News, Notices & Prayer points - 18th March 2025

Posted Mar 18, 2025 in News

News & Notices – 18th March 2025

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

Prayer Points

We pray:

For peace and unity in our communities, that we may embrace diversity and work together to build harmonious relationships, especially during Harmony Week
For the closing of the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, that efforts on National Close the Gap Day may lead to greater equality in healthcare, education, and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
For the elimination of racial discrimination on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, that God would guide us to fight prejudice, promote justice, and treat all people with dignity, creating a world where equality and respect are upheld.

Easter 2025 Resources

Easter is around the corner and to assist you in preparing your worship services, there are a selection of resources now available on the Synod website. Resources include themed social media tiles; PowerPoint template; and an A3 poster for your use. The Moderator's Easter video will also be available in the coming weeks. The resources are available at this link: UCA SA - Easter 2025

------------------------------------------

Easter Worship Service Times

As congregations prepare for Easter, please send through your Easter Worship times to Engagement for inclusion on the Synod website. Details can be emailed to Turn on Javascript!

------------------------------------------

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

------------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------------

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!.

------------------------------------------

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

------------------------------------------

Celebrating Easter at Noarlunga Uniting Church 23 Williams Rd Christies Beach

Celebrate Easter at Noarlunga Uniting Church, located at 23 Williams Rd, Christies Beach. The church will host a Maundy Thursday service on 17^th April at 7pm, a Good Friday service on 18^th April at 9am, and an Easter Day service on 20^th April at 10am, where new members will be warmly welcomed. Join them in this meaningful celebration of the season.

------------------------------------------

Lent Event: A Call to Faith-Filled Action for God's Creation

Lent Event invites your church or community to take part in 40 days of faith-filled action for God’s creation. This initiative offers an opportunity to stand in solidarity with international church partners, working together to create real, lasting change in communities facing the impacts of climate change. Lent Event is a meaningful way to enhance your Lenten season, no matter what you have planned. Through storytelling, prayer, and action, your church can connect with communities like those in Tonga, who are rebuilding their lives after climate disasters. Join in and help make a lasting difference during this season of reflection and renewal.

------------------------------------------

What’s your Ageing Plan?

Ageing can come unexpectedly, and without a plan, decisions may not reflect your preferences. Gail Miller from Aged Care Explained will be hosting an event to provide valuable insights into the aged care system and the importance of planning early, especially with changes coming on July 1^st. Join her on April 6^th, 2025, from 2.00 – 4.00 pm at Sunset Rock Uniting Church. Register here: https://forms.gle/9yDcRThBtdkNPfFZ9

------------------------------------------

Call for Expressions of Interest: Awaken Adelaide Second Cohort 2025 (Deadline Extended to 31st of March 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 April 2025. Your congregation is invited to submit expressions of interest at this link – Expression of Interest by 31^st of March 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!.

------------------------------------------

Expression of Interest - 2025 Adnyamathanha Walk with Rev Dr Auntie Denise Champion

Mission Resourcing is currently seeking expressions of interest from those who might be interested in a 2025 Adnyamathanha Walk with Rev Dr Auntie Denise Champion. The deadline for the Expressions of interest will be the 31^st of March. EOI form: https://forms.office.com/r/7sfyyMPc2r

------------------------------------------

Screening Application Help

If you're having trouble starting or completing your screenings, the Synod office is offering support to help you through the process. Bookings are essential. This support will be available on Tuesday, 25^th March, from 10.00 pm to 3.30 pm at the Synod office, located at 212 Pirie Street. For those unable to attend in person, phone appointments are also available. To book an appointment, please contact the Synod office at 8236 4200 or email the screening team at Turn on Javascript!.

------------------------------------------

2025 Safe Church Audit

Congregations that have already responded to the Safe Church Audit are appreciated. If your congregation has not yet submitted their responses, there is still an opportunity to do so. The online survey portal closing date has been extended to Sunday, 23^rd March. While alternative submission methods will still be accepted, any data submitted after the 23^rd may not be included in the reports to the various accountable councils of the Church.

One of the key components of this audit is measuring compliance with participation and active screenings for all church council members and leaders, which is taken into account when a congregation is seeking building or property development. If your congregation is planning future development works and has not yet completed the audit, please be encouraged to act now. A list of congregations that have already submitted their responses can be found on the Safe Church website under Resources - Safe: Safe Church Audit Responses.

------------------------------------------

Easter Sights and Sounds 2025

Easter Sights and Sounds traces the events of Holy Week, immersing audiences in the stories of intrigue and good news surrounding Jesus's last days on Earth. Morning tours will be available from 9.30 pm on Wednesday, 2^nd April, to Friday, 4^th April, with evening tours at 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm on Friday, 4^th April. Tickets are $5 per person, and bookings are essential through the church office at 8362 3771. The event will take place at Spicer Uniting Church, 44a Fourth Ave, St Peters 5069.

------------------------------------------

comment on this article

back to News articles

back to all articles

subscribe to receive New Times articles by email