News, Notices & Prayer points - 14th May 2024

Posted May 14, 2024 in News

News & Notices – 7th May 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 7th May 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

For all families, and parents, may they have the strength to nurture their children in faith and love, and may they always feel Your presence in their lives
For Uniting Church congregations and their communities may they grow in faith, unity, and love
For the people of Gaza, we continue to pray for an end to this terrible war.

Reconciliation Sunday Resources for Congregations

As National Reconciliation Week begins on 27th May 2024, this year Reconciliation Sunday falls on 26th May, which is also National Sorry Day. The theme for 2024, Now More than Ever, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. In 2006 at the meeting of the Presbytery/Synod of South Australia, we resolved to establish Reconciliation Sunday in Reconciliation Week (27th May to 3rd June) annually, to be celebrated across the Church, and request Church Councils to include this day in their worship calendars. 2024 Reconciliation Sunday resources including prayers and stories are available to download at the following links:

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UnitingWorld Sunday 2024

Hosting a UnitingWorld Sunday service is a chance to hear the wisdom of the Uniting Church's overseas church partners, learn more about their work and how each person can make a difference. Last year, over 80 churches took part. This year, a video sermon from Rev Dr Mery Kolimon is available, a theologian in the Christian Evangelical Church in Timor, preaching on Micah 6:8 and calling on the church to work together to address shared challenges like climate change. UnitingWorld provides the liturgy, video sermon and other resources. You choose a date that suits your church calendar. Sign up here or find out more at www.unitingworld.org.au/sunday. Resources are available now.

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Woodville Choir Concert at Henley-Fulham

Henley-Fulham Fellowship invites you to enjoy a choral ‘Better Together’ concert by this excellent choir directed by Stella Panozzo. 2.00pm Sunday 26^th May at Fulham Worship Centre, 16 Madeline Crescent, Fulham Gardens. Entry: Donation of $10 including afternoon tea. Enquiries or bookings to 0428 818 655. Come and enjoy a pleasant Sunday afternoon.

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Electric Vehicle Information Day

Ever wondered about buying an electric vehicle? Want to take a close look at an EV? Want to talk to an EV owner to find out why they bought one? EV owners will be on hand with their vehicles to show you how they work and answer your questions. This will be an informal session with a brief introduction and Q&A plus an opportunity to view the cars in the carpark out the front of The Corner UC (93 Oaklands Road, Warradale) on Saturday, 1^st June from 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. Come and hear from people who care about the environment and want to share their passion for EVs. This is a FREE event - just come along with your questions. Event hosted by the Corner Uniting Church. As a community with a growing number of EV owners, we feel passionate about educating others in this emerging community. Contact the church office for more info: Turn on Javascript!.

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CMLA May Update

The Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts has released a new Worship Music Pack of five Australian songs with music scores, audio and presentation media. Details of Music Pack #2 here. “Sing a New Song” - a Worship and Music Leadership event is planned for Saturday 7 September with a range of electives and guest speaker Rev Dr Stephen Burns from Pilgrim Theological College in Melbourne. Advance information here. The CMLA is also hosting a movie fundraiser event on Sunday 9 June at 3pm with the all ages film ‘IF’ - what happens to imaginary friends when you grow up. More info and tickets here. Visit the CMLA website for links to our Facebook page and group.

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MediaCom - special 10% discount for early orders of Church Year C resources

MediaCom is preparing to relocate its various functions from the Mile End distribution centre later this year and wishes to ensure you have everything you need for the new Church Year, which begins with Advent on 1^st December 2024. To get ahead of the rush and allow a smooth fulfilment of orders during relocation and to make the transition easier for everyone, MediaCom is offering a 10% discount on all full-priced Church Year C resources with early orders (excluding subscriptions). To explore resources and claim your 10% discount click here
Alternatively, visit Home - MediaCom Education and click on shop/Year C and use the promo code EARLYC10.

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Safe Church training opportunities

Through their Eyes (formerly known as Mandatory Reporting) is being offered for individuals who are seeking to understand their legal obligation for reporting concerns when a child is or may be at risk of harm. The full day session is designed for anyone who hasn’t participated before or it’s been more than 4 years since they last participated in this training. The ½ day refresher is for those to keep their knowledge fresh. It is recommended that this should be done every 3-4years. Several dates are now becoming available with bookings now open. Full day cost $30, ½ Day Refresher $25.00. Full day and Refresher Saturday 18^th May at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, 312 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Brooklyn Park.

Called to Care This is the Uniting Church awareness 3-hour session about safeguarding practices and responsibilities. Church Council members and leaders are invited and encouraged to participate in these sessions. Pre attendance booking is required for this free session: Saturday 15^th June at Henley Fulham UC, Fulham Gardens.

