News, Notices & Prayer points - 18th February 2025

Posted Feb 18, 2025 in News

News & Notices – 18th February 2025

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 18th February 2025 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

For the World Day of Social Justice, that global efforts towards equality, human dignity, and justice may continue to grow, particularly for those who are oppressed and marginalised
For the global church and its mission, that it may continue to spread love, hope, and compassion to those in need, serving as a beacon of light in dark times
For healing and reconciliation in divided nations, that countries in conflict may find peace, and communities may be restored through understanding and cooperation.

Book Penny Now!

Pancake Day 2025 is to be launched on Tuesday March 4^th with Penny Pancake parading in Hindmarsh Square.

Pancake Day as the annual UnitingCare SA fundraising campaign (and hopefully “fun-raising” as well) kicks off for a 4-month period where events can be held around the theme of Pancakes (or any other whacky idea that you might have in mind).

And of course, Penny Pancake is available to be booked out to appear at churches, schools, aged care facilities and any other event venue.

If you would like to book Penny at any time from March 4^th, please contact Turn on Javascript! or call Johanne Manning, Administration Officer, UnitingCare SA on 8236 4255

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Copyright Reminders

This is a reminder to all congregations to ensure you have permission to use any content such as photos, artwork, poems, worship songs, etc.... before you use them in worship, on brochures or posters or in any publication.

We have had some cases recently of churches being fined by organisations who are searching the internet for infringements on behalf of copyright owners. Please be aware that if you livestream your worship, anything you put in your presentation is recorded. This appears to be an avenue that is being used to identify copyright infringements.

If you are unsure if you have breached copyright, here are some helpful links with more information:

UCA SA - Content Guidelines

PicRights: How to Deal with a Letter Alleging Copyright Infringement

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Safe Church Audit 2025 – Fostering safe and welcoming spaces for everyone to thrive.

The Uniting Church SA is launching the Safe Church Audit 2025 as part of its commitment to creating safe and nurturing environments, responding to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

This annual audit allows congregations to celebrate safeguarding achievements, reflect on best practices, and align with the highest standards of care. On Thursday, 5^th December, an email with all necessary details was sent to congregations, typically to the Safe Church contact, Church Council Secretary, and Ministers.

If you missed the communication or want more information, the Safe Church News is available in the Audit section of the Safe Church website. The audit is due by March 7^th, 2025, allowing Church Councils ample time to prepare.

Thank you for supporting this vital work as we build a safer church community together!

Safe Church training 2025: Upcoming dates for your diary.

March 29^th – Unity Hill UC is the venue for two half day sessions. Through their Eyes Refresher and Called to Care. Bookings will be available for each course in the new year.

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In 2025 Uniting College in partnership with UAICC South Australia is offering two 12-week journeys into Indigenous wisdom.

Yarta Wandatha: The Land is Speaking the People are Speaking with Aunty Denise Champion in the Flinders Ranges. March-May – readings + four morning online sessions 12^th & 26^th March, 14^th & 28^th May and a four-day immersion 2^nd – 5^th May at Alpana Station, Blinman.
Kungan Kaldowinyeri: Listening to Creation with Uncle Ken Sumner on the Kurangk/Coorong. August-October – readings + four evening online sessions 21^st August, 4^th September, 9^th & 23^rd October and a four-day immersion 19^th – 22^nd September.

Study for credit with reflective assessment or for audit without. OR cross credit this unit into your studies elsewhere.

Note: Both options have a UAICC SA additional fee to pay our Elders for their Indigenous expertise and for accommodation.

Give yourself the experience of a lifetime! Enquire now: Turn on Javascript!

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Yarta Wandatha: The land is speaking, the people are speaking

There are only 2-3 places left for our 12-week journey with Aunty Denise, starting in the last week of February. This program can be studied for credit or for audit. If you're interested or want to learn more, please contact Turn on Javascript!. (Students from other institutions may also cross-credit the unit)

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Book launch

You are invited to the launch of Location-shaped Theologies (ATF Press), edited by Rosemary Dewerse, which includes chapters by Aunty Denise Champion, Labhaoise Upton (PhD graduate), and Cyrus Kung (Masters graduate). The event will take place from 4-5pm, Tuesday 25^th February at UCLT, with a Zoom link available for online participation. Please RSVP by Friday 21^st February to Turn on Javascript!.

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Grant Opportunities

Community grants - opening soon!

Applications for Council's community grants program open 10am, Monday 10^th February and close 4pm, Monday 17^th March 2025. These one-off financial grants are available for community groups and not-for-profits supporting activities, programs, events, or initiatives that benefit the community. Check eligibility and apply via the Community Grants webpage. For inquiries, contact 8397 7444 or via email.

Other Opportunities
Nominations for Westfield Local Heroes close 13^th March 2025. Recognising individuals making a positive impact, winners receive grants for their organisation. Find out more about nominations and the program.

2025-27 Stronger Together Grants - Funding now available.

