News, Notices & Prayer points - 20 July 2021

Posted Jul 20, 2021 in News

News & Notices – 20 July 2021

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 20th July edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points for the week:

We pray:

For our new President, Rev Sharon Hollis, as she offers spiritual guidance and encouragement to the Church over the next three years
For Rev Charissa Suli, as she enters a time of preparation as President-elect
For the on-going faithful ministry and discipleship of retiring President Dr Deidre Palmer in the Uniting Church
For the South Australian community as it moves into a seven-day lockdown period to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Synod Expos Update

We are thrilled to announce the first keynote speaker for the Synod Expos being held around South Australia from September through to November this year. Dave Male is no stranger to South Australia. Rev Canon Dave Male is the Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Based in Westminster in the UK, Dave leads a large team which helps diocese and churches to equip people for evangelism and discipleship for the whole of their lives. He is a trainer in pioneer ministries and an advisor on Fresh Expressions in England. Dave is a sought after speaker internationally and we are thrilled to know that he will provide an inspiring keynote for the expos. 'I have loved my time connecting with Australians and I am so looking forward to continuing that connection into the future,' said Rev Dave Male.

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Safe Church Audit

Thank you to the 80 plus congregations who have responded so far. We trust that having the questions to consider before you complete the survey has enhanced the ability to respond. We are looking forward to hearing from every congregation as this helps us to measure the awareness and practice of Safe Church in the Synod of SA! If the link has been misplaced for the survey or the questions, please visit https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/resources#audit. The Closing date is Monday 26^th July, 2021.

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Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee Award

The Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) invites congregations who have been involved in Ecumenical activities within their local community to submit to SERC a brief of their activity. This can be through a written report with photographs, video or whatever creative presentation you wish to make.

This award has been agreed to by Synod with $600 being included in the SERC budget for it. Certificates will be presented to all applicants. The closing date is the 17^th September and the award will be presented at a Synod meeting. Please submit applications to Don Hopgood Turn on Javascript! or Velvy Holden at Turn on Javascript! or mail to SERC c/o 19 Ray Avenue, Morphett Vale 5162.

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Uniting Foundation

Do you have an idea for a vibrant new initiative or project to engage with your local community?

Every day, Uniting Church congregations and faith communities provide programs and services that bring hope and help to many South Australians. Uniting Foundation grants offer financial support to establish projects that will help to build vibrant churches and communities into the future. The 2021 round is now open with a closing date of 31 July 2021.

For more information visit: https://sa.uca.org.au/uniting-foundation/applying-for-a-grant

Further information about the work undertaken by previous grants is available at this link.

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Synod Art Project

Artists from all around South Australia and beyond have shared theological reflection through art and transformed the Synod office building. Come and see the artwork before the exhibition ends. Tours conducted by Dieter Engler, Karan Hudson and Neryl McCallum. More information is available at this link: https://www.cmla.org.au/events/synod-art-project-tours/

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Finding the road less travelled

Established and emerging artists will be given the opportunity to put their heart and art into coming to terms with the past COVID year in which our lives were turned upside down. How do we find the road less travelled?

Bethany Hall, Willunga - 33 St Andrews Terrace. Bethany Hall is one of Willunga's earliest buildings which features gallery lighting to showcase local Fleurieu artists.

Open weekends in August from 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Opening Event Saturday, August 7^th at 11.30am with Rev Dr Michael Trainor. For further information email: Turn on Javascript!.

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Lay Preachers’ Sunday

A reminder that 1^st August 2021 is Lay Preachers’ Sunday in South Australia. The Lay Preachers’ Committee encourages all congregations to celebrate, either on the 1^st of August or on a convenient day nearby, the lay people without whom many congregations would have nobody to lead worship each week. A liturgy and preaching notes can be found on the Lay Preachers page of the Synod website at this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/lay-preachers/

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MediaCom Education Update

MediaCom Education is on the move! As of 1 August, 2021, MediaCom Education will relocate to the corner of South Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive: Building 4, 32-56 Sir Donald Bradman Drive. The office will continue to open from 9am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday and will be closed on Friday. Contact the office by phone: (08) 8371 1399 or email Turn on Javascript!

