News, Notices & Prayer points - 18th October 2022

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News & Notices – 18 October 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 18th October 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For world leaders that they may have the wisdom to bring peace where there is war and conflict
  • For people displaced by war, famine and natural disasters
  • For all who grieve for people that have passed.

 

 

 

UCA National Young Adult Leaders Conference

The UCA National Young Leaders conference will be held in Victoria from the 26th – 29th January 2023. This is one of the UCA's key national events for young people and has been running for more than a decade, empowering cohorts of emerging leaders in faith, discipleship and leadership. It's jointly hosted by the President and the National Chair of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and is open to people aged 18-30 years of age. More information and how to apply is available at this link: NYALC 2023

 

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Payneham Road Uniting Church Organ Scholarship 2023

Payneham Road UC is offering an organ scholarship of $1,500 annually to commemorate a long-standing church member – Veta Brown. Applications close Wednesday, 26th October. Following an interview and an audition, the successful candidate will be notified and the result will be announced at the organ concert on the 26th November. For more information and an application form contact Sharon on 0438 706 957 or email Turn on Javascript!

 

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Synod Strategy and Planning (Mission and Property) Working Group Update

Since the June meeting of the Synod, the working group has been going through the feedback given at the Synod meeting about the report tabled at the meeting. The next stage has commenced of this important project, assessing what is required for the church to meet Synod’s request to present a draft Property Strategy, including maps that identify the number and geographical locations of missionally vibrant and viable communities to the next meeting of the Synod in June 2023.

In the coming weeks and months, the working group will be seeking to work with presbyteries to gather information about congregations using a questionnaire, as well as conversations.

If you would like further information about the working group’s progress or would like to provide input on the draft Property Strategy, please contact Sue Page or Philip Gardner at Turn on Javascript!.

 

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MediaCom Education Meaningful Mondays Continue

Mediacom's Meaningful Mondays at Mile End continue next Monday, 24th and 31st October between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm.

MediaCom again invites you to visit, sit around tables at Perk-Up Café, grab a book or two to view as you enjoy a coffee or other beverage. (Receive a coffee voucher for any orders over $30).

You can view Advent materials, Resources for Lectionary Year A, recently added publications, and a variety of significantly reduced priced books to make way for new titles. You can also peruse a wide range of magazine subscriptions and chat with local authors and story tellers.

Susan Burt founding International Editor of ‘Seasons of the Spirit,’ will also be on hand to discuss Lectionary application.

To connect with friends and colleagues join us at Building 4 (Opposite Perk Up Café), Hilton Central, 32 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Mile End (corner of South Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive).

 

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Call for Auditors

The Uniting Church SA Synod Financial Services Team currently requires additional assistance from suitably qualified auditors (CPA, CA or Registered Company Auditor) to provide audit services to Uniting Church SA congregations and other entities. Fees are to be negotiated directly with the congregation and prospective auditors will need to have their own ABN as well as appropriate insurance. If you or someone you know is available and willing to join a small team to provide this valuable service, please contact Bella Esposito, Financial Services Coordinator on (08) 8236 4251 or via email at Turn on Javascript! for further information.

 

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New opportunities for welcoming refugees in local communities

Uniting Church congregations and faith groups have long been at the forefront of welcoming refugees to Australia. Now your congregation can take the next step and welcome newly arrived Afghan evacuees and other refugees referred by the UNHCR living in our communities. The Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) allows us to do just that. The CRSA are looking for volunteers, individuals and groups, to be a part of their Group Mentorship and the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) Programs.

Here’s how it works:

  • Volunteers are groups of at least 5 adults who live near each other. The group offers support to a refugee household (The household is on a refugee or humanitarian visa with full access to Centrelink, Medicare, Work Rights etc.)
  • The group volunteers 10+ hours of support per week between them.
  • Group provides ongoing practical support as required e.g. social connection, assist with driving lessons, finding employment.

How to get involved:

Please let Synod Refugee Advocacy group know your interest in the program (Contact convenor Rev Paul Turley Turn on Javascript! or Justice Officer Paul Goh Turn on Javascript!).

 

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October Refugee Advocacy Guide - A Letter-writing Action and Postcard Campaign

At the June 2022 Synod meeting, we committed to continue to advocate for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees using ‘Priorities for Change’. This and other resources for congregations are available to view on the Synod website: UCA SA - Refugees: Resources for Congregations.

