News, Notices & Prayer points - 23 August 2022

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News & Notices – 23 August 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 23rd August 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For all people working across the Uniting Church to nurture a culture of safety, security and equality so that all may flourish in our communities
  • For those from the Uniting Church preparing to take part in the World Council of Churches Assembly
  • For those across the world experiencing the harsh impacts of climate change.

 

 

New opportunities for welcoming refugees in local communities

Uniting Church congregations and faith groups have long been at the forefront of welcoming refugees to Australia. Now your congregation can take the next step and welcome newly arrived Afghan evacuees and other refugees referred by the UNHCR living in our communities. The Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) allows us to do just that. The CRSA are looking for volunteers, individuals and groups, to be a part of their Group Mentorship and the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) Programs.

Here’s how it works:

  • Volunteers are groups of at least 5 adults who live near each other. The group offers support to a refugee household (The household is on a refugee or humanitarian visa with full access to Centrelink, Medicare, Work Rights etc.)
  • The group volunteers 10+ hours of support per week between them.
  • Group provides ongoing practical support as required e.g. social connection, assist with driving lessons, finding employment.

How to get involved:

Please let Synod Refugee Advocacy group know your interest in the program (Contact convenor Rev Paul Turley Turn on Javascript! or Justice Officer Paul Goh Turn on Javascript!).

 

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Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee Award South Australia

The Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) is indeed grateful to the Synod for the continued funding of the Ecumenical Award which for 2022 was won by the Fulham-Henley Uniting Church.

The award is given each year to a congregation that has done most to foster ecumenical relations within the local community. SERC is now calling for submissions for the 2023 award either in writing or electronically and should be received by the secretary,

Don Hopgood, email Turn on Javascript!

No later than April 30th 2023. Use word and pictures (if possible) to make clear what you have undertaken and the measure of your success.

The award recipient will receive $600, or this amount may be divided between two or more entrants if appropriate. All entrants will receive a certificate acknowledging their willingness to engage in ecumenical activities and these will be presented at the 2023 Synod meeting.

Should you wish for further information about this award please feel free to contact Velvy Holden (Chairperson SERC) Turn on Javascript! or Don Hopgood (Secretary SERC) Turn on Javascript!

 

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Celebrity Quiz night & Silent Auction

You are invited to support the Circle of Friends at a Celebrity Quiz Night and Silent Auction. Silent Auction available online via https://cofa.org.au/ and at the event.
Bookings at this link: https://tinyurl.com/2ab65ay4. Saturday 27th August 2022 at Burnside City Uniting Church, 384 Portrush Road, Tusmore. Doors open at 6.30pm.
Cost: $20 and BYO everything (coffee and tea will be provided). Book as an individual, a small group or make up a table of eight.

 

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Connecting with Ancestors' Retreat

A weekend of connecting with your spiritual heritage through listening to stories of our ancestors and learning through dialogue between the spirituality of First Nations people and the spirituality of the ancient Celts. More information and details about how to book are available at this link.

 

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Frontier Services – Bush Chaplaincy

Bush Chaplains fulfil a role that most people would struggle to do. Visiting people on properties for a cuppa and a chat, they are often on the frontline for identifying issues. They lend a sympathetic ear and can refer people to other service providers as appropriate. They provide practical, pastoral and spiritual support to those in need.

Travelling tens of thousands of kilometres every year, Bush Chaplains collectively visit thousands of families and individuals (including farmers and miners), but getting to remote locations is one of the biggest expenses. From just $10 per month, you can gift an extra tank of fuel for one of our Bush Chaplains. https://frontierservices.org/bush-chaplaincy/

 

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Emergency Relief

The UnitingCare Emergency Relief Centres are struggling to keep up with the demand from people needing emergency food supplies. The usual sources have reduced supplies because of floods and rising costs. UnitingCare SA encourages congregations to include packaged goods as part of their regular offerings and to then, say monthly, arrange delivery to an Emergency Relief Centre. More information can be found at https://sa.uca.org.au/unitingcare-sa/ or call UnitingCare SA on (08) 8236 4255. The number of people seeking relief is continuing to increase each month and if we all do our bit we can, collectively, help many.

