News, Notices & Prayer points - 22 February 2022

Posted Feb 22, 2022 in News

News & Notices – 22 February 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 22nd February 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

For those that have lived and continue to live in fear of violence and abuse and for those who speak out in order to advocate for change
For the well-being of those suffering from COVID-19
For peace in the world, especially in the Ukraine.

Wilks Oration featuring Stan Grant

The Effective Living Centre (ELC) is an outreach program to the community from Christ Church Uniting in Wayville. It has been running diverse programs and events of interest to both the wider and church community for over 20 years. Graham Wilks, who was particularly interested in relationships, social justice and human rights was instrumental in setting up the ELC alongside Rev Sean Gilbert, who was then Minister of Christ Church, and interested members of the Christ Church congregation The ELC was a particularly successful new initiative and when Graham Wilks died in 2002 it was decided each year to hold an Oration in his memory.

As orators the ELC invites outstanding Australians who have contributed to improving our world and challenging our assumptions. This year Stan Grant will speak on 'The Politics of Identity’ on Friday 25th February. For more information and how to book visit: https://effectiveliving.ucasa.org.au/

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Call for Submissions: Celebrating Uniting Church women on International Women's Day 2022

Every day, in every place across the Uniting Church, women are leading, empowering and inspiring in our church communities and beyond.

To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March this year, the Uniting Church Assembly is looking to tell stories that celebrate and acknowledge the positive impact and immense contribution of UCA women.

An invitation is extended across the Uniting Church nationally to submit the names of inspiring Uniting Church women they know who are making an impact through leadership, witness and service.

Their stories will be featured as part of the Assembly’s International Women’s Day celebration, an opportunity to give thanks to God for the lives of women in the Uniting Church and hear stories of strength, hope and courage.

Further information is available at this link.

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Uluru Statement from the Heart

A two-day event is being held from 4^th-5^th March to explore the Uluru Statement from the Heart calling for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution and seeking a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement making between governments and First Nations, and truth telling in our history. Speakers: Rev Dr Chris Budden, Rev Dr Auntie Denise Champion and Tarlee Leondaris.

Further details and how to register are available at this link.

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Safe Church News

The National Safe Church Unit in conjunction with the Office of eSafety Commissioner are hosting a Webinar for Adults who are leaders of children and youth on Friday 11^th March. You can read more about it and find the link to register via the Safe Church Events Calendar at this link: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events/online-safety-webinar-for-adults-who-are-youth-leaders/

Code of Ethics Refresher 2021-22 - Power and Healthy Communities. A reminder to those who have not yet participated, or booked into one of the upcoming sessions. The next online opportunity is Feb 23^rd. Bookings are essential in order to receive the meeting details and the preparation material. Face-to-face date locations are being confirmed and will be added to the Event Calendar on the Safe Church website when known.

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New Synod Refugee Advocacy Guide – now available

A two-page Synod Refugee Advocacy Guide focuses on the Federal Government’s latest announcement in response to the plight of refugees from Afghanistan and renewed spotlight on detention of refugees. It provides updated information and resources for raising awareness and taking action. You can download at this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/justice-advocacy/refugees-and-asylum-seekers/resources. For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.

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COVID Update

On Friday, 11th February, 2022 the SA government eased some COVID restrictions. Those that relate to churches are as follows:

At home gatherings cap raised from 10 to 50 people.
Hospitality: > 1 person per 2 square metres density for indoor seated hospitality activities. All food and beverage consumption must be seated. Masks must be worn in an indoor space – except for a bridal party during a wedding ceremony.
3 people per 4 square metres density outdoors. Stand up food and drink consumption is allowed in an outdoor area. Masks are not required to be worn by attendees generally in an outdoor space. However, it is strongly recommended especially when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Indoor fitness – 1 person per 4 square metres density requirement.

Please note the following restrictions that will continue:

COVID Safe measures: QR check in, mask wearing, physical distancing of 1.5m between household groups; hand sanitising, frequent cleaning.
Density: no more than 3 persons per 4 square metres for seated worship (1 person per 2 square metres if there is standing).