Applications for the Stronger Together grants, offered by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet’s Multicultural Affairs, are now open. These grants support multicultural organisations in delivering initiatives that promote healthy family relationships, mental health, and community cohesion. Eligible organisations can apply for up to $200,000 for projects running from July 2025 to June 2027. Applications close on 2 March 2025. For more details and to apply, visit www.multicultural.sa.gov.au or contact the Multicultural Grants Team at 1300 239 468 or Turn on Javascript!.

Community Grants – Open Today

The Community Funding Program is now open for applications, offering grants of up to $5,000 to support projects, events, and activities that benefit the local community. Applicants can apply for funding under various categories, including Community Development, Environment, Events, Sports & Recreation, Artistic & Cultural Programs, Artistic Development, and Public Art. For detailed information on the categories and full application guidelines, applicants are encouraged to visit the program's webpage. To apply, applicants should complete the application form available on the site. Key dates for the program include the application opening on Friday 7^th February 2025, with applications closing on Monday 17^th March 2025 at 5:00 pm. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by Tuesday 8^th April 2025, with funded activities commencing in April 2025 and to be completed by April 2026. For further updates and deadlines, applicants can refer to the program’s webpage.

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Graduate Women SA Trust (GWSAT) Scholarship

The Graduate Women SA Trust (GWSAT) is offering postgraduate scholarships for 2025 to support women pursuing advanced degrees at South Australian universities. Doctoral scholarships, valued at $6,000 each (total $24,000), are available for PhD or professional doctorate students who have completed at least 18 months of study. Masters scholarships, valued at $3,000 each (total $6,000), are available for students in research-based or thesis-including master's programs who have completed at least six months of study. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, provide academic and personal documents, and meet specific eligibility criteria. Applications close on March 31^st, 2025.

Postgraduate Scholarships - GWSA

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Call for Expressions of Interest: Awaken Adelaide Second Cohort 2025

Mission Resourcing's Intercultural Neighbourhood Congregation Pilot project titled Awaken Adelaide is a six-month process to learn about new ways of being a church through a cohort learning experience of dwelling, listening and experimenting. Eight congregations across three Presbyteries participated in the first cohort, and five completed it in June 2024. You can hear three participants’ feedback at the Synod YouTube channel: (299) Uniting Church in SA - YouTube

The second cohort is planned to commence in March 2025. Your congregation is invited to submit expressions of interest at this link – Expression of Interest by 28 February 2025. For further information, please download a four-page leaflet at this link: Leaflet-Awaken Adelaide for Second Cohort

Mission Resourcing staff can provide an information session at your Church Council meeting. Please send your inquiry and request to Turn on Javascript!.

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Sally Stamp

Thank you to Churches, Fellowships, Businesses, and all individuals who have donated stamps and collections for 2024. We have made the following donations: $500.00 to Oodnadatta Church for chairs, $3,376.91 to South Pacific School Aid Inc (for 3 shipments), and $1,000.00 to The Grove U/C Kids Craft Group. Please continue saving stamps for the Uniting Church – your contributions help us support organisations like the ones mentioned above. Pickup can be arranged in the metro area.

For enquiries, please contact Maxine Haines, Convenor, on 0427 972 417 or via email at Turn on Javascript!.

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CMLA - From Advent to Emmaus: Dramas from the Gospel of Luke

The CMLA is pleased to announce the publication of From Advent to Emmaus – a book of 54 dramas for worship based on Luke’s Gospel. Step back in time to the first century as Luke and his scribe put the Gospel stories into print. This collection of drama scripts features Dr Luke narrating Bible passages to his friend Nathanael while the two have a dialogue about the story behind the passage. The conversations are insightful, thought-provoking and witty.

Author Jim Hayward is a well-known SA UC leader who has been a Lay Preacher for many years. Jim has road-tested these scripts with rural and regional congregations. Available in Print and Digital PDF versions. Ideal for Lectionary Year C.

The nook will be launched on 28^th February at the Meeting of Presbytery of Southern South Australia. For more information visit the CMLA website.

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2025 Micah Women’s Network Dinners – March

Micah Australia is hosting a series of gatherings for Christian women passionate about justice. The Micah Women’s Network Dinners will take place across eight cities in Australia this March, starting in Perth on 10^th March 2025. These events offer a unique opportunity to connect with inspiring women, hear powerful stories, and be empowered to take action in your community.

More information are available at this link.

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‘Diving Deep’ - Preparing Youth and Adults for Baptism and Confirmation

Dr Craig Mitchell be offering an online workshop for church leaders on Thursday 27 February, 1.00-3.15pm and repeating it on Wednesday 12 March. The session will explore how we might approach baptism and confirmation in a post-Christendom era, belief and discipleship, the role of mentors, how ages and stages of faith are relevant, available resources and planning approaches. Details and registration here.

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Op Shop volunteers needed

Make a difference to the community and the environment by becoming an op shop volunteer with Goodies2U: Scots Church Adelaide 237 North Terrace on either Tuesday or Saturday between 11.00am and 3.30pm. Hours are flexible, pay is gratitude, and personal rewards are many. Contact Jill for more information: 0409178465

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