To see dates listed on the Safe Church Events Calendar please go to: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/

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The Annual General Meeting of the Uniting Church South Australia Historical Society

The 2024 AGM of the UC SA Historical Society will be held on Sunday, 23^rd June the day after the UCAs 47th anniversary. Meeting at the Unley Uniting Church the formal session at 2.00pm will receive the annual report and elect Council members.

Highlights for the year include support from Genealogy SA in scanning records, agreement to upgrade property to increase storage capacity, grants for publications and support to the SA Church History Network for their 4th May conference day, Paradise of Dissent Revisited.

At 2.30 three former SA Synod Moderators will share their insights on their time in office: Dr Don Hopgood (1997-1999), Dr Deidre Palmer (2013-16) and Rev Sue Ellis (2016-2019). They will comment on three questions.

What was a surprise to you in discovering something about a congregation that you did not know before?
In your term as Moderator what did you discover about the significance of church anniversaries and the importance of celebrating the gifts and commitment of those who served and witnessed over many years?
Yesterday we celebrated the 47th anniversary of the Uniting Church. What could the UC SA Historical Society do in the next three years to assist congregations prepare for the UCAs Jubilee in June 2027?

The forum will conclude at 3.30pm with afternoon tea. For information about the Society contact the History Centre 44A East Ave Black Forest. Phone 8297 8472. Email Turn on Javascript!. Research enquiry and archives. Email Turn on Javascript!. More about the society on their web site https://historicalsociety.unitingchurch.org.au/. Facebook: UCA Historical Society – South Australia. Rev Dr Dean Eland. President, email: Turn on Javascript!.

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Grant Opportunities

Grassroots Grants Open

Green Adelaide is launch Round 5 of its Grassroots Grants Program. Funding is available for the delivery of local projects that contribute to a cooler, greener and wilder Adelaide. More information is available at this link: Grassroots Grants | Green Adelaide.

Mark Butler MP Grants
The office of Mark Butler MP has compiled a list of key grants that may be available to organisations in the electorate of Hindmarsh across the Western Suburbs. The MPs office has also established an online Grants Hub which will be regularly updated. You can access the Grants Hub at markbutler.net.au/community/grants.

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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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Oodnadatta Fundraiser

It has been identified that there are no property funds available to provide furniture for the almost completed Oodnadatta building. As such, Fellowship and Mission Support have offered to undertake a fundraiser for all Fellowship and Friendship circles to buy a chair at $80 each (and add in the transport costs). It is hoped that they will be able to raise enough funds for 60 chairs. Donations should be sent to Ms Janet Woodward, Fellowship & Mission Administration, 312 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Brooklyn Park 5032 or can be made to BSB 704-095 / account number 195684 / Account Name: Uniting Church Adult Fellowship / Reference: Oodnadatta. Further information is available from Rev Sue Ellis, 0427 162 009 email: Turn on Javascript!.

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History Month at Gartrell

Join other lovers of JS Bach’s organ music, accompanied by reflections in the historic Gartrell Church to celebrate 110 years of music, worship and fellowship. The Dodd organ is a central part of worship and celebration at Gartrell. 2.00 pm, Sunday 19^th May. Booking required: $25 including afternoon tea. Pleasant Sunday Afternoon with JS Bach Organ Music Tickets, Gartrell Memorial Church, Rose Park | TryBooking Australia.

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Creating Authentic Christian Communities Online

During the COVID era, many churches started or developed worship services online. Beyond filming a Sunday morning service or putting a video on YouTube, how can congregations connect with people meaningfully in Christian community, faith exploration and growing disciples?

Commencing Thursday 16^th May, the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts (CMLA) is hosting several onsite conversations with churches seeking to build online or blended communities of faith. There will be learning from the hosts and from wider wisdom, as well as discussing your churches aspirations and challenges. 7.30-9.00pm Adelaide West UC. More details here.

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Training in Pastoral Care

St Andrew’s Hospital is offering Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE units), and the next weekly unit will run from July-November, Thursdays from 4.00 pm – 8.30 pm. Participants will explore how to be present to others who are experiencing distress and how to offer pastoral care informed by self-awareness. For more information and cost please contact Chaplain Jenski (Rev Leanne Jenski) email: Turn on Javascript! or mobile 0417 863 635.

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Adelaide Theological Library Book Sale

You are invited to the Adelaide Theological Library Book Sale from 3rd - 6th June (inclusive). Between the hours of 10.00 am - 4.00 pm daily, you will find hundreds of relevant titles on offer, and most books are priced around $1, $2 and $5. Items cover theology, biblical commentaries, leadership, pastoral care, spirituality, prayer and more. Payment by card only – all welcome.

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