News, Notices & Prayer points - 22nd November 2022

Posted Nov 22, 2022 in News

News & Notices – 22 November 2022

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

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Prayer Points

We pray:

• In the wake of the tragedy in Colorado Springs in the United States, we pray for the families and loved ones of those who had their lives suddenly cut short. God of justice, we pray your comfort and peace is with them during this devastating time.
• For the people of Indonesia as they face the aftermath of a severe earthquake, which has destroyed homes, injured hundreds, and killed many. May we show solidarity with the Indonesian people as they face overwhelming grief and sorrow.
• As we move into Advent, we give thanks for those organising Christmas events, services, carols and donations for those in need. It is through the work of these people throughout all congregations that foster the Christmas spirit of love, joy, hope and peace.

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Advent Refugee Advocacy Guide – Christmas Bowl Worship Resources

A two-page Advent Refugee Advocacy Guide is prepared to help congregations share God's love with refugees through the Christmas Bowl and advocacy actions during the season of Advent 2022. ) It contains the links to worship resources for each week of advent, PowerPoint presentations and clip art to use with your congregation, either in person or online. This and other resources for congregations are available to download on the Synod website: UCA SA - Refugees: Resources for Congregations

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

 

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Unexpected Joy – Christmas Appeal 2022

The Christmas season is a time to celebrate JOY. Churches remember the joy of the gift of a Saviour to the world arriving in the baby Jesus. The Seniors Ministry Unit through Uniting Church Fellowship and Mission Support (UCFAMS) is inviting congregations, friendship and fellowship groups, family and youth ministry groups to dig deep this Christmas by donating personal care gifts to make up pamper packs for vulnerable adults. Read more

 

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2023 Uniting Church Calendar

The 2023 Uniting Church Calendar is now available for order!

The 2023 Calendar features Uniting Church schools and colleges and is both colourful and vibrant; and we extend our sincere thanks to all of the schools for their willingness to be a part of our annual publication. If you would like to order the 2023 Calendar, please visit this link: https://ucasa.org.au/calendars/

 

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Ordination of Shelley Alexander

Shelley Alexander is to be ordained by the Presbytery of Southern SA
Friday 9th December 7pm at Yankalilla UCA.
All welcome to attend this joyous celebration!

RSVP by clicking on this link
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=r0DtqNz2okaIje65rSzloqqyQMepp7ZFngqkrAPBfk1UMlZRRE9VRjYyMEpGVDNHTUhaTVRTQUw5WCQlQCN0PWcu

 

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MediaCom Education

Advent Calendar of Daily Devotions – In stock now at MediaCom

This annual favourite is a wonderful resource for churches to give to each family, to share with visitors or others, emphasising the importance of the Advent. Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, it includes the Scripture, a short devotion, and a brief prayer. It is printed with a larger font for ease of reading.

Sold in packs of 10, enabling churches and making it easy to share with visitors or others the church wishes to reach during the Advent season.

Advent Calendar of Devotions 2022 - MediaCom Education

 

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Worship Resources for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence 2022

Uniting Church Congregations and Faith Communities are encouraged to participate in ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence,’ beginning on the International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women (November 25). This global campaign supported by the United Nations and the World Council of Churches. Justice Officer has collated some relevant resources for use in the context of worship. They include Sermon Notes, Prayers, Song/Hymn suggestions and Activities for children and youth.  

A new ecumenical Advent Resource prepared by Queensland Churches Together Commission for prevention of Domestic and Family Violence

Resources for prayer and reflection provided by the World Council of Churches

Resources on Thursdays in Black campaign: A global movement for a world without rape and violence

Beyond Violence – A resource on Domestic and Family Violence provided by UCA Assembly

Previous 16 Days of Activism resources are available at the Assembly website: 16 Days of Activism - Uniting Church Australia

Article written by Dr Deidre Palmer, former Assembly President

Previous Break The Silence Sunday resources are available at the Synod website: UCA SA - Break The Silence Sunday

 

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Climate Action Resources Expo

26 November 2022 10:00am - 3:00pm

Blackwood Uniting Church
266 Main Road Blackwood

The Climate Action Resources Expo is a community event being organised by the Blackwood Uniting Church, in collaboration with representatives from the City of Mitcham, Australian Parents for Climate Action, Conservation Council of SA and Blackwood Sustainable Communities and Twenty Metre Trees.

Are you concerned about climate change, but not sure what you can do?

Are you keen to learn about practical ways of contributing to creating a more sustainable world?

More information

 

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Free Church Signs

Coonalpyn Uniting Church has held its final service and we are wondering whether any church could make use of some free standing, good quality signs.

P Reserve parking - Church use only (3 signs)
Come on in! We're here today! (with the Uniting Church logo) (2 signs)

Please contact Graham Sturdy at Turn on Javascript! if you are interested.

 

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Together Thanksgiving Day

A time of giving thanks for the work of Fellowship, Frontier Services and National and World Mission now known as UC Fellowship and Mission Support.

Speakers for the day include Sureka Goringe, National Director for Uniting World Rob Floyd, current Acting Director Frontier Services, and Rev Sunny Kadaparambil Bush, chaplain for Parkin/Sturt area.

Day starts with morning tea at 10.00am and the program starts at 10.30am finishing with lunch at 12.30pm. Lunch costs $10.00 and you can book by going to the following link: www.trybooking.com/CDZUV

 

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Call for Auditors

The Uniting Church SA Synod Financial Services Team currently requires additional assistance from suitably qualified auditors (CPA, CA or Registered Company Auditor) to provide audit services to Uniting Church SA congregations and other entities. Fees are to be negotiated directly with the congregation and prospective auditors will need to have their own ABN as well as appropriate insurance. If you or someone you know is available and willing to join a small team to provide this valuable service, please contact Bella Esposito, Financial Services Coordinator on (08) 8236 4251 or via email at Turn on Javascript! for further information.

 

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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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Spiritual Care Volunteers Needed

Do you have some pastoral skills and time? Flinders Medical Centre, The Repatriation Precinct and Noarlunga Hospital are looking for more volunteers to visit patients to provide emotional and spiritual support. Training will be provided and free parking each time you come to volunteer. You will be working with the Spiritual Care Coordinator Rev Leanne Jenski and other chaplains. Please phone Leanne on 0468 537 360 or email Turn on Javascript! for more information.

 

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October Refugee Advocacy Guide - A Letter-writing Action and Postcard Campaign

 

At the June 2022 Synod meeting, we committed to continue to advocate for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees using ‘Priorities for Change’. This and other resources for congregations are available to view on the Synod website: UCA SA - Refugees: Resources for Congregations.

A four-page letter-writing action guide including a template is prepared to help individuals and congregations advocate to the Australian government, fulfilling its promise of pathways to permanency for those on temporary visas without further delay. You can download the guide at this link Refugee Advocacy Guide-October 2022.pdf.

In collaboration with other Synods, we are also encouraged to take part in a postcard campaign on the Increased Humanitarian Protection Program. To request postcards, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, by emailing Turn on Javascript! or phone
(08) 826 4244.

 

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

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

 

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