SA Health has updated their COVID Compliance FAQs for places of worship. They can be found here: SA Health - COVID-19 Compliance Monitoring - Places of Worship FAQs (11/02/22)

If you would like further assistance, please contact your presbytery or:

Rev Sue Page: email Turn on Javascript! or (08) 8236 4217 or 0430 666 959
Rev Philip Gardner: email Turn on Javascript! or (08) 236 4268 or 0409 077 076

The Synod office and Brooklyn Park campus remain closed to visitors until at least February 28^th, 2021. Staff are still available via email or phone to support you.

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Synod Meeting 2022

The 2022 Synod meeting will meet online on Saturday, 18^th June and in person on Friday, 24^th June and Saturday, 25^th June at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre at Hahndorf.

Presbyteries are gathering nominations for Synod membership, to be elected/appointed at presbytery meetings in March. For more information, please contact your presbytery.

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CALD Research Report now available for download

A full report is now available for download from this link. This newly released ‘Mapping Intercultural Neighbourhoods’ recommends ways forward for being a multicultural church in a local context. Seeing cultural diversity as an opportunity of renewal and source of strength, this report explores questions such as: how congregations have responded to their increasingly multicultural contexts and reflects on the status of intercultural ministry in progressing and embodying the Uniting Church’s vision of being a multicultural church?

How to engage and connect with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in local neighbourhoods? Based on the findings of online surveys with 55 Uniting Church leaders and interviews with 30 CALD leaders, it makes ten recommendations for Action Plans under three foci of the Synod Strategic Priorities: Understand Who We Are as UCA; Create Local Connections; and Support Ministries on the Margins.

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Multiple Grant Opportunities

Multicultural Grants Open

Applications for the Expand Together Grants 2022-23 are now being accepted. 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 are open now and close 11pm, Monday 28th February 2022. Online application forms and guidelines are available from the Expand Together Grants information page.

Visit www.multicultural.sa.gov.au to find out more. Phone: 1300 239 468 or email: Turn on Javascript!.

Heritage Grants

South Australia has a rich heritage that contributes to quality of life and connects community to its history and stories. Since 2018, the Heritage Grants Program has been funding conservation works with benefits including adaptive re-use of historic buildings, support for heritage trades, and support for State Heritage Places in rural and urban areas across the state. Heritage Conservation Grants are now open:

Download Facts sheet
Download the Application Guide.

Community Grants

Applications are now open and can be made between now and 4pm Tuesday 22 March 2022. Community groups and organisations can apply for funding to improve wellbeing, encourage inclusion, celebrate cultural diversity, engage in the arts and improve the environment. Further information is available at this link.

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Money Talks: Capitalist Ethics, Colonialism and Divine Governance

Money Talks written by Rev John Bottomley engages the psalms and gospel texts for Lent 2022. The studies acknowledge it is not possible for a disciple of Jesus Christ to replace the worship of God with the worship of wealth. Further information and an order form is available at this link.

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Reading ‘The Church as Salt’

Come and join a reading group reading Rev Dr Sally Douglas’ ‘The Church Triumphant / as Salt: Becoming the Community Jesus speaks about.’ Sally is a colleague from Victoria and this small book explores the metaphor of being salt of the earth.

Mondays during February from 10.00 am – 11.30 am at Unley Uniting Church, 187 Unley Road, Unley. Easy parking across the road in the Unley Shopping Centre car-park (some for an hour and a half; some for two hours; and around the back for three hours). Contact: Alison Whish on Turn on Javascript! for information about purchasing the book ($26).

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Ecumenical International Women’s Day Breakfast

Churches Together SA invites all women to an ‘Ecumenical Women’s Day Breakfast’ to celebrate the Women of the Bible on Friday, 4^th March, 2022 from 7.00 am – 9.00 am at the Cachemira Café, 137 Magill Road, Stepney. Speaker: Rev Professor Vicky Balabanski. Cost: $40 – to register please visit: https://form.jotform.com/213338687335059.

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Embracing Now: Being a People of Hope Spiritual Retreat

Churches Together in local ecumenism is offering an ecumenical retreat: Embracing Now: Being a People of Hope. It’s a time for personal reflection and restoration prior to the Lenten Season. Gifted Retreat Leader: Sharonne Price will lead in a time of listening, learning, reflecting and sharing. February 26^th, 2022 from 9.30 am – 3.30 pm at the Nunyara Conference Centre. Cost: $60 (includes morning tea and lunch). Register at: https://form.jotform.com/213327745761055

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Prayers for the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC)

The UAICC requests prayers for Indigenous communities in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Some are currently experiencing isolation and shortages due to unseasonal flooding and/or outbreaks of COVID-19. Please pray for communities and leaders of Raukkan, in the APY Lands, Oodnadatta, Port Augusta and Salisbury and Rev Ken Sumner, Ian Dempster and Candice Hazeldine in the South Australian state office.

