News, Notices & Prayer points - 2 November 2021

Posted Nov 2, 2021 in News

News & Notices – 2 November 2021

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 2nd November edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points for the week:

We pray:

For all states in Australia as they commence re-opening in the coming weeks
For SA Health and all government leaders as we prepare the Roadmap ahead in managing COVID-19
For world leaders as they gather to discuss climate change impacts that this may translate into important initiatives for the on-going care of all of creation.

Synod Expo Update

The Millicent Expo was a great success last Saturday, October 30th. We look forward to the final expo event being held in Berri this Saturday, November 6^th. This will again be a day of connecting and sharing, incorporating a range of workshops including Multicultural neighbourhoods; Mission Planning; and Reading and Teaching the Bible. Bookings are still open. For a summary video highlights package of the Millicent 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 8^th November, 2021.

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External grant opportunities

Grants SA minor and medium grant rounds are now open. The purpose of the grants is to fund programs and services that encourage and support local community needs, and strong and inclusive communities. The minor grant provides up to $10,000 for programs and services that focus on connecting and belonging, apply before 26th November 2021. The medium grant provides up to $25,000 for programs and services that focus on connecting, belonging, aspiring and creating. Apply before 12^th November 2021. Find out more.

The Stronger Communities Program - Round 7 opens on the 26th October 2021. Funding up to $20,000 is available for small capital projects that improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant viable communities. Expressions of Interest can be emailed or delivered to your Federal MPs office, by 5pm on Friday, 19^th November 2021. Find out more.

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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: http://form.jotform.com/203201030312024.

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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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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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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Accidental Counsellor Workshop: 7^th 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 5^th, 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.

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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Advent Resources for all ages

The ‘Christmas Family Faith Trail’ is free for churches to gift to households or small groups to explore the events of the Christmas story through five interactive stations. Each station includes a theme, Bible passage, questions to chat about, activity ideas for different ages including pre-school, primary school and adults; and prayer ideas. The resource can be downloaded at this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/intergen/family-resources/

Also available is a ‘Letter for churches’ with ideas for running one station or modelling elements of this resource. An online seminar unpacking this resource is being planned for November 23^rd at 7.45pm. More information to follow.

Year C Advent – ‘Something is Coming!’ is a resource that includes a selection of verses and concepts across all lectionary readings for each week of Advent, and to engage together and interact with the story of Christmas. This resource can be scaled to the size of the congregation and used as part of the worship service. The resource can be downloaded at this link: https://intergen.org.au/product/advent-series-something-is-coming/

Recently an online seminar was held with the author – to view the recording please visit: https://www.facebook.com/UCAChildrensMinistry

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Why should you wear a mask?

Because the Government said so? No. Because you’ve been whipped into a frenzy of panic by the media? No. Because you’re a decent human being and would like to try to prevent the spread of a virus that might kill someone? Yes. That’s a good reason to wear a mask. Let’s go with that one. Maybe it works. Maybe it doesn’t, but I doubt you’re a doctor or a scientist who specialises in the transmission of viruses; and it’s a way of saying that you’re a considerate person and that it is Christian to care about other people. It’s not because it’s the law. It’s not for you. It’s for other people. To help everyone in our community to feel safe.

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Mission Op Shop – Woodville Uniting Church

The Op Shop is currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to fulfil the roles of Coordinator and Shop Manager. Enjoy the fellowship of a Christ-centred community whilst actively contributing to God’s mission. Operating hours are Tuesdays from 12.00 pm – 3.00 pm and Thursdays from 10.00 am – 1.00 pm. If you feel either of these positions would suit you or you would like further information please contact Janet Woodward on 0432 271 757 or email Turn on Javascript!.

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MediaCom Education new book release

MediaCom Education has just released the full version of an original book which was first released in 2016 called ‘Hymns for Times and Seasons by Dr Maarten Ryder and Rev Don Bell. This updated version comprises full keyboard accompaniments and melodies.

New Times published an article on Maartyn and Don's book back in 2016. You can read the article here: https://sa.uca.org.au/new-times/language-in-worship

The hymns Maarten and Don have prepared concentrate on the Bible and follow the church times and seasons. They've created this special booklet of hymns to give worshippers entry into the literary world of the Bible, so that they can discover in it their own theology.

Further information is available on the MediaCom Education website: https://www.mediacomeducation.org.au/

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 26th October 2021

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

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