News, Notices & Prayer points - 1 March 2022

Posted Mar 1, 2022 in News

News & Notices – 1 March 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 1st March 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

For the people of Ukraine and for the people of Russia that this war will come to an end and all nations will support on-going peace in the region
For the wisdom of world leaders as they come to terms with the unfolding crisis in the Ukraine
For all people fleeing discrimination and harm may they find welcoming arms of safety and support
For those impacted in Australia by extreme flooding.

Call for Submissions: Celebrating Uniting Church women on International Women's Day 2022

Every day, in every place across the Uniting Church, women are leading, empowering and inspiring in our church communities and beyond.

To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March this year, the Uniting Church Assembly is looking to tell stories that celebrate and acknowledge the positive impact and immense contribution of UCA women.

An invitation is extended across the Uniting Church nationally to submit the names of inspiring Uniting Church women they know who are making an impact through leadership, witness and service.

Their stories will be featured as part of the Assembly’s International Women’s Day celebration, an opportunity to give thanks to God for the lives of women in the Uniting Church and hear stories of strength, hope and courage.

Further information is available at this link.

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Uluru Statement from the Heart

A two-day event is being held from 4^th-5^th March to explore the Uluru Statement from the Heart calling for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution and seeking a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement making between governments and First Nations, and truth telling in our history. Speakers: Rev Dr Chris Budden, Rev Dr Auntie Denise Champion and Tarlee Leondaris.

Further details and how to register are available at this link.

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Safe Church News

Have you registered yet? A free online safety webinar for those who are leaders involved in church youth activities is being hosted by the National Safe Church Unit in partnership with the Office of eSafety Commissioner. Friday 11^th March 11:30-12:30pm. To register and or for more information visit:https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events/online-safety-webinar-for-adults-who-are-youth-leaders/

Screenings: Reminders are being sent to those who have upcoming renewals due that were initially processed via the Synod Screening Unit. If you have renewed your Working With Children Check (WWCC) through another source, please remember to inform not only your local congregation but also the Synod Screening Unit. This helps us to keep our records current and can be done via the Step 1 form from the Screening webpage: https://sa.uca.org.au/safechurch/screening/

Power and Healthy Communities: Code of Ethics refresher sessions 2021-22. For upcoming dates please see the Events Calendar located at: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/. Don’t delay in booking into either the online or face-to-face sessions.

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COVID Update

On Friday, 25^th February, the South Australian government announced changes to some COVID restrictions. Those that relate to churches are:

Hospitality:

Buffets are now permitted. This means that morning teas / dinners etc. can be self-service, with shared plates / platters of food
The following density requirements apply for indoor venues:
- Standing consumption – 1 person per 2 square metres
- Seated consumption – 3 people per 4 square metres
- Combined standing and seated consumption – 1 person per 2 square metres.
Seated consumption – 3 people per 4 square metres
Combined standing and seated consumption – 1 person per 2 square metres.

Private Activity:

A private activity means a gathering greater than 50 people and no more than 150 that is held at a place other than a relevant licensed premises or premises with an on-going liquor license. This refers to wedding receptions, parties or other functions – not church services – church services are public activities.

The following density requirements apply:

1 person per 2 square metres
Maximum of 150 people
Dancing permitted (maximum of 50 people on the dance floor at any time
Singing permitted
Standing consumption permitted.

Outdoor Events

The following density requirements apply to an entertainment activity that is not a hospitality activity:

Outdoor seated consumption – no density restriction
Outdoor combined standing and seated consumption – 3 people per 4 square metres.

Please note the following restrictions that continue to apply to church activities:

Masks are required to be worn by attendees at all times, including when singing, except when eating or drinking
COVID Safe measures: QR check in, COVID Marshal, physical distancing of 1.5m between household groups; hand sanitising, frequent cleaning
Density: no more than 3 persons per 4 square metres for seated worship (1 person per 2 square metres if there is standing)
Indoor fitness – 1 person per 4 square metres density requirement
Gathering at home cap: 50 people

All existing directions, frequently asked questions and other information can be found here: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergency-declarations

If you would like further assistance, please contact your presbytery or:

Sue Page: Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 8236 4217 or 0430 666 959

Philip Gardner: Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 8236 4268 or 0409 077 076.

