News, Notices & Prayer points - 15 February 2022

Posted Feb 15, 2022 in News

News & Notices – 15 February 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 15th February 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

For the emerging partnership with the United Methodist Church in the Philippines and the Uniting Church’s on-going partnership with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
For the people of Ukraine and for the wisdom of world leaders that they may be able to restore peace to the region.
For all First Peoples upon the recent anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. For justice and truth, healing from deep trauma, and for strength of connection to culture and country.

Wilks Oration featuring Stan Grant

The Effective Living Centre (ELC) is an outreach program to the community from Christ Church Uniting in Wayville. It has been running diverse programs and events of interest to both the wider and church community for over 20 years. Graham Wilks, who was particularly interested in relationships, social justice and human rights was instrumental in setting up the ELC alongside Rev Sean Gilbert, who was then Minister of Christ Church, and interested members of the Christ Church congregation The ELC was a particularly successful new initiative and when Graham Wilks died in 2002 it was decided each year to hold an Oration in his memory.

As orators the ELC invites outstanding Australians who have contributed to improving our world and challenging our assumptions. This year Stan Grant will speak on 'The Politics of Identity’ on Friday 25th February. For more information and how to book visit: https://effectiveliving.ucasa.org.au/

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Call for Submissions: Celebrating Uniting Church women on International Women's Day 2022

Every day, in every place across the Uniting Church, women are leading, empowering and inspiring in our church communities and beyond.

To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March this year, the Uniting Church Assembly is looking to tell stories that celebrate and acknowledge the positive impact and immense contribution of UCA women.

An invitation is extended across the Uniting Church nationally to submit the names of inspiring Uniting Church women they know who are making an impact through leadership, witness and service.

Their stories will be featured as part of the Assembly’s International Women’s Day celebration, an opportunity to give thanks to God for the lives of women in the Uniting Church and hear stories of strength, hope and courage.

Further information is available at this link.

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Uluru Statement from the Heart

A two-day event is being held from 4^th-5^th March to explore the Uluru Statement from the Heart calling for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution and seeking a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement making between governments and First Nations, and truth telling in our history. Speakers: Rev Dr Chris Budden, Rev Dr Auntie Denise Champion and Tarlee Leondaris.

Further details and how to register are available at this link.

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Safe Church News

The National Safe Church Unit in conjunction with the Office of eSafety Commissioner are hosting a Webinar for Adults who are leaders of children and youth on Friday 11^th March. You can read more about it and find the link to register via the Safe Church Events Calendar at this link: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events/online-safety-webinar-for-adults-who-are-youth-leaders/

Code of Ethics Refresher 2021-22 - Power and Healthy Communities. A reminder to those who have not yet participated, or booked into one of the upcoming sessions. The next online opportunity is Feb 23^rd. Bookings are essential in order to receive the meeting details and the preparation material. Face-to-face date locations are being confirmed and will be added to the Event Calendar on the Safe Church website when known.

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COVID Update

On Friday, 11th February, 2022 the SA government eased some COVID restrictions. Those that relate to churches are as follows:

At home gatherings cap raised from 10 to 50 people.
Hospitality: > 1 person per 2 square metres density for indoor seated hospitality activities. All food and beverage consumption must be seated. Masks must be worn in an indoor space – except for a bridal party during a wedding ceremony.
3 people per 4 square metres density outdoors. Stand up food and drink consumption is allowed in an outdoor area. Masks are not required to be worn by attendees generally in an outdoor space. However, it is strongly recommended especially when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Indoor fitness – 1 person per 4 square metres density requirement.

Please note the following restrictions that will continue:

COVID Safe measures: QR check in, mask wearing, physical distancing of 1.5m between household groups; hand sanitising, frequent cleaning.
Density: no more than 3 persons per 4 square metres for seated worship (1 person per 2 square metres if there is standing).

