News, Notices & Prayer points - 13 May 2025

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News & Notices – 13 May 2025

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 13 May 2025 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For the International Day of Families – may we honour the strength, diversity, and love found within all families. May families everywhere be supported in building connection, resilience, and care across generations

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    For Pope Leo XIV – we pray that he leads with humility, wisdom, and love.  May his leadership be a source of hope and unity for the global Church and a witness to peace and justice for all

  • For National Volunteer Week – we give thanks for the countless volunteers who offer their time, energy, and compassion in service to others. 

 


 

 

Congratulates the Roman Catholic Church on the election of Pope Leo XIV

With our Roman Catholic friends around the country and the world, we celebrate the appointment of Pope Leo XIV and wish him well in his new ministry.
We look forward to continuing to walk with all people of faith in our commitment to building a more just and peaceful world in which every person’s dignity is honoured, and peace and justice are actively pursued.
Statement from the Uniting Church President, Rev Charissa Suli: The UCA congratulates the Catholic church on a new Pope – Uniting Church Australia

 

 

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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:

UCA SA - Content Guidelines

PicRights: How to Deal with a Letter Alleging Copyright Infringement

Copyright myths - Copyright Agency

 

 

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Re-kindling partnership with Philippines church

The Mission Resourcing team is discerning how we might re-kindle our partnership with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP). They have had a long connection with North Luzon and more recently the Middle Luzon jurisdictions of the UCCP. These partnerships have been multi-dimensional and at times creative and life giving. They are wondering what a renewal of our connections with the UCCP might look like.
Interested in being involved or have ideas to share?
Please contact Scott Litchfield: Turn on Javascript!

 

 

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AED Update

The Synod is pleased to confirm that we were successful in our collective AED grant application to Preventive Health SA and were awarded the full $1000 grant available per eligible location.  As the grant does not cover the full cost of purchasing an AED for each location, we have worked hard to minimise the contribution ‘gap’ cost payable by congregations, to ensure all congregations are able to meet the requirements of the Automated External Defibrillator (Public Access) Act 2022.  Eligible congregations will shortly be receiving further information regarding the purchasing process and the options available and are encouraged to complete and return their AED order form(s) as soon as possible.  An AED frequently asked questions (FAQs) page will also be added to the Uniting Church website shortly and therefore we ask that you read this first prior to contacting the Synod directly with any questions.

 

 

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Save the Date – Resourcing Day!

The Resourcing Day will take place on Friday evening, 17 October, continuing Saturday, 18 October.
If you’re interested, please save the date! More details will be available soon.

 

 

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Karoonda Uniting Church Centenary Celebration

Karoonda Uniting Church invites you to join the celebration of 100th Anniversary on Sunday 18 May 2025 at 10.00 am which is led by Rev Dr Sean Gilbert. The event will be hosted at the church followed by a pooled luncheon and fellowship at the Karoonda Football Clubrooms.  Please bring a pooled savoury dish to share and RSVP by 1 May 2025. For further information, please contact Don Loller 0488 034 202 or Turn on Javascript!

 

 

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Code of Ethics Refresher

A reminder that the Code of Ethics Refresher Training is Thursday 12 May 2025 at Ascot Park Uniting Church, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

This training offers a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the core commitments that guide ministry. It’s a chance to share insights, explore challenges, and reaffirm the integrity and care that shape the vocation.

Register here.

If unable to attend, a second session will be held on 16 September at Modbury Uniting Church (1.00 pm – 4.00 pm). Online options will also be available; dates will be shared soon.

 

 

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Sally Stamp

A donation of $2,000 has been made to South Pacific School Aid Inc., and $1,000 to the Outback Pastors, using remaining funds from 2024.

It is hoped that another shipment to the Pacific Islands can be supported once SPSA has a pallet ready.

Sincere thanks to everyone who continues to donate stamps—especially full collections no longer required by families. These contributions are greatly appreciated and make a real difference.