 

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Safe Church Update

It is 3 years since the changes to legislation required a change in the screenings types that ‘persons with roles of responsibilities within the church community’ are expected to have. ‘Working with Children Checks’ are valid for 5 years – so any checks carried out post 1st July 2019 still have another couple of years before renewal is required. However the other screening types of General Probity and Vulnerable Persons are valid for 3 years. Renewal of a previous screening needs to be carried out no more than 6 months prior to the expiry date. Thank you to those who are diligently seeking renewals for these screenings. Reminders will be sent to the contact details given by individuals at the initial time of requesting a check.

For all screening requests and more information: Safe Church Resources – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au)

Upcoming training: ‘Through their Eyes – Safe Environments for Children and Young People: Saturday 17th September, The Corner Uniting Church, 93 Oaklands Road, Warradale, is hosting a full day course (9:30am – 4:00pm). Bookings are essential and can be registered at this link: Events Calendar – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au).

Cost $30.00 per attendee. Morning Tea provided, BYO lunch.

 

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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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Items for Sale

Unity Hill Uniting Church (Port Lincoln) has the following items currently for sale: Baptism font, Holy Communion Table, Pulpit, Holy Communion rails and sets of TIS and AHB books. If interested please contact Kay Brace on 0428 221 140.

 

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Thuruna Campsite – 60th Anniversary – Save the Date!

Thuruna will celebrate 60 years of ministry, service and hospitality to the people of the Eyre Peninsula and beyond. A commemorative worship service and afternoon tea is planned for Sunday, 23rd October, 2022 at Thuruna commencing at 2.00 pm. All welcome. Enquiries and RSVPs can be made by emailing Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Uniting Conversations

In these uncertain times there are and will continue to be increasing numbers of people who are refugees coming to Australia whether for political, economic, climate or other reasons. Listening to refugees and their advocates and hearing their stories is important before we can understand how best to offer assistance to them. Walking in Refugees’ Shoes is an event being held on Sunday, September 4th from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm at the Seacliff Uniting church, 5 Wheatland Street, Seacliff. For more information and to book for this event please visit: Uniting Conversations - Walking in Refugees’ Shoes Tickets, Sun 04/09/2022 at 7:00 pm | Eventbrite.

 

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Leading Youth Ministry Teams

Join leadership expert Craig Bailey in unpacking and understanding the dynamics of team youth ministry. You will explore: team purpose, mechanics and dynamics, team culture, communication and covenanting.

This event is best experienced with your whole youth ministry team!

Barista Coffee will be available. Saturday, 3rd September, from 9.00 am – 12.00 noon at Westbourne Park Uniting Church, 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn. Registrations essential at this link: Leading Youth Ministry Teams (eventzilla.net).

 

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Regenerating Australia Movie Screening

Members of the public are invited to a free viewing of the climate action movie ‘Regenerating Australia’ on 27th August at the Blackwood Uniting Church from 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm.

This is a short film, by the creative team behind the award-winning film '2040,’ and the screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion about how we can, as individuals and as a community, work toward regenerating Australia.

 

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Season of Creation 2022 Worship Resources available now

The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration of prayer and action for God’s beautiful Earth. From 1st September – 4th October, the global Christian family around the world unites to pray, protect, and advocate for God’s creation. This year's theme is ‘Listen to the Voice of Creation’ and the full guide and resources are available to download here: https://seasonofcreation.org/.

With the theme of ‘Time to Turn Around,’ the West Australian Synod Social Justice Commission also offers a liturgy outline, sermon reflections, children’s activities and adaptable Powerpoint slides for each week and these are available for download here Sustainable September – Ecochurches WA.

Also, Common Grace offers a range of resources to engage with throughout this season. Find links to prayers, songs and reflections that can be used as part of your church or faith community’s engagement with Season of Creation 2022 here.

 

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UCA Child Safe Sunday Resources

Sunday, 4th September is the UCA Child Safe Sunday. Resources are available from the National Safe Church Unit and include a President’s video message (for use in the week leading up to the 4th September and on the day itself); President’s prayer; Powerpoint for Ministers and leaders/others to use in group settings; and a colouring in activity for children. Please visit: https://safechurch.uca.org.au/resources/ the folder is under Congregations & Presbyteries/UCA Child Safe Sunday Resources.

 

Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 16th August 2022

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

 

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