News, Notices & Prayer points - 11th February 2025
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News & Notices – 11th February 2025
Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 11th February 2025 edition of UC e-News
Prayer Points
We pray:
- For healing and reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and the broader Australian community, that we may build a future based on mutual respect and understanding
- For strength and resilience for Indigenous communities, and that they continue to thrive and preserve their cultures for future generations
- For love and understanding in all relationships, that they may be filled with kindness, patience, and respect for one another.
MPs Reflect on the Heart of the Matter
On Thursday last week, our Moderator (Rev Peter Morel) and General Secretary (Rev Philip Gardner) attended an ecumenical service to mark the opening of the State parliamentary year. Members of Parliament were urged to ‘listen to the heartbeat of the world’ in a reflection on Psalm 145 and Luke 10:25-37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan) by Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide and Primate of Australia, Geoff Smith. At the conclusion of the Service handcrafted timber ‘holding hearts’, made by members of the Whyalla Men’s Shed, were presented to the Members of Parliament.
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Book Penny Now!
Pancake Day 2025 is to be launched on Tuesday March 4th with Penny Pancake parading in Hindmarsh Square.
Pancake Day as the annual UnitingCare SA fundraising campaign (and hopefully “fun-raising” as well) kicks off for a 4-month period where events can be held around the theme of Pancakes (or any other whacky idea that you might have in mind).
And of course, Penny Pancake is available to be booked out to appear at churches, schools, aged care facilities and any other event venue.
If you would like to book Penny at any time from March 4th, please contact Turn on Javascript! or call Johanne Manning, Administration Officer, UnitingCare SA on 8236 4255
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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:
PicRights: How to Deal with a Letter Alleging Copyright Infringement
Copyright myths - Copyright Agency
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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, 5th 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 7th, 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.
March 29th – 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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Uniting College & UAICC SA Offer Two 12-Week Journeys into Indigenous Wisdom in 2025
- Yarta Wandatha: The Land is Speaking the People are Speaking with Aunty Denise Champion in the Flinders Ranges. March-May – readings + four morning online sessions 12th & 26th March, 14th & 28th May and a four-day immersion 2nd – 5th May at Alpana Station, Blinman.
- Kungan Kaldowinyeri: Listening to Creation with Uncle Ken Sumner on the Kurangk/Coorong. August-October – readings + four evening online sessions 21st August, 4th September, 9th & 23rd October and a four-day immersion 19th – 22nd September.
Study for credit with reflective assessment or for audit without. OR cross credit this unit into your studies elsewhere.
Note: Both options have a UAICC SA additional fee to pay our Elders for their Indigenous expertise and for accommodation.
Give yourself the experience of a lifetime! Enquire now: Turn on Javascript!
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Yarta Wandatha: The land is speaking, the people are speaking
There are only 2-3 places left for our 12-week journey with Aunty Denise, starting in the last week of February. This program can be studied for credit or for audit. If you're interested or want to learn more, please contact Turn on Javascript!. (Students from other institutions may also cross-credit the unit)
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Book launch
You are invited to the launch of Location-shaped Theologies (ATF Press), edited by Rosemary Dewerse, which includes chapters by Aunty Denise Champion, Labhaoise Upton (PhD graduate), and Cyrus Kung (Masters graduate). The event will take place from 4-5pm, Tuesday 25th February at UCLT, with a Zoom link available for online participation. Please RSVP by Friday 21st February to Turn on Javascript!.
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Shout for Joy Church Service for People with Intellectual Disability - Southern Adelaide Information Evening
S4J services offer truly joyful experiences for both participants and the teams who serve. You are warmly invited to an information evening about starting a monthly S4J service in southern Adelaide. The event will be held at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, 18th February, at Southern Life, 280 Beach Road, Hackham West. For an Info Pack or to RSVP, please contact David Bailey, S4J Coordinator at Adelaide West Uniting, at Turn on Javascript! or 0408 207 675.
Shout for Joy Service for People with Intellectual Disability Info Night Tickets, Tue 18/02/2025 at 7:30 pm | Eventbrite
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Grant Opportunities
Community grants - opening soon!
Applications for Council's community grants program open 10am, Monday 10th February and close 4pm, Monday 17th March 2025. These one-off financial grants are available for community groups and not-for-profits supporting activities, programs, events, or initiatives that benefit the community. Check eligibility and apply via the Community Grants webpage. For inquiries, contact 8397 7444 or via email.
