News, Notices & Prayer points - 21st March 2023

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News & Notices – 21st March 2023

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 21st March, 2023 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For all this Harmony Week and give thanks for the diverse and multicultural community we live in, and pray for the elimination of all racial discrimination across the world. We especially acknowledge the plight of refugees, who face countless barriers and injustices with courage and bravery, and who make Australia a better place.
  • For the ongoing efforts of people around Australia in our fight against climate change. Through personal changes and community action, we show our love and appreciation for all of God’s creation.
  • For Ukraine, and the devastating impact of the war as we mark over a year of conflict. We pray for peace, justice and compassion for the Ukrainian people, and for the wider Ukrainian community living in Australia and around the world.

 

 

 

Mission and Leadership Development Review

The Mission and Leadership Development Board (MLDB) has determined that it is timely to closely examine the missional needs and opportunities across our Synod, and determine how the church can best be resourced as it seeks to engage them at this time. It invites the church to engage with a major review to enable discernment on missional priorities and methods for the next 5 – 10 years. This review will furnish the MLDB in such a way as to assist it to focus and prioritise, organising its structure and activities in a manner that will best enable it to fulfil its mandate.

An external researcher will be engaged to conduct the review, and it is envisaged that the process of review will involve wide consultation across the Synod and thorough research. The Terms of Reference for the researcher can be downloaded at this link. More information to follow. Questions about the missional review can be referred to Rev Dr Tim Hein email: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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2023 HARMONY WEEK Prayer Service Resource

Harmony Week will run from March 20th to 26th and includes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Tuesday, March 21st. During this week, we celebrate Australia’s diversity of races, cultures, and languages as God’s gifts and we pray for racial justice and reconciliation. An editable Prayer Service Power Point template has been developed for congregations and faith communities and can be downloaded at this link.

Further resources will be added to the Synod webpage: UCA SA - CALD Events and Resources.

For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Synod Justice and CALD Officer, on Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Youth Expo Scots Church Adelaide

Come and celebrate the skills, talents and interests of youth during SAs Youth Week. On 30th March from 11.00 am – 3.00 pm, young people will provide a concert, crafts, music, games and an entertaining fashion parade from the Op Shop. A light lunch and snacks will be served throughout the day. The event is free. Items purchased and raffle money raised will support emergency relief in Syria and Turkey. More information is available by calling 0409 178 465.

 

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Stations of the Cross Vigil

Bridgewater Uniting Community has been gifted a series of original art works by renowned liturgical artist Brother Martin Erspamer OSB from the USA. Pencil drawings in Brother Martin’s unique style follow the traditional 14 ‘stations’ imagery. A vigil for quiet reflection for those seeking a special Easter devotional time will be held on Tuesday of Holy Week (4th April) from 6.00 pm – 8.30 pm, Bridgewater UC, 407 Mount Barker Road, Bridgewater. All welcome, free entry.

 

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Uniting Church National History Society 2023 Conference

Registrations for the Uniting Church National History Society's 2023 Conference are now open. For information and details about how to register for the conference please download the promotional flyer at this link or contact Judy Orme email: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Equip church leaders and pastors with skills to help them provide Pastoral Care

A set of workshops designed for those in the helping professions - which includes church leaders and pastors, as well as counsellors entitled: Reflection on Connection: Patterns of practice in supervision, spirituality, and clinical work will be held at Tabor College, Millswood, South Australia on Saturday 15th April.

This is a rare opportunity to understand and apply the skills of reflective practice in a safe, supportive environment with facilitators who have more than 40 years of counselling experience in their own practice as well as within the church context. Participants will be equipped with transferable skills with immediate impact on self and clients to help avoid burnout.

Further details about the workshop/s can be downloaded at this link, or via the website https://ccaa.net.au/events/reflection-on-connection/to or by contacting Turn on Javascript! or calling (08) 7099 2277.

 

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Act2 Update

Act2 is born of the conviction that now is a critical time for the Uniting Church to consider afresh the ordering of our life. We are seeking to do this as a whole Church, discerning God’s call for our future, and we need everyone’s voice!

Over the last month the Act2 Project Unit has been working hard to invite the whole Church into the work of Act2. They have reached out to over 1,000 ministers, local leaders, congregations and faith communities across Australia. They have been deepening the engagement with key leaders and councils of the Church and have now developed and launched resources for local communities and their leaders. They have launched an invitation to Uniting in Prayer, a national time of prayer across the Uniting Church planned for 28th May – 22nd June this year.

Adding more opportunities all the time for people, communities and councils of the Church to take part in the work of this project – the biggest and most potentially transformative one undertaken in 45 years. Please read on to consider how you might be involved.
Read more

 

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How to make the most of your National Church Life Survey Results (NCLS)

NCLS Research will present ‘How to make the most of your National Church Life Survey Results’ a free webinar that will guide church leaders and their teams through their Church Life Profile of results, with insights and tips for exploring their results and using them to inform their ministry. Free tickets are available at: https://MakethemostofyourNCLSresults.eventbrite.com.au

Various event dates are available in April and for further information please download the flyer at this link.

 

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National Lay Preachers Conference 2023

The Queensland Synod is pleased to host on behalf of the National Lay Preacher Committee, the 2023 National Conference of Lay Preachers to be held Friday 4th August to Monday 7th August 2023 at Alexandra Park Conference Centre, Sunshine Coast Queensland.

