News, Notices & Prayer points - 20th December 2022

Posted in News

News & Notices – 20 December 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 20th December 2022 edition of UC e-News

------------------------------------------

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • We give thanks for the year that was in preparation for the year to come, and we pray for a joyful and love-filled Christmas for all.
  • We pray for those who are struggling this Christmas with homelessness, grief, mental health issues, and other pain that leaves them feeling disheartened. May God’s peace bring comfort during this time and in the new year
  • We pray for students who have completed their final year of study and are making decisions about their future. May they have the courage to pursue their dreams and enjoy a well-deserved holiday break.

 

 

Synod Office Christmas/New Year Closure

During the Christmas/New Year period the Synod office will close on Friday, 23rd December, 2022 at 3.00 pm and will re-open on Tuesday, 3rd January, 2023 at 9.00 am. UC Invest will be available for business during the hours of 9.30 am – 3.30 pm from 28th December – 30th December (inclusive).

 

------------------------------------------

 

Moderator and Acting Moderator

As you may recall our Moderator Bronte Wilson has had some sick leave in 2022, and is currently returning to work in an intentional and structured way. We are grateful to Rev Sue Ellis who as Ex-Moderator has also been our Acting Moderator during this time. This has been a complex time for all to negotiate and Sue has led with compassion and verve. Sue completes her stint as Acting Moderator on the 31st December.

As the Moderator continues on his return to work programme Past Moderator Deidre Palmer will be assisting him with fulfilling the roles and duties of the Moderator. We invite you to pray for our Moderator as he continues to return to full health and vitality and for Deidre as she offers assistance and leadership.

Philip Gardner Interim General Secretary

 

------------------------------------------

 

Uniting College for Leadership & Theology appoint new Academic Dean

Uniting College for Leadership & Theology is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Rosemary Dewerse as Academic Dean. Dr Dewerse is an experienced scholar with a strong emphasis in mission, intercultural theology and academic leadership. Her considerable experience and passion for missional leadership, collaborative research and Indigenous ways of knowing are recognised internationally. Alongside the role as Academic Dean she will also take on the role of Research Co-ordinator and Director of the Doctor of Ministry. Dr Dewerse was previously on faculty at UCLT almost a decade ago serving as Director Missiology and co-ordinating the postgraduate programs.

'As UCLT enters this new era, we are thrilled to welcome Rosemary to our team. She brings great strengths and innovative capacity in key educational areas, as well as embodying core values of Uniting College in her own life – the commitment to integrating theological reflection with a missional focus,' said Rev Prof Vicky Balabanski.

'Niina marni! Kia ora! Hello! I am very excited to have the opportunity to become Academic Dean for this next season of UCLT, to reconnect with a wide community of people I respect, admire and feel lots of aroha (love) for, to explore and imagine with you the unfolding story of God and the shape of the church in the landscapes we now find ourselves in, and to learn from and carve hope with our students. I look forward to joining you in 2023!' said Dr Dewerse.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Everything in Common is back!

UnitingWorld and the Uniting Church’s own ethical Christmas cards are here again! Registrations are now open for churches and groups to host an Everything in Common stall. Help solve Christmas shopping problems, honour a loved one and beat poverty at the same time! Gifts include clean water, education, support for people with disability, chickens and goats. Sign up to host a gift stall and get your gifts today at www.everythingincommon.com.au or nicolasdTurn on Javascript!. If your church can’t host a stall, please help us promote Everything in Common in your newsletters and notices for people to order online.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Advent Refugee Advocacy Guide – Christmas Bowl Worship Resources

A two-page Advent Refugee Advocacy Guide is prepared to help congregations share God's love with refugees through the Christmas Bowl and advocacy actions during the season of Advent 2022. ) It contains the links to worship resources for each week of advent, PowerPoint presentations and clip art to use with your congregation, either in person or online. This and other resources for congregations are available to download on the Synod website: UCA SA - Refugees: Resources for Congregations

For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, by emailing Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Grant Opportunities

Multicultural Grants Program 2023-24 currently has Expand Together funding open to support multicultural communities.

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. Applications for Round 1 are open now and close 11pm, 15 January 2023. More information.

 

------------------------------------------

 

2023 Uniting Church Calendar

The 2023 Uniting Church Calendar has arrived!

For those that have ordered the calendar the postal orders are on their way. If you chose to pick up your order from the Synod office, they are now ready for pick-up.

Calendar orders are still open and available and they can be ordered at the following link: https://ucasa.org.au/calendars/.

 

------------------------------------------

 

MediaCom Education

A Mediacom Gift Voucher is a gift that keeps on giving. Perfect for Christmas, and a thank you to leaders and elders, or simply a gift for no reason at all: Order Here.

Mediacom Board of Management and Staff extend their thanks to all during 2022 and wish you a blessed Christmas and a great start to 2023.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Worship Resources for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence 2022

A video has been released by the Assembly entitled ‘We Say No to Violence’ in support of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. The video is available at this link: 16 Days Of Activism - We Say No to Violence on Vimeo

Uniting Church Congregations and Faith Communities are encouraged to participate in ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence,’ beginning on the International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women (25th November, 2022). This global campaign is supported by the United Nations and the World Council of Churches. The Synod Justice Officer has collated some relevant resources for use in the context of worship. They include Sermon Notes, Prayers, Song/Hymn suggestions and Activities for children and youth.

A new ecumenical Advent Resource prepared by Queensland Churches Together Commission for prevention of Domestic and Family Violence.

Resources for prayer and reflection provided by the World Council of Churches.

Resources on Thursdays in Black campaign: A global movement for a world without rape and violence.

Beyond Violence – A resource on Domestic and Family Violence provided by UCA Assembly

Previous 16 Days of Activism resources are available at the Assembly website: 16 Days of Activism - Uniting Church Australia.

Article written by Dr Deidre Palmer, former Assembly President.

Previous Break the Silence Sunday resources are available at the Synod website: UCA SA - Break The Silence Sunday.

 

------------------------------------------

 

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.

 

------------------------------------------

 

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.

 

------------------------------------------

 

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.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Cherry Gardens Community carols

A community carols event is being held on Wednesday December 21st, at the Cherry Gardens memorial Hall, 312 Cherry Gardens Road at 7 p.m.

Artists include country gospel group The Sherrahs and music by Hadyn and Merran Jones and Tim Due.

The event is free and followed by supper. More information.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 6th December 2022

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

 

More from News

Subscribe to receive News articles by email >

Comments

Comments (3)