News, Notices & Prayer points - 1st August 2023
Posted in News
News & Notices – 1st August 2023
Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 1st August, 2023 edition of UC e-News
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Prayer Points
We pray:
- For the four missing crew members of the Australian Defence Force’s MRH90 Taipan Helicopter, which devastatingly crashed into the ocean on Friday.
- For the victims and their families of the suspected bomb attack in Pakistan, we hold them in our hearts.
- For all those in our community who are carers, supporting loved ones and friends.
Ecumenical Award
The South-West Fleurieu Linked Congregations are the winners of the Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee’s award for 2023. The presentation took place at the recent Synod meeting. This is the pleasing result of many years of working together with other Churches. Five denominations in the Yankalilla area established the Yankalilla District Inter-Church Council (YDICC) more than twenty years ago.
The YDICC provides local support for the Myponga, Yankalilla and Rapid Bay school chaplains and breakfast is provided at the Yankalilla Area School on a twice weekly basis by volunteers from the local churches.
There are three sub-committees – 5CY (Five Christian Churches of Yankalilla), the Ecumenical Events Committee and Growing Together. 5CY operates the food pantry for the district. Its leaders were recognised as the 2022 Citizens of the Year by the D.C. of Yankalilla.
The Ecumenical Events Committee organises the annual Christmas Carols. It also fundraises for the event to cover its costs. Growing Together seeks to co-ordinate the activities and events of the five churches. The group is currently planning a major children’s event called ‘It takes a village’.
The Lutheran fellowship meets fortnightly in the UCA Hall and shares worship and Bible studies with the Uniting Church. The World Day of Prayer is always held as an ecumenical service. It is hosted by a different church each year.
During the annual ‘Learn to Swim’ at Normanville Beach, ice blocks and sunscreen are provided free of cost to the children and their parents.
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NCLS Webinar – Thriving and Resilient Leadership
NCLS Research will be presenting a free webinar on Wednesday, 2nd August entitled ‘Thriving and Resilient Leadership.’ This webinar explores latest findings and reflections on how Australian church leaders are coping and what factors contribute to their resilience. Findings are based on the results from the 2021-22 NCLS Leader Survey by NCLS Research.
This event is free, tickets are available at:https://events.humanitix.com/ncls-thriving-and-resilient-leadership.
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MediaCom Education Update
From August 4th - 15th MediaCom is running a Mid-Winter Sale. Use the sale code: Winter23 to Save 20% on all full priced stock. Shop - MediaCom Education
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Congregational Resource on the Voice
A two-page resource explains why the Uniting Church supports the change, a position informed by our covenant commitment with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and our Christian call to work for practical and meaningful change that ensures all can live life abundantly.
The resource includes:
- Simple information on why a Voice is needed, how it will work and how it will make a difference
- Connections to our Covenant with UAICC
- A section on 'what the Bible says'
- Helpful starting points for a conversation.
Here is the link to the Assembly webpage, A Voice to Parliament in 2 pages - Uniting Church Australia and click here to download, print and share in your community!
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HopeFULL – State Youth Conference 2023
What is there to hope in? It's a question we are finding teenagers asking in our Uniting Church youth ministries. On 9th of September 2023 we (local youth ministries in collaboration with Mission Resourcing) are running 'hopeFULL', a State Youth Conference for high school years 7-12.
At 'hopeFULL', teenagers will explore:
- Worship experiences that will help them encounter God
- Inspiring and challenging messages from Courtney Lush, Youth Pastor of New Life Uniting Church
- Electives that will help you to follow Jesus in a bunch of different ways, from ‘understanding pain and suffering’ to ‘hearing God’s voice’
- Opportunities to make new friends and connect with other young people
- A whole lotta of fun.
Do you have a teenager in your life? Please invite them and encourage them to register, it's going to be a simply wonderful event. Registrations can be made at this link: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/state-youth-conference-2023-2138592381
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Awareness raising sessions on the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament
A group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous advocates for The Voice at Pilgrim Uniting Church are available to run an engaging workshop on the topic at your church or in your community.
The session can be either 45 minutes or 60 minutes and starts with a Welcome to Country by a Kaurna elder who is a member of the Pilgrim Church. Originally, designed to engage people of all faiths and cultures, the group has also run successful workshops with Pilgrim UC communities. The workshops cover the background to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for a Voice to Parliament and engages participants in reflecting their own understandings about the topic. Importantly, participants can also document any questions or arguments against the proposed constitutional change which they might have heard so that responses can be discussed.
The workshop presenters of these session would prefer to meet with representatives from interested groups to make sure that the session can be tailored to your needs. Contacts: Marelle Harisun Turn on Javascript! or Uncle Allen Edwards Snr Turn on Javascript!
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Grant Opportunities
Uniting Foundation Grant Round Now Open
Congregations, faith communities and individuals are invited to consider applying for financial assistance with projects which will enhance and potentially increase their missional effectiveness.
Application close 31st July 2023. Eligibility information, application forms and draft position description template are located at: https://sa.uca.org.au/uniting-foundation/applying-for-a-grant.