A four-page letter-writing action guide including a template is prepared to help individuals and congregations advocate to the Australian government, fulfilling its promise of pathways to permanency for those on temporary visas without further delay. You can download the guide at this link Refugee Advocacy Guide-October 2022.pdf.

In collaboration with other Synods, we are also encouraged to take part in a postcard campaign on the Increased Humanitarian Protection Program. To request postcards, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, by emailing Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.

 

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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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Thuruna Campsite – 60th Anniversary – Save the Date!

Thuruna will celebrate 60 years of ministry, service and hospitality to the people of the Eyre Peninsula and beyond. A commemorative worship service and afternoon tea is planned for Sunday, 23rd October, 2022 at Thuruna commencing at 2.00 pm. All welcome. Enquiries and RSVPs can be made by emailing Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Sally Stamp

As the year draws to a close the Sally Stamp group would like to thank all that have donated stamps this year. Donations have been made to the South Pacific School Aid and Outback Pastor as a result of stamp donations. As we move towards Christmas you are asked to please save your stamps which can be dropped into the Synod office in Pirie Street. For further information please contact Maxine Haines on 0427 972 417.

 

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Spring Fair at Spicer Uniting Church

There’s something for everyone at the Spicer Fair! Pre-loved books to peruse, a large range of plants, bric-a-brac, and the ever popular cakes and jams. Browse the art and craft stalls and listen to live music. Treat yourself to Devonshire tea or coffee, or a sausage from the barbecue. Come along and enjoy a great family day out. Saturday, 22nd October, 8.30 am – 2.30 pm.

 

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Inaugural Professorial Lecture with Rev Prof Vicky Balabanski

You are invited to ‘Entering the Year of Matthew: Fresh eyes on conflict, communication and community – Jesus’ take on turning the other cheek,’ on Wednesday 19th October at 7.00 pm at Adelaide West Uniting Church. Registration can be made at this link: Entering the Year of Matthew - Churches Together SA. This event will also be live-streamed.

 

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Methamphetamine Prevention Campaign ‘Don't let meth take hold’

In response to the South Australian Government’s commitment to address methamphetamine use in South Australia, Drug and Alcohol Services SA (DASSA) is launching a methamphetamine prevention campaign in partnership with The Hospital Research Foundation and the Australian Medical Association (SA Branch).

The ‘Don’t let meth take hold’ campaign is based on new scientific research by the University of South Australia demonstrating that using methamphetamine, even a few times, could lead to long-lasting negative impacts on brain function and movement.

The campaign aims to prevent the uptake of methamphetamine as well as reduce methamphetamine use among current users. The primary target of this campaign is people aged 18-24, with a secondary target group of those aged 25-39, skewed slightly towards males, as they are more likely to be current or potential methamphetamine users.

The campaign will run from 17th October 2022 to mid-January 2023 across outdoor advertising, social media, gaming platforms and on pizza boxes.

More information is available at this link: Finding help for alcohol and other drug problems · Know Your Options.

 

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Reclaiming History with Voice Treaty Truth: An Evening Hosted by Pilgrim Uniting Church

The Hon Kyam Maher, MLC, Attorney General and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs will launch an art exhibition entitled ‘Telling Truth’ hosted by Pilgrim Uniting Church in Adelaide on 7th November from 5:15 pm – 7:00 pm.

This free event will feature Indigenous singer, Corey Theatre, singing in Gunditjmara language, artworks by non-indigenous artist, Colin Clarke, and an information session led by the Hon Kyam Maher on Voice Treaty Truth in South Australia.

For further information please visit: Home - Pilgrim Church

 

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One in Worship: Praise and Worships Services

One in worship services are a place for people to join with other churches and people within the community to pray together and enjoy a time of worship with music from all ages and fields. Come and be one as a united community. The first of these evenings will commence on Sunday, October 30th and the night is led by a live worship band and can be viewed online via the live stream. All are welcome. More information is available at: One In Worship – Experience Worship

 

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NCLS Research Webinar: ‘How Healthy are Australian Churches?’

NCLS Research will present a free webinar on Thursday October 27th entitled ‘How healthy are Australian churches?’ The webinar will present a snapshot of the reality and experience of church life in Australia, based on the results from the latest National Church Life Survey. Free tickets are available at: https://NCLSHealthychurches.eventbrite.com.au.

 

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 11th October 2022

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

 

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