News, Notices & Prayer points - 11th October 2022

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News & Notices – 11 October 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 11th October 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For the people of Ukraine that they may soon find peace
  • For all people caught up in conflict
  • For all that may be suffering mental health issues.

 

 

UCA National Young Adult Leaders Conference

The UCA National Young Leaders conference will be held in Victoria from the 26th – 29th January 2023. This is one of the UCA's key national events for young people and has been running for more than a decade, empowering cohorts of emerging leaders in faith, discipleship and leadership. It's jointly hosted by the President and the National Chair of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and is open to people aged 18-30 years of age. More information and how to apply is available at this link: NYALC 2023.

 

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The Launch of SA Christian Forum for Intercultural Leadership

All are invited to the launch of the SA Christian Forum for Intercultural Leadership on Tuesday 18th October at New Life Christian Church in Klemzig. In partnership with Asian Ministry Fellowship SA and Churches Together SA, Mission Resourcing’s Multicultural Ministry Centre aims to create an intercultural learning space in which we can connect and build relationships with culturally and linguistically diverse faith communities for shared mission and ministry opportunities.

At the launch, Rev Amel Manyon will share her journey from a refugee to becoming the first African (South Sudanese) female ordained minister in Australia. Rev Peter Williams, Director at Clinical Pastoral Education Centre, St Barnabas College, will talk about the Royal Commission’s recommendation on Professional Pastoral Supervision. Morning tea and lunch provided.

Please RSVP to Turn on Javascript! for catering purposes or contact Paul Goh at Turn on Javascript! for further information. An information flyer is available at this link: Flyer-SA Christian Forum for Intercultural Leadership-18-Oct-2022.pdf

 

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Payneham Road Uniting Church Organ Scholarship 2023

Payneham Road UC is offering an organ scholarship of $1,500 annually to commemorate a long-standing church member – Veta Brown. Applications close Wednesday, 26th October. Following an interview and an audition, the successful candidate will be notified and the result will be announced at the organ concert on the 26th November. For more information and an application form contact Sharon on 0438 706 957 or email Turn on Javascript!.

 

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De-colonising the Biblical Narrative Volume 1

Nunyara Conference Centre at 5 Burnell Drive in Belair is hosting a book launch of ‘De-colonising the Biblical Narrative Volume 1: A First Nations De-colonising of Genesis 1-11’ by Anne Pattel-Gray and First Nation Australians on Sunday, 16th October from 7.00 pm. More information is available in the flyer which can be downloaded at this link: First Nations Book Launch.pdf.

 

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Indigenous Christian Leaders’ Retreat

A gathering and retreat of mainly Indigenous Christian leaders is being held from 16th-19th October 2022 at Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair. The gathering offers an opportunity to set aside time to talk together about issues concerning voice and treaty; give some feedback on the ‘Decolonising the Bible’ project of Professor Emeritus Norm Habel and Professor Anne Pattel-Gray; and take time to make some progress on your own work/theology. More information is available in the flyer which can be downloaded at this link: Indigenous Christian Leaders Retreat.pdf.

 

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Synod Strategy and Planning (Mission and Property) Working Group Update

Since the June meeting of the Synod, the working group has been going through the feedback given at the Synod meeting about the report tabled at the meeting. The next stage has commenced of this important project, assessing what is required for the church to meet Synod’s request to present a draft Property Strategy, including maps that identify the number and geographical locations of missionally vibrant and viable communities to the next meeting of the Synod in June 2023.

In the coming weeks and months, the working group will be seeking to work with presbyteries to gather information about congregations using a questionnaire, as well as conversations.

If you would like further information about the working group’s progress or would like to provide input on the draft Property Strategy, please contact Sue Page or Philip Gardner at Turn on Javascript!.

 

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MediaCom Education Meaningful Mondays Continue

Mediacom's Meaningful Mondays at Mile End continue this Monday, 17th, 24th and 31st October between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm.

MediaCom again invites you to visit, sit around tables at Perk-Up Café, grab a book or two to view as you enjoy a coffee or other beverage. (Receive a coffee voucher for any orders over $30).

You can view Advent materials, Resources for Lectionary Year A, recently added publications, and a variety of significantly reduced priced books to make way for new titles. You can also peruse a wide range of magazine subscriptions, chat with local authors and story tellers, and on October 17th meet with Rev Paul Turley, Wimala Presbytery Coordinator and contributing writer to ‘Words for Worship’ and ‘Seasons of the Spirit.’

Susan Burt founding International Editor or ‘Seasons of the Spirit,’ will also be on hand to discuss Lectionary application.

To connect with friends and colleagues join us at Building 4 (Opposite Perk Up Café), Hilton Central, 32 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Mile End (corner of South Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive).

 

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Call for Auditors

The Uniting Church SA Synod Financial Services Team currently requires additional assistance from suitably qualified auditors (CPA, CA or Registered Company Auditor) to provide audit services to Uniting Church SA congregations and other entities. Fees are to be negotiated directly with the congregation and prospective auditors will need to have their own ABN as well as appropriate insurance. If you or someone you know is available and willing to join a small team to provide this valuable service, please contact Bella Esposito, Financial Services Coordinator on (08) 8236 4251 or via email at Turn on Javascript! for further information.

 

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New opportunities for welcoming refugees in local communities

Uniting Church congregations and faith groups have long been at the forefront of welcoming refugees to Australia. Now your congregation can take the next step and welcome newly arrived Afghan evacuees and other refugees referred by the UNHCR living in our communities. The Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) allows us to do just that. The CRSA are looking for volunteers, individuals and groups, to be a part of their Group Mentorship and the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) Programs.

