News, Notices & Prayer points - 16th July 2024

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News & Notices – 16th July 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 16th July 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For President of the Uniting Church, Rev Charissa Suli, as she begins her term
  • For all members of the Assembly as they continue to lean into God’s spirit and guidance
  • For the United Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress may they continue to guide us with wisdom and understanding as we mark the 30th Anniversary of the Covenant with the Uniting Church in Australia.

 



Rev Charissa Suli installed as President of the Uniting Church in Australia

Rev Charissa Suli was installed as President of the Uniting Church in Australia at the triennial meeting of the Uniting Church on 11th July when she received the symbols of ministry from outgoing President Rev Sharon Hollis at St Stephens Uniting Church in Macquarie Street, Sydney.

‘I still can't believe it. But I do believe we are in awe, and we're always surprised at what God is doing. I truly believe that my calling into this next stage of my ministry, it's more than me. It's actually about what God is doing in the life of our Church. Because that's how radical the love of Christ is. God calls the ordinary, you know, the everyday, the young mum, who was happy just to finish theological college. And then God takes you to another height and ministry. I honestly bring it back to what God is doing. And we need to pay attention to what God is doing. But I do recognise it comes with responsibility. I still can’t wrap my head around it, it’s unbelievable but I’m humbled as I stand on the shoulders of giants who have come before me.’

The theme chosen by the President is Threads of Love, Weaving Christ's Love Across Cultures and Boundaries. We are reminded of the unity we have in Christ's love. Guided by this shared vision, we are called to weave together a future where unity is celebrated, diversity is cherished, and every thread of our communal tapestry resonates with the boundless love of Christ.

 

 

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Rev Dr Paul Dongwon Goh elected President-Elect of the Uniting Church in Australia

The 17th Assembly has joyfully elected Rev Dr Paul Dongwon Goh as President-Elect of the Uniting Church in Australia. Paul will be the first Korean to serve as President. In his response to the announcement Paul said: 'Beloved Assembly members, this morning God has once again surprised me through your collective discernment and call to be your President-Elect of the Uniting Church in Australia. I’m incredibly honoured and humbled. Thank you for putting your trust and support in me.'

'I feel incredibly hopeful for the Uniting Church, and I hope I can witness and invite people to rejoice in this sense of hope. I believe in the power of love. I love the Uniting Church deeply. I believe God will continue to renew and revive us as his church in this Kairos time and in his own strange and surprising ways.' Paul will serve as the 18th President from 2027-2030.

 

 

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Safe Church Update

Safe Church trainings: Did you miss the last round of courses offered?  Are you waiting for a location near you? Are you looking for a refresher for your knowledge of Mandatory Reporting? The next Through Their Eyes Refresher is being offered on Tuesday 13th August at Hope Valley. A full day course, Saturday 7th September at The Journey, Ridgehaven. Called to Care – our own Uniting Church Safeguarding training is being offered at the following: Saturday 17th August at Spicer UC, St Peters; Sunday 18th August at Westbourne Park UC and 13th October at Bordertown UC. All training sessions require preregistration via the event listing on the Safe Church Events Calendar page: Events Calendar – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au).

Screening renewals: Since the introduction of the new screening requirements in 2019, reminders for expiring screenings due for renewal have been sent from the Synod’s UC SA Screening office. This year the Department for Human Services Screening Unit decided to send notifications to anyone who has a Working With Children Check (WWCC) that is expiring in the next 6 months. Unfortunately, this has sometimes been sent to individuals before the reminder from this office which has caused some confusion regarding how and through what channels to complete the renewal. Please ensure that any reminders that are responded to are from the UCSA Screening Admin email: Turn on Javascript!. If new WWCC have been completed directly through DHS, then please advise through completing the Step 1 form found here: Screening – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au). The Synod Safe Church Screening team welcome requests from congregations to assist with bulk renewals for members who find using the online system and/or access to computers challenging. Please email Turn on Javascript! to reach the Synod team. 

 

 

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Semester 2 – 2024 Uniting College

Uniting College units for Semester 2, beginning 29th July. Enrolments are now open, and classes are available both online and in person. Here are some of the exciting units on offer: Justice and Community Development, God the Trinity, Practice of Christian Ministry, Biblical Studies & Other Exciting Units.

These units can be taken for credit towards a degree or simply out of personal interest. Flexible Learning Options are available in various formats, including intensives, which allow for immersive study over a shorter period. Whether you are seeking to advance your education or pursue personal enrichment, there are options to suit your schedule. 

Contact Uniting College: Email: Turn on Javascript! or Phone: (08) 8416 8420.

 

 

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2024 Uniting Foundation Grant Round

The 2024 Uniting Foundation Grant round is now open. Uniting Foundation and UC Invest are excited to be able to provide $1million of grant funding. A welcome video is available at this link: Uniting Foundation 2024 Grants (youtube.com). The application form and eligibility criteria details are available on the Synod website page at this link: UCA SA - 2024 Grants.
Applications close 31st July 2024. For more information email Alice Hammer at Turn on Javascript!.

 

 

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MediaCom - Sale

Floor stock sale! MediaCom is clearing out all stock, and you get to decide the price!

$5.00 or $10.00 or pack a small box of books for just $50.00. Building 4 (across the from Perk Up Cafe) 32-56 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Mile End. All this week 10am - 3pm until sold.

MediaCom looks forward to seeing you there.