SA Health has updated their COVID Compliance FAQs for places of worship. They can be found here: SA Health - COVID-19 Compliance Monitoring - Places of Worship FAQs (11/02/22)

If you would like further assistance, please contact your presbytery or:

Rev Sue Page: email Turn on Javascript! or (08) 8236 4217 or 0430 666 959
Rev Philip Gardner: email Turn on Javascript! or (08) 236 4268 or 0409 077 076.

The Synod office and Brooklyn Park campus remain closed to visitors until at least February 28^th, 2021. Staff are still available via email or phone to support you.

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Synod Meeting 2022

The Synod meeting will be held in June 2022. There will be an online meeting day on the 18^th June, and two in person meeting days on the 24^th and 25^th June. Watch this space for information about the venue. Presbyteries are gathering nominations for Synod membership, to be elected/appointed at presbytery meetings in March. For more information, please contact your presbytery.

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Commissioning of Rev Sue Ellis as President the Uniting Church Fellowship & Ministry Support (UCFAMS)

Commissioning Service for Rev Sue Ellis as President of UCFAMS 2022-23 will be held at the Burnside City Church, 384 Portrush Road, Tusmore on Sunday, February 20^th, 2022 from 2.30 pm – 4.30 pm. All are welcome. Preacher will be Moderator Mr Bronte Wilson. An offering will be made for the work of mission.

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UnitingWorld Tonga Tsunami Disaster Appeal

On Saturday 15th January, a tsunami was triggered by the eruption of underwater volcano Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai, just 65km from the capital city Nuku'alofa on Tonga's most populated island. Many parts of Tonga remain covered in ash and people have been left without power since Saturday. Early reports are showing extensive damage to homes and buildings along the coastlines. Several people have been reported missing, but casualties and the full extent of the damage remain unknown. The Red Cross is estimating 80,000 people have been affected by the disaster.

UnitingWorld has launched an appeal to support those in Tonga impacted by the tsunami. The funds raised will help the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga deliver emergency assistance and supplies to affected communities, and support recovery and rebuilding in the longer term. Please give if you can and share information about the appeal within your congregations. To donate and for more information please visit the UnitingWorld website here.

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Multicultural Grants Open

Applications for the Expand Together Grants 2022-23 are now being accepted. Expand Together Grants assist multicultural organisations to expand their capacity by upgrading community facilities or purchasing equipment to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Applications are open now and close 11pm, Monday 28th February 2022. Online application forms and guidelines are available from the Expand Together Grants information page.

Visit www.multicultural.sa.gov.au to find out more. Phone: 1300 239 468 or email: Turn on Javascript!

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Reading ‘The Church as Salt’

Come and join a reading group reading Rev Dr Sally Douglas’ ‘The Church Triumphant / as Salt: Becoming the Community Jesus speaks about.’ Sally is a colleague from Victoria and this small book explores the metaphor of being salt of the earth.

Mondays during February from 10.00 am – 11.30 am at Unley Uniting Church, 187 Unley Road, Unley. Easy parking across the road in the Unley Shopping Centre car-park (some for an hour and a half; some for two hours; and around the back for three hours). Contact: Alison Whish on Turn on Javascript! for information about purchasing the book ($26).

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Ecumenical International Women’s Day Breakfast

Churches Together SA invites all women to an ‘Ecumenical Women’s Day Breakfast’ to celebrate the Women of the Bible on Friday, 4^th March, 2022 from 7.00 am – 9.00 am at the Cachemira Café, 137 Magill Road, Stepney. Speaker: Rev Professor Vicky Balabanski. Cost: $40 – to register please visit: https://form.jotform.com/213338687335059.

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Embracing Now: Being a People of Hope Spiritual Retreat

Churches Together in local ecumenism is offering an ecumenical retreat: Embracing Now: Being a People of Hope. It’s a time for personal reflection and restoration prior to the Lenten Season. Gifted Retreat Leader: Sharonne Price will lead in a time of listening, learning, reflecting and sharing. February 26^th, 2022 from 9.30 am – 3.30 pm at the Nunyara Conference Centre. Cost: $60 (includes morning tea and lunch). Register at: https://form.jotform.com/213327745761055

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Prayers for the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC)

The UAICC requests prayers for Indigenous communities in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Some are currently experiencing isolation and shortages due to unseasonal flooding and/or outbreaks of COVID-19. Please pray for communities and leaders of Raukkan, in the APY Lands, Oodnadatta, Port Augusta and Salisbury and Rev Ken Sumner, Ian Dempster and Candice Hazeldine in the South Australian state office.

