)
Vegenuary (month of January)
Join thousands of people going vegan for the month of January. Eat delicious, healthy food, save lives and help the environment.
1st January (annual) New Year
World Braille Day, January 4
World Braille Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, who is popularly known for inventing a language used by blind and visually impaired people. The day aims to promote awareness of the braille language, which strives to bridge the big divide between ordinary and specially-abled people.
20th January Penguin Awareness Day
22nd January – marks the anniversary of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons came into force. Australia is not a party to this treaty.
Paper cranes have been synonymous with the movement to end nuclear weapons following the tragic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the story ‘Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes’. We need to continue to raise awareness of the utter destruction that nuclear weapons can bring, and to call on the Australian Federal Government to sign and ratify this treaty. Thank you to ICAN Australia for this challenge and all their continued work to bring an end to nuclear weapons.
Martin Luther King Jr Day (USA)
This is set for the 3rd Monday in January, closest to his birthday of 15th January.
Day of Mourning (acknowledged in the Uniting Church on the Sunday before Australia Day)
(see also Change the Heart, a national prayer service led by Aboriginal Christian Leaders)
Aboriginal Sunday – reclaim William Cooper’s Aboriginal Sunday and act in solidarity with Aboriginal peoples.
Australia Day, 26th January 2022 (also referred to as Invasion Day/Survival Day)
International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27)
Acknowledged on the day that the Auschwitz Concentration Camp was liberated in 1945, this day remembers all those who suffered and lost their lives during the holocaust.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness about this preventable cancer. In Australia, around 1,030 new cases are diagnosed each year.
FEBRUARY
Ovarian Cancer Month (February)
Campaign to highlight the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Heart Research Month (February)
World Interfaith Harmony Week (Feb 1-7)
The United Nations encourages us to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions.
2nd Feb: (UN) World Wetlands Day
The United NationsWorld Wetlands Day marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty that calls for the member countries to maintain the ecological use of their wetlands. It is a day to remember the importance and fragility of our native wetlands.National/State: International
Website: www.environment.gov.au/water/wetlands/world-wetlands-day
4th Feb: World Cancer Day
It is the occassion to unite the world in the fight against the disease through raising awareness, educating the public, and lobbying for change. It is only by every person, organisation, and government, individually doing their part, that the world will be able to reduce the global cancer burden.
~ 4-10th Feb: International Vendor Day (The Big Issue publication)
Senior business leaders and politicians join The Big Issue’s regular vendors on the streets in a national campaign to shine a spotlight on homelessness and disadvantage.Website: www.thebigissue.org.au/news-and-events/
8th February International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking
Pope Francis designated 8th February, the feast of St Josephine Bakhita, as the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking following a request from Talitha Kum, the worldwide Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking.
https://acrath.org.au/take-action/world-day-of-prayer/
8th February Safer Internet Day
13th Feb: Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations (2008) – resources on Australia Day, Day of Mourning, & Reconciliation Sunday may be helpful, as well as this information about stolen generations on the Australians Together website (includes PM Kevin Rudd’s historic apology).
14th Feb: Valentine’s Day
20th Feb: UN World Social Justice Day
The pursuit of social justice for all is at the core of the United Nations’ global mission to promote development and human dignity.
21 Feb: International Mother Language Day
Fairtrade Fortnight, 21st of February to the 5th of March, 2022 (used to be in August)
Theme: ‘Choose the World you Want Festival’ https://fairtradeanz.org
Feb 22 1943, Sophie Scholl, German political activist, executed
(Sophie’s final words): “How can we expect righteousness to prevail when there is hardly anyone willing to give himself up individually to a righteous cause…. It is such a splendid sunny day, and I have to go. But how many have to die on the battlefield in these days, how many young, promising lives. What does my death matter if by our acts thousands are warned and alerted”.
MARCH
Autumn (1 March – 31 May in Australia)
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month
1 March International Zero Discrimination Day
Celebrated annually as a way to promote equality, inclusion, and peace, ensuring everyone can live a full life with dignity, free from stigma. It highlights the urgent need to abolish discriminatory laws and practices worldwide.
1 March St David’s Day (patron saint of Wales)
1 March https://www.unaids.org/en/zero-discrimination-day
World Hearing Day, March 3
University Mental Health Day, March 3
International Day for Disarmament andNon-Proliferation Awareness 5 March
(UN page)
World Day of Prayer, first Friday in March (annual)
International Women’s Day, March 8 (annual)
World Art Day, 15th March
St Patrick’s Day 17th March (annual)
International Day Against Bullying and Violence, 19th March
World Frog Day, 20th March
Harmony Day 21st March (Australia)
(part of Harmony Weekm)
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, March 21
Feast of Saint Benedict, 21 March
World Down Syndrome day, 21 March (link here)
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. March 21st was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the chromosome which causes Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome (they have 3 copies of chromosome 21 – hence 21/3)
World Poetry Day, 21 March
UNESCO proclaimed this date back in 1999. World Poetry Day is celebrated every year to recognise the unique ability to make poetry and encourage people who are creative enough to capture life poetically.
UN International Day of Forests, 21 March
World Water Day, 22 March
World Meteorological Day, 23 March
WMD helps people to understand and realise their role in protecting the atmosphere of the Earth.
Earth Hour, (last Saturday in March) 8.30pm
The symbolic action of switching off the lights has become aligned with awareness of positive environmental impact.
World Theatre Day, 27th March
Good Neighbour Day on 27th March. (Neighbour Day is an initiative of Relationships Australia and is held annually on the last Sunday of March)
World Bipolar Day, 30th March
International Transgender Day of Visibility, 31 March
APRIL
World Health Day, 7th April
National Infertility Awareness Week 18-24th April dates tbc
April 21: United Nations World Creativity and Innovation Day
(This day aims to raise awareness of the importance of creativity and innovation in all aspects of our lives. This is especially true during the pandemic when we have collectively found new ways to stay connected!)
Earth Day, April 22nd
(Also called International Mother Earth Day)
Held by the United Nations to promote harmony with nature and the Earth.
ANZAC Day, April 25th
Break the Silence Sunday, April 28th(fourth Sunday in April)
International Workers Memorial Day, 28th April
International Dance Day, 29th April
MAY
Holocaust Remembrance Day, May 2nd
World Labyrinth Day, May 2nd
4 May Global 6K for Water
Six kilometres is the average distance people in developing countries need to walk to get water. World Vision encourages groups to hold six kilometre fun runs or walks to raise money to provide clean water to vulnerable communities. This event is held internationally, meaning you’ll unite with thousands of others to turn the tide for people who need it most.
Pluralism Sunday, first Sunday in May
May 4 is International Respect for Chickens Day and the whole month is International Respect for Chickens Month!
May 5th,International Day of the Midwife
Mothers Day (second Sunday in May in Australia)
International Nurses Day, 12th May
This date is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth
Saint Brendan’s Day, 16th May (Celtic Saint)
Wear Orange Day (Australia) 20th May 2026 – to thank State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers who generously give their time to help communities during emergencies, saving lives and protecting communities.
20th May 2026 Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day)
A national day of recognition to say ‘thank you’ to all SES volunteers across Australia.
A prayer offering thanks for SES volunteers.
International Bee Day, 20 May
International Tea Day, 21 May 2020
National Volunteers Week, 18-24 May 2026
22 May 2021: International Day for Biological Diversity Biodiversity Day
We remember we are trustees of God’s creation for future generations.
World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, 24th May
(22-28th May 2022 is Schizophrenia Awareness Week)
National Sorry Day (Australia)
Reconciliation Sunday (closest Sunday to May 26th)
National Reconciliation Week (27th May to 3 June)
The dates commemorate the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. 2027 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum in which more than 90 per cent of Australians voted to remove clauses from the Australian Constitution which discriminated against Indigenous Australians.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January in the northern hemisphere, and between Ascension Day and Pentecost in the southern hemisphere)
JUNE
Winter begins (southern hemisphere)
World Environment Day, June 5
World Oceans Day, June 8
World Day Against Child Labour, 12th June (An estimated 152 million children across the world trapped in forced labour)
International Men’s Health Week, 13-19th June 2022 (dates tbc)
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15 June
Refugee Week, Sunday June 20 to Saturday June 26, 2022.
Every year, Refugee Week is scheduled during the week that includes the 20th of June, which is World Refugee Day.
World Refugee Day, 20th June
Arbor Day/Tree Day, 20th June
Winter solstice, June 21, 2022
UCA Anniversary 22nd June
Winter solstice (The winter solstice is the day that has the least daylight hours of any in the year and usually occurs in Australia on 22 June but can occur between 21 & 23 June)
JULY
NAIDOC Week (3rd to 10th July, 2022) also NAIDOC website here
World Chocolate Day! July 7th (note also the campaign to end slavery in the production of chocolate)
Sea Sunday, 10th July
(celebrating the way seafarers enrich our lives, and the Church’s ministry to them)
One Great Sunday of Sharing, 17th July 2022
A recognition and celebration of the Uniting Church being a multicultural Church for all God’s people.
On 18 July every year, we are invited to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in our communities.
National DonateLife week Sunday 24 July to 31 July 2022 (Australia)
UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, 30th July (or closest Sunday)
International Day of Friendship, 30th July
Earth Overshoot Day (Australia) date varies each year.
Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. The date for each year can be found on the website. In 2021, it fell on July 29.
National Missing Persons Week, 31st July – 6th August 2022
AUGUST
Lay Preachers Sunday, Uniting Church in Australia, Sunday closest to 1st August
World Health Organisation – World Breastfeeding Week ((1-7 August) 2024 link
National Tree Day August 2nd
August 2nd is Imbolc (which means Ewe’s Milk) also known as Brigids’ Day in the Southern Hemisphere, an old Gaelic festival – a time of metaphoric rebirth when we see, feel and hear the beginning signs of Spring. Winter is over, Spring cometh. Imbolc is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts and cleaning out the old ready to welcome the new. (North Hemisphere is Lughnasadh)
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, August 4
Hiroshima Day, 6th August (also Nagasaki August 9th)
(could also use some prayers for peace resources)
Aged Care Employee Day, August 7th (Australia)
A national day to thank, honour and celebrate more than 365,000 people across Australia who care for and support around 1.3 million older Australians receiving care either in their home or in residential facilities.
Homelessness Week, 4-10 August 2025
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People recognition, August 9th
(poems for Indigenous People’s Day on Godspace)
Nagasaki (9th August)
International Prisoners’ Justice Day, 10th August
International Youth Day, 12th August
Red Nose Day, 13th August
Prayers for Peace – Korean Peninsula, 15th August
August 15 is Liberation Day in both South and North Korea. It marks the date in 1945 when Korea gained independence from Japanese colonial oppression. Sadly and ironically, the 15th of August also marks the day Korea divided into two countries.
World Humanitarian Day, 19th August
World Photography Day, 19th August
UN International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism August 21st
UN International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief August 22nd
UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition [UNESCO] August 23rd
Daffodil Day August 24th (Cancer Council)
UN International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 29th August
UN International Day Against Nuclear Tests August 29th
UN International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances August 30th
UN International Day for People of African Descent August 31st
Migrant and Refugee Sunday in the UCA (last Sunday in August)
Social Justice Sunday – last Sunday in September
Wear it Purple Day (last Friday in August each year)
Wear it Purple was founded in 2010 in response to young people taking their own lives as a result of bullying and harassment from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity. Link here.
SEPTEMBER
Spring (starts Sept 1st in southern hemisphere)
Wattle Day (Australia), September 1
September is Dementia Awareness Month
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Interfaith September (see also #WIHW)
Season of Creation (Sundays in September)
Fathers Day (first Sunday in September in Australia)
Child Protection Week (first week in Sept every year) (Organised by NAPCAN)
For liturgical resources could check out Child Protection Week
Indigenous Literacy Day 4th September
Aims to make a difference to the lives of Indigenous families by not only gifting thousands of books with a focus on early literacy, and also running programs to inspire the communities to tell and publish their own stories.
UN International Day of Charity (Global Solidarity to Eradicate Poverty) September 5
Women’s Health Week, 7-11 September 2026
Australia’s largest campaign dedicated to the health and wellbeing of women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
2026 theme: “Do it anyway,” focusing on small, realistic steps toward better health.
7th September (annual) International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
(could be linked to Season of Creation)
The 2026 campaign spotlighted new findings from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) regarding the economic and health benefits of integrated climate and clean air action.
8th – 9th September (annual) International Literacy Day [UNESCO]
2026 marked the historic 60th anniversary of its proclamation by UNESCO.
Theme: “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.”
9th September (annual) UN International Day to Protect Education from Attack
The Day urges countries to respect and protect the right to education in emergency situations.
1oth September (annual) R U OK? Day
‘Ask R U OK? Any Day’ (see more here)
10th September World Suicide Prevention Day
(National Suicide Prevention Month – September)
11th September (annual) 9/11 Remembrance
13 September (annual) United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) aims to protect the collective and individual rights of indigenous groups worldwide.
15th September (annual) UN International Day of Democracy
The effects of the climate crisis on the physical environment are today impossible to ignore, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that it is a challenge to democracy: growing food insecurity, migration, water scarcity, and extreme weather events are driving conflict.
16th September (annual) UN International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
(could be woven into Season of Creation)
17th September (annual) Feast of Hildegard of Bingen
(ways to link Hildegard with Season of Creation, and also the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel)
13 September (annual) United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) aims to protect the collective and individual rights of indigenous groups worldwide.
20th September 2026 Freedom Sunday (end human slavery) (third Sunday in September) A global annual event where churches dedicate a service to worship, pray and take action against modern-day slavery and human trafficking.
20th-26th September 2026 World Council of Churches World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel (third week of Sept)
21st September (annual) International Day of Peace, 21st September
21st September (annual) World Alzheimer’s Day
September 23 (annual) UN International Day of Sign Languages
(consider having someone ‘sign’ in worship, or learn some sign language to use)
This day highlights the importance of sign languages in promoting the human rights of deaf people and encourages global participation and awareness. Acknowledges sign languages as equal in status to spoken languages and promotes the linguistic identity of the Deaf community.
2026 Theme: “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights” (aligned with the International Week of Deaf People 2026)
26th September (annual) International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
27th September (annual) UN World Tourism Day
28th September – 4th October 2026 National Op Shop Week
(also now, World Op Shop Day, Saturday 17 October 2026)
“Clothes are a huge part of our waste stream. Donating clothes to op shops means they can be re-sold and that money goes to great causes”
29th September (annual) National Police Remembrance Day (Australia)
World Rivers Day – last Sunday in September (each year)
OCTOBER
Entire October – ADHD Awareness Month
1st October (annual) International day of Older Persons
2nd October World Habitat Day (annual)
2nd October (annual) UN International Day of Non-Violence (Gandhi’s birthday)
4th October World Communion Sunday (first Sunday in October)
5th October 2026 Labour Day (South Australia, ACT, NSW)
5 October World Teachers’ Day [UNESCO]
7th October – a time to pause to remember the tragedy of October 7th and subsequent war in Gaza.
9th October (annual) Indigenous People’s Day
(resources on NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week, Day of Mourning etc could be used)
9th October – Vet Nurse Day
9th – 15th October 2026 Baby Loss Awareness Week is held annually (9 to 15 October 2026). It’s a special opportunity to mark the lives of babies lost in pregnancy or at or soon after birth. (Aligns with International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month)
People across Australia and worldwide light a candle at 7:00 PM local time on October 15 and leave it burning for at least one hour to create a continuous global wave of light
10th October World Homeless Day
10 October 2026 World Mental Health Day
2026 Theme: “Lived experiences heard: Real voices, real change”
Mental Health Australia 2026 theme: Together We Thrive
It recognises that while life can often feel overwhelming, connection remains one of the most powerful ways to support our mental health and wellbeing.
Queensland Mental Health Week: October 3 to October 11, 2026 (Queensland Mental Health Week)
Western Australia Mental Health Week: October 4 to October 11, 2026 (Mental Health Week WA)
National/Other States: Celebrated broadly throughout October as Mental Health Month
11th October International Day of the Girl
11-17th October 2026 National Carers Week
National Carers Week is a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of the more than 3 million Australians who provide unpaid care to a family member or friend.
The 2026 theme, “Care for a carer: Making carers visible,” shines a light on the invaluable contribution of unpaid carers and encourages all Australians to recognise, support and care for the carers in their families, workplaces and communities.
11th – 17th October 2026 Anti-Poverty Week
15th October (annual) Global Handwashing Day
15th October (annual) International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
16th October (annual) World Food Day (background video here)
17th October (annual) World Op Shop Day
Launched by Charitable Reuse Australia, the annual event highlights the power of second-hand shopping, charitable reuse, and community support
17th October United Nations’ International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
18th October Anti-Slavery Day (annual) (resources by Church of Scotland here)
Anti-Slavery Week runs from October 12 to October 18, 2026
It raises awareness about human trafficking, forced labor, and modern-day slavery, while encouraging governments, businesses, and communities to take action and support survivors. Organizations must prepare an annual modern slavery statement and submit it to the online Modern Slavery Statements Register. Anti-Slavery Australia. Modern Slavery Act Australia.
19-25 October 2026 National Water Week 2026 theme “Water Heroes: Make Every Drop Count.” (aims to build awareness around water conservation, climate challenges, and sustainable resource management)
21st October 2026 International Pronouns Day (3rd Wednesday in October)
22 October: anniversary of the National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse in Australia. A 2019 Liturgy of Acknowledgement and Lament downloadable liturgy here, 2018 resource here and pre-recorded liturgy (2020) posted here.
24 October – 1 Nov 2026 National Children’s Week
The 2026 Children’s Week National Theme is based on UNCRC Article 30: Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion.
Children’s Week is a national event held annually around the fourth Wednesday in October, promoting awareness of children’s rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
(National Unity Week, Oct 26 – Nov 2 – need to check if this is still active in Australia)
31 October Halloween/Hallow Evening
National Grandparents Day Sunday, 31 October (Australia)
– a day for people to celebrate the role grandparents play in families and communities.
* Queensland celebrates on 1st Sunday in October Facebook, Wikipedia (scroll to Australia)
31st October (annual) Reformation Day
NOVEMBER
1st November (annual) World Vegan Day (could be interesting focus as we pursue a sustainable future)
1st November (annual) All Saints Day
1st November (annual) International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church – IDOP
A global Christian movement dedicated to praying for believers worldwide who face harassment, imprisonment, violence, or death because of their faith in Jesus.
9th November (annual) Kristallnacht – Night of Broken Glass
9th November (annual) Anniversary of fall of Berlin Wall
(Wikipedia article here; Monday prayers in Leipzig)
11th November (annual) Remembrance Day
13th November (annual) World Kindness Day
19th November (annual) World Toilet Day
19th November (annual) International Men’s Day
22nd-28th November 2026 Perinatal anxiety and depression awareness week
To support expectant and new parents facing mental health challenges is a shared responsibility, and it is okay not to feel okay.
20th November (annual) UN World Children’s Day
(Nov 20 1954 Declaration of Universal Children’s Day; Nov 20 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child; Nov 20 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child)
“The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.”
20th November (annual) International Transgender Day of Remembrance (ITDR)
20th November National Agriculture Day (celebrated annually on the third Friday of November). A time to celebrate all those working in the horticulture industry and Aussie growers who continue to work tirelessly to ensure we have food on our tables 365 days a year. 2026 Theme: “Our Farmers, Our Future”.
DECEMBER
1st December Summer begins (Australia)
1st December (annual) World AIDS Day
3rd December (annual) International Day for Persons with Disabilities
2nd – 8th December (annual) Grieving Day, December 2. Facebook page
(2nd December – National Grief Awareness Day)
To normalize open conversations about the many shapes grief can take – including bereavement, relationship endings, health changes, or major life transitions. Chosen deliberately in December, recognizing that the holiday season can amplify feelings of isolation and sorrow for those carrying a loss.
10th December (annual) UN International Human Rights Day
21 December 2026 (annual) Anniversary of Native Title passing in the Australian Senate in 1993
25th December (annual) Christmas Day
31st December (annual) New Years Eve)
*****************
awareness days calendar
Dates – https://www.ourcommunity.com.au/calendar?fromDate=29-09-2018#01Oct2018