Expand Together
The Expand Together grants assist multicultural organisations to expand their capacity by upgrading community facilities or purchasing equipment to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Apply for up to $100,000. Applications for Round 2 opened on 1st June 2023 and close on 30th August 2023. Find out more.
Alexandrina Council Grants Program
The Alexandrina Council Grants Program is now open until 22nd August 2023. Grant categories include: Community Environment Grant; Community Wellbeing Grant; and Business Initiatives Grant. A further round of grants will also open on 1st August 2023 – 30th April 2024 and these categories include: Youth Sponsorship Program; Community Events Grant; Heritage Grant; and Creative Community Grant. Information sessions and grant details are available at this link: Alexandrina Grants Program | Alexandrina Council.
Securing Faith-based Places
The Securing Faith-Based Places grant opportunity aims to assist faith-based places and spaces to improve security and safety.
The objective of the program is to support religious schools and pre-schools, places of worship and faith-based community centres to address the risk of crime and violence motivated by religious or racial intolerance through the installation or upgrade of security infrastructure and/or the engagement of security guards at those sites. For more information and how to apply please visit: Current Grant Opportunity View - GO6276: GrantConnect (grants.gov.au)
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Uniting Conversations: Be Slavery Free – Exploited Labour and Ethical Purchasing
You are invited to join a conversation led by Carolyn Kitto, Fuzz Kitto and Ramila Chanisheff about modern day slavery, exploited labour and ethical purchasing. At Seacliff Uniting Church, 7.00 pm on Sunday, August 6th. Supper is free. A gold coin donation is requested to help offset cots. Registration is not essential, but can be done via the Seacliff Uniting Church website, located at this link: Seacliff Uniting Church | A community of the Uniting Church in Seacliff South Australia (seacliffuc.org.au)
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Service of Induction - Rev Linda Driver
All are welcome to attend the induction at Brougham Place Uniting Church, 193 Brougham Place, North Adelaide for Rev Linda Driver on Sunday, 6 August 2023 at 2.00 pm. The service will be conducted by Trevor Phillips and the preacher will be Rev Paul Turley. Afternoon tea will follow the service. RSVP to Turn on Javascript!
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Service of Induction – Rev Dr Sarah Agnew
All are welcome to attend the induction at Christ Church Uniting Church, 26 King William Road, Wayville for Rev Dr Sarah Agnew on Sunday, 13th August 2023 at 2.00 pm. The service will be conducted by Rev Diane Bury and the preacher will be Rev Andrew Robertson. Afternoon tea will follow the service. RSVP by Monday, 7th August 2023 to Turn on Javascript!.
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Disaster and Recovery Ministries
Would you be prepared to offer a ministry of presence, care and comfort to people affected in times of great need?
You are invited to train as a chaplain for Disaster and Recovery Ministries SA. Coordinated by the Uniting Church in SA, they provide training and coordinate teams of people from many faith groups who are able to provide pastoral and spiritual support to others in the community during times of disaster and subsequent recovery.
For more information, with training dates the 10th and 11th October, please download the flyer located at this link: UCA SA - Disaster and Recovery Chaplain Training
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Voice Banners now available
The Synod of VIC/TAS has designed a banner in support of the Voice to Parliament and the banner has been endorsed by the National Assembly. There are four colour options for those congregations that wish to display a banner in support of the Voice to Parliament. The designs are available to view at this link: UCA SA - Voice to Parliament Resources
If you would like to order a banner please email the Engagement Ministry Centre at Turn on Javascript! and include the following details with your order:
- Name of congregation
- Name of contact person at congregation
- Type of banner required e.g. corflute, canvas
- Size of banner, please include number of eyelets required
- Indicate colour choice of your design (3 options to choose from)
- Clearly indicate any additional words you would like included in the design.
There is no design fee, however there will be a print and postage and handling fee for all requests. Once an order is received, Engagement will let you know the print quote cost for your banner, before progressing your requirements.
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Uniting Church National History Society 2023 Conference (24th – 27th August 2023)
Registrations for the Uniting Church National History Society's 2023 Conference are now open. For information and details about how to register for the conference please download the promotional flyer at this link or contact Judy Orme email: Turn on Javascript!.
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National Lay Preachers Conference 2023 (4th – 7th August 2023)
The Queensland Synod is pleased to host on behalf of the National Lay Preacher Committee, the 2023 National Conference of Lay Preachers to be held Friday 4th August to Monday 7th August 2023 at Alexandra Park Conference Centre, Sunshine Coast Queensland.
For Lay Preachers, prospective Lay Preachers and those interested in leading worship. Share in a wonderful few days and be encouraged, supported and challenged in your ministry. Further information is available at this link: National Conference of Lay Preachers 2023 - Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod (ucaqld.com.au)
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Volunteering Red Dove Café 2023
There are just over 6 weeks away for the Red Dove Café for 2023 at the Royal Adelaide Show. Money raised from this café goes to mission in South Australia. The organisers are seeking people to fill 800+ shifts for the period 1st – 10th September this year. If you are interested please contact Volunteer Coordinators, on email Turn on Javascript! or call Janet on 0432 271 757.
