News, Notices & Prayer points - 25th July 2023

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News & Notices – 25th July 2023

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 25th July, 2023 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For the community of Mount Gambier Uniting Church after their manse was badly damaged by fire; we pray for them to know God’s comfort and for ease in recovery
  • For the success of our Australian Women’s Soccer Team, the Matildas, as they compete in the Women’s World Cup
  • For our primary, high school and university students as they head back to study this week.

 

 

 

NCLS Webinar – Thriving and Resilient Leadership

NCLS Research will be presenting a free webinar on Wednesday, 2nd August entitled ‘Thriving and Resilient Leadership.’ This webinar explores latest findings and reflections on how Australian church leaders are coping and what factors contribute to their resilience. Findings are based on the results from the 2021-22 NCLS Leader Survey by NCLS Research.

This event is free, tickets are available at:https://events.humanitix.com/ncls-thriving-and-resilient-leadership. 

 

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Suicide Awareness and Prevention Banners free to congregations

Scots Church Adelaide is seeking expressions of interest from congregations who would like to display a banner for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day which is 10th September, 2023. The banner and accompanying ribbons and ribbon box encourages passersby to tie ribbons in memory of people who have died by suicide. To take part, please contact Jill Lienert by emailing: Turn on Javascript! before 31st July. Delivery can be arranged.

 

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MediaCom Education Update 

A new addition to MediaCom, and recommended by Dr Deidre Palmer. Love is the Way, Holding onto Hope in Troubled Times, by Bishop Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

Bishop Curry, son of a civil rights activist, expands on the sermon he delivered at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the redemptive power of love. Here, he expands on his message of hope in an inspirational road map for living the way of love, illuminated with moving lessons from his own life. RRP $49.95 + postage and handling.

 

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Congregational Resource on the Voice

A two-page resource explains why the Uniting Church supports the change, a position informed by our covenant commitment with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and our Christian call to work for practical and meaningful change that ensures all can live life abundantly.

The resource includes:

  • Simple information on why a Voice is needed, how it will work and how it will make a difference
  • Connections to our Covenant with UAICC
  • A section on 'what the Bible says'
  • Helpful starting points for a conversation.

Here is the link to the Assembly webpage, A Voice to Parliament in 2 pages - Uniting Church Australia and click here to download, print and share in your community!

 

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HopeFULL – State Youth Conference 2023

What is there to hope in? It's a question we are finding teenagers asking in our Uniting Church youth ministries. On 9th of September 2023 we (local youth ministries in collaboration with Mission Resourcing) are running 'hopeFULL', a State Youth Conference for high school years 7-12.

At 'hopeFULL', teenagers will explore:

  • Worship experiences that will help them encounter God
  • Inspiring and challenging messages from Courtney Lush, Youth Pastor of New Life Uniting Church
  • Electives that will help you to follow Jesus in a bunch of different ways, from ‘understanding pain and suffering’ to ‘hearing God’s voice’
  • Opportunities to make new friends and connect with other young people
  • A whole lotta of fun.

Do you have a teenager in your life? Please invite them and encourage them to register, it's going to be a simply wonderful event. Registrations can be made at this link: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/state-youth-conference-2023-2138592381

 

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Awareness raising sessions on the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament

A group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous advocates for The Voice at Pilgrim Uniting Church are available to run an engaging workshop on the topic at your church or in your community.

The session can be either 45 minutes or 60 minutes and starts with a Welcome to Country by a Kaurna elder who is a member of the Pilgrim Church. Originally, designed to engage people of all faiths and cultures, the group has also run successful workshops with Pilgrim UC communities. The workshops cover the background to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for a Voice to Parliament and engages participants in reflecting their own understandings about the topic. Importantly, participants can also document any questions or arguments against the proposed constitutional change which they might have heard so that responses can be discussed.

The workshop presenters of these session would prefer to meet with representatives from interested groups to make sure that the session can be tailored to your needs. Contacts: Marelle Harisun Turn on Javascript! or Uncle Allen Edwards Snr Turn on Javascript!

 

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Grant Opportunities

Uniting Foundation Grant Round Now Open

Congregations, faith communities and individuals are invited to consider applying for financial assistance with projects which will enhance and potentially increase their missional effectiveness.

Application close 31st July 2023. Eligibility information, application forms and draft position description template are located at: https://sa.uca.org.au/uniting-foundation/applying-for-a-grant.

Expand Together
The Expand Together grants assist multicultural organisations to expand their capacity by upgrading community facilities or purchasing equipment to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Apply for up to $100,000. Applications for Round 2 opened on 1st June 2023 and close on 30th August 2023. Find out more.

Alexandrina Council Grants Program
The Alexandrina Council Grants Program is now open until 22nd August 2023. Grant categories include: Community Environment Grant; Community Wellbeing Grant; and Business Initiatives Grant. A further round of grants will also open on 1st August 2023 – 30th April 2024 and these categories include: Youth Sponsorship Program; Community Events Grant; Heritage Grant; and Creative Community Grant. Information sessions and grant details are available at this link: Alexandrina Grants Program | Alexandrina Council.

Securing Faith-based Places
The Securing Faith-Based Places grant opportunity aims to assist faith-based places and spaces to improve security and safety.

