News, Notices & Prayer points - 17th September 2024

Posted Sep 17, 2024 in News

News & Notices – 17th September 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 17th September 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

For reconciliation between individuals, communities, and countries where there has been division or historical conflict, may our hearts be softened toward forgiveness
For personal inner peace and the ability to spread peace in daily interactions, may we reflect God's love and compassion
For volunteers to find renewed strength, energy, and motivation in their service, and that they feel encouraged by the impact they are making in their communities.

Creating Authentic Online Communities

Explore what it might mean to engage in hybrid discipleship formation. Workshop #3 for worship leaders and technical crew will be held at Westbourne Park Uniting Church on Thursday 26^th September, 7.30-9.00pm. Dr Craig Mitchell will provide some input on developing an approach to online discipleship formation. Rev David Hoffman and team from Westbourne Park will talk about their online worship and give a tour of their technical setup. Cost $10pp or $40 group. Hosted by the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts. More info and bookings here.

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What is Love?

Love is a tornado of swirling conversation for young people today. They are talking about this. How often do they get a chance to intersect that conversation with their faith? SYC 2024, what we are calling ‘What is Love?’ is going to give young people that opportunity. Our dynamic and highly respected keynote speaker, ‘Dubsy’ Want, will speak to the love of God, displayed in the sacrificial love of Jesus. The love of God is the final word on our ‘love-ableness’ and the only kind of love that is ultimately fulfilling and completing.

SYC is taking place on Saturday 21^st September and registrations are open at this link: SYC 2024 | What is Love? (eventzilla.net).

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Synod 2024 Meeting Update

As we continue to plan and prepare for the forthcoming Synod meeting, the nomination and election process for boards and committees to be held in the lead up to and at the Synod meeting in October are now open. There are vacancies occurring on some Synod committees, councils or boards. Some are filled by appointment, and some are filled by the nomination/election process. Members of the Synod are now invited to submit nominations for vacant positions and the Nomination form is available for download at this link: UCA SA - Synod Meeting 2024. A number of reports are also now available for review at the same link.

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World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel

At the annual meeting of the Synod 2023, it was resolved to encourage congregations to observe the annual World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel. During the week, we are encouraged to bear a common witness by participating in worship services, educational events, prayer, and acts of support in favour of peace and justice for Palestinians and Israelis. Resources for the week, including materials to use in church services, are now available on the World Council of Churches website at this link: Seven days, seven themes – for the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel 2024 | World Council of Churches (oikoumene.org). Prayers for the week can also be found here: https://pilgrimwr.unitingchurch.org.au/?p=1674.

The week includes the International Day of Prayer for Peace on 21^st September. A Uniting Church resource for congregations can be downloaded at this link: 240704-eLM-PFA-International-Day-of-Peace-Digital.pdf (justact.org.au).

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Responding to Racism

You are warmly invited to attend a free event at Unley Uniting Church on Sunday, 22nd September at 2:00 pm, where the Unley Uluru Statement Support Group will officially change its name to Unley Allies with First Nations People.

Following at 2:30 pm, Mark Waters and Joel Bayliss will share their insights on addressing the ongoing presence of racism across all age groups. Refreshments will be served.

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Apologia – Cancellation of the Workshop ‘Let’s Get Real’

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Workshop ‘Let’s Get Real’ has had to be cancelled for this year. The Rev Dr. Les Underwood apologises for this and hopes that it does not cause any inconvenience for potential registrants. Les is hopeful that this important conversation can be re-scheduled in 2025.

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Season of Creation 2024

The Season of Creation takes place from 1st September through to 4th October. Check out the Uniting Church Australia list of resources for the month, including updated resources from the Assembly to help your community take worship outdoors. The resource has an introduction from President Rev Charissa Suli, who writes: ‘Just as we are called to weave threads of love in our communities, we are equally called to weave these threads into our relationship with creation, recognising that every act of care for the environment is an act of love for our global neighbours and future generations’ Find all the resources at this link.

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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 26^th – 30^th 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 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? Called to Care – our own Uniting Church Safeguarding training is being offered on 13^th 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).

Safe Church Screening

Have you started a screening application but found yourself stuck? Maybe you're not comfortable using a computer or find the process too complicated? The UCA Screening team is here to help! We are offering appointments between 10am and 2:30pm on Friday, 20^th September, at the Synod city office to assist you in completing your screening application. Bookings are essential, so please call 8236 4200 or email Turn on Javascript! to secure your spot.

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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.

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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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Sally stamp

Thanks are extended again to Churches, Fellowships, Businesses and all people who have donated stamps for the Stamp Group to process. They are about to reimburse funds for South Pacific School Aid Inc to freight books/aids to the Islands and have donated for chairs for Oodnadatta Church, NT. The Stamp Group need more stamps to keep their volunteers busy for the next few months - please put a notice in your Church Newsletters. Pick-up in the metropolitan area can be arranged. Enquiries to Maxine Haines - Convenor - UCA Stamp Group on 0427 972 417or email: Turn on Javascript!.