MediaCom Education is also getting ready to distribute the next edition of L3 - Lay Leaders' Liturgy. Lay Leaders' Liturgy is an affordable resource for lay leaders to plan their weekly worship in accordance with the Revised Common Lectionary. Purchase a print or online copy today: https://www.mediacomeducation.org.au/.../lay-leaders.../

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Community Grants Open Soon

Applications for the next round of community grants can be made between 10am Tuesday 27 July and 4pm Tuesday 24 August 2021. Please contact the City of Tea Tree Gully to discuss your project idea and check your eligibility!

The Council’s Community Grants program consists of one-off financial grants for community groups and not-for-profit organisations. Grants are provided for activities, programs, events and initiatives that provide clear benefits to the community.

Further information is available on the Community Grants page on Council's website

External grant opportunity

The IGA Community Chest raises funds to support local communities, charities and other worthwhile causes. You can apply for funding to help with events associated with things like floods or bush fires or something as simple as new soccer balls for the local under 8’s. Open all year round. Find out more.

External award opportunities

The Pelzer prize is open for nominations. Nominate a green hero who's making a positive difference to the SA environment. Nominees may have been restoring landscapes, creating habitat for wildlife, connecting people to nature, or cleaning up parks, beaches or waterways, or may be doing something else that is equally worthy of recognition and reward. The selection panel will be looking for evidence of positive change over a substantial period of time in order to reward a winner with a $10,000 cash prize to dedicate towards an environmental cause. Find out more .

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Thriving in Ministry – Wellness Retreat

Come and Discover - faith and wellness, nutrition and movement, managing stress and sleep! Saturday 24th of July 9:30am - 1:00pm – includes take home resources, morning tea and free parking. $20 per person, bookings essential at this link: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/3982083

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Blanket Adelaide with Love

CityLight North Adelaide is running a winter appeal on Saturday, 24^th July called ‘Blanket Adelaide With Love,’ calling on people across Adelaide to donate quality used and new clothing, jocks, socks, beanies and blankets to help Anglicare SA serve more than 50,000 adults, kids and families per year. More information is available here: https://citylight.church/northadelaide/blanket-adelaide-with-love/

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Bloom Event for Teen Girls

Bloom is a free event for teen girls (aged 13-18 years) and the women who care for them. This event is designed to encourage and empower girls to know that they are beautiful, worthy and enough.

The Keynote speaker is Anna Doecke – a Christian counsellor and speaker with over 15 years’ experience working with adults and young people. She is a skilled presenter who will be delivering a strong, clear message on topics including identity, authenticity and relationships. Bindy Taylor is a business leader, teen mentor and Mum and she will be speaking about the importance of emotions and having a positive mindset.

Attendees will receive a small gift bag including a journal and light afternoon tea will be provided. Cheltenham Community Centre (62 Stroud Street North, Cheltenham) – 1pm to 4pm – only 100 places available. Please register on Eventbrite. Brought to you by Good for Nothing Ministries, follow on Instagram and Facebook: @g4n.au.

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Interfaith Forum - Insights

Wednesday, 28^th July 5.45 pm to 8.00 pm at Hope’s Café, Corner Portrush Road and the The Parade, Norwood. Insights: The spiritual process within Ramadan and Islamic faith practices from Professor Abdalla. All welcome to share a meal. Cost: $10/$15 to chef. Gold coin donation towards Hope’s hospitality appreciated. RSVP: Sunday 25^th July to Liellie by email: Turn on Javascript! or mobile: 0437 794 410. (Event supported by Liellie McLaughlin, Community Connections, a Pilgrim Uniting Church initiative.)

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Musings from My Garden: Book Launch

Please join Mandy Harvey for the launch of her new book, Musings from My Garden. This is Mandy's first published book, which will be launched by Dr Bruce Hulme at the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology at 3.30pm on Monday the 2nd of August. Enjoy drinks and nibbles as Bruce launches Mandy's book which will also be available for purchase at the launch or via the MCE website here: https://www.mediacomeducation.org.au/shop/musings-from-my-garden/

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 13 July 2021, which includes updates about: