News, Notices & Prayer points - 20th August 2024

Posted Aug 20, 2024 in News

News & Notices – 20th August 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 20th August 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

For the wisdom and discernment of local authorities, government officials, and community leaders as they work to address violence in our communities
For those that have been displaced by war and unrest, we pray for their comfort, safety and more certain futures
For all ministers, pastors and lay preachers as they lead congregations and continue to provide spiritual guidance.

Anti-Slavery Resource for Congregations

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is celebrated on 23^rd August each year, and is a day designated by UNESCO to memorialise the transatlantic slave trade. It is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples as the colonial legacy of slavery still makes its ripples felt in our world today. A resource is prepared for Uniting Church congregations seeking to include some reference to the International Day or William Wilberforce Day in their service on Sunday 18th August or 25^th August. Some prayers and a letter-writing action guide are included. You can download this four-page resource at this link.

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Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee celebrates being ‘One in the Spirit’

Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee celebrates Jesus’ call to be ‘One in the Spirit.’
Does your congregation foster local ecumenical missional activities or an event? Share this news at 2024 Synod through SERC Award submissions. Congregations facilitating local ecumenism receive a Certificate of Recognition. The Award recipient receives $600 to further assist ecumenical activities. Contact Rev Anne Hewitt, SERC Chair, via Synod office, 2024 SERC Award Submissions are due 31^st August.

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Training Aboriginal Christian Leaders (TACL)

TACL has been in existence since 1991 as the major combined Churches support of First Nations People in ministry education. They meet occasionally to manage invest funds and their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 22^nd August at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology. TACL is currently seeking the voluntary services of a book-keeper/treasurer. Please contact Rev Phil Hoffmann, TACL Secretary for details on: Turn on Javascript!.

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Safeguarding for all: Fostering safe and welcoming spaces for everyone to thrive

You are invited to the upcoming webinar ‘Beyond Compliance – Embedding Safety Culture in Church’ on Tuesday 27^th August from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm. Sarah Lim will be the keynote speaker supported by Andrew Robertson and Linda Vinall from the UCA SA Safe Church team.

In this webinar, Sarah will take participants through what it means to think about safeguarding beyond compliance. It will cover safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults and be tailored to congregational context. She will review the Building Blocks Framework which will provide tools to think about where you are on your safeguarding journey. She will also cover the obligations of leaders of organisations and how you can govern and lead for safety.

Who should attend: All are welcome including members of Church Councils, Ministers and key leaders. Please register for this free webinar by COB Monday 26^th August via this link: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events/safeguarding-webinar/.

Sarah Lim is a safeguarding, governance and project consultant who has worked in human services for over twenty years, across the government and not-for-profit sectors. She specialises in institutional safeguarding and is CEO of BBSafe safeguarding consultancy (www.bbsafe.com.au).

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Safe Church Screening

Have you started a screening application but found yourself stuck? Perhaps you are not comfortable using a computer or find the process too complicated? The UCA Screening team is here to help!

We are offering appointments between 10am and 2:30pm on Friday, 23^rd August, at the Synod city office to assist you in completing your screening application. Bookings are essential, so please call (08) 8236 4200 or email Turn on Javascript! to secure your spot.

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Intercultural Noah’s Pudding Event

When Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat in Turkey, Noah’s family celebrated with a special dish according to Abrahamic faiths and traditions. Sharing Noah’s pudding has become a symbolic representation of the unity and essential relationship between people and the creator. Noah’s Pudding, a porridge made of grains and fruit, is traditionally served in the Balkans and Turkey during the month of Muharram, in which the Day of Ashure takes place. The dish is often called ‘ashure.’ It is traditionally made in large quantities to commemorate the ark’s landing and is distributed to friends, relatives, neighbours – by tradition those living within 40 houses from you, according to traditional lore.

Noah’s Pudding (Ashure) symbolises different cultures living together peacefully in harmony with preserving original identities. Noah’s pudding can offer us a global metaphor for richness of diversity, dialogue of civilizations, democracy, multiculturalism, tolerance, harmony of colours, and world peace. Noah's story is also mentioned in the Bible, Quran and Torah.

The Intercultural Noah’s Pudding (Ashure) event will be held on Saturday, August 27^th from 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm at St Peter’s Cathedral, Cynthia Poulton Hall, North Adelaide. RSVP is essential by phoning: (08) 08 8367 9022 or email: Turn on Javascript!.