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Salt + Light SALA Art Exhibition
Six local artists are excited to launch their new exhibition entitled Salt + Light at Bethany Hall this August.
The theme reflects on the salt of the earth and our unique Australian light and environment.
The official opening is always a highlight and the exhibition will be launched by Gavin Malone.
Gavin Malone is a visual artist and cultural geographer who has been instrumental in the development of Lot 50 - Kanyanyapilla, a 16 hectare ecological and cultural regeneration project located on ancient Kaurna Meyunna complex and is a registered aboriginal site.
The six artists participating are a blend of established and emerging artists:
Roe Gartelmann, Chris Olsen, Elizabeth Bradley, Raylene Pearce, Lesley Redgate and Helen Sherriff.
The exhibition launch is on Friday, August 4 @ 6pm @ Bethany Hall, 33 St Andrews Terrace, Willunga.
This invigorating exhibition will be open on weekends throughout August from 1pm - 4pm. Entry is free.
Visitors can also look forward to meeting the artists and hearing about their art story, there will also be a popular vote prize.
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Rural Access SALA Exhibition Neuroscience and Art
Kangaroo Island Neuroscientist and Artist Rupshi Mitra will display her art-work at Scots Church Adelaide McGregor Hall throughout August. Gallery opens: Fridays 12.00 – 5.00 pm; Saturdays 10.00 am – 4.00 pm; Sundays 12.00 – 3.00 pm. Gallery opening will be held 1.00 pm on Friday, 4th August. Location: 237 North Terrace, Adelaide. Further information: 0409 178 465. SALA Number 077.
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Understanding the Voice to Parliament
Welcoming Australia is bringing to Adelaide Tim Costello & Noel Pearson. Pilgrim UCA & Churches Together SA will be hosting a conversation with Tim Costello & Noel Pearson about the VOICE to parliament and it’s importance to Australia on Sunday 20 August at 5pm, Pilgrim UCA 12 Flinders Street Adelaide. Registrations can be made here. The event will also be streamed on Youtube @pilgrimunitingchurchadelaide
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Do you feel comfortable visiting people in hospital?
St Andrew’s Hospital is now reinstating its Pastoral Visitors’ program after the COVID-19 years. Rev Leanne Jenski is looking for people who might like to join the ecumenical team and visit the Uniting Church patients. You will need to have had 3 or more COVID vaccinations and have a current police check. Please contact Rev Jenski on 0417 863 635 or email Turn on Javascript!, Coordinating Chaplain at St Andrew’s Hospital.
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Lay Preachers’ Sunday
The first Sunday in August is recognised in South Australia as Lay Preachers’ Sunday. This year it falls on Sunday week, August 6th. All Uniting Church congregations in SA are encouraged to celebrate and recognise the invaluable work of Lay people in preaching and leading worship every week. Suggestions for a liturgy, and some notes for preachers, are available on the Synod website at this link: UCA SA - Lay Preachers.
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Code of Ethics Dates 2023 – Bookings for August and September NOW OPEN
The dates for both face-to-face and online refreshers of the Code of Ethics in 2023 have now been set as follows:
All ministry agents who are either in placement, awaiting placement or providing supply are expected to complete a refresher session each year.
Bookings for the first 3 courses can be accessed at this link: Events Calendar – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au)
8 August Playford UC - 1.00pm to 4.00pm
23 August Online 1.30pm to 4.00pm
6 September Enfield UC - 9:30am to 12.00pm
Bookings opening soon:
17 October Online 1.30pm to 4.00pm
26 October Online 9:30am to 12.00pm
30 November Rosefield UC - 1.00pm to 4.00pm.
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2023 Safe Church Audit
The annual Safe Church Audit is now available until August 25th for congregations to complete.
The Uniting Church, at both state and national levels, continues to be very active in responding to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. In responding to the questions in this Safe Church Audit it will not only provide a snapshot of the life and activities of your congregation but will indicate your progress of compliance. Collated results will be shared with Presbytery leaders along with other relevant Synod ministry centres.
Communication has been sent to the Safe Church contact and/or the Secretary of each congregation. The questions can be downloaded from the Safe Church website at this link: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/resources/#audit to enable the data to be prepared prior to the online survey being completed - with one response per congregation required.
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Q&A with Noel Pearson: What a Voice to Parliament will mean for Australia Webinar
In conversation with Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Sharon Hollis, hear about Noel Pearson’s journey leading up to this referendum. Noel comes from the Guugu Yimidhirr community of Hopevale on South Eastern Cape York Peninsula and is a widely respected community elder, Australian lawyer and land rights activist.
Noel has described the referendum as the most important vote for Australian people since Federation. In this webinar on 16th August, hear why he thinks a successful referendum is an opportunity to complete Australia.
Further, hear from constitutional lawyer Dr Shireen Morris on how she became involved in advocating and supporting a constitutionally guaranteed Voice to Parliament for Indigenous people. Details and registration can be made at this link: https://uniting.church/qa-with-noel-pearson/
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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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