News, Notices & Prayer points - 12 October 2021

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News & Notices – 12 October 2021

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 12th October edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points for the week:

We pray:

  • For New South Wales as it begins its transition out of lockdown and also for Victoria as it continues to grapple with the impacts of the pandemic
  • For all people experiencing isolation, exhaustion and separation at this time that they may find comfort and support
  • We also pray for healing in a troubled world.

 

 

Synod Expo Update

The Port Lincoln Synod Expo was a great success last Saturday, October 9th. We look forward to the next expo event being held in Port Pirie this Saturday, October 16th. We again look forward to a day of connecting and sharing, incorporating workshops about property, engagement, intergenerational ministry, evangelism and discipleship and grants. Bookings are still open. For a summary video highlights package of the Port Lincoln expo day please visit this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/synod-expo

 

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Fundraising Dinner for Asylum Seekers

The Circle of Friends (Circle of Hope) is holding a fundraising dinner for asylum seekers on Friday, October 22nd. Funds raised will help with rent and other living costs. We currently support 10 asylum seekers who are denied income support. Venue: Hope’s Café, Clayton Wesley Church. To book: https://events.humanitix.com/fundraiser-for-asylum-seekers-by-the-circle-of-hope. Call David on 0401 380 782 for more information.

 

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Act2

Members of the Uniting Church, our congregations, agencies, schools and Councils have been invited to engage in a conversation about the future to which God is calling our Church.

To find out more about Act2 and how you can be part of this important conversation, first read the Introduction to the project at this link: http://form.jotform.com/203201030312024.

There will be a number of opportunities to participate across the Church between now and the end of the year. Assembly General Secretary Colleen Geyer has also written an explanation of the Act2 theme which is available here: https://uniting.church/whats-in-a-name-uca-act2/.

 

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Youth Mental Health First-Aid (YMHFA)

Adolescence is a time of important change and development for a young person. It is also the peak age of onset for mental illness. It is commonly recognised that young people are at high risk of developing mental health problems, however the concern is those problems may go undetected in the guise of normal adolescent mood changes and developmental stage challenges. Left undetected, mental health problems can have a lifelong impact; however, the chances of this are significantly reduced with early intervention.

With a focus on improved mental health literacy and awareness, the Youth Mental Health First-Aid course is for adults who work, live or care for adolescents. It equips participants with the skills to recognise and respond to an adolescent who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis situation. Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, YMHFA teaches how to support an adolescent until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

The Intergen Team is hosting three Youth Mental Health First-Aid courses delivered by Rev Mark Dickens for anyone serving in youth ministry. If you haven’t expressed your interest in the Youth Mental Health First Aid as yet, the 4th December option is now sold out, but there are a few positions that have opened up on the 27th November. Please express your interest asap at the following link: https://ucasa.org.au/mental-health-first-aid/

 

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Lincoln College: Available for your Staff Christmas Function in December

Lincoln College offers a traditional Christmas lunch in the heart of North Adelaide, in their beautiful historical grounds in Brougham Place. Seating availability is up to 150 guests, catering packages range from full service dining to buffet-style banquets. Discounts apply to the Uniting Church community. Phone (08) 8290 6003.

 

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Vacancy – Minister, Pilgrim Uniting Church

Expression of interest are invited for a Minister – Deacon (Mission and Community Engagement 0.6FTE) and a Minister – Pastoral Care (0.4FTE) to join the Pilgrim Uniting Church ministry team. This position may be offered as one full-time role. Enquiries and Expressions of Interest (marked private and confidential) should be sent to Rev Philip Gardner, Synod Office, PO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001. Email Turn on Javascript!, phone: (08) 8236 4200 by 22nd October 2021.

 

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Spring Fair at Spicer Uniting Church

There’s something for everyone at the Spicer Fair! Browse the art and craft stalls, grab a bite, listen to our live band and High Spirits Harmony Choir. There’s also pre-loved books to peruse, a great range of plants, bric-a-brac and the ever popular cakes and jams. Treat yourself to Devonshire tea or coffee or a sausage from the barbecue. Come along and enjoy a great family day out. Saturday, 16th October from 8.30 am – 1.30 pm.

 

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A New Video and Guide for Refugee Advocacy and Support

A new video produced by the Synod Refugee Advocacy Group can be viewed in a service of worship in your congregation, as a part of a Church Council meeting, and other gatherings to raise awareness of practical responses to support and advocate for refugees and those seeking asylum. You can view and download at this link: https://vimeo.com/605416093.A new two-page Refugee Advocacy Guide sheet can be downloaded here.

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

 

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South Australian Uniting Churches join in the Faiths 4 Climate Justice Global Day of Action 

On this Sunday, October 17 – two weeks before vital global climate negotiations in Glasgow, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) - a number of South Australian Uniting Churches are joining in with other Christians and peoples of faiths all around the globe calling for climate justice and care for God’s creation by ringing bells, singing, and praying. There are now more than 110 places of worship and faith communities across Australia who will be proudly and clearly calling for much stronger climate policy 

On this day we’ll also unfurl banners on our sacred buildings that make it clear: the time to act is now. Our own Uniting Church banners reflect the commitments we made at the 15th Assembly where we acknowledged that God calls us into a particular relationship with the rest of creation – a relationship of mutuality and interdependence which seeks the renewal and reconciliation of all creation with God. 

With this affirmation came a range of acknowledgments and commitments including urging the government to divest from fossil fuels and to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. In the words of the 2018 Assembly proposal, ‘for the whole of Creation, the time for action is now.’ 

A guide on Taking Action at Our Places of Prayer and Worship on Sunday the 17th is available here. And another guide to taking public action can be found here. 

 

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Anti-Poverty Week – 17th – 23rd October

Every community in South Australia has children, young people and families enduring financial stress and poverty. This year due to the impacts of COVID, responding to poverty and hardship must take on an even greater priority. The evidence shows that unemployment, under-employment, financial and housing stress and metal health problems are compounded by COVID. Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People has written to churches and their communities to seek your support at this time. Anti-Poverty Week will take place from the 17th to 23rd October and the Commissioner’s letter can be downloaded here.

 

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The Church in the Digital Age

Running from March 2021 until November 2022, the Assembly Standing Committee has formed the Church In the Digital Age Task Group to identify the critical theological, pastoral and practical issues related to the worship, witness and service of the Uniting Church in Australia raised by the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. In response the Task group are asking for short submissions (100-200 words) detailing how you or your community are or have engaged digital/online ministry. What about that engagement excited you, what surprised you? What has shaped your broader thinking about church? Read and download the invitation to engage with the Task Group here.

 

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Send love and fight poverty

UnitingWorld’s set of eight beautiful Christmas cards are ready for pre-order. These cards bring hope and joy not just to friends and family, but to people working hard to free themselves from poverty overseas. $15 per pack of eight – proceeds give life to our international partners. Order now for delivery in early October! https://everythingincommon.com.au/collections/all-products/products/christmas-cards-pack-of-8-4-designs

 

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Morialta Uniting Church Student Houses – Vacancies 2022

Undergraduate university/TAFE students from rural/regional areas. Furnished single bedrooms, living areas, shared bathroom or ensuite. Close to UniSA, Magill. Easy travel to city for Adelaide University and UniSA, and to Mawson Lakes Campus. Rent $390 or $430 monthly. Contact Anne Ind 0402061124, Church Office 83319344. Now is the time for school leavers heading for tertiary studies to apply for accommodation in our Student Houses.

 

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Sally Stamp

The volunteers are pleased to be back in the Church Office sorting stamps, however they need more supplies. Please check your office, plus ask businesses in your area if they would save their envelopes for you to collect. With Christmas not far away, please save your stamps – all donations gratefully accepted. For further information please contact Maxine Haines, Convenor on 0427 972 417 or email Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Christians Against Poverty (CAP)

The CAP Money course is a health check for your finances, a free money management course run by the Burnside Uniting Church CAP money team. Open to everyone, no matter your financial situation. The next course will be held at the Burnside Uniting Church, 384 Portrush Road, Tusmore from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm on the following evenings: Tuesday 19th October, Friday 22nd October and Tuesday, 25th October, 2021. For further information email: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Garage Sale – Seaton Uniting Church

Seaton Uniting is holding a Mini Garage sale on Saturday 16th October from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. Sausage sizzle, cake stall, new toys and bric-a-brac available. Come and join them for fun, food and fellowship. Contact Janet on 0432 271 757 for more information.

 

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MediaCom Education – Book Launch

Please join writer Mandy Harvey and Dr Bruce Hulme for the official launch of Musings from my Garden next Tuesday the 19th of October from 7pm at Blackwood Uniting Church. Drinks and nibbles supplied! For more information, view the Facebook event here or email Turn on Javascript!. All welcome!

 

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 5th October 2021

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

 

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