News, Notices & Prayer points - 19 October 2021

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News & Notices – 19 October 2021

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 19th October edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points for the week:

We pray:

  • For children, young people and families enduring financial stress and poverty at this time
  • For the wisdom and clarity of world leaders as they gather to discuss the challenges of climate change
  • For all experiencing mental health issues may they find peace and comfort as they work towards recovery.

 


 

Synod Expo Update

The Port Pirie Expo was a great success last Saturday, October 16th. We look forward to the next expo event being held in Murray Bridge this Saturday, October 23rd. We again look forward to a day of connecting and sharing, incorporating workshops about historical records, Intergenerational Ministry, Healthy Church Councils, Messy Church and Engagement. Bookings are still open. For a summary video highlights package of the Port Pirie expo day please visit this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/synod-expo

 

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Presbytery Restructure Review

In 2018, the Synod of SA resolved to restructure from one presbytery to multiple presbyteries. During 2019, this restructure was carried out, with the formation of three presbyteries: Generate, Wimala and the Presbytery of Southern SA. The Synod determined that a review of the restructure be carried out, and it is now time for that review. The Synod Standing Committee has formed a task group to carry out this work.

We are consulting with all the presbyteries and various groups across the Synod. We would really value the input of congregations, ministry agents and individuals on your experience of the restructure.

You are invited to participate in the review by completing this survey and/ or sending a submission to the review group. The survey link is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sa-presbytery-review

If you would like further contact with the review group, please fill in your details on the survey, or email the review group convenor, Sue Page: Turn on Javascript!. The survey will close on 8th November, 2021.

 

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Fundraising Dinner for Asylum Seekers

The Circle of Friends (Circle of Hope) is holding a fundraising dinner for asylum seekers on Friday, October 22nd. Funds raised will help with rent and other living costs. We currently support 10 asylum seekers who are denied income support. Venue: Hope’s Café, Clayton Wesley Church. To book: https://events.humanitix.com/fundraiser-for-asylum-seekers-by-the-circle-of-hope. Call David on 0401 380 782 for more information.

 

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Act2

Members of the Uniting Church, our congregations, agencies, schools and Councils have been invited to engage in a conversation about the future to which God is calling our Church.

To find out more about Act2 and how you can be part of this important conversation, first read the Introduction to the project at this link.

There will be a number of opportunities to participate across the Church between now and the end of the year. Assembly General Secretary Colleen Geyer has also written an explanation of the Act2 theme which is available here: https://uniting.church/whats-in-a-name-uca-act2/.

 

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Youth Mental Health First-Aid (YMHFA)

Adolescence is a time of important change and development for a young person. It is also the peak age of onset for mental illness. It is commonly recognised that young people are at high risk of developing mental health problems, however the concern is those problems may go undetected in the guise of normal adolescent mood changes and developmental stage challenges. Left undetected, mental health problems can have a lifelong impact; however, the chances of this are significantly reduced with early intervention.

With a focus on improved mental health literacy and awareness, the Youth Mental Health First-Aid course is for adults who work, live or care for adolescents. It equips participants with the skills to recognise and respond to an adolescent who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis situation. Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, YMHFA teaches how to support an adolescent until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

The Intergen Team is hosting three Youth Mental Health First-Aid courses delivered by Rev Mark Dickens for anyone serving in youth ministry. If you haven’t expressed your interest in the Youth Mental Health First Aid as yet, the 4th December option is now sold out, but there are a few positions that have opened up on the 27th November. Please express your interest asap at the following link: https://ucasa.org.au/mental-health-first-aid/

 

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Lincoln College: Available for your Staff Christmas Function in December

Lincoln College offers a traditional Christmas lunch in the heart of North Adelaide, in their beautiful historical grounds in Brougham Place. Seating availability is up to 150 guests, catering packages range from full service dining to buffet-style banquets. Discounts apply to the Uniting Church community. Phone (08) 8290 6003.

 

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Vacancy – Minister, Pilgrim Uniting Church

Expression of interest are invited for a Minister – Deacon (Mission and Community Engagement 0.6FTE) and a Minister – Pastoral Care (0.4FTE) to join the Pilgrim Uniting Church ministry team. This position may be offered as one full-time role. Enquiries and Expressions of Interest (marked private and confidential) should be sent to Rev Philip Gardner, Synod Office, PO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001. Email Turn on Javascript!, phone: (08) 8236 4200 by 22nd October 2021.

 

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Anti-Poverty Week – 17th – 23rd October

Every community in South Australia has children, young people and families enduring financial stress and poverty. This year due to the impacts of COVID, responding to poverty and hardship must take on an even greater priority. The evidence shows that unemployment, under-employment, financial and housing stress and metal health problems are compounded by COVID. Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People has written to churches and their communities to seek your support at this time. Anti-Poverty Week will take place from the 17th to 23rd October and the Commissioner’s letter can be downloaded here.