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Ordination of Robert Cartridge

The Presbytery of Southern SA welcomes everyone to attend the ordination of Robert Cartridge. The service will take place on Friday, 20^th September at 7.00 pm at Woodville Uniting Church, 44 Woodville Road, Woodville South.

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MediaCom Update

Currently there are a range of publications and resources for sale in the foyer of the Synod office. These publications are offered at greatly reduced prices and available during office hours at 212 Pirie Street in the Adelaide CBD.

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Taizé Brother Visiting Pilgrim Church

One of the brothers from Taizé will be visiting Adelaide. Pilgrim Church will be hosting a Midday Prayer on 31st October at 12:15pm, followed by a light lunch. Parking midweek can be challenging, so you are encouraged to use public transport or park in one of the nearby carparks (more details at https://pilgrim.org.au/church-access/).

Br Matthew of Taizé shares this prayer: ‘Eternal God, you are the source of all life. Open the ears of our hearts so that we can listen to you. And then we will hear of your love through your Word and through the beauty of your creation. And when we are faced with choices to be made, we would like to decide with you. Therein is our life.’

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Celebrating 170 Years at Findon

At 10.00 am on Sunday, 13^th October at Western Link Uniting Church, 93 Crittenden Road, Findon the original site of the Findon Church known as ‘Old Glory’ will celebrate 170 years. The building is heritage listed by the Charles Sturt Council who have commissioned a commemorative plaque to be mounted in a suitable place. All past members, their families, former Ministers and anyone who had a relationship with ‘Old Glory’ is welcome to attend. Contact Marion on 0437 128 365.

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Craft Display Day

On Thursday, 26^th September come and enjoy the stunning display of Arts and Crafts produced every Thursday. Entry gold coin donation to the Worship Centre. Morning tea, light lunch and coffee cart available from 9.00 am – 1.00 pm. A variety of stalls with items for sale will be available in the hall. Westbourne Park Uniting Church, 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn.

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RUOK 2 Play!

Boardgames. Fun! Giveaways. Pizza. Community. Inclusion. Hilarity on 28^th September and 12^th October from 12.00 noon to 6.00 pm. Find event details at this link: Welcome - St Andrew's by the Sea Uniting Church (standrewsuc.org.au).

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Let’s Get Real Workshop

Step out from behind the professional facade, ditch the fancy talk, and name pastoral and spiritual care for what it is - messy, muddled and amazing! Join Dr Michael Paterson for an interactive conversation about being awake, agile and audacious - personally and professionally. Tuesday, 8th October from 9.00 am - 12.30 pm at UnitingSA Learning Hub, workshop fee is $50 (and includes lunch). To register email Les Underwood at Turn on Javascript!.

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Community Fair at Adelaide West UC

A free event with entertainment from a wide variety of musicians (including the West Torrens Concert Band), cakes and produce, craft, plants, food and drinks, kids' stall, pre-loved books, clothes, barista coffee and more. Come for a moment or enjoy the whole day! Saturday 21^st September - 9:30am - 2pm at Adelaide West Uniting Church (312 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Brooklyn Park). All welcome to the Community Fair! Lots of parking.

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A Life of Pastoral Ministry founded in Scholarship: The Legacy of Robert Iles

Many South Australian readers will be familiar with Rev Dr Robert Iles and his contributions to teaching and pastoral ministry, particularly within the Uniting Church. This year, a fitting tribute to Robert has been published in the form of two volumes, featuring selected lectures and sermons. The first volume contains revised lectures on the 19th-century philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard, originally delivered by Robert to RAAF chaplains.

The second volume includes reflections from former parishioners, as well as a selection of his sermons and writings. The Robert Iles Memorial Trust hosted a series of well-attended lectures, leading to the decision to produce a lasting record of Robert’s ministry and life. A launch event to honour Robert’s work and celebrate the publication of these two volumes will be held at Walkerville Uniting Church, 17 Smith Street, Walkerville, on Sunday, 13th October at 2 pm. This gathering will offer a wonderful opportunity for reunion, with strong public support from Robert’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Guest speakers will include Mary Hawkes and former South Australian Moderator, Rev Rob Williams. The two volumes are available for purchase by contacting: Turn on Javascript!">Turn on Javascript! or Turn on Javascript!">Turn on Javascript!. Cost: $10 per volume, plus postage. Postage is $10 for up to 4 sets of the 2-volume collection.

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Together In Song (TIS) books for Geranium Uniting Church

Do you or your congregation have spare copies of Together in Song (TIS) available?

Our small congregation in Geranium would greatly appreciate having these for our worship services. We are seeking 12 copies. If you are able to assist, please contact Marg Smith at 0427 877 534 or via email at Turn on Javascript!.

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