News, Notices & Prayer points - 13 July 2021

Posted Jul 13, 2021 in News

News & Notices – 13 July 2021

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 13th July edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points for the week:

We pray:

For countries and communities where COVID-19 continues to spread
For the people of Afghanistan as they come to terms with more political upheaval and the potential for increased conflict and violence
For all people working to bring support, food and assistance in disadvantaged communities and countries – may they be able to minister in safety.

Synod Expos Update

We are thrilled to announce the first keynote speaker for the Synod Expos being held around South Australia from September through to November this year. Dave Male is no stranger to South Australia. Rev Canon Dave Male is the Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Based in Westminster in the UK, Dave leads a large team which helps diocese and churches to equip people for evangelism and discipleship for the whole of their lives. He is a trainer in pioneer ministries and an advisor on Fresh Expressions in England. Dave is a sought after speaker internationally and we are thrilled to know that he will provide an inspiring keynote for the expos. 'I have loved my time connecting with Australians and I am so looking forward to continuing that connection into the future,' said Rev Dave Male.

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Safe Church Audit

Thank you to the 80 plus congregations who have responded so far. We trust that having the questions to consider before you complete the survey has enhanced the ability to respond. We are looking forward to hearing from every congregation as this helps us to measure the awareness and practice of Safe Church in the Synod of SA! If the link has been misplaced for the survey or the questions, please visit https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/resources#audit. The Closing date is Monday 26^th July, 2021.

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One Great Sunday of Sharing 2021 Worship Resources

On Sunday, 18^th July, all congregations are invited to watch a three minute video during worship services. Compiled by the Multicultural Ministry Centre of Mission Resourcing and produced by the Synod Engagement Ministry Centre, this video showcases vibrant CALD congregations/faith communities and intercultural ministries in South Australian Uniting Churches

The video is available on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nBOHAbega8

The Worship Resources are available on the Synod website at this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/cald/cald-events-and-resources.

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Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru

An Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru to mark the eight year anniversary of the Australian government recommencing offshore indefinite detention: 8 Years - Stop the Torture Now will be held on 18th July. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/AdelaideVigil/

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Six weeks of dwelling in prayer

Uniting Church members are invited to join together in a time of prayer in the lead up to the opening of the 16th Assembly on 17-18 July 2021.

Each week a prayer is offered, often in languages other than English.

President-elect Rev Sharon Hollis invited Uniting Church members to enter into the heart of prayer: We trust the promise of Holy Spirit that God hears and prays, in us, with us and through us as we join in many languages to lift our voice in prayer for the Assembly and the work of the Assembly across Australia.

For more information visit: https://uniting.church/dwelling-in-prayer/

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16^th Assembly Update

The 16th Assembly is the triennial decision-making meeting of the national Council of the Uniting Church, which guides the life of the Church and its advocacy over the next three years.

This year, for the first time, the triennial Assembly meeting will take place online from 17-18 July 2021, a decision made to protect the health and safety of members in the context of COVID-19. The Assembly meeting will then reconvene in 2022 when a face-to-face meeting is possible.

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Friendship Club

The next Western Link Friendship Club meeting will be held on Thursday, 15^th July at 1.30 pm. Vogue Music (Antonio and Kate Villano) will entertain us and afternoon tea will follow. A donation of $5.00 is all that you need! Enquiries: to Pam 8443 8145 or the Church Office 8445 2332. All welcome.

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Cato Lecturer for the 16^th Assembly

The Cato Lecturer for the 16th Assembly is Professor Anthony Reddie, Director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture at Oxford University.

Professor Anthony Reddie is the leading scholar in the practice of Black theology in grass-roots communities of faithful practice.

Professor Reddie is one of the leading theorists and practitioners in the development of racism awareness (or diversity) training in Britain.

He is the first Black person to ever receive an A rating in theology and religious studies in the history of the National Research Foundation in South Africa. He is also a recipient of the Archbishop of Canterbury's 2020 Lanfranc Award for 'exceptional and sustained contribution to Black theology in Britain and beyond.'

He is the author of Is God Colourblind and several scholarly publications and numerous essays and articles. Professor Reddie has previously visited Australia and connected with members of UAICC. The Cato Lecture will be live-streamed on Saturday, 17^th July at 7.00 pm for all to attend. Further information is available at this link: https://uniting.church/meet-the-cato-lecturer/.

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Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee Award

The Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) invites congregations who have been involved in Ecumenical activities within their local community to submit to SERC a brief of their activity. This can be through a written report with photographs, video or whatever creative presentation you wish to make.

This award has been agreed to by Synod with $600 being included in the SERC budget for it. Certificates will be presented to all applicants. The closing date is the 17^th September and the award will be presented at a Synod meeting. Please submit applications to Don Hopgood Turn on Javascript! or Velvy Holden at Turn on Javascript! or mail to SERC c/o 19 Ray Avenue, Morphett Vale 5162.

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Uniting Foundation

Do you have an idea for a vibrant new initiative or project to engage with your local community?

Every day, Uniting Church congregations and faith communities provide programs and services that bring hope and help to many South Australians. Uniting Foundation grants offer financial support to establish projects that will help to build vibrant churches and communities into the future. The 2021 round is now open with a closing date of 31 July 2021.