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IRCA Oceania Conference 2025

The International Rural Churches Association’s (IRCA), purpose is to build connections across the southwestern Pacific area and to bring a uniquely antipodean perspective to the IRCA family.

IRCA is hosting an international conference from 26^th – 30^th May 2025, with the theme ‘Listening to One Another: Sharing Together Struggles and Joy of our rural Churches in Oceania.’ The draft program can be viewed at this link: IRCAOceania2025DraftProgramme.pdf. Further information is available at this link: IRCA Oceania 2025 - International Rural Churches Association.

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Safe Church Update

Safe Church trainings: Did you miss the last round of courses offered? Are you waiting for a location near you? Are you looking for a refresher for your knowledge of Mandatory Reporting? The next Through Their Eyes Refresher is being offered as a full day course, Saturday 7^th September at The Journey, Ridgehaven. Called to Care – our own Uniting Church Safeguarding training is being offered on 13^th October at Bordertown UC. All training sessions require preregistration via the event listing on the Safe Church Events Calendar page: Events Calendar – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au).

Screening renewals: Since the introduction of the new screening requirements in 2019, reminders for expiring screenings due for renewal have been sent from the Synod’s UC SA Screening office. This year the Department for Human Services Screening Unit decided to send notifications to anyone who has a Working With Children Check (WWCC) that is expiring in the next 6 months. Unfortunately, this has sometimes been sent to individuals before the reminder from this office which has caused some confusion regarding how and through what channels to complete the renewal. Please ensure that any reminders that are responded to are from the UCSA Screening Admin email: Turn on Javascript!. If new WWCC have been completed directly through DHS, then please advise through completing the Step 1 form found here: Screening – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au). The Synod Safe Church Screening team welcome requests from congregations to assist with bulk renewals for members who find using the online system and/or access to computers challenging. Please email Turn on Javascript! to reach the Synod team.

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Grant Opportunities

Expand Together Grants 2024-25

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs has announced that applications for Multicultural Affairs’ (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) Expand Together Round 2 grants are now open.

These 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. Applications are open now and close 11pm, 31^st August 2024.

Organisations are now able to apply for up to $100,000 for equipment or infrastructure, with co-contribution for applications above $50,000. Online application forms and guidelines are available at www.multicultural.sa.gov.au. For more information, please contact the Multicultural Grants Team on 1300 239 468 or Turn on Javascript!

Celebrate Together Grants 2024-25

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs has announced that applications for Multicultural Affairs’ (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) CELEBRATE TOGETHER Round 2 grants are now open. The CELEBRATE TOGETHER grants assist multicultural organisations to host festivals and events to share their cultures, customs and traditions with all South Australians. The government recognises that festivals and events celebrate our state’s cultural diversity and showcase who we are as South Australians. Applications are open now and close 11pm, 15^th September 2024.

Adelaide Fringe Fund now open

The Adelaide Fringe Fund is now taking grant applications from artists and venues planning to participate in the 2025 Adelaide Fringe. Funded through Adelaide Fringe’s foundation, Arts Unlimited, the Fringe Fund’s mission is to support bold ideas, elevate diverse voices and encourage innovation by providing financial support to artists and venues. Ahead of last season, the Adelaide Fringe Fund awarded more than 200 grants totalling $1M to artists, producers and venues participating in the 2024 festival. These grants were instrumental in enabling participants to bring their vision to Fringe. For the 2025 season, the grants will be available in two categories:

Australian First Nations Grants: $5,000
Participant Grants: $5,000.

The grants will fund operational, development and marketing costs, access providers, and regional touring. Grant applications close 10^th September 2024. More information is available at this link: Adelaide Fringe - 21 February - 23 March 2025.

Digital Donation Program Now Open

The Digital Donation program allows community based not-for-profit organisations to apply for surplus government agency laptops. Applications are open to not-for-profit organisations and further information is available at this link: SA.GOV.AU - Apply for surplus government computers (www.sa.gov.au). Applications close Friday, 23^rd August 2024.

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‘Sing a New Song’ Worship Leadership Events

The CMLA and Mission Resourcing SA are hosting two leadership development events for worship leaders, musicians and preachers. Friday evening 6th September: ‘Post-colonial Worship in Australia’ - lecture with Rev Prof Stephen Burns from the University of Divinity in Melbourne, followed by panel discussion. Saturday 7th September 9.30am-4.00pm with an address by Rev Burns followed by multiple electives including new music, worship in a multicultural church, church online, bringing Bible readings alive, Advent and Christmas ideas, copyright, and much more. Venues: Adelaide West UC and Uniting College Full program and registration details here.

