News, Notices & Prayer points - 10th December 2024

Posted Dec 10, 2024 in News

News & Notices – 10th December 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 10th December 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

For the recognition of the inherent dignity and equal rights of all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, or status
For human rights defenders and pray for their strength, courage, and safety as they stand against injustice
For strength and good health, and that students, teachers, and staff may be rejuvenated during the break.

Copyright Reminders

This is a reminder to all congregations to ensure you have permission to use any content such as photos, artwork, poems, worship songs, etc.... before you use them in worship, on brochures or posters or in any publication.

We have had some cases recently of churches being fined by organisations who are searching the internet for infringements on behalf of copyright owners. Please be aware that if you livestream your worship, anything you put in your presentation is recorded. This appears to be an avenue that is being used to identify copyright infringements.

If you are unsure if you have breached copyright, here are some helpful links with more information:

UCA SA - Content Guidelines

PicRights: How to Deal with a Letter Alleging Copyright Infringement

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Christmas 2024 Resources for Congregations

As you prepare your Christmas worship services a selection of social media graphics, posters, PowerPoint template and postcard designs are now available on the Synod website, ready for download. The Moderator’s Christmas theme for 2024 is ‘Through their Eyes.’ Additional resources will be added from time to time, so please check the site on a regular basis. More information is available at: UCA SA - Christmas 2024

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Christmas Worship Services 2024

Please send through your Christmas Worship times and services so they can be featured on the Synod website at this link: UCA SA - Christmas Services 2024. To provide your Christmas Worship times to the 2024 list please email: Turn on Javascript!. For all other Christmas events, please list them in the usual way via the Events submission form available at this link: UCA SA - Submit an event.

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Safe Church Audit 2025 – Fostering safe and welcoming spaces for everyone to thrive.

The Uniting Church SA is launching the Safe Church Audit 2025 as part of its commitment to creating safe and nurturing environments, responding to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

This annual audit allows congregations to celebrate safeguarding achievements, reflect on best practices, and align with the highest standards of care. On Thursday, 5^th December, an email with all necessary details was sent to congregations, typically to the Safe Church contact, Church Council Secretary, and Ministers.

If you missed the communication or want more information, the Safe Church News is available in the Audit section of the Safe Church website. The audit is due by March 7^th, 2025, allowing Church Councils ample time to prepare.

Thank you for supporting this vital work as we build a safer church community together!

Safe Church training 2025: Upcoming dates for your diary.

Coromandel Uniting is hosting a full day Through their Eyes training on Saturday, 8^th February. Registrations are open now for bookings and payment via the Safe Church website.

March 29^th – Unity Hill UC is the venue for two half day sessions. Through their Eyes Refresher and Called to Care. Bookings will be available for each course in the new year.

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Clearing Out All Saints’ Uniting Church

All Saints’ Uniting Church is closing, and we need help clearing the property. Items such as pews, church furniture, plastic chairs, and kitchen items will be available for free/giveaway. Please visit on Wednesday, 15^th January 2025, at 10.00am at 364a Marion Road, North Plympton.

Computers, electronics, and communion items are not available. It is preferred that items are taken on the day, but another opportunity may be offered depending on need.

For questions, contact Sharon Thomson, Property Coordinator, at (08) 8236 4210 or Turn on Javascript!.

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Grant Opportunities

Mark Butler MP Grants Information

A range of grants information is available via the Grants Hub at markbutler.net.au/community/grants.

2025-27 Stronger Together Grants - Funding now available.

Applications for the STRONGER TOGETHER grants, offered by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet’s Multicultural Affairs, are now open. These grants support multicultural organisations in delivering initiatives that promote healthy family relationships, mental health, and community cohesion. Eligible organisations can apply for up to $200,000 for projects running from July 2025 to June 2027. Applications close on 2 March 2025. For more details and to apply, visit www.multicultural.sa.gov.au or contact the Multicultural Grants Team at 1300 239 468 or Turn on Javascript!.

Heritage Conservation Grants

The Department for Environment and Water, 2025-2026 Heritage Conservation Grants Program will open to receive applications on the 11^thDecember 2024 and close at 2:00pm Monday 31^th March 2025

Grants are intended to support essential conservation works at privately owned State Heritage Places. Properties owned by private individuals, commercial entities, community organisations, or local government are all eligible to apply.

Applications for the program will close at 2:00pm Wednesday 3 April 2024, and no late submissions will be accepted. All applications must be submitted through the DEW Smarty Grant System at this link or on the website.