Here’s how it works:

  • Volunteers are groups of at least 5 adults who live near each other. The group offers support to a refugee household (The household is on a refugee or humanitarian visa with full access to Centrelink, Medicare, Work Rights etc.)
  • The group volunteers 10+ hours of support per week between them.
  • Group provides ongoing practical support as required e.g. social connection, assist with driving lessons, finding employment.

How to get involved:

Please let Synod Refugee Advocacy group know your interest in the program (Contact convenor Rev Paul Turley Turn on Javascript! or Justice Officer Paul Goh Turn on Javascript!).

 

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October Refugee Advocacy Guide - A Letter-writing Action and Postcard Campaign

At the June 2022 Synod meeting, we committed to continue to advocate for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees using ‘Priorities for Change’. This and other resources for congregations are available to view on the Synod website: UCA SA - Refugees: Resources for Congregations.

A four-page letter-writing action guide including a template is prepared to help individuals and congregations advocate to the Australian government, fulfilling its promise of pathways to permanency for those on temporary visas without further delay. You can download the guide at this link Refugee Advocacy Guide-October 2022.pdf.

In collaboration with other Synods, we are also encouraged to take part in a postcard campaign on the Increased Humanitarian Protection Program. To request postcards, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, by emailing Turn on Javascript! or phone
(08) 826 4244.

 

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Connecting with Ancestors' Retreat

A weekend of connecting with your spiritual heritage through listening to stories of our ancestors and learning through dialogue between the spirituality of First Nations people and the spirituality of the ancient Celts. More information and details about how to book are available at this link.

 

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COVID-19 Update

All existing directions, frequently asked questions and other information in regards to COVID-19 guidelines 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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Thuruna Campsite – 60th Anniversary – Save the Date!

Thuruna will celebrate 60 years of ministry, service and hospitality to the people of the Eyre Peninsula and beyond. A commemorative worship service and afternoon tea is planned for Sunday, 23rd October, 2022 at Thuruna commencing at 2.00 pm. All welcome. Enquiries and RSVPs can be made by emailing Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Willunga Uniting Church Cemetery

A memorial has been installed recognising the unmarked, predominately children's graves, that are in the church cemetery. There are over one hundred unmarked graves in the cemetery. The official opening of the memorial for the Unmarked Graves will take place on Sunday, October 16th at 12.00 noon. This will be followed by a light lunch at Bethany Hall. The Willunga Uniting Church Cemetery is located next to the church at 33 St Andrews Terrace, Willunga. RSVP not essential, but preferred by reply email for catering purposes -Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Request for Wool

The Women’s Prison is seeking donations of wool and stuffing and is currently in need of any and all colours, but also a big need for reds and black as production of crotchet poppies for Remembrance Day in November is in full swing. Poppies will be sold for a gold coin donation and the proceeds will be donated to the Anzac Appeal. Other wool will be used to make toys, blankets, scarves and beanies to be donated to the APY Lands, Catherine House and hospitals. 14 bags of woollen items were donated two months ago to the above places and were highly appreciated. People can contact Rev Frances Bartlett/Bartholomeusz on 0407687311, or at the Semaphore Uniting Church Thursday and Friday. Donations can be dropped into the Semaphore Uniting Church OP Shop from Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am – 3.00 pm (146 Semaphore Road, Exeter).

 

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Calling all Suicide Awareness Banners

Over the past 11 years, Scots Church Adelaide has provided Suicide Prevention Day banners to Uniting Church congregations across South Australia. We would like to be able to document this project with photographs of banners where they hang each year. Could any congregation who has received a banner from Scots Church please send us a photograph of the banner and any connected activity. It will be helpful, if sending photographs previous to this year please do indicate the date. Thank you in advance, Jill Lienert: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Sally Stamp

As the year draws to a close the Sally Stamp group would like to thank all that have donated stamps this year. Donations have been made to the South Pacific School Aid and Outback Pastor as a result of stamp donations. As we move towards Christmas you are asked to please save your stamps which can be dropped into the Synod office in Pirie Street. For further information please contact Maxine Haines on 0427 972 417.

 

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Spring Fair at Spicer Uniting Church

There’s something for everyone at the Spicer Fair! Pre-loved books to peruse, a large range of plants, bric-a-brac, and the ever popular cakes and jams. Browse the art and craft stalls and listen to live music. Treat yourself to Devonshire tea or coffee, or a sausage from the barbecue. Come along and enjoy a great family day out. Saturday, 22nd October, 8.30 am – 2.30 pm.

 

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Induction of Rev Mark Hewitt and Rev John Hughes at Pilgrim UCA

You are invited to celebrate the induction of Rev Mark Hewitt and Rev John Hughes into ministry at Pilgrim on Friday, 14th October at 7.00 pm, 12 Flinders Street, Adelaide.

 

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Inaugural Professorial Lecture with Rev Prof Vicky Balabanski

You are invited to ‘Entering the Year of Matthew: Fresh eyes on conflict, communication and community – Jesus’ take on turning the other cheek,’ on Wednesday 19th October at 7.00 pm at Adelaide West Uniting Church. Registration can be made at this link: Entering the Year of Matthew - Churches Together SA. This event will also be live-streamed.

 

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Free Mental Health Webinars for Church Leaders

The Christian Counsellors Association of Australia recognises that church leaders, staff and pastoral care volunteers are often a primary contact for their congregation and local community when life get hard. And now, more than ever, they need support to healthily manage the increasing pastoral load and needs of individuals.

Two free webinars are on offer to equip people in ministry and pastoral care with the tools and strategies for implementing good mental health care in their churches and community … and for themselves. Monday, 17th October at 7.30 pm entitled ‘Who Cares for the Carers in Ministry?’ More information is available at: Mental Health Toolbox for Ministry | CCAA

 

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 4th October 2022

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

 

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