News, Notices & Prayer points - 22 March 2022

Posted Mar 22, 2022 in News

News & Notices – 22 March 2022

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

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Prayer Points

We pray:

• For a speedy resolution to the conflict in Ukraine
• For all people displaced due to war and conflict
• For South Sudan and our South Sudanese congregation in Elizabeth North
• For all working in crisis and disaster-hit communities that provide support, care and compassion.

 

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A message from the Association of Ukrainians in SA

You have offered your heart felt support for Ukraine and your support has been overwhelming. As displaced families arrive from Ukraine in the coming days you can help by offering them a safe place to land. Wonderful volunteers of our community have developed a new website hub, https://helpukrainiansaustralia.com.au/ where you can choose how you would like to help, and our team will assist you in making this happen. Thank You!

20^th March, media release by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO): Australian-Ukrainian peak body welcomes additional Federal Government assistance for displaced Ukrainians

https://www.ozeukes.com/current-affairs/media-releases/australian-ukrainian-peak-body-welcomes-additional-federal-government-assistance-for-displaced-ukrainians

20^th March, media statement by the Federal Government:

https://www.pm.gov.au/media/additional-support-ukraine

4^th March, media releases by Refugee Council of Australia: Support for Australian refugee communities impacted by coverage of the crisis in Ukraine:

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/support-for-australian-refugee-communities-impacted-by-coverage-of-crisis-in-ukraine/

21^st March, Refugee groups urge immediate action to reinstate humanitarian visas ahead of Federal Budget, 21 March:

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/refugee-groups-urge-immediate-action-to-reinstate-humanitarian-visas-ahead-of-federal-budget/

 

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Climate Report: ‘They Shall Inherit the Earth’

A new Climate Report entitled They Shall Inherit the Earth for a new conversation about climate change in Christian communities is available now.

An essential report for all those involved in Church leadership, this study and its findings show:

• How Christians aged 18-40 years are engaging with climate change
• What they think about the role of the Church in taking action
• The attitudes and practices of church leaders towards this issue
• How we can take steps to heal division and, together, bring a voice of hope.

For details and a social media toolkit please refer to this link: https://assets.tearfund.org.au/files/Tearfund_Climate-Report.pdf

 

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COVID Update

From Saturday 12th March, the South Australian government has implemented changes to some COVID restrictions. Those that relate to churches are:

All density requirements have been lifted, for all venues, including private homes:

• Dancing permitted
• Singing permitted.

A reminder that the following easing of restrictions was announced on 25th February:

• Buffets are now permitted. This means that morning teas / dinners etc,, can be self-service, with shared plates/ platters of food.

Please note the following restrictions that continue to apply to church activities:

• Masks are required to be worn by attendees at all times, including when singing, except when eating or drinking
• COVID Safe measures: QR check in, COVID Marshal, hand sanitising, frequent cleaning.

All existing directions, frequently asked questions and other information 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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2022 Harmony Week Morning Tea

Hosted by Mission Resourcing of the Uniting Church in South Australia, this special morning tea event aims to connect with Aboriginal and CALD Christian leaders and foster intercultural fellowship and partnership in a shared mission of God in South Australia.

Harmony Week (21^st-27^th March) celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about mutual acceptance, welcome and a sense of belonging for everyone. Rejoicing in Australia’s diversity of races, cultures, and languages as God’s gracious gifts and sharing God’s hospitality together, we Christians are called to live faith and life inter-culturally. All are welcome. Date: Thursday 24^th March, 10.00 am. Venue: Uniting College for Leadership and Theology. RSVP to Mission Resourcing on 08 84168419 or email Turn on Javascript!. For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Synod CALD Officer, on Turn on Javascript!.

Download the flyer here.

 

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Thriving in Ministry

Thriving in Ministry is a half-day retreat to reflect on and be inspired about the ways in which you are being led to care for your basic needs and promote wellness in your own body, mind and spirit.

Come along and explore wellness in the faith context. Learn the fundamental principles of healthy eating and why they are important. Gain confidence in making healthy food choices and be inspired to movie. Enjoy a morning tea intentionally put together to highlight healthy eating principles. Experience a mindfulness meditation activity and learn how stress effects the body and the mind with practical strategies to avoid burn-out. Learn what happens while you sleep and how to promote some quality shut eye; bring it all together – what can you take away? Information, recipes and resources to take home. Drink tea, relax and fellowship with others!

Saturday, March 26^th from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm. Register at this link.

 

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New Songbook Launch 'Walk As One!'

A long time in the making … the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts (CMLA) is excited that the new songbook is ready to launch. Full of wonderful new music from around Australia and beyond, this book will enrich congregational life and give voice to worship for this time and place. With 33 new songs for use across worship there is something for every community. Sunday March 27th from 2-3.30pm at Adelaide West Uniting Church. See cmla.org.au for more information and registration. Entry is free but registration is essential for COVID planning purposes.