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Synod Meeting 2022

The 2022 Synod meeting will meet online on Saturday, 18^th June and in person on Friday, 24^th June and Saturday, 25^th June at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre at Hahndorf.

Presbyteries are gathering nominations for Synod membership, to be elected/appointed at presbytery meetings in March. For more information, please contact your presbytery.

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Multiple Grant Opportunities

Multicultural Grants Open

Applications for the Expand Together Grants 2022-23 are now being accepted. Expand Together Grants assist multicultural organisations to expand their capacity by upgrading community facilities or purchasing equipment to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Applications are open now and close 11pm, Monday 28th February 2022. Online application forms and guidelines are available from the Expand Together Grants information page.

Visit www.multicultural.sa.gov.au to find out more. Phone: 1300 239 468 or email: Turn on Javascript!.

Heritage Grants

South Australia has a rich heritage that contributes to quality of life and connects community to its history and stories. Since 2018, the Heritage Grants Program has been funding conservation works with benefits including adaptive re-use of historic buildings, support for heritage trades, and support for State Heritage Places in rural and urban areas across the state. Heritage Conservation Grants are now open:

Download Facts sheet
Download the Application Guide.

Community Grants

Applications are now open and can be made between now and 4pm Tuesday 22 March 2022. Community groups and organisations can apply for funding to improve wellbeing, encourage inclusion, celebrate cultural diversity, engage in the arts and improve the environment. Further information is available at this link.

Highbury Street Fund – Applications for funding for 2022 now open.

The Highbury Street Fund supports leadership development for leaders and aspiring leaders of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse worshipping communities through education and training. Grants of up to $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 are available for people currently living in South Australia either in, or with strong connection to, a Uniting Church congregation. The closing date for applications for Round 1 closes on 31^st March and Round 2 on 31^st August, annually. For further information and applications please visit: https://sa.uca.org.au/cald/highbury-street

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International Mission Op Shop Woodville

The Op Shop began operation on 1^st February 2022 and had a successful day. However, they are urgently seeking a Volunteer Manager and a Coordinator for this venture. The Op Shop operates on Tuesdays from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm and Thursdays from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. If you are interested in either of these positions or in volunteering please contact Janet Woodward on 0432 271 757 or email Turn on Javascript!.

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Just Earth

Something for the forthcoming season of Lent - a phone or ipad app entitled ‘Just Earth.’ Download and discover constructive Biblical reflections, quotes, prayers and actions illustrated by stunning pictures for each of the 40 days of Lent. Designed by the Uniting Church Environmental Action Group, it has been receiving high praise and has also been translated into Korean. Please download from the Apple store or for Android phones go to this link. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.earthapp

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Lessons from COVID-19 for the Climate Emergency

As your church and its groups plan their 22 program, why not give attention to the video series ‘Lessons from COVID 19 for the Climate Emergency.’ This series of 7 short videos is ideal for community viewing and discussion groups. Discussion questions, Biblical principles and actions are included. This series can help individuals and your church prepare for the greatest existential threat facing us all – human induced Climate Change.

Download the free series at this link.

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Breathe – Seeking expressions of interest from artists for August SALA Exhibition

Willunga Uniting Church is seeking expressions of interest by artists for its annual SALA Exhibition, held in August each year at Bethany Hall. The 2022 theme is ‘Breathe,’ suggested associated events include: meditation retreat, singing/choir, artist in residence sessions. ‘Breathe’ has broad applications and multiple meanings. Please advise your expression of interest by March 31^st to: Jenny Esots (Curator) email: Turn on Javascript!.

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Ash Wednesday Quiet Day

The Spirituality Group for Women will observe a Quiet Day on 2^nd March, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Glenelg. The day will include two times of input, reflective stations and communion. This hospitable, yet dynamic group was inaugurated in 2021 and new members are always welcome; or attend a single monthly event of interest, RSVP to Christine Gilbert at Turn on Javascript!.

