News, Notices & Prayer points - 24th September 2024

Posted Sep 24, 2024 in News

News & Notices – 24th September 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 24th September 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

For staff, volunteers, and chaplains that work in Frontier Services, asking that they receive encouragement, energy, and wisdom as they carry out their work in often harsh and remote conditions
For people around the world feeling hopeless, anxious, or lost, especially in areas of extreme poverty, violence, or crisis
For young people as they make decisions about their future—whether in education, careers, or relationships. We seek God’s guidance to provide direction, wisdom, and discernment as they navigate life’s challenges.

Peer Support and Resilience Workshop

Rev Dr Stephen Robinson serves as the National Disaster Recovery Officer for the Uniting Church. With years of experience in crisis and disaster ministry, he has deeply reflected on how trauma affects ministers and faith communities, often revealing a lack of preparedness to respond effectively and manage the aftermath.

Supported by a Churchill Fellowship, Stephen conducted research and interviewed faith leaders about their responses to violent attacks on houses of worship. His study included the Christchurch Mosque mass shooting, the assassination of a British MP at a UK Methodist Church, and other significant incidents involving synagogues and churches. These events have profoundly impacted the lives of those involved.

Drawing from the lessons learned and the ongoing challenges, Stephen will delve into the critical dynamics that unfold when a community and congregation face a crisis. He will discuss who and what resources will be available to support ministers and leaders during these times of need and how we can better equip ourselves to respond and recover in the face of threats and loss. This is an essential event you won’t want to miss!

Who should attend: This one-day workshop will be of benefit to Ministers, Chaplains and pastoral care leaders. Thursday 3^rd October from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm at Westbourne Park Uniting Church. Bookings for attendance and catering are required at this link:

Peer Support and Resilience (eventzilla.net)

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Creating Authentic Online Communities

Explore what it might mean to engage in hybrid discipleship formation. Workshop #3 for worship leaders and technical crew will be held at Westbourne Park Uniting Church on Thursday 26^th September, 7.30-9.00pm. Dr Craig Mitchell will provide some input on developing an approach to online discipleship formation. Rev David Hoffman and team from Westbourne Park will talk about their online worship and give a tour of their technical setup. Cost $10pp or $40 group. Hosted by the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts. More info and bookings here.

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Synod 2024 Meeting Update

As we continue to plan and prepare for the forthcoming Synod meeting, the nomination and election process for boards and committees to be held in the lead up to and at the Synod meeting in October are now open. There are vacancies occurring on some Synod committees, councils or boards. Some are filled by appointment, and some are filled by the nomination/election process.

Synod members are reminded to please register online by 30^th September. A link to the registration portal has been sent via email. Nominations are now open for Synod Standing Committee, Stipends Committee and Placements Committee Chairperson. Nominations close on Thursday 24^th October at 3:30pm, but it is preferred that they be in by Friday 11^th October.

Members of the Synod are now invited to submit nominations for vacant positions and the Nomination form is available for download at this link: UCA SA - Synod Meeting 2024. A number of reports are also now available for review at the same link. Please keep checking the website as they will be updated regularly.

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Christmas 2024 Resources for Congregations

As you prepare your Christmas worship services a selection of social media graphics, poster, 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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Apologia – Cancellation of the Workshop ‘Let’s Get Real’

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Workshop ‘Let’s Get Real’ on 8^th October from 9.00 am - 12.30 pm at Uniting SA Learning Hubhas had to be cancelled. The Rev Dr. Les Underwood apologises for this and hopes that it does not cause any inconvenience for potential registrants. Les is hopeful that this important conversation can be re-scheduled in 2025.

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Season of Creation 2024

The Season of Creation takes place from 1^st September through to 4^th October. Check out the Uniting Church Australia list of resources for the month, including updated resources from the Assembly to help your community take worship outdoors. The resource has an introduction from President Rev Charissa Suli, who writes: ‘Just as we are called to weave threads of love in our communities, we are equally called to weave these threads into our relationship with creation, recognising that every act of care for the environment is an act of love for our global neighbours and future generations’ Find all the resources at this link.

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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 26^th – 30^th 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

Safe Church trainings: Did you miss the last round of courses offered? Are you waiting for a location near you? Are you looking for a refresher for your knowledge of Mandatory Reporting? Called to Care – our own Uniting Church Safeguarding training is being offered on 13^th October at Bordertown UC. All training sessions require preregistration via the event listing on the Safe Church Events Calendar page: Events Calendar – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au).

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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.