For assistance through the application process please refer to the Smarty Grants Help Guide for Applicants attached and at the following link:

Help Guide for Applicants (smartygrants.com.au)

If you have any questions or would like further information, please refer to the website, or contact Alison Othen on 0405735479 or by email at Turn on Javascript! or Turn on Javascript!.
Please note the office will be unattended from 23 December until 6 January 2025.

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Aunty Denise's books available

Copies of Aunty Denise's books, are available by contacting Ian Dempster on Turn on Javascript! or dropping into the UAICC SA office when he is working there. Also, available by contacting Rosemary Dewerse: Turn on Javascript!.’

Copies of Yarta Wandatha are available @ $35 each and a new print run of Anaditj is due mid-November (books for sale @ $30 each).

Rosemary Dewerse has also edited ‘Location Shaped Theologies: First Peoples and Second-Generation Wisdom,’ of which Aunty Denise has a contributing chapter. For more information contact: Turn on Javascript!

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2024-2025 Uniting Church Lectionary released

The 2024-2025 Uniting Church Lectionary is now available to download from the Assembly, and available to order from Wayzgoose, the new online store for MediaCom and Uniting Church resources.

The new-look lectionary features a number of changes - a new poster format, additional liturgical colour coding, new listings for Uniting Church special days and an online list of worship and preaching resources. More information is available at this link: 2024-2025 Uniting Church Lectionary – Uniting Church Australia.

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CMLA From Advent to Emmaus – Drams from the Gospel of Luke

The CMLA is pleased to announce the publication of From Advent to Emmaus – a book of 54 dramas for worship based on Luke’s Gospel. Step back in time to the first century as Luke and his scribe put the Gospel stories into print. This collection of drama scripts features Dr Luke narrating Bible passages to his friend Nathanael while the two have a dialogue about the story behind the passage. The conversations are insightful, thought-provoking and witty. Author Jim Hayward has been a Lay Preacher for many years and has road-tested these scripts with rural and regional congregations. Available in Print and Digital PDF versions. Ideal for Lectionary Year C. For more information visit the CMLA website.

CMLA Journalling with the Paint and Poetry

Join a reflective and creative retreat at Bridgewater Uniting Church, 10.00am–4.00pm. Explore life, spirituality, and creativity through painting, poetry, or both. Suitable for all experience levels, with full-day or half-day options.

Led by Karan Hudson and Paul Turley, hosted by the Centre for Music, Liturgy, and the Arts. More details are available at this link.

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Hakuna Matata Children's Choir Coming to Adelaide South Australia, 2025

The Hakuna Matata Children’s Choir from Kenya, a group of 15 talented children, is touring Australia in April 2025. They share inspiring songs, dances, and stories, spreading God’s love and raising funds to build a dormitory for over 300 orphans in Kenya. Available dates include:

Sundays: April 6^th, 13^th, 20^th, 27^th
Wednesdays: April 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd, 30^th
Fridays & Saturdays: Various dates

Hosting involves accommodation and a space for daytime activities. Performances are flexible, and a love offering will support their mission. More information is available at: https://connectwithachild.org/

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Social Justice Advent Resource 2024

This Uniting Church resource is for congregations and faith communities seeking to include social justice content in their Advent services and activities. Including biblical reflections and prayers, it covers a variety of social justice issues that are connected to Advent or Christmas, offering something to different congregations depending on their interests. More information is available at Social Justice Advent Resource 2024.pdf

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Carols in the Amphitheatre

On 15th December, the fabulous Cantabile Singers will lead a special evening of carols at Linde Reserve, Stepney. Enjoy the heartwarming story of Jesus' birth, told through the voices of angels, shepherds, animals, and wise ones.

Before the carols, there will be a free sausage sizzle, and children are invited to come dressed as angels or shepherds to join in the nativity story.

The event begins at 7pm – a wonderful way to celebrate the season with family and friends!

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Adelaide Harmony Choir – Christmas Harmony

A special event will take place on Thursday, 12^th December 2024, at 7.30pm at Flinders Street Baptist Church, 65 Flinders Street, Adelaide. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 concession (pensioners, students, unemployed, or groups of 10), and $10 for children under 14. Book online at trybooking.com/CXFMQ or contact Jenny at 0425 103 394. Tickets will also be available at the door (card or cash).

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Australian Academy of Liturgy Conference

A continuing education opportunity in Brisbane January 14-16th 2025
"Justice at the Heart of the Liturgy". Liturgy and the worship is intrinsically linked to the work of justice. How does the worship have potential to both embody and perpetuate injustice? Keynotes from Gerard Moore, Anita Munro, and Peter Catt. Further information at https://australianacademyofliturgy.wordpress.com/ or Turn on Javascript!

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