News, Notices & Prayer points - 16 February 2021

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News & Notices – 16 February 2021

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 16 February edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points for the week:

  • And give thanks and praise for you made plants, animals, people and all of the cosmos; declaring them all good
  • We pray for all congregations as they continue to steward the church in these difficult times
  • We pray for the people of the Philippines and their safety and we pray for the government of the Philippines to act with God's wisdom and compassion
  • We pray that as we 'be' the church, may we listen to God’s deep wisdom; may we show Christ’s self-giving love and may we be open to the Spirit amongst us, as new things spring forth.

 


 

16th Assembly goes Online

Due to continuing risk factors around COVID-19 the Uniting Church’s triennial Assembly meeting will take place online for the first time.

Members of the Assembly Standing Committee (ASC) took the historic decision at an extraordinary meeting on Saturday 30 January 2021.

‘Putting the safety and well-being of members of the 16th Assembly first was the key driver in this decision,’ said Assembly General Secretary Colleen Geyer.

As such, a shortened 16th Assembly will take place online from 17-18 July 2021 with a view to reconvening the Assembly meeting in 2022 when a face-to-face meeting is possible.

Further information is available at the following link. 

 

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As Lent begins

If you or your congregation are looking for some original studies to use, UnitingWorld have just released a new set called ‘How to be a good global neighbour.’

You’ll explore why neighbourliness is central to your identity in Christ, whether we’re called to generosity or justice and why vulnerability is so central to relationships.

Beenleigh Region Uniting Church in Queensland, who piloted the studies last year, have this to say:

‘We appreciated exploring what being created in the image of God really means for those who call themselves Christians - and what a world fully reconciled with God would look like.

Our group warmed to the reminder that sometimes our preconceived ideas about people in other countries and their needs can be quite inappropriate. It is a pertinent caution for us as “global neighbours” to learn from those in need, rather than for us to decide what we think they need. We’d recommend these studies to all Uniting Church groups to tackle!’

Visit UnitingWorld’s Lent Event at www.lentevent.com.au to find out more, or to download or order your copies online.

 

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SA Heritage Grants Program

Round 3 of the SA Heritage Grants Program is now open. Grants are available for owners of State heritage listed places; with up to $20,000 for conversation work or documentation; and are provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Applications for the program close on 26th February 2021. All applications must be submitted through the Department for Environment and Water, Grant Management System. If you would like further information please contact Malcolm Wilson, phone 8236 4206 or email Turn on Javascript!.

Further information is also available at the following link.

 

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UCA Act2 Project

Last year in November, the Assembly launched the UCA Act2 Project – a whole-of-church consultation on the future together as a people of God on the way - in the words of paragraph 18 of the Basis of Union.

Through the UCA Act2 Project, in the lead up to the 16th Assembly in July 2021, members of the Church, in congregations, agencies, schools and other Councils are being invited to consider a shared vision for the future.

To find out more about Act2 and how you can be part of this important conversation, first read the Introduction to the Project at this link

You are also invited to take the survey and to review further information from the Assembly General Secretary Colleen Geyer about the Act2 theme at this link

 

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Music on Flinders – Summer Series

 

Come and hear an exciting performance by Buffalo Drive at the Pilgrim Church forecourt on Monday, 22nd February from 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm.

Local rock/harmony 6-piece band, Buffalo Drive’s ‘Life’s been good to me’ on Polydor climbed to #8 on the 5AD charts in the 70s. They won the 1973 ‘Live Act’ 5KA Rock Award at the Festival Theatre then toured South Australia, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney at schools, churches, festivals, pubs and clubs. All welcome.

 

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Positions Vacant

The following vacancies are currently available with information listed on the Synod website:

 

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Subtle Bricks ‘Come and Try’ Day

 

The Subtle Bricks Theatre Company supports worship through drama and theatre, aiming to make people think and laugh! ‘Bricks’ has been active in South Australia for nearly 30 years. They are currently looking for actors to join their team and are holding a ‘come and try’ day on 28th February. If interest, please contact John Hudson on 0432 935 069 or Rohan Hudson on 0418 249 775 for more information.

 

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Uniting Church SA Historical Society – Public Meeting

‘Development in Music and Hymnody from the 1960’s to 2020’ – this event will be held at 7pm Friday 19th March, 2021 at the Church of the Trinity, Clarence Park.

 

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Highbury Street Fund – Applications for the 1st round of funding for 2021

The Fund supports leadership development among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse worshipping communities through education and training.

SA Residents with leadership roles within UC Synod SA can apply. Terms of Reference are available at this link.  

The Funding Round opens on Monday 17th February, 2021 with applications to reach Mission Resourcing by 31st March, 2021. Applications are available at this link

Further information is available from Bev Freeman – Turn on Javascript! or phone 8236 4243.

 

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Lenten Reflections – ‘Just Earth’

A free phone app called ‘Just Earth’ is available to guide your thoughts, reflections and actions during the forty days of Lent. Developed by the UC Environmental Action Group it is also appropriate for Lent or any time during the year. For Apple phone download direct from the app store, for Android phone go to this link

 

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Interfaith Forum – The Uluru Statement from the Heart and Spirituality

Indigenous spiritual reflections around the 'Statement from the Heart,' with speaker Tarlee Leondaris, Covenanting Officer with the Uniting Church in South Australia. To be held on Wednesday, 24th February at 5.45 pm at Hope's Cafe, corner Norwood Parade and Portrush Road (rear of church), Norwood. Please RSVP by Sunday 21st February to Leillie on 0437 794 410.

 

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If you didn’t get to read the last ‘News & Notices?’

Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 9 February 2021, which included updates about:

  • Synod Meeting Update
  • Synod Meeting Prayer Diary
  • 16th Assembly goes Online
  • MediaCom Education – biggest sale ever!
  • Lent begins in 2 weeks!
  • SA Heritage Grants Program
  • UCA Act2 Project
  • Music on Flinders – Summer Series
  • Positions Vacant
  • Subtle Bricks ‘Come and Try’ Day
  • Uniting Church SA Historical Society – Public Meeting
  • Highbury Street Fund – Applications for the 1st round of funding for 2021
  • Lenten Reflections – ‘Just Earth.'

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



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