News, Notices & Prayer points - 22nd October 2024

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News & Notices – 22nd October 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 22nd October 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For all members as they gather this week for the Synod meeting, may they serve the mission of the church wisely and with compassion
  • For all staff, volunteers and congregations who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes on this year’s Synod meeting
  • For those dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, we ask God to renew their hope and bring peace to their hearts.




 

Synod Prayer Room

 As the Synod meeting approaches, we ask all to pray for the discernment of the church at its annual meeting. We pray for protection, wisdom, and guidance over all ministry agents, congregations and decisions. If you would like to support the meeting by committing to a time of prayer, please register via the following information:

  1. Follow this link to find the Synod 2024 sign-up calendar: 24-7 Prayer International - Sign-Up
  2. Scroll down on the website calendar and select an available hour timeslot
  3. Click ‘proceed as guest,’ and fill in your details so we can share prayer points and updates with you.

 

 

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Mission Resourcing Update

The Mission Resourcing Team including Rev Jennifer Hughes (Executive Officer Mission Resourcing), and the Mission Activators - Rev Dr Paul Goh, Rev Tim Littleford, Melissa Neumann, Rev Nick Patselis and Rev Cyrus Kung - will be inducted and commissioned in the Celebration of Ministry Service during Synod. Rev Scott Litchfield along with other members of the team, Mia Cartledge and Janet Woodward, will also be acknowledged. The Celebration of Ministry Service will be held on October 25th, at 2.00 pm at Adelaide West Uniting Church.

 

 

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Australian Lectionary Worship Resources Update

Liturgy, Learning, and (purposeful) Life and Words for Worship are now available on a new, dedicated website: liturgylearninglife.com. All subscribers, including those with automatic renewals, will need to create a new subscription through the new site, as previous subscriptions from the old MediaCom system are no longer valid. The L3 Advent, Christmas, and After the Epiphany resource will be available for download and delivery at the end of this week. Don't miss out—subscribe today!

 

 

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A new call for papers from the Act2 Project

Earlier in the Act2 Project, the Assembly invited a variety of reflections on the theological culture of the Uniting Church in Australia. As the church looks to the future, it wants to encourage dialogue, debate and theological reflection around the concepts of ‘mission’, ‘discipleship’, ‘evangelism’ and ‘diaconal communities.’ Dedicated work in this area will be led by the Commission for Theology, Formation & Leadership and the National Assembly. Alongside this, the Assembly is pleased to invite contributions from theologians and others who wish to contribute from across the breadth of the Church on one or several of these terms. This could be in any form in any genre including papers, provocations and theological reflections, and may be written or offered in other ways.

 

 

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Synod 2024 Meeting Update

Only 2 days to go until Synod 24. Members of Synod must attend in person, but the whole meeting will be livestreamed on our Facebook page for anyone who would like to watch. The page can be accessed at this link: Facebook.

We are still seeking nominations for Synod Standing Committee and Stipends Committee. Nominations close at 3:30pm on Thursday, so please get them in ASAP. Information and nomination forms can also be found on the Synod website at this link: UCA SA - Synod of South Australia.

 

 

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Christmas 2024 Resources for Congregations

As you prepare your Christmas worship services a selection of social media graphics, posters, PowerPoint template and postcard designs are now available on the Synod website, ready for download. The Moderator’s Christmas theme for 2024 is ‘Through their Eyes.’ Additional resources will be added from time to time, so please check the site on a regular basis.

 

 

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Christmas Worship Services 2024

Please send through your Christmas Worship times and services so they can be featured on the Synod website at this link: UCA SA - Christmas Services 2024. To provide your Christmas Worship times to the 2024 list please email: Turn on Javascript!. For all other Christmas events, please list them in the usual way via our Events submission form available at this link: UCA SA - Submit an event.

 

 

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IRCA Oceania Conference 2025

The International Rural Churches Association’s (IRCA), purpose is to build connections across the southwestern Pacific area and to bring a uniquely antipodean perspective to the IRCA family.