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International Mission Op Shop Woodville

The Op Shop began operation on 1^st February 2022 and had a successful day. However, they are urgently seeking a Volunteer Manager and a Coordinator for this venture. The Op Shop operates on Tuesdays from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm and Thursdays from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. If you are interested in either of these positions or in volunteering please contact Janet Woodward on 0432 271 757 or email Turn on Javascript!.

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Lifeline – Accidental Counsellor Training

Accidental counsellors often find themselves in a counselling role by accident, as a result of conversations or requests from customers, colleagues or others. This online workshop provides practical and effective skills to step into the shoes of a counsellor and be able to respond to and support others when they’re angry, distressed or experiencing a challenging time. The next training session will be held on Tuesday, 22^nd February, 2022. To find out more visit: https://donate.lifelineadelaide.org/event/lifeline---accidental-counsellor-training-feb22

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Just Earth

Something for the forthcoming season of Lent - a phone or ipad app entitled ‘Just Earth.’ Download and discover constructive Biblical reflections, quotes, prayers and actions illustrated by stunning pictures for each of the 40 days of Lent. Designed by the Uniting Church Environmental Action Group, it has been receiving high praise and has also been translated into Korean. Please download from the Apple store or for Android phones go to this link. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.earthapp

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Lessons from COVID-19 for the Climate Emergency

As your church and its groups plan their 22 program, why not give attention to the video series ‘Lessons from COVID 19 for the Climate Emergency.’ This series of 7 short videos is ideal for community viewing and discussion groups. Discussion questions, Biblical principles and actions are included. This series can help individuals and your church prepare for the greatest existential threat facing us all – human induced Climate Change.

Download the free series at this link.

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Breathe – Seeking expressions of interest from artists for August SALA Exhibition

Willunga Uniting Church is seeking expressions of interest by artists for its annual SALA Exhibition, held in August each year at Bethany Hall. The 2022 theme is ‘Breathe,’ suggested associated events include: meditation retreat, singing/choir, artist in residence sessions. ‘Breathe’ has broad applications and multiple meanings. Please advise your expression of interest by March 31^st to: Jenny Esots (Curator) email: Turn on Javascript!.

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Ash Wednesday Quiet Day

The Spirituality Group for Women will observe a Quiet Day on 2^nd March, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Glenelg. The day will include two times of input, reflective stations and communion. This hospitable, yet dynamic group was inaugurated in 2021 and new members are always welcome; or attend a single monthly event of interest, RSVP to Christine Gilbert at Turn on Javascript!.

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Artist in Residence Week

Find your voice and strengthen the ties between us during a week-long Artist in Residence event at St Andrew’s in Glenelg. Tasmanian singer/songwriter John Coleman and Melbournian art therapist Jenny Batten will guide us in singing, song writing and community building. 15^th – 22^nd May, various events and times. Refer to the website for details https://www.standrewsuc.org.au/ and booking information or contact Christine Gilbert on (08) 8295 1771. A balm for the COVID weary.

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Sally Stamp

Please remember to save your stamps, although access to the Synod Office is closed the group are working from home to earn funds to send school books etc. to the Pacific Island and beyond. Personal stamp collections no longer required are very welcome. Pick-ups can be arranged in the metropolitan area by ringing 0427 972 417 or email: Turn on Javascript!. Further information about 'Sally Stamp' is available at this link.

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New Synod Refugee Advocacy Guide – now available

A two-page Synod Refugee Advocacy Guide focuses on the Federal Government’s latest announcement in response to the plight of refugees from Afghanistan and renewed spotlight on detention of refugees. It provides updated information and resources for raising awareness and taking action. You can download details at this link. For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 8th February 2022

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

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