Maxine Haines - Email: Turn on Javascript! - Mobile: 0427 972417

 

 

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Joseph Haydn's Nelson Mass

Joseph Haydn's Nelson Mass will be presented by the Adelaide Harmony choir on Sunday 1 June 2025 at 2.00pm, in Wesley Uniting church Kent Town. There will also be other instrumental and vocal music by guest artists. Tickets: Adults $35, Concession $30 and child $10.
RSVP: trybooking.com/daysr. Tickets available at the door (card or cash)

 

 

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DISC Profile Workshop for Leaders

The DISC Profile is a widely used tool for understanding leadership and workplace behaviours. Dr Craig Mitchell is leading a one-day DISC workshop on Wed 28 May at Uniting College. This event for ministry agents, other church workers and leaders includes completing the accredited DISC Profile and receiving a personalised report, as well as a series of workshop activities. DISC is also an excellent tool for teams. Craig is offering this event in association with Mission Resourcing SA and Uniting College. More details and registration link here

 

 

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National Volunteers Week (19 – 25 May 2025)

As part of National Volunteers Week, the Uniting Church in SA is recognising the vital work of volunteers across all ministry areas.
Join the Moderator, Mission Resourcing, UCFAMS, and UnitingCare SA for a special service honouring our volunteers on Sunday 18 May at Adelaide West Uniting Church, Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Brooklyn Park.
A can drive will also be held—please consider donating “ring pull” cans for UnitingCare Relief Centres.

 

 

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Good Grief Uniting Conversations

Seacliff Uniting Church presents the third event in its "Death and Dying" series of Uniting Conversations on 18 May 2025, 7:00–9:00 p.m., at 5 Wheatland Street, Seacliff. This session explores grief, the often-overlooked part of death literacy. Speakers include Dr. Kate Jurgens (grief counsellor) and Vivi Boucher (community arts). Grief comes in many forms—death, relationships, jobs. Can there be such a thing as "good grief"? And how do we support those who feel stuck?

A small donation is appreciated to help cover costs.

 

 

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Building on the Past

Burra Uniting Church is celebrating its rich history on Saturday 25 May and would love to welcome past and present members for a 10:30 a.m worship service, with Rev Philip Gardner (General Secretary) bringing the message.
Followed by a History hunt, pooled lunch and time to browse the wonderful history resources that Shirley Thamm and others have squirrelled away.

 

 

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Secretary, Western Link UC Friendship Club

The next meeting of the Western Link UC Friendship Club at 93 Crittenden Road, Findon will be held on Thursday, 15 May, at 1.30 pm. The Music Variety Entertainers (song and dance tappers) are sure to put on a great show! A donation of $10 includes afternoon tea. Everyone is welcome.
For enquiries, please contact Pam at 8443 8145

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Under Construction @ CityView - "On the Road"

On Sunday, 18 May, at 3.00 pm, the event will be held at UCity, 43 Franklin Street.
LEGO will be used to explore the story of the disciples meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus.
Participants will be greeted by a "LEGO-head" greeter on the ground floor, and the activities will take place on level 3. Everyone is welcome!
For more information and booking, please visit:https://events.humanitix.com/under-construction-cityviw

 

 

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Aboriginal Spirituality & Culture – Video Series

A new video series featuring Aboriginal theologian Rev Dr Garry Deverell is now available. The series, Aboriginal Spirituality & Culture, includes three short films and a discussion guide exploring key themes: Living on Country, The Dreaming, and Country & Colonisation. These thought-provoking and accessible resources are ideal for church groups seeking to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal spirituality and history.

Produced by Dr Craig Mitchell for Port Phillip East Presbytery (UCA), with support from the former School of Indigenous Studies, University of Divinity.

Free to download at: https://craigmitchell.com.au/aboriginal-culture

 

 

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Army Reserve Chaplaincy – Are You Being Called?

Could God be calling you to serve as a part-time Army Reserve chaplain? Vacancies are available in South Australia. Service is flexible, tax-free, and locally based—no postings outside your home area. The work is deeply rewarding. To learn more or speak with a current chaplain, contact Rev John Dansie on 0437 057 968.

 

 

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Volunteers Needed – The Corner Uniting Church Op Shop

The Corner Uniting Church is looking for additional volunteers to join the team at our Op Shop. This is a great opportunity to meet people, support the local community, and be part of a welcoming environment.

Whether you have a few hours a week or more time to offer, your help would be greatly appreciated. Training and support are provided.

Please contact Amy Russell on 08 8350 5400 for more information.

 

 

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COMING SOON – Uniting Foundation 2025 Grants

The 2025 grant guidelines and application form will be released by the end of May for new applications, due 31 July 2025.   

This year there is $750,000 available - $250,000 for Category A (Enduring) grants and $500,000 for Category B (UC Invest Springboard) grants 

More information will be provided soon, please visit: UCA SA - Uniting Foundation


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