 

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Renewal: An autumn Retreat with Sean Gilbert

A time for creative community, songwriters, poets, writers, visual and performing artists. Be inspired and renewed by the autumn season in the Adelaide Hills. Take time to be creative, reflect and be spiritually nurtured in this retreat. Immerse yourself in this opportunity, wander the gardens, walk the labyrinth, enjoy being part of a creative community. Sean Gilbert will lead us as we take time out and re-invest in our inner-lives and creative endeavours. 13^th-14^th May at Nunyara Retreat Centre. See cmla.org.au for more information and registration.

 

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Safe Church News

Screenings: Reminders are being sent to those who have upcoming renewals due that were initially processed via the Synod Screening Unit. If you have renewed your Working With Children Check (WWCC) through another source, please remember to inform not only your local congregation but also the Synod Screening Unit. This helps us to keep our records current and can be done via the Step 1 form from the Screening webpage: https://sa.uca.org.au/safechurch/screening/

Power and Healthy Communities: Code of Ethics refresher sessions 2021-22. For upcoming dates please see the Events Calendar located at: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/. Don’t delay in booking into either the online or face-to-face sessions.

Berri Uniting Church is hosting the following training session over the weekend of the 9^th and 10^th of April:

• Saturday, April 9^th, 9.30 am – 4.00 pm ‘Through their eyes: safe environments for children and young people.’ For all church leaders and volunteers to understand their legal obligations for reporting concerns of children and young people.
  
  
• Sunday, April 10^th, 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm ‘Called to Care’ is an awareness session for key leaders and members of church councils to explore and consider best practice for creating a safe place.

Registration of attendance is required in advance for both sessions. Bookings close 6^th April. Register at this link: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/

Murray Bridge Uniting Church is hosting the following training session over the weekend of the 4^th and 5^th of June.

• Saturday, 4^th June, 9:30am-4.00pm ‘Through their eyes: safe environments for children and young people.’ For all church leaders and volunteers to understand their legal obligations for reporting concerns of children and young people.
  
  
• Sunday, 5^th June, 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm ‘Called to Care’ is an awareness session for key leaders and members of church councils to explore and consider best practice for creating a safe place.

Registration of attendance is required in advance for both sessions. Bookings close 31^st May. Register at this link: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/

 

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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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Multiple Grant Opportunities

City of Port Adelaide Enfield Community Project Grants

Community Project Grant applications can now be submitted for projects that foster individual and community wellbeing for residents in the Port Adelaide Enfield community.

There is up to $7,500 per grant available. This round of grants will close 3.00 pm Tuesday, 29th March 2022. More information can be found at https://www.cityofpae.sa.gov.au/community/grants/project-grants/projectgrants

All are encourage to apply and to contact the Funding and Partnerships Officer to discuss further before submitting an application on 0414 014 250 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.

Highbury Street Fund – Applications for funding for 2022 now open.

The Highbury Street Fund supports leadership development for leaders and aspiring leaders of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse worshipping communities through education and training. Grants of up to $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 are available for people currently living in South Australia either in, or with strong connection to, a Uniting Church congregation. The closing date for applications for Round 1 closes on 31^st March and Round 2 on 31^st August, annually. For further information and applications please visit: https://sa.uca.org.au/cald/highbury-street

 

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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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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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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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Need a job – but don’t have experience?

‘The Experience Café’ at Broadview Uniting Church can help with café experience, confidence and a reference letter. No financial cost. Volunteer one day per week from 8.30 am – 2.00 pm, lunch provided. Within 3 months or less you can reach your goal. For more details message us on Facebook, Instagram or text 0407 608 000. Apologies, we are unable to take people with disabilities at this point in time as we do not have trained staff.

 

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2022 Lent Resource: Daily Prayer and Action Guide Calendar – now available

A Lenten prayer and action guide has been developed and is designed to help individuals and congregations take time to learn, lament, repent, advocate, and to take concrete steps to transforming justice of God for coming reconciliation and renewal of the whole of creation. Drawing on the Uniting Church’s Our Vision for a Just Australia statement, this 4-page guide provides links to prayers, campaigns, and resources for raising awareness and taking action. You can download the guide at this link.

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

 

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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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One In Worship is back for 2022!

One In Worship is a community church worship and prayer service encompassing all denominations. All are invited to come along for an evening service full of great live music (covering old and new), and community prayer.

We invite you and your congregation and kindly ask that you place the attached flyer in your bulletins / newsletters for the community One In Worship services currently being held at Springhead Lutheran Hall. Join the service each last Sunday of the month as listed on the attachment.

If any musicians or vocalist would like to join the One In Worship team, they are welcome to do so. Simply send through details to Amy Loechel who will place them in the roster. Email Turn on Javascript! or text 0416222591.

The first service for 2022 is on Sunday March 27th 6pm. You are welcome to join in a community dinner at 5.00pm. The duration of the services are approximately 1 hour and are free. All are welcome to come and worship as one and pray as one over our families, towns, country, government and world.

 

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

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

 

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