IRCA is hosting an international conference from 26th – 30th May 2025, with the theme ‘Listening to One Another: Sharing Together Struggles and Joy of our rural Churches in Oceania.’ The draft program can be viewed at this link: IRCAOceania2025DraftProgramme.pdf. Further information is available at this link: IRCA Oceania 2025 - International Rural Churches Association.

 

 

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Safe Church Update

The Essentials: Code of Ethics Foundations Training

The Essentials: Code of Ethics Foundations training will take place on 26th – 27th November 2024, at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology in Brooklyn Park, SA. This two-day course focuses on the Uniting Church's Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice, incorporating case studies and written reflections. It is required for candidates for ministry, Ministry of Pastors, and key leaders, with Lay Preachers encouraged to attend. The facilitators for the training will be Rev Dr. Sean Gilbert and Rev Andrew Robertson. Find event details at this link: https://www.eventzilla.net/e/the-essentials-code-of-ethics-foundation-training-2138621894

 

 

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Grant Opportunities

Mark Butler MP Grants Information

A range of grants information is available via the Grants Hub at markbutler.net.au/community/grants.

SA Youth Week 2025 Grants Now Open

Applications are open now until 29th November for one-off grants of up to $2,500 for organisations, including community groups, non-government organisations and local councils to host events during SA Youth Week 2025 in metropolitan and regional South Australia. Events should promote, acknowledge, recognise and celebrate the contributions of young people in our communities.

Visit the grants page to find out more, read the grant guidelines and complete your application. Applications Close 3.00 pm, 29th November 2024.

 

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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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New Worship Music Pack from the CMLA

A new set of five songs from the ‘Walk as One’ Songbook has been released by the Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts. Australian worship songs of blessing, mission, celebration and commitment from Rosemary Dewerse, David MacGregor, Jenni Hughes, Leigh Newton and others. Each song comes with sheet music, audio and video, PowerPoint and lyric text files. Cost $35. Subscribers to the full set of songs receive a bonus song in each pack. More details at cmla.org.au.

 

 

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Have your say in UnitingWorld's strategic development!

UnitingWorld is recruiting participants for a one-hour focus group discussion to be held on Zoom, to gather a range of thoughts and insights about their work. Participants will be thanked with a $50 Visa gift card. They are seeking different types of participants - members of the UCA, those who work with UCA agencies, and people who care about global social justice even though they may not be associated with the UCA. There are a range of dates and times available - find out more and register at: https://unitingworld.typeform.com/focusgroups.

 

 

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Mental Health Month

The Mental Health Month theme for 2024 is 'Let's Talk About It'. This year’s theme, prompts us all to reflect on our mental health and overall wellbeing, irrespective of whether we’ve personally encountered mental illness. It emphasises the significance of maintaining good mental health in our daily lives and encourages a proactive approach to seeking help when necessary. For more information please visit: Mental Health Month | WayAhead.

 

 

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Converge Oceania Conference

Mission Resourcing invites you to the Converge Oceania Conference on Tuesday, November 12th in Adelaide to hear Dr Rowan Lewis share insights on factors influencing discipleship and the faith journeys of young Australians, based on stories from 439 young people. This event is for church leaders, youth workers, chaplains, Christian educators, and parents, offering practical ways to support lifelong discipleship. Join us at Burnside City UC, 3:30-8:30 pm, for $55 (includes a light meal and report). Register at https://www.convergeoceania.com/conference (scroll down and click on Adelaide for the registration link). Financial assistance available; contact Melissa Neumann (Turn on Javascript!) for details.

 

 

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Gartrell Church 110th anniversary

Gartrell Church, Rose Park, will be celebrating 110 years since the opening of the church building, with a worship service at 10.00 am Sunday, 10th November 2024, followed by morning tea / brunch. Past ministers and members of the congregation are welcome to celebrate with all! Email Turn on Javascript!, for catering purposes.

 

 

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