News, Notices & Prayer points - 21 September 2021

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News & Notices – 21 Septembr 2021

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 21st September edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points for the week:

We pray:

  • For world leaders that they may have the wisdom to ensure on-going peace for all
  • For all people struggling to cope with violence, discrimination and persecution
  • And as we acknowledge this International Day of Peace, may we all find healing, restoration and reconciliation.

 


 

Synod Expo Update

The first of the Synod Expos was held last Saturday, 18th September at the Adelaide West Uniting Church with over 90 people in attendance. It was a great day of sharing – as we listened to the keynote presentation by Rev Canon Dave Male who spoke of the church becoming ‘simpler,’ ‘humbler’ and bolder.’ The breakout workshops were also well attended and for a summary video highlights package of the day please visit this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/synod-expo

 

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Red Dove Café Fundraiser

This is the second year that the Red Dove Cafe has not been able to operate at the Royal Adelaide Show as the Show was cancelled due to COVID. Money raised through the Red Dove Cafe goes towards many mission projects, such as mental health chaplaincy, Frontier Services, Kairos etc. In early September, the Henley Fulham congregation gave a gold coin donation (or more) towards a delicious Devonshire morning tea after church. Funds raised ($930!) will go towards mission projects of the Red Dove Cafe. Thank you to everyone, particularly Bob and Chris Fuss.

 

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Youth Mental Health First-Aid (YMHFA)

Adolescence is a time of important change and development for a young person. It is also the peak age of onset for mental illness. It is commonly recognised that young people are at high risk of developing mental health problems, however the concern is those problems may go undetected in the guise of normal adolescent mood changes and developmental stage challenges. Left undetected, mental health problems can have a lifelong impact; however, the chances of this are significantly reduced with early intervention.

With a focus on improved mental health literacy and awareness, the Youth Mental Health First-Aid course is for adults who work, live or care for adolescents. It equips participants with the skills to recognise and respond to an adolescent who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis situation. Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, YMHFA teaches how to support an adolescent until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

The Intergen Team will be hosting three Youth Mental Health First-Aid courses delivered by Rev Mark Dickens for anyone serving in youth ministry. We invite you to register your interest in participating through the following link: https://ucasa.org.au/mental-health-first-aid/

 

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Vacancy – Minister, Pilgrim Uniting Church

Expression of interest are invited for a Minister – Deacon (Mission and Community Engagement 0.6FTE) and a Minister – Pastoral Care (0.4FTE) to join the Pilgrim Uniting Church ministry team. This position may be offered as one full-time role. Enquiries and Expressions of Interest (marked private and confidential) should be sent to Rev Philip Gardner, Synod Office, PO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001. Email Turn on Javascript!, phone: (08) 8236 4200 by 22nd October 2021.

 

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A New Video and Guide for Refugee Advocacy and Support

A new video produced by the Synod Refugee Advocacy Group can be viewed in a service of worship in your congregation, as a part of a Church Council meeting, and other gatherings to raise awareness of practical responses to support and advocate for refugees and those seeking asylum. You can view and download at this link: https://vimeo.com/605416093.A new two-page Refugee Advocacy Guide sheet can be downloaded at this link

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

 

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Global Day of Action for the Climate

All Uniting Church members and congregations are encouraged to participate in a global Day of Action for the climate called Faiths 4 Climate Justice, which will be take place on the 17th and 18th October, 2021. One of the actions we can take as a faith community is to put up a banner in our places of worship with the UCA logo and chosen ‘faith and climate messages’ such as ‘For the Whole Creation: Bold climate action by 2030 starting now.’

 

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Code of Ethics Refresher: Save the date!

The Safe Church team is scheduling dates for the 2021-22 Code of Ethics Refreshers. Four online sessions are planned for the rest of this year with face-to-face and online sessions in 2022. Bookings for October and November sessions will be open soon. See the Event Calendar at the Safe Church website here: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/

 

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Through their Eyes: reporting child abuse and neglect

A full day of training is being conducted at Adare Camps and Conference centre on Friday 24th September, 2021. There are limited spaces so if you are interested in participating /attending this session please email Turn on Javascript! to register your interest.

 

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Anti-Poverty Week – 17th – 23rd October

Every community in South Australia has children, young people and families enduring financial stress and poverty. This year due to the impacts of COVID, responding to poverty and hardship must take on an even greater priority. The evidence shows that unemployment, under-employment, financial and housing stress and metal health problems are compounded by COVID. Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People has written to churches and their communities to seek your support at this time. Anti-Poverty Week will take place from the 17th to 23rd October and the Commissioner’s letter can be downloaded at this link

 

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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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National Church Life Survey 2021

The National Church Life Survey is for all churches who wish to take part in a process designed to help leaders and congregations thrive by including everyone as you evaluate ministry, identify strengths and plan for the future. Congregations are asked to find a suitable week in October or November to conduct the survey should they wish to take part.

The cost is $250 + $2 per form ordered (so a church ordering 50 forms it will cost $350). Orders can be placed 2021ncls.org.au. The survey can be completed online as well as in paper form - both are available, including switching to fully online if desired. Results will be available to churches in early 2022, initially by email and later in hard copy.

 

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Census and Leader Surveys

The Census and Leaders surveys will be sent to all churches across Australia and this will be the biggest surveys of their kind ever conducted in Australia. All congregations are urged to take part in order to provide a fresh picture of the Australian church in these unprecedented times.

The Church Census is one per church and asks objective questions about programs, activities, governance etc. and there is no cost to participate. The NCLS is planning to send every church in Australia the details so-as to obtain a comprehensive audit of the Australian church. The Synod will receive reports from the census.

The Leader Survey is for each leader who wishes to complete it (so can be multiple per church and the NCLS supplies this online). This survey asks more subjective questions about well-being, resilience, effective leadership strategies, training issues, leadership pipeline etc. and there is no cost to participate. This will be an important way for a Synod to look at leadership issues and to provide support to leaders.

Details about both surveys will be sent out by the NCLS.

 

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Season of Creation 2021 Worship Guide available now

The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration of prayer and action for our common home. Together, the ecumenical family around the world unites to pray, protect, and advocate for God’s creation. During the 2021 Season of Creation, from 1st September through 4th October, hundreds of thousands of Christians will be uniting around the theme, ‘A home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God.’ The full guide and resources are available to download here: https://seasonofcreation.org/. A full liturgy outline, sermon reflections and an adaptable Powerpoint slideshow for each week are available for download here: https://ecochurcheswa.net/worship-resources/. An adaptable Powerpoint slideshow for an Ecumenical Prayer Service is available for download at this link.

 

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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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Lifeline Adelaide – Accidental Counsellor Workshop 22nd September 2021

Accidental counsellors often find themselves in a counselling role by accident, as a result of conversations or requests from customers, friends or other. Facilitated by experienced Lifeline mental health trainers, this workshop provides practical and effective skills to step into the shoes of a counsellor and be able to respond to and support others when they are experiencing a challenging time. https://donate.lifelineadelaide.org/event/accidental-counsellor-sept/home

 

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Morialta Uniting Church Student Houses – Vacancies 2022

Undergraduate university/TAFE students from rural/regional areas. Furnished single bedrooms, living areas, shared bathroom or ensuite. Close to UniSA, Magill. Easy travel to city for Adelaide University and UniSA, and to Mawson Lakes Campus. Rent $390 or $430 monthly. Contact Anne Ind 0402061124, Church Office 83319344. Now is the time for school leavers heading for tertiary studies to apply for accommodation in our Student Houses.

 

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 14 September 2021

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

 


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