Parking: If driving east along Sir Donald Bradman, turn into the main car park which runs along Claremont Street. If driving west along Sir Donald Bradman, turn right onto Claremont Street, then left onto Daringa Street and into the main car park. Look for unmarked parks along the eastern fence. Walk through the archway toward Perk Up.

 

 

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Grant Opportunities

Expand Together Grants 2024-25

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs has announced that applications for Multicultural Affairs’ (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) Expand Together Round 2 grants are now open.

These 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, 31st August 2024.

Organisations are now able to apply for up to $100,000 for equipment or infrastructure, with co-contribution for applications above $50,000. Online application forms and guidelines are available at www.multicultural.sa.gov.au. For more information, please contact the Multicultural Grants Team on 1300 239 468 or Turn on Javascript!

 

 

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'Sing a New Song' Worship Leadership Events

The CMLA and Mission Resourcing SA are hosting two leadership development events for worship leaders, musicians and preachers. Friday evening 6th September: 'Post-colonial Worship in Australia' - lecture with Rev Prof Stephen Burns from the University of Divinity in Melbourne, followed by panel discussion. Saturday 7th September 9.30am-4.00pm with an address by Stephen Burns followed by multiple electives including new music, worship in a multicultural church, church online, bringing Bible readings alive, Advent and Christmas ideas, copyright, and much more. Venues: Adelaide West UC and Uniting College. Full program and registration details here.

 

 

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Open Garden Event

Rob and Carolyn are hosting an Open Garden event to support fundraising for The Corner Uniting Church, working closely with the community and diverse youth. Volunteers from The Corner are assisting this Open Gardens event with a barbecue, drinks, plants and gift stalls. All proceeds will be donated to their outreach programs.

A scenic garden trail has been created to locate icons across the one-acre garden and enjoy interactive displays, photo opportunities, garden art and detailed botanical information.

Garden Tours 11am and 2pm on 24th and 25th August, 2024. Enquiries to Carolyn 0439871465.

 

 

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Friendship Club

The Western Link Uniting Church Friendship Club meets at 93 Crittenden Road, Findon on the third Thursday of every month at 1.30 pm. There is community singing, jokes, a thought for the day and entertainment finishing with afternoon tea. On 18th July the entertainer will be ‘Jude’ singing some bright old favourites. Everyone welcome, donation $10. Enquiries to Pam on (08) 8443 8145.

 

 

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Hymn Book Request

Clarendon Uniting Church is looking for TIS Hymn Books if any church has any that are surplus to their requirements. Please contact Carol Chambers 0414744113.

 

 

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Shout 4 Joy Adelaide West Uniting Church

'More than Friends' is a communications and relationships program designed by Bindy Taylor and Dana Baltutis, a Speech Pathologist and Life Coach. The program helps neurodivergent young adults (18+) better understand themselves, enhance communication skills, build friendships, and navigate the dating world through six weekly 2-hour evening sessions at the Mitchell Park Sports and Community Club. The course fee is NDIS approved. Register and discover more here: https://bit.ly/4ePlwCq.

 

 

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100 Year Celebration for Gelland and Croydon Park

Gelland Methodist and Croydon Park Uniting Church will celebrate 100 years of ministry at
310 Torrens Road, Croydon Park 5008. Moderator Rev Peter Morel will preach in this celebration at 2.00pm on 18th August 2024. You are invited to meet with past members and families of the Sunday School and Congregational life. Please advise your attendance to Mrs Jean Chinca 8445 8117 or Mrs Bettie Rundle 8346 3778.

 

 

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New Worship Music Pack released!

The Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts (CMLA) has released another pack of 5 songs from the ‘Walk as One’ songbook. With audio recordings, videos, PowerPoint files and sheet music, these packs work for churches of any size. Another very singable and easy to learn collection of songs for praise, hearing the word, affirming faith, and being sent to live as disciples in the world. Churches can purchase individual packs for $35 or 5 packs for $150 and receive 4 bonus songs. Song samples and more information at cmla.org.au.

 

 

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Zoom Cafe for Preachers

Join other preachers for a monthly peer conversation on Zoom about upcoming lectionary texts and themes. Hosted by the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts. Zoom link here.

 

 

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Lay Preachers’ Sunday

The first Sunday in August each year is celebrated in the UCA in SA as Lay Preachers' Sunday. A liturgy and suggested sermon notes may be found at UCA SA - Lay Preachers. Without the lay people who lead us, there would be many congregations every week with no-one to preach the Gospel of grace. You are invited to support our Lay Preachers on August 4th, 2024

 

 

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State Youth Conference is back for 2024!

What is love? It’s a question we ask ourselves every day without even realising it! Is it popularity? Going viral? Being in a relationship? At this year’s State Youth Conference (SYC) we’re getting to the bottom of what God says love is and how we can live in it! Registrations now open at this ink: SYC 2024 | What is Love? (eventzilla.net).

 

 

 

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Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday

This Sunday is Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday. Celebrate the cultural diversity at the heart of our Church and explore ways to build intercultural relationships in your neighbourhood. This year's theme is the 17th Assembly theme, Threads of Love: Weaving Christ’s Love across Cultures and Boundaries. It's an invitation to weave the threads of Christ’s love in all expressions of faith, across cultures and boundaries in your community and wider neighbourhood. More information and resources prepared by Rev Dr Paul Dongwon Goh can be found here.

 

 

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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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