Other Opportunities
Nominations for Westfield Local Heroes close 13th March 2025. Recognising individuals making a positive impact, winners receive grants for their organisation. Find out more about nominations and the program.
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!.
Social Impact Round Two
The Social Impact Round Two offers one-off grants up to $30,000 for eligible organisations with annual revenue under $3 million.
- Tier 1: Up to $10,000 for equipment, community activities, or space improvements.
- Tier 2: Up to $30,000 for community development or short-term projects and minor infrastructure upgrades.
Organisations can submit more than one application but can only be successful with one. Eligible applicants include Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, Not-for-Profits, and certified Social Enterprises. For guidelines or to apply, visit our website. An online Information Session will be held on 11th February 2025, from 11am-12:30pm. Closing date: 3pm, 17th March 2025. More information are available at: Social Impact Grants (Round 2) 2024/25 | DHS
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Graduate Women SA Trust (GWSAT) Scholarship
The Graduate Women SA Trust (GWSAT) is offering postgraduate scholarships for 2025 to support women pursuing advanced degrees at South Australian universities. Doctoral scholarships, valued at $6,000 each (total $24,000), are available for PhD or professional doctorate students who have completed at least 18 months of study. Masters scholarships, valued at $3,000 each (total $6,000), are available for students in research-based or thesis-including master's programs who have completed at least six months of study. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, provide academic and personal documents, and meet specific eligibility criteria. Applications close on March 31, 2025.
Postgraduate Scholarships - GWSA
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Call for Expressions of Interest: Awaken Adelaide Second Cohort 2025
Mission Resourcing's Intercultural Neighbourhood Congregation Pilot project titled Awaken Adelaide is a six-month process to learn about new ways of being a church through a cohort learning experience of dwelling, listening and experimenting. Eight congregations across three Presbyteries participated in the first cohort, and five completed it in June 2024. You can hear three participants’ feedback at the Synod YouTube channel: (299) Uniting Church in SA - YouTube
The second cohort is planned to commence in March 2025. Your congregation is invited to submit expressions of interest at this link – Expression of Interest by 28 February 2025. For further information, please download a four-page leaflet at this link: Leaflet-Awaken Adelaide for Second Cohort
Mission Resourcing staff can provide an information session at your Church Council meeting. Please send your inquiry and request to Turn on Javascript!.
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Sally Stamp
Thank you to Churches, Fellowships, Businesses, and all individuals who have donated stamps and collections for 2024. We have made the following donations: $500.00 to Oodnadatta Church for chairs, $3,376.91 to South Pacific School Aid Inc (for 3 shipments), and $1,000.00 to The Grove U/C Kids Craft Group. Please continue saving stamps for the Uniting Church – your contributions help us support organisations like the ones mentioned above. Pickup can be arranged in the metro area.
For enquiries, please contact Maxine Haines, Convenor, on 0427 972 417 or via email at Turn on Javascript!.
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2025 Micah Women’s Network Dinners – March
Micah Australia is hosting a series of gatherings for Christian women passionate about justice. The Micah Women’s Network Dinners will take place across eight cities in Australia this March, starting in Perth on 10th March 2025. These events offer a unique opportunity to connect with inspiring women, hear powerful stories, and be empowered to take action in your community.
More information are available at this link.
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Full Circle - Reconciliation SA 2025 National Apology Day Commemoration Film Screening
Reconciliation SA, in partnership with Relationships Australia, invites you to the screening of the 2025 National Apology Day Commemorative Film: Iain & Allen: Full Circle. This powerful documentary follows Iain Seymour’s journey to reconnect with his biological family, guided by his brother Allen, a strong advocate for reconciliation. The event marks the anniversary of the National Apology, given by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on 13th February 2008 from 1.30pm – 3.30pm at Mercury Cinema, 13 Morphett St, Adelaide. Tickets are available at this link.
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‘Diving Deep’ - Preparing Youth and Adults for Baptism and Confirmation
Dr Craig Mitchell be offering an online workshop for church leaders on Thursday 27 February, 1.00-3.15pm and repeating it on Wednesday 12 March. The session will explore how we might approach baptism and confirmation in a post-Christendom era, belief and discipleship, the role of mentors, how ages and stages of faith are relevant, available resources and planning approaches. Details and registration here.
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Unity and Friends Celebration
You are invited to celebrate Unity and Friendship as the community comes together to honour those who have shaped it. All are welcome to bring stories, memories, and dreams for the future. The event will take place on 16th February at 2:00 pm at the Church of the Trinity, 318 Goodwood Road. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate and connect!
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