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International Mission Op Shop Woodville

The Op Shop began operation on 1^st February 2022 and had a successful day. However, they are urgently seeking a Volunteer Manager and a Coordinator for this venture. The Op Shop operates on Tuesdays from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm and Thursdays from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. If you are interested in either of these positions or in volunteering please contact Janet Woodward on 0432 271 757 or email Turn on Javascript!.

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Just Earth

Something for the forthcoming season of Lent - a phone or ipad app entitled ‘Just Earth.’ Download and discover constructive Biblical reflections, quotes, prayers and actions illustrated by stunning pictures for each of the 40 days of Lent. Designed by the Uniting Church Environmental Action Group, it has been receiving high praise and has also been translated into Korean. Please download from the Apple store or for Android phones go to this link.

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Lessons from COVID-19 for the Climate Emergency

As your church and its groups plan their 22 program, why not give attention to the video series ‘Lessons from COVID 19 for the Climate Emergency.’ This series of 7 short videos is ideal for community viewing and discussion groups. Discussion questions, Biblical principles and actions are included. This series can help individuals and your church prepare for the greatest existential threat facing us all – human induced Climate Change.

Download the free series at this link.

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Breathe – Seeking expressions of interest from artists for August SALA Exhibition

Willunga Uniting Church is seeking expressions of interest by artists for its annual SALA Exhibition, held in August each year at Bethany Hall. The 2022 theme is ‘Breathe,’ suggested associated events include: meditation retreat, singing/choir, artist in residence sessions. ‘Breathe’ has broad applications and multiple meanings. Please advise your expression of interest by March 31^st to: Jenny Esots (Curator) email: Turn on Javascript!.

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Ash Wednesday Quiet Day

The Spirituality Group for Women will observe a Quiet Day on 2^nd March, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Glenelg. The day will include two times of input, reflective stations and communion. This hospitable, yet dynamic group was inaugurated in 2021 and new members are always welcome; or attend a single monthly event of interest, RSVP to Christine Gilbert at Turn on Javascript!.

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Artist in Residence Week

Find your voice and strengthen the ties between us during a week-long Artist in Residence event at St Andrew’s in Glenelg. Tasmanian singer/songwriter John Coleman and Melbournian art therapist Jenny Batten will guide us in singing, song writing and community building. 15^th – 22^nd May, various events and times. Refer to the website for details https://www.standrewsuc.org.au/ and booking information or contact Christine Gilbert on (08) 8295 1771. A balm for the COVID weary.

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Sally Stamp

Please remember to save your stamps, although access to the Synod Office is closed the group are working from home to earn funds to send school books etc. to the Pacific Island and beyond. Personal stamp collections no longer required are very welcome. Pick-ups can be arranged in the metropolitan area by ringing 0427 972 417 or email: Turn on Javascript!. Further information about 'Sally Stamp' is available at this link.

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Lent Event is coming!

From 2^nd March to 14^th April, UnitingWorld invites you to journey through Lent by reflecting on and re-dedicating yourself to Christ’s compassion and justice.

Lent Event is 40 days of living simply, learning from global neighbours and choosing to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others. Last year, UnitingWorld changed the lives of more than 460,000 people in 13 countries!

Take up a Lent Event challenge and be part of a movement to end poverty and injustice in our world. For more information, videos, Bible studies and other resources, visit this link: https://donate.unitingworld.org.au/event/lent-event/resources

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Pop-up Shop Event

KLG Designs will host a pop-up shop at Brighton Uniting church featuring gifts, home decor, handmade arts and crafts, pots and plants. The pop-up shop showcases local artists including Amanda Cooper earrings, Judy Garrard greeting cards, Stephen Skillitzi studio glass, and KLG Designs photography and candles. There is a range of new, pre-loved and up-cycled pots which can be matched with a plant. Plus a select range of pre-loved home decor. The pop-up shop is open Saturdays in March. Parking is available in Woolworths next door. You will find the pop-up shop behind the church. For further information email Karen at Turn on Javascript!

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 15th February 2022

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

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