News, Notices & Prayer points - 22 April 2025

Posted Apr 22, 2025 in News

News & Notices – 22 April 2025

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 22 April 2025 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

For peace and justice in the Middle East, Ukraine and other places experiencing crisis and conflict.
For God's comfort and strength for all those in the Catholic Church around the world who are grieving the loss of Pope Francis, and for church leaders as they navigate this time of transition.

Vale Pope Francis, shepherd of grace and compassion

The Uniting Church in Australia extends its deepest condolences to Catholics worldwide upon the death of Pope Francis, who passed away early this morning aged 88. The Pope has been a beacon of humility and compassion from the moment he chose the name Francis, inspired by the saint known for his love of the poor and care for creation. Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has released a statement paying tribute to Pope Francis, and giving thanks to God for his extraordinary witness, moral courage and lifelong commitment to the Gospel.

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Copyright Reminders

This is a reminder to all congregations to ensure you have permission to use any content such as photos, artwork, poems, worship songs, etc.... before you use them in worship, on brochures or posters or in any publication.

We have had some cases recently of churches being fined by organisations who are searching the internet for infringements on behalf of copyright owners. Please be aware that if you livestream your worship, anything you put in your presentation is recorded. This appears to be an avenue that is being used to identify copyright infringements.

If you are unsure if you have breached copyright, here are some helpful links with more information:

UCA SA - Content Guidelines

PicRights: How to Deal with a Letter Alleging Copyright Infringement

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Save the Date – Resourcing Day!

The Resourcing Day will take place on Friday evening, 17 October, continuing Saturday, 18 October.
If you’re interested, please save the date! More details will be available soon.

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Karoonda Uniting Church Centenary Celebration

Karoonda Uniting Church invites you to join the celebration of 100^th Anniversary on Sunday 18 May 2025 at 10.00 am which is led by Rev Dr Sean Gilbert. The event will be hosted at the church followed by a pooled luncheon and fellowship at the Karoonda Football Clubrooms. Please bring a pooled savoury dish to share and RSVP by 1 May 2025. For further information, please contact Don Loller 0488 034 202 or Turn on Javascript!.

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Code of Ethics Refresher

The Code of Ethics Refresher will be held on May 22, 2025, from 9.00 am to 12:30pm at Ascot Community UC, 24 Fifth Ave, Ascot Park. Bookings can be made at: https://www.eventzilla.net/e/code-of-ethics-refresher-2025-2138661732. For questions, contact Mark Dickens, Professional Standards Officer, at Turn on Javascript! or (08) 8236 4253, or Mel Pipikos, Administration Assistant, at Turn on Javascript! or (08) 8236 4247.

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A Stronger, Fairer Australia for All – Uniting Care Australia

One of the central issues for Australians as we approach the May 3 election is cost-of-living. UnitingCare Australia has launched its federal election campaign “A stronger, fairer Australia for all. Together we can.” This campaign focuses upon ensuring a strong and adequate safety net and strengthening community support services. As voters and candidates consider their views in the lead up to the Federal Election, this campaign encourages everyone to think of those who are on the margins and are doing it tough. More information is available at Federal Election 2025 Policy Platform - UnitingCare Australia | UnitingCare Australia

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Sally Stamp

A donation of $2,000 has been made to South Pacific School Aid Inc., and $1,000 to the Outback Pastors, using remaining funds from 2024.

It is hoped that another shipment to the Pacific Islands can be supported once SPSA has a pallet ready.

Sincere thanks to everyone who continues to donate stamps—especially full collections no longer required by families. These contributions are greatly appreciated and make a real difference.

Maxine Haines - Email: Turn on Javascript! - Mobile: 0427 972417

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Understanding Energy Policy: A Uniting Church conversation

Uniting Climate and the Uniting Church National Assembly are co-hosting an online forum on energy policy on the evening of Monday April 28. It’s called Understanding Energy Policy: A Uniting Church conversation.

In the first part of the forum, Rev Lindsay Cullen from the Uniting Church Assembly, will remind about thoughtful engagement in the political process is not just a right but also a Christian responsibility. How do we respond to the issues of our time - voting with care and conscience as part of our faith?

In the second part, Dr Brad Smith from the Nature Conservation Council of NSW will examine the energy policies on offer this election and how they stack up. He’ll help you identify implications for an effective energy system, the cost of living, and the health of our environment and stability of our climate.

You can register for this free online forum here. For more information contact Jon O’Brien at Turn on Javascript!

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