For more information visit: https://sa.uca.org.au/uniting-foundation/applying-for-a-grant

Further information about the work undertaken by previous grants is available at this link.

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Synod Art Project

Artists from all around South Australia and beyond have shared theological reflection through art and transformed the Synod office building. Come and see the artwork before the exhibition ends. Tours conducted by Dieter Engler, Karan Hudson and Neryl McCallum. More information is available at this link: https://www.cmla.org.au/events/synod-art-project-tours/

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Dive into Preaching – preparing and delivering a sermon

Join Tanya Wittwer and Max Howland for a two-day workshop on preparing and delivering a sermon. The workshop is designed for those who are being asked to preach and either have no training yet, or for those that have started/completed the Lay Preacher’s Certificate IV course, as a practical supplement to the course. The workshop will be held on July 20^th and July 27^th at the Uniting College, Brooklyn Park from 9.30 am – 4.00 pm each day. The cost is $15 per person and you register at this link: https://events.sa.uca.org.au/uclt/preachingworkshop

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Finding the road less travelled

Established and emerging artists will be given the opportunity to put their heart and art into coming to terms with the past COVID year in which our lives were turned upside down. How do we find the road less travelled?

Bethany Hall, Willunga - 33 St Andrews Terrace. Bethany Hall is one of Willunga's earliest buildings which features gallery lighting to showcase local Fleurieu artists.

Open weekends in August from 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Opening Event Saturday, August 7^th at 11.30am with Rev Dr Michael Trainor. For further information email: Turn on Javascript!.

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UnitingSA – New CEO

On Monday, 28^th June 2021, Uniting SA welcomed a new CEO, Jenny Hall to the UnitingSA team. Jenny comes to UnitingSA with over 20 years’ experience across the aged care, community and health sectors, including senior executive roles at Helping Hand, Neami National and Medibank Home Support Services.

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Lay Preachers’ Sunday

A reminder that 1^st August 2021 is Lay Preachers’ Sunday in South Australia. The Lay Preachers’ Committee encourages all congregations to celebrate, either on the 1^st of August or on a convenient day nearby, the lay people without whom many congregations would have nobody to lead worship each week. A liturgy and preaching notes can be found on the Lay Preachers page of the Synod website at this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/lay-preachers/

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MediaCom Education Update

MediaCom Education is on the move! As of 1 August, 2021, MediaCom Education will relocate to the corner of South Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive: Building 4, 32-56 Sir Donald Bradman Drive. The office will continue to open from 9am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday and will be closed on Friday. Contact the office by phone: (08) 8371 1399 or email Turn on Javascript!.

MediaCom Education is also getting ready to distribute the next edition of L3 - Lay Leaders' Liturgy. Lay Leaders' Liturgy is an affordable resource for lay leaders to plan their weekly worship in accordance with the Revised Common Lectionary. Purchase a print or online copy today: https://www.mediacomeducation.org.au/.../lay-leaders.../

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Community Grants Open in 2 Weeks

Only 2 weeks until the opening of the next round of community grants. Applications can be made between 10am Tuesday 27 July and 4pm Tuesday 24 August 2021. Please contact the City of Tea Tree Gully to discuss your project idea and check your eligibility!

The Council’s Community Grants program consists of one-off financial grants for community groups and not-for-profit organisations. Grants are provided for activities, programs, events and initiatives that provide clear benefits to the community.

Further information is available on the Community Grants page on Council's website

External grant opportunity
The IGA Community Chest raises funds to support local communities, charities and other worthwhile causes. You can apply for funding to help with events associated with things like floods or bush fires or something as simple as new soccer balls for the local under 8’s. Open all year round. Find out more.

External award opportunities
The Pelzer prize is open for nominations. Nominate a green hero who's making a positive difference to the SA environment. Nominees may have been restoring landscapes, creating habitat for wildlife, connecting people to nature, or cleaning up parks, beaches or waterways, or may be doing something else that is equally worthy of recognition and reward. The selection panel will be looking for evidence of positive change over a substantial period of time in order to reward a winner with a $10,000 cash prize to dedicate towards an environmental cause. Find out more .

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Thriving in Ministry – Wellness Retreat

Come and Discover - faith and wellness, nutrition and movement, managing stress and sleep! Saturday 24th of July 9:30am - 1:00pm – includes take home resources, morning tea and free parking. $20 per person, bookings essential at this link: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/3982083

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 6 July 2021, which includes updates about:

Synod Expos Update
NAIDOC Week 2021
NAIDOC Ecumenical Service at Pilgrim Uniting Church
One Great Sunday of Sharing: Celebrating being a Multicultural and Intercultural Church
Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru
Six weeks of dwelling in prayer
16^th Assembly Update
Safe Church Update
Friendship Club
Cato Lecturer for the 16^th Assembly
Uniting SA Winter Appeal 2021
Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee Award
Uniting Foundation
Synod Art Project
Dive into Preaching – preparing and delivering a sermon
Finding the road less travelled
Choral Evensong Service – Pilgrim Uniting Church