News, Notices & Prayer points - 15th October 2024
Posted in News
News & Notices – 15th October 2024
Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 15th October 2024 edition of UC e-News
Prayer Points
We pray:
- For individuals and families experiencing poverty, we ask that their circumstances may be improved – whether through job opportunities, education, and/or social support
- For the safety and protection of innocent civilians, especially children, the elderly, and the vulnerable, caught in any type of violent situation
- For now, more than ever, that world leaders will seek to intervene for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in the Middle East.
Synod Prayer Room
As the Synod meeting approaches, we ask all to pray for the discernment of the church at its annual meeting. We pray for protection, wisdom, and guidance over all ministry agents, congregations and decisions. If you would like to support the meeting by committing to a time of prayer, please register via the following information:
- Follow this link to find the Synod 2024 sign-up calendar: 24-7 Prayer International - Sign-Up
- Scroll down on the website calendar and select an available hour timeslot
- Click ‘proceed as guest,’ and fill in your details so we can share prayer points and updates with you.
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Mission Resourcing Update
The Mission Resourcing team is excited to welcome Rev Cyrus Kung and Rev Scott Litchfield as Mission Activators. Cyrus is returning to Adelaide from Perth where he has been serving in the National Assembly as the Administration and Engagement Officer for the Act2 Project. Cyrus has much experience in navigating and facilitating CALD spaces of ministry. Scott is currently serving Bridgewater Uniting Church, City View Uniting Church and teaching as an adjunct lecturer with Uniting College. Scott brings a wealth of experience in community ministry and community development. Cyrus and Scott bring passion for mission and ministry, deep experiences, knowledge and hearts of service. Cyrus will begin at the end of October and Scott begins early in the new year. We look forward to sharing the ministry journey together.
The Mission Resourcing Team including Rev Jennifer Hughes (Executive Officer Mission Resourcing), and the Mission Activators - Rev Dr Paul Goh, Rev Tim Littleford, Melissa Neumann, Rev Nick Patselis and Rev Cyrus Kung - will be inducted and commissioned in the Celebration of Ministry Service during Synod. Rev Scott Litchfield along with other members of the team, Mia Cartledge and Janet Woodward, will also be acknowledged. The Celebration of Ministry Service will be held on October 25th, at 2.00 pm at Adelaide West Uniting Church.
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Australian Lectionary Worship Resources Update
Liturgy, Learning, and (purposeful) Life and Words for Worship are now available on a new, dedicated website: liturgylearninglife.com. All subscribers, including those with automatic renewals, will need to create a new subscription through the new site, as previous subscriptions from the old MediaCom system are no longer valid. The L3 Advent, Christmas, and After the Epiphany resource will be available for download and delivery at the end of this week. Don't miss out—subscribe today!
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Join the RAA Foodbank Food Drive!
Next week, join the RAA as they jump on the road once again for their annual RAA Foodbank Food Drive! Foodbank SA and NT and RAA have partnered together to help reduce the pressure on families doing it tough. From 14th – 18th October 2024, Foodbank’s Mobile Food Hub will be visiting locations around Adelaide, including the Barossa, Mount Barker, Newton, Marion, and Rundle Mall, collecting food and funds for families in need. Food donation bins are also available at 18 RAA Shops around SA. Further information is available at this link: Foodbank SA RAA Mobile Food Hub Drive 2024.
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Pastors Appreciation Week
Throughout October, Life FM is celebrating and honouring the Pastors and Church Leaders who are positively impacting their communities across Adelaide and beyond. You are encouraged to share this with your church so that people can nominate their pastor by sharing how they've made a significant difference in their lives, churches or local communities. To make your nomination, head to the website: mylifefm.com, fill out the entry form and be listening to LifeFM from Monday, 21st October to hear if your Pastor's story is being shared.
Did you know that you can add your church to Life FM's Church Directory? Just email your church details to Turn on Javascript!. In addition, if you're ever holding a not-for-profit event in your community, you can submit them to be entered in the Life Diary at mylifefm.com.
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Synod 2024 Meeting Update
Our Synod meeting is a little over a week away. Members will find all reports, proposals and a draft program on the website at this link: UCA SA - Synod Meeting 2024. We would love to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer with set up of the Synod meeting on Wednesday 23rd October. We need to set up marquees outside, tables and chairs in the hall, and chairs in the auditorium. Please email Turn on Javascript! to register your willingness to help.