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Open Garden Event

Rob and Carolyn are hosting an Open Garden event to support fundraising for The Corner Uniting Church, working closely with the community and diverse youth. Volunteers from The Corner are assisting this Open Gardens event with a barbecue, drinks, plants and gift stalls. All proceeds will be donated to their outreach programs.

A scenic garden trail has been created to locate icons across the one-acre garden and enjoy interactive displays, photo opportunities, garden art and detailed botanical information.

Garden Tours 11am and 2pm on 24^th and 25^th August 2024. Enquiries to Carolyn 0439871465.

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State Youth Conference 2024!

What is love? It’s a question we ask ourselves every day without even realising it! Is it popularity? Going viral? Being in a relationship? At this year’s State Youth Conference (SYC) we’re getting to the bottom of what God says love is and how we can live in it! Registrations now open at this ink: SYC 2024 | What is Love? (eventzilla.net).

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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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Blackwood Uniting Church (BUC) Community Program turns 50

The BUC is excited to be celebrating 50 years of their community program and invite anyone that has been involved over the last 50 years: organiser, tutors and students, to their big afternoon tea get together. The event will include displays from years gone by on Sunday 25^th August from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm at the Blackwood Uniting Church. Please RSVP to Turn on Javascript!.

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Post-Colonial Worship in Australia

Rev Prof Stephen Burns will speak on the challenges and opportunities for Australian churches in shaping worship for this land in this time, recognising the history and presence of our First Peoples. Stephen is a lecturer and researcher with Pilgrim Theological College and the University of Divinity, based in Melbourne. The evening is being held on Friday, 6^th September from 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm and includes a panel conversation and Q&A. An interdenominational event hosted by the Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts. Venue: Uniting College for Leadership and Theology campus, Brooklyn Park. Cost $10. Bookings at this link.

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L'Arche Adelaide Board Chair role

L’Arche Adelaide is a volunteer ecumenical organisation for people with and without disability. We offer faith-based care for adults with intellectual disability. We seek expressions of interest for Board Chairperson. Experience in disability sector helpful, and leadership, governance skills. Non-members can apply whilst sympathy to L’Arche Adelaide ethos required. Position is non-remunerated. Enquiries to Mel Zerner on 0418 852 353, or email Turn on Javascript!.

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Sally stamp

Thanks are extended again to Churches, Fellowships, Businesses and all people who have donated stamps for the Stamp Group to process. They are about to reimburse funds for South Pacific School Aid Inc to freight books/aids to the Islands and have donated for chairs for Oodnadatta Church, NT. The Stamp Group need more stamps to keep their volunteers busy for the next few months - please put a notice in your Church Newsletters. Pick-up in the metropolitan area can be arranged. Enquiries to Maxine Haines - Convenor - UCA Stamp Group on 0427 972 417or email: Turn on Javascript!.

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Ordination of Robert Cartridge

The Presbytery of Southern SA welcomes everyone to attend the ordination of Robert Cartridge. The service will take place on Friday, 20^th September at 7.00 pm at Woodville Uniting Church, 44 Woodville Road, Woodville South.

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MediaCom Update

Currently there are a range of publications and resources for sale in the foyer of the Synod office. These publications are offered at greatly reduced prices and available during office hours at 212 Pirie Street in the Adelaide CBD.

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Taizé Brother Visiting Pilgrim Church

One of the brothers from Taizé will be visiting Adelaide. Pilgrim Church will be hosting a Midday Prayer on 31st October at 12:15pm, followed by a light lunch. Parking midweek can be challenging, so you are encouraged to use public transport or park in one of the nearby carparks (more details at https://pilgrim.org.au/church-access/).

Br Matthew of Taizé shares this prayer: ‘Eternal God, you are the source of all life. Open the ears of our hearts so that we can listen to you. And then we will hear of your love through your Word and through the beauty of your creation. And when we are faced with choices to be made, we would like to decide with you. Therein is our life.’

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25 Years of Together in Song

This year marks 25 years since the publication of Together in Song, Australian Hymn Book II. Together in Song has been a significant asset through its contribution to meaningful and effective worship, both traditional and contemporary. Join Christ Church Uniting Church Wayville to celebrate Together in Song on Sunday, 15^th September at 2.30pm. Admission is $15, all of which will go towards the Christ Church Organ Scholarship Fund. Please book online at: https://events.humanitix.com/25-years-of-together-in-song

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