she/her

Naarm | Wurundjeri Country

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Kelly Woods (nee Skilton) is the Vic/Tas Younger Generations New & Digital Communities catalyst for the Uniting Church in Australia. Known for her vibrant personality and distinctive green hair, Kelly has 13 years of ministry experience spanning traditional church models, fresh expressions, and chaplaincy. She holds a Cert III in Christian Ministry, a Diploma of Arts in Product Design, a Bachelor of Theology, and a Master's in Theological Studies. Currently, she is completing a Master’s in Missional Leadership.
 

Kelly loves exploring spiritual connection and spacemaking on the edges of the norm, curating spaces that promote opportunities for spiritual growth and a sense of belonging. As a second-generation South African Australian, wife, stepmother, and beloved aunty, she strives to live authentically both offline and online, engaging with the digital world as @PastoralHare.

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Believing in the transformative power of community and connection, Kelly is dedicated to creating safe spaces for all people. Her theological studies fuel her exploration of questions surrounding faith and meaning-making. She embraces life as a gamer, artist, and emerging writer, drawing inspiration from various forms of creativity. She navigates the challenges of living with chronic illness and neurodiversity, continually seeking ways to cultivate calm amidst life’s chaos.

 

Kelly is the founder of The Sonder Collective, an ecumenical community she directed from 2015 to 2022, connecting over 190 young people from more than 35 congregations across 7 denominations. In 2019, The Sonder Collective launched a digital community, which unexpectedly became invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping members stay connected and assisting other communities in their transition to the online world. Since 2023, The Sonder Collective has evolved from its traditional church gatherings to embrace its digital identity, transforming into Sonderverse—a community that transcends time and space, fostering connection and belonging for all.

Kelly is an LGBTQIA+ Christian and is a passionate advocate for truth-telling of Australian history - Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.