The objective of the program is to support religious schools and pre-schools, places of worship and faith-based community centres to address the risk of crime and violence motivated by religious or racial intolerance through the installation or upgrade of security infrastructure and/or the engagement of security guards at those sites. For more information and how to apply please visit: Current Grant Opportunity View - GO6276: GrantConnect (grants.gov.au)

 

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Uniting Conversations: Be Slavery Free – Exploited Labour and Ethical Purchasing

You are invited to join a conversation led by Carolyn Kitto, Fuzz Kitto and Ramila Chanisheff about modern day slavery, exploited labour and ethical purchasing. At Seacliff Uniting Church, 7.00 pm on Sunday, August 6th. Supper is free. A gold coin donation is requested to help offset cots. Registration is not essential, but can be done via the Seacliff Uniting Church website, located at this link: Seacliff Uniting Church | A community of the Uniting Church in Seacliff South Australia (seacliffuc.org.au)

 

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Deeper Camp 2023

Deeper is a yearly youth and young adult camp run by The Corner Uniting Church on the October long weekend. Organisers provide a safe and inclusive space for young people (Year 7 to 21 years of age) to have fun, explore their faith and build community. This year the theme is ‘Just as you are’ with a focus on remembering we are all loved by God just as we are. This event runs from the 29th September to October 2nd. More information is available at this link: Deeper Camp 2023 – The Corner Uniting Church (ucasa.org.au).

 

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Disaster and Recovery Ministries

Would you be prepared to offer a ministry of presence, care and comfort to people affected in times of great need?

You are invited to train as a chaplain for Disaster and Recovery Ministries SA. Coordinated by the Uniting Church in SA, they provide training and coordinate teams of people from many faith groups who are able to provide pastoral and spiritual support to others in the community during times of disaster and subsequent recovery.

For more information, with training dates the 10th and 11th October, please download the flyer located at this link: UCA SA - Disaster and Recovery Chaplain Training

 

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Voice Banners now available

The Synod of VIC/TAS has designed a banner in support of the Voice to Parliament and the banner has been endorsed by the National Assembly. There are four colour options for those congregations that wish to display a banner in support of the Voice to Parliament. The designs are available to view at this link: UCA SA - Voice to Parliament Resources

If you would like to order a banner please email the Engagement Ministry Centre at Turn on Javascript! and include the following details with your order:

  • Name of congregation
  • Name of contact person at congregation
  • Type of banner required e.g. corflute, canvas
  • Size of banner, please include number of eyelets required
  • Indicate colour choice of your design (3 options to choose from)
  • Clearly indicate any additional words you would like included in the design.

There is no design fee, however there will be a print and postage and handling fee for all requests. Once an order is received, Engagement will let you know the print quote cost for your banner, before progressing your requirements.

 

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Uniting Church National History Society 2023 Conference (24th – 27th August 2023)

Registrations for the Uniting Church National History Society's 2023 Conference are now open. For information and details about how to register for the conference please download the promotional flyer at this link or contact Judy Orme email: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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National Lay Preachers Conference 2023 (4th – 7th August 2023)

The Queensland Synod is pleased to host on behalf of the National Lay Preacher Committee, the 2023 National Conference of Lay Preachers to be held Friday 4th August to Monday 7th August 2023 at Alexandra Park Conference Centre, Sunshine Coast Queensland.

For Lay Preachers, prospective Lay Preachers and those interested in leading worship. Share in a wonderful few days and be encouraged, supported and challenged in your ministry. Further information is available at this link: National Conference of Lay Preachers 2023 - Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod (ucaqld.com.au)

 

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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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Volunteering Red Dove Café 2023

There are just over 6 weeks away for the Red Dove Café for 2023 at the Royal Adelaide Show. Money raised from this café goes to mission in South Australia. The organisers are seeking people to fill 800+ shifts for the period 1st – 10th September this year. If you are interested please contact Volunteer Coordinators, on email Turn on Javascript! or call Janet on 0432 271 757.

 

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Listening Circles – Listening with our Heart

Understanding the Uluru Statement from the Heart and Referendum. Rev Anne Hewitt is happy to facilitate a Listening and Learning time with your Church, community and local ecumenical networks, to offer space and prayerful insight, for greater understanding, concerns or questions. She looks forward to hearing from you, to arrange a suitable date, time and space, to assist those who wish to understand more, so they feel educated and equipped in their decision making later in the year. City and regional areas considered. Contact, Rev Anne Hewitt, Mobile: 0475 016 789 or email Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Rural Access SALA Exhibition Neuroscience and Art

Kangaroo Island Neuroscientist and Artist Rupshi Mitra will display her art-work at Scots Church Adelaide McGregor Hall throughout August. Gallery opens: Fridays 12.00 – 5.00 pm; Saturdays 10.00 am – 4.00 pm; Sundays 12.00 – 3.00 pm. Gallery opening will be held 1.00 pm on Friday, 4th August. Location: 237 North Terrace, Adelaide. Further information: 0409 178 465. SALA Number 077.

 

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Do you feel comfortable visiting people in hospital?

St Andrew’s Hospital is now reinstating its Pastoral Visitors’ program after the COVID-19 years. Rev Leanne Jenski is looking for people who might like to join the ecumenical team and visit the Uniting Church patients. You will need to