For Lay Preachers, prospective Lay Preachers and those interested in leading worship. Share in a wonderful few days and be encouraged, supported and challenged in your ministry. Further information is available at this link: National Conference of Lay Preachers 2023 - Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod (ucaqld.com.au)

 

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Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) Award South Australia

SERC is grateful to the Synod for the continued funding of the Ecumenical Award.

Each year the award is given to a congregation that has done the most to foster ecumenical relations within the local community.

SERC is now calling for submissions for the 2023 award, either in writing or electronically and should be received by the secretary, Don Hopgood, 19 Ray Avenue, Morphett Vale 5162 email: Turn on Javascript! and no later than April 30th 2023. Please use word and pictures (if possible) to make clear what you have undertaken and the measure of your success.

The award recipient will receive $600, or this amount may be divided between two or more entrants if appropriate. All entrants will receive a certificate acknowledging their willingness to engage in ecumenical activities and these will be presented at the Synod meeting 2023.

Should you require further information about this award please feel free to contact Velvy Holden (Chairperson SERC) Turn on Javascript! or Don Hopgood (Secretary SERC) Turn on Javascript!.

SERC looks forward to receiving your submissions and hearing about the involvement of congregations in South Australian Ecumenism. We pray God’s blessing on your efforts.

 

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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. Apply for up to $100,000. Applications for Round 2 open on 1st June 2023 and close on 30th August 2023. Find out more.

Community Grants 2023
Tea Tree Gully 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 for the community.

Community groups and organisations can apply for funding to improve wellbeing, encourage inclusion, celebrate cultural diversity, engage in the arts and improve the environment.

The next community grants round dates have now been confirmed. Please visit the community grants webpage to read through the policy and guidelines to check your eligibility here. Opens 10.00 am, Tuesday, 7th March 2023, closes 4.00 pm, Tuesday 4th April 2023.

Outcomes will be advised by Thursday 25th May 2023. To check eligibility and to discuss a  project call (08) 8397 7444 and speak to a member of the community grants team or send an Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Green Adelaide – Grass Roots Grants Program

The Green Adelaide Board is again launching the Grassroots Grants program, supporting individuals, volunteers, community groups and other bodies working on local projects that contribute to improved management of the environment.

Since commencement of the program in 2020, Green Adelaide have invested in 77 projects valued at over $2 million, delivering on coastal management, water resources and wetlands, green streets and flourishing parklands, flora, fauna and ecosystem health, controlling pest animals and plants and nature education.

The total value of the Grassroots Grants Program for Green Adelaide in 2022-23 is $866,000, with grants between $2,000 and $150,000 available per application. A full list of the successful projects including Grassroots Grant information is available on their website.

 

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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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Palm Sunday – Peace and Justice Walk

The Palm Sunday – Peace and Justice Walk will take place on Sunday, 2nd April 2023 at 2.00pm at Tarntanyangga/Victoria Square loop. Walking for reconciliation, justice for refugees, environment, and peace and conflict resolution.

 

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Mediacom Update

Mediacom advises that due to staff absence the office at Building 4, 32 Sir Donald Bradman Drive Mile End will be closed on Tuesday 21st March and Wednesday 22nd March; and on 28th March and Wednesday 29th March.

Online orders can be made at www.mediacom.org.au and phone messages can be made to (08) 8371 1399 and this will be regularly accessed. Urgent enquiries can be directed to: 0455 830 292.

 

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Sally Stamp

Sally Stamp asks that people continue to send stamps to the Uniting Church Office, to help with this ministry. The group also suggests that people consider asking local businesses to save their stamps, with doctor’s surgeries being one of the best sources of stamps! Any donations of private collections no longer required are also gratefully received. In 2022 donations were made to the following: South pacific School Aid Inc. ($4,700); Frontier Services ($1,000); and The Grove U/C Kids Craft Group ($1,000). Pick up can be arranged in metropolitan areas. Contact, Maxine Haines (Convenor) Phone: 0427 972 417, email: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Palm Sunday Public Discipleship Resource

This resource includes biblical background of Palm Sunday and can be adapted at congregations as well as schools to cultivate public discipleship for all ages. It has been originally developed by the Social Responsibilities Committee of the Anglican Diocese Melbourne for use in schools in the lead up to Palm Sunday and includes awareness raising resources on Justice for Refugees. Editable Power Point slides are available to download at this link.

 

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Australian Wellbeing, Resilience and Spirituality

After three tough years, what’s changed and what helps? Following the past three years of fire, flood and pandemic, we check in on how Australians are really doing. What do we have left in the tank? Have we run out of reserves or are we raring with resilience? And what difference does spirituality make when the going get tough? This webinar explores Australians’ levels of wellbeing and resilience, as well as the spiritual practices and beliefs they turn to in times of crisis. Findings are based on the results from the latest Australian Community Survey by National Church Life Survey (NCLS) Research. For more information and how to book please visit: Australian Wellbeing, Resilience and Spirituality Tickets, Thu 30/03/2023 at 11:00 am | Eventbrite

 

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Induction Notice

Deacon Rev Cate Baker will be inducted to the congregation of Para Vista Uniting Church this Sunday, 26th March during the 10.00 am worship service. All welcome.

 

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