News, Notices & Prayer points - 14 April 2020

Posted Apr 14, 2020 in News

News & Notices – 14 April 2020

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church submitted for the Tuesday 14 April edition of UC e-News.

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Prayer Points for the week

All those in the world whose situation makes it impossible to practise physical distancing; or who have no access to running water or hand sanitiser. May the Holy Spirit inspire in us the courage and compassion to make a difference in their lives from our position of privilege.
For women and children across the globe who are victims of domestic violence and who are now more isolated than ever, with their social supports and safety plans are in jeopardy. Find a UCA resource here.

Praying For Safety

UCA President Dr Deidre Palmer issued a Pastoral Note just before Easter, urging Church members to be mindful of the safety of people in violent relationships.

"We are hearing reports of an increase in calls to Domestic and Family Violence helplines across the globe from women who are more isolated than ever, and whose social supports and safety plans are in jeopardy," said Deidre.

"We encourage you as members of the Uniting Church, in this difficult time, to stay connected with your neighbours, your friends and family."

The Pastoral Note includes a Prayer for People Living in Violent Situations and a suite of resources compiled by Rev Charissa Suli of the Assembly Resourcing Unit.

Read more here.

New Times copy deadline change

The copy deadline for the June/July edition of New Times has changed to Friday 15 May, one week earlier than originally planned and advertised. If you wish to submit and article, photo, letter or advertisement for this edition, please do so on or before the 15 May deadline.

Suggestions for articles are always welcome. The editorial team would be particularly interested to hear from you if you have an opinion on the online church services which our congregations have made available during times of isolation. Please send your ideas/opinions for consideration to Turn on Javascript!.

Preaching in a time a of trauma

During a season such as this when we are experiencing a global pandemic and many people are suffering various degrees of trauma, it can be difficult to know how to preach effectively. This article (read it here) is authored by Joni S. Sancken, author of “Words that Heal: Preaching Hope to Wounded Souls”, an excellent preaching and trauma resource.

The article contains suggestions for trauma-aware preaching that can build resilience in congregations and communities. Her book is a great, easy to read and has helpful tools in the appendix for preaching a trauma aware sermon.

Principles of Emergency Ministry

Another wonderful resource is from Rev Dr Stephen Robinson (National Disaster Recovery Officer, UCA Assembly) who has prepared a PowerPoint (with narration) entitled “Principles of Emergency Ministry”. This resource seeks to convey the essential things to keep in mind when responding to an emergency or disaster – particularly in the context of this pandemic. Here’s a link.

Discipleship resources sharing in un-gathered times

We are in a challenging new season, being the church un-gathered for worship and discipleship. The Synod of South Australia has gathered a list of Uniting Church congregations and ministries in South Australia and the ways in which they are resourcing and encouraging discipleship and pastoral care at home for people of all ages. We have also gathered resources from other denominations or interstate churches or ministries.

The resources include Bible studies for individuals, small groups, children and families, and ways to serve and pastorally care for each other. Please send us your congregation’s resources or online links to Turn on Javascript! so we can encourage and inspire one another while sharing the task of producing resources.

The resources can be found here.

Please feel free to download, adapt, share and/or print these resources for your church community.

There is a separate list available of links to resources for online and non-digital worship here.

In memoriam: Rev Dr Rodger Bassham

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the sudden death of Rev Dr Rodger Bassham on Good Friday, 10 April 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, his funeral will be restricted in attendance. Rodger’s family plan to record the funeral service and make the recording available online at a time in the future. UC e-News will carry details of when the funeral may be watched in due course. A Pastoral Note detailing Rodger’s ministry will be sent out today.

SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line

Uniting Communities is operating the South Australian COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line, established by the State Government to help those struggling with the current situation or with feelings of isolation. Counselling is offered over the phone and via video calls, along with referrals to a range of services if needed.

The Support Line is open seven days a week from 8:00am to 8:00pm on 1800 632 753.

Support to extend community grants

More than $64 million will be provided by the Federal Government to extend about 3000 grant agreements currently administered by the Department of Social Services for essential services to 31 March 2021 which had been due to cease over the coming months.

This includes grants for family and relationship services, mental health counselling for parents, services for families and children experiencing the impacts of alcohol and drug misuse, and technology to keep women experiencing domestic violence safe.