Nominations are open for Synod Standing Committee and Stipends Committee. Nominations formally close on Thursday 24th October at 3:30pm. Members have now been sent a final mailing with details about electives and catering options.
If you would like to access the Synod Meeting live stream, please email your details to Turn on Javascript!, and you will be sent the live streaming login details, prior to the meeting commencement on 24th October 2024.
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Christmas 2024 Resources for Congregations
As you prepare your Christmas worship services a selection of social media graphics, posters, PowerPoint template and postcard designs are now available on the Synod website, ready for download. The Moderator’s Christmas theme for 2024 is ‘Through their Eyes.’ Additional resources will be added from time to time, so please check the site on a regular basis.
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Christmas Worship Services 2024
Please send through your Christmas Worship times and services so they can be featured on the Synod website at this link: UCA SA - Christmas Services 2024. To provide your Christmas Worship times to the 2024 list please email: Turn on Javascript!. For all other Christmas events, please list them in the usual way via our Events submission form available at this link: UCA SA - Submit an event.
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IRCA Oceania Conference 2025
The International Rural Churches Association’s (IRCA), purpose is to build connections across the southwestern Pacific area and to bring a uniquely antipodean perspective to the IRCA family.
IRCA is hosting an international conference from 26th – 30th May 2025, with the theme ‘Listening to One Another: Sharing Together Struggles and Joy of our rural Churches in Oceania.’ The draft program can be viewed at this link: IRCAOceania2025DraftProgramme.pdf. Further information is available at this link: IRCA Oceania 2025 - International Rural Churches Association.
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Safe Church Update
Safe Church Screening Assistance
Have you started a screening application but encountered difficulties? Whether you're unfamiliar with computers or find the process complex, we're here to support you. The UCA Screening Team will be available to assist with your application on Friday, 18th October, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm at the Synod City Office. If you are unable to attend in person, we can also provide assistance over the phone.
Bookings are essential. Please call (08) 8236 4200 or email Turn on Javascript!
to reserve your spot.
The Essentials: Code of Ethics Foundations Training
The Essentials: Code of Ethics Foundations training will take place on 26th – 27th November 2024, at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology in Brooklyn Park, SA. This two-day course focuses on the Uniting Church's Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice, incorporating case studies and written reflections. It is required for candidates for ministry, Ministry of Pastors, and key leaders, with Lay Preachers encouraged to attend. The facilitators for the training will be Rev Dr. Sean Gilbert and Rev Andrew Robertson. Find event details at this link: https://www.eventzilla.net/e/the-essentials-code-of-ethics-foundation-training-2138621894
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Grant Opportunities
Mark Butler MP Grants Information
A range of grants information is available via the Grants Hub at markbutler.net.au/community/grants.
SA Youth Week 2025 Grants Now Open
Applications are open now until 29th November for one-off grants of up to $2,500 for organisations, including community groups, non-government organisations and local councils to host events during SA Youth Week 2025 in metropolitan and regional South Australia. Events should promote, acknowledge, recognise and celebrate the contributions of young people in our communities.
Visit the grants page to find out more, read the grant guidelines and complete your application. Applications Close 3.00 pm, 29th November 2024.
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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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New Worship Music Pack from the CMLA
A new set of five songs from the ‘Walk as One’ Songbook has been released by the Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts. Australian worship songs of blessing, mission, celebration and commitment from Rosemary Dewerse, David MacGregor, Jenni Hughes, Leigh Newton and others. Each song comes with sheet music, audio and video, PowerPoint and lyric text files. Cost $35. Subscribers to the full set of songs receive a bonus song in each pack. More details at cmla.org.au.
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Have your say in UnitingWorld's strategic development!
UnitingWorld is recruiting participants for a one-hour focus group discussion to be held on Zoom, to gather a range of thoughts and insights about their work. Participants will be thanked with a $50 Visa gift card. They are seeking different types of participants - members of the UCA, those who work with UCA agencies, and people who care about global social justice even though they may not be associated with the UCA. There are a range of dates and times available - find out more and register at: https://unitingworld.typeform.com/focusgroups.
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Mental Health Month
The Mental Health Month theme for 2024 is 'Let's Talk About It'. This year’s theme, prompts us all to reflect on our mental health and overall wellbeing, irrespective of whether we’ve personally encountered mental illness. It emphasises the significance of maintaining good mental health in our daily lives and encourages a proactive approach to seeking help when necessary. For more information please visit: Mental Health Month | WayAhead.
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UC eNews – 9 December 2025
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