 

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The Church in the Digital Age

Running from March 2021 until November 2022, the Assembly Standing Committee has formed the Church In the Digital Age Task Group to identify the critical theological, pastoral and practical issues related to the worship, witness and service of the Uniting Church in Australia raised by the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. In response the Task group are asking for short submissions (100-200 words) detailing how you or your community are or have engaged digital/online ministry. What about that engagement excited you, what surprised you? What has shaped your broader thinking about church? Read and download the invitation to engage with the Task Group here.

 

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Send love and fight poverty

UnitingWorld’s set of eight beautiful Christmas cards are ready for pre-order. These cards bring hope and joy not just to friends and family, but to people working hard to free themselves from poverty overseas. $15 per pack of eight – proceeds give life to our international partners. Order now for delivery in early October! https://everythingincommon.com.au/collections/all-products/products/christmas-cards-pack-of-8-4-designs

 

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Morialta Uniting Church Student Houses – Vacancies 2022

Undergraduate university/TAFE students from rural/regional areas. Furnished single bedrooms, living areas, shared bathroom or ensuite. Close to UniSA, Magill. Easy travel to city for Adelaide University and UniSA, and to Mawson Lakes Campus. Rent $390 or $430 monthly. Contact Anne Ind 0402061124, Church Office 83319344. Now is the time for school leavers heading for tertiary studies to apply for accommodation in our Student Houses.

 

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Sally Stamp

The volunteers are pleased to be back in the Church Office sorting stamps, however they need more supplies. Please check your office, plus ask businesses in your area if they would save their envelopes for you to collect. With Christmas not far away, please save your stamps – all donations gratefully accepted. For further information please contact Maxine Haines, Convenor on 0427 972 417 or email Turn on Javascript!.

 

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The Gospel of the Kingdom Seminar

Jesus calls us to go out and preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. But what is the Kingdom of God? What does Jesus have to do with it? How do I proclaim the Gospel anyway? On Saturday, November 20th from 9.30 am Rev David Kowalick will lead The Gospel of the Kingdom seminar at Coromandel Valley Uniting Church, followed by a public evangelistic event at 7.30 pm.

 

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Accidental Counsellor Workshop: 7th December 2021

Accidental counsellors often find themselves in a counselling role by accident, as a result of conversations or requests from customers, colleagues or others. Facilitated by experienced Lifeline mental health trainers, this workshop provides practical and effective skills to step into the shoes of a counsellor and respond to an support others when they are experiencing a challenging time. Find out more: https://donate.lifelineadelaide.org/event/accidental-counsellor-dec

 

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Save the Date – Amplify Conference for Children, Youth and Family Ministry

Amplify Conference is happening on March 5th, 2022. Please put this in your diary and let your leaders and volunteers in children, youth and family ministry know about it too!

There will be hubs around Australia and online. We are excited to be joining in with four hubs in South Australia, including at the Uniting College.

Sign up for the Amplify updates at: https://amplifyconference.com.au/.

Registration and information for the South Australian hubs will be hosted centrally through the Amplify Team in Queensland with an SA Planning Team organising hub locations and logistics.

For more information contact Melissa Neumann, Intergen Team, Mission Resourcing by email at Turn on Javascript!.

 

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National Unity Week - Friday 22 - Saturday 30 October 2021

This National Unity Week, Welcoming Australia is hosting a Walk Together event in celebration of Australia’s diversity, designed as a tangible expression of the welcoming, fair and compassionate society we are committed to building. In its 10th year in 2021, Walk Together will return to the streets and screens to bring together communities from around Australia in celebration of our shared humanity, regardless of our background, culture or faith. This event will take place at 1.00pm Saturday 23 October in Victoria Square. Some other online panel events for National Unity Week are as follows:

Racism, it stops with… 27th October 5:30pm - Register via Eventbrite or visit the NUW website for more information.

Boundless Plains to Share 28th October 6:30pm - Register via Eventbrite

Changemakers or Troublemakers? Activism in Australia 29th October 6:30pm - Register via Eventbrite 

Build Community Facebook live event for National Mosque Open Day with Q&A, 30th October 11am -Register via Eventbrite

The Virtual Tour of the Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib Mosque in LakembaRegister here via Eventbrite.

 

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Music and Worship – an event for Church Musicians

The Uniting Church’s diversity of worship is reflected in music. What we sing shapes our theology and knowledge of God. How do we discern which style and option serves and nourishes our communities and creates purposeful, rich worship?

Come join the conversation, sharing experience, ideas and resources on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 from 10.00 am – 4.00 pm at Rosefield Uniting Church, 2 Carlton Street, Highgate. $50 per person / $120 for 3 or more people from one congregation. Register at: www.cmla.org.au.

 

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 12th October 2021

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

 


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