News, Notices & Prayer points - 1st November 2022

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News & Notices – 1 November 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 1st November 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For the family and loved ones of Cassius Turvey as they grieve his brutal and untimely passing. We join their cry for an end to racism, that must begin with our own attitudes and actions, and we stand together with our indigenous brothers and sisters as they demand justice
  • For our international mission team visiting South Korea to commemorate the long-standing partnership between the Presbyterian Church in Korea (PROK) and the Uniting Church in South Australia. We acknowledge that this is a difficult time for the people of Seoul, and we pray for those affected by the crowd crush and their loved ones
  • For communities who are affected by floods and storms

 


 

 

Statement: Racial Justice for Turvey Family, from Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC)

As we hear the news (‘The Australian,’ Tuesday, 25th October 2022 and across various other media outlets) of the tragic story of the death of young Noongar boy Cassius Turvey, our hearts are shattered into a million pieces. Each piece is a painful reminder of two centuries of dispossession, racism and violence. Racism is an evil which endures in our society and in our social structures. Despite apparent advances and even significant changes in the last two decades, the reality of racism remains. Read more.

 

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Justice Campaign - Two Postcard actions available now

In collaboration with other Synods, we are encouraged to take part in two Justice Campaigns through postcard action on the Divestment from Fossil Fuel and the Increased Humanitarian Protection Program. To request postcards, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, by emailing Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.

Downloads also available at these links:

Commbank Postcard.pdf

Hum Postcard OCT 2022.pdf

 

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Resthaven residents support ‘Operation Christmas Child’

Resthaven Belleuve Heights retirement living residents have commenced their annual ‘Operation Christmas Child’ project, packing boxes full of goodies ready to distribute to underprivileged children this Christmas.

The project, part of international organisation, ‘Samaritan’s Purse,’ was introduced in 2013 by independent retirement living residents, Mr and Mrs June and Bob Heath. Over the years, their contribution has totalled an amazing 1,036 boxes for vulnerable children across the world. 

With June and Bob no longer able to be involved, fellow resident, Mrs Nadine Olafsen, is determined to keep the tradition going. She explains, ‘Each box has to fulfill three categories of items; health, education and play.’

‘Our group start collecting and knitting items in April, so that we can fill as may boxes as possible when it comes to packing day in October.’

Kathy Kennedy, Volunteer Coordinator of Samaritan’s Purse, says, ‘Resthaven Bellevue Heights retirement residents are wonderful contributors to Operation Christmas Child, and we are always in touch leading up to packing day so that we can bring along the shoeboxes, labels, and to also help make sure every box is packed correctly.’

Mrs Olofsen says, ‘This year we had the goal of filling 50 boxes, and we managed to fill 60! Thank goodness Kathy always brings extra boxes!’

‘It is a great initiative that we all look forward to each year, particularly when we receive photos of the children who receive their gifts… it is truly heart-warming and gives us all a bigger purpose.’

Samaritan’s Purse encourages more helpers each year: ‘The more people involved, the more children we can help.’

 

 

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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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Movie: Death Makes Life Possible; followed by "A Life and Death Conversation"

An unusual event about life and death.

On Tuesday 15th November, from 10am-1pm, Blackwood Uniting Church is hosting an unusual event that focusses upon those two interwoven realities of existence: life and death.

Death is something that many people fear and would frankly prefer not to think about. But is it possible that facing our mortality can inspire us to live our lives more fully and authentically?

The documentary film Death Makes Life Possible follows cultural anthropologist and scientist Marilyn Schlitz, Ph.D., as she explores some of the understandings around life and death. The film doesn’t promote any particular belief system around death, but rather explores the topic from a variety of perspectives: different faith traditions, various philosophical views, and science.

The film will be followed by 'A Life and Death Conversation' facilitated by Rhonda Smedley, where participants are invited to explore points raised in the film as well as sharing their own particular perspectives and questions.

The event runs from 10am to 1pm and includes a light lunch for the $10 fee.

Bookings are through eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/movie-death-makes-life-possible-and-a-life-and-death-conversation-tickets-407277537077

 

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Research Hour at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

Stephen Llewelyn presents his talk, 'Why did Jesus use figurative language?' Stephen Llewelyn is a retired lecturer from Macquarie University, Sydney. He taught in the areas of Hebrew language and the history of ancient Israel. His research, however, focused more in the area of Greek language and the New Testament. In recent years his focus has been on the academic development of recent graduates with whom he shares the adventure of research. This event is offered online and in-person via the Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/93781732643

 

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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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Churches Together: Beyond the Garden Gate Environmental Forum

A warm informative evening acknowledging disturbance of God’s creation, exploring ‘eco-theology’ and practical care, listening to young leaders and passionate Christian scientists, and learning to live more lightly. Light refreshments and live music and Q&A. This event will also be live streamed. November 2nd from 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm at Morialta Uniting Church, 26 Chapel Street, Magill. Please register at: Beyond the Garden Gate (jotform.com)

 

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Spiritual Care Volunteers Needed

Do you have some pastoral skills and time? Flinders Medical Centre, The Repatriation Precinct and Noarlunga Hospital are looking for more volunteers to visit patients to provide emotional and spiritual support. Training will be provided and free parking each time you come to volunteer. You will be working with the Spiritual Care Coordinator Rev Leanne Jenski and other chaplains. Please phone Leanne on 0468 537 360 or email Turn on Javascript! for more information.

 

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Intergenerational Ministry Training Opportunities

Intergenerate Australia Conference on November 10th online. Input, interactive spaces and a chance to Engage together with keynotes and workshops from the face-to-face conferences earlier this year. Grown your intergenerational thinking and practices. More information is available here: Events | Intergenerate Australia

Introduction to GenOn Growth Group and UCA 2023 cohort – free online, on Tuesday, November 15th from 9.30 am – 11.00 am. If you are wondering how to practically engage in intergenerational ministry in your church, this is for you and your ministry leaders. Register here: Registration for Public Events (genonministries.org)

Contact Melissa Neumann at: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 25th October 2022

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

 


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