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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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Sally stamp

Thanks are extended again to Churches, Fellowships, Businesses and all people who have donated stamps for the Stamp Group to process. They are about to reimburse funds for South Pacific School Aid Inc to freight books/aids to the Islands and have donated for chairs for Oodnadatta Church, NT. The Stamp Group need more stamps to keep their volunteers busy for the next few months - please put a notice in your Church Newsletters. Pick-up in the metropolitan area can be arranged. Enquiries to Maxine Haines - Convenor - UCA Stamp Group on 0427 972 417or email: Turn on Javascript!.

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MediaCom Update

Currently there are a range of publications and resources for sale in the foyer of the Synod office. These publications are offered at greatly reduced prices and available during office hours at 212 Pirie Street in the Adelaide CBD.

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Taizé Brother Visiting Pilgrim Church

One of the brothers from Taizé will be visiting Adelaide. Pilgrim Church will be hosting a Midday Prayer on 31st October at 12:15pm, followed by a light lunch. Parking midweek can be challenging, so you are encouraged to use public transport or park in one of the nearby carparks (more details at https://pilgrim.org.au/church-access/).

Br Matthew of Taizé shares this prayer: ‘Eternal God, you are the source of all life. Open the ears of our hearts so that we can listen to you. And then we will hear of your love through your Word and through the beauty of your creation. And when we are faced with choices to be made, we would like to decide with you. Therein is our life.’

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Celebrating 170 Years at Findon

At 10.00 am on Sunday, 13^th October at Western Link Uniting Church, 93 Crittenden Road, Findon the original site of the Findon Church known as ‘Old Glory’ will celebrate 170 years. The building is heritage listed by the Charles Sturt Council who have commissioned a commemorative plaque to be mounted in a suitable place. All past members, their families, former Ministers and anyone who had a relationship with ‘Old Glory’ is welcome to attend. Contact Marion on 0437 128 365.

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Craft Display Day

On Thursday, 26^th September come and enjoy the stunning display of Arts and Crafts produced every Thursday. Entry gold coin donation to the Worship Centre. Morning tea, light lunch and coffee cart available from 9.00 am – 1.00 pm. A variety of stalls with items for sale will be available in the hall. Westbourne Park Uniting Church, 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn.

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RUOK 2 Play!

Boardgames. Fun! Giveaways. Pizza. Community. Inclusion. Hilarity on 28^th September and 12^th October from 12.00 noon to 6.00 pm. Find event details at this link: Welcome - St Andrew's by the Sea Uniting Church (standrewsuc.org.au).

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A Life of Pastoral Ministry founded in Scholarship: The Legacy of Robert Iles

Many South Australian readers will be familiar with Rev Dr Robert Iles and his contributions to teaching and pastoral ministry, particularly within the Uniting Church. This year, a fitting tribute to Robert has been published in the form of two volumes, featuring selected lectures and sermons. The first volume contains revised lectures on the 19th-century philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard, originally delivered by Robert to RAAF chaplains.

The second volume includes reflections from former parishioners, as well as a selection of his sermons and writings. The Robert Iles Memorial Trust hosted a series of well-attended lectures, leading to the decision to produce a lasting record of Robert’s ministry and life. A launch event to honour Robert’s work and celebrate the publication of these two volumes will be held at Walkerville Uniting Church, 17 Smith Street, Walkerville, on Sunday, 13th October at 2 pm. This gathering will offer a wonderful opportunity for reunion, with strong public support from Robert’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Guest speakers will include Mary Hawkes and former South Australian Moderator, Rev Rob Williams. The two volumes are available for purchase by contacting: Turn on Javascript!">Turn on Javascript! or Turn on Javascript!">Turn on Javascript!. Cost: $10 per volume, plus postage. Postage is $10 for up to 4 sets of the 2-volume collection.

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Together In Song (TIS) books for Geranium Uniting Church

Do you or your congregation have spare copies of Together in Song (TIS) available?

Our small congregation in Geranium would greatly appreciate having these for our worship services. We are seeking 12 copies. If you are able to assist, please contact Marg Smith at 0427 877 534 or via email at Turn on Javascript!.

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The Essentials: Code of Ethics Foundations Training

The Essentials: Code of Ethics Foundations training will take place on Nov 26^th–27^th, 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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Musical Gathering at Semaphore UC

On Sunday, 29^th September 2024, at 2.00pm, Semaphore Uniting Church will host an afternoon of music featuring Graham Bell on the organ and Stella Panozzo accompanied by Sachiko Hidaka. The program will range from Bach and John Rutter to popular music. Tickets are available at the door for $10. For more information, call 08 8449 3746 or 0407 687 311.

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