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Artist in Residence Week

Find your voice and strengthen the ties between us during a week-long Artist in Residence event at St Andrew’s in Glenelg. Tasmanian singer/songwriter John Coleman and Melbournian art therapist Jenny Batten will guide us in singing, song writing and community building. 15^th – 22^nd May, various events and times. Refer to the website for details https://www.standrewsuc.org.au/ and booking information or contact Christine Gilbert on (08) 8295 1771. A balm for the COVID weary.

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Sally Stamp

Please remember to save your stamps, although access to the Synod Office is closed the group are working from home to earn funds to send school books etc. to the Pacific Island and beyond. Personal stamp collections no longer required are very welcome. Pick-ups can be arranged in the metropolitan area by ringing 0427 972 417 or email: Turn on Javascript!. Further information about 'Sally Stamp' is available at this link.

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Lent Event is coming!

From 2^nd March to 14^th April, UnitingWorld invites you to journey through Lent by reflecting on and re-dedicating yourself to Christ’s compassion and justice.

Lent Event is 40 days of living simply, learning from global neighbours and choosing to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others. Last year, UnitingWorld changed the lives of more than 460,000 people in 13 countries!

Take up a Lent Event challenge and be part of a movement to end poverty and injustice in our world. For more information, videos, Bible studies and other resources, visit this link: https://donate.unitingworld.org.au/event/lent-event/resources

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Pop-up Shop Event

KLG Designs will host a pop-up shop at Brighton Uniting church featuring gifts, home decor, handmade arts and crafts, pots and plants. The pop-up shop showcases local artists including Amanda Cooper earrings, Judy Garrard greeting cards, Stephen Skillitzi studio glass, and KLG Designs photography and candles. There is a range of new, pre-loved and up-cycled pots which can be matched with a plant. Plus a select range of pre-loved home decor. The pop-up shop is open Saturdays in March. Parking is available in Woolworths next door. You will find the pop-up shop behind the church. For further information email Karen at Turn on Javascript!

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Need a job – but don’t have experience?

‘The Experience Café’ at Broadview Uniting Church can help with café experience, confidence and a reference letter. No financial cost. Volunteer one day per week from 8.30 am – 2.00 pm, lunch provided. Within 3 months or less you can reach your goal. For more details message us on Facebook, Instagram or text 0407 608 000. Apologies, we are unable to take people with disabilities at this point in time as we do not have trained staff.

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2022 Lent Resource: Daily Prayer and Action Guide Calendar – now available

A Lenten prayer and action guide has been developed and is designed to help individuals and congregations take time to learn, lament, repent, advocate, and to take concrete steps to transforming justice of God for coming reconciliation and renewal of the whole of creation. Drawing on the Uniting Church’s Our Vision for a Just Australia statement, this 4-page guide provides links to prayers, campaigns, and resources for raising awareness and taking action. You can download the guide at this link.

For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, by emailing Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.

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New Synod Refugee Advocacy Guide – now available

A two-page Synod Refugee Advocacy Guide focuses on the Federal Government’s latest announcement in response to the plight of refugees from Afghanistan and renewed spotlight on detention of refugees. It provides updated information and resources for raising awareness and taking action. You can download at this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/justice-advocacy/refugees-and-asylum-seekers/resources. For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.

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CALD Research Report now available for download

A full report is now available for download from this link. This newly released ‘Mapping Intercultural Neighbourhoods’ recommends ways forward for being a multicultural church in a local context. Seeing cultural diversity as an opportunity of renewal and source of strength, this report explores questions such as: how congregations have responded to their increasingly multicultural contexts and reflects on the status of intercultural ministry in progressing and embodying the Uniting Church’s vision of being a multicultural church?

How to engage and connect with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in local neighbourhoods? Based on the findings of online surveys with 55 Uniting Church leaders and interviews with 30 CALD leaders, it makes ten recommendations for Action Plans under three foci of the Synod Strategic Priorities: Understand Who We Are as UCA; Create Local Connections; and Support Ministries on the Margins.

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 22nd February 2022

Check out last week’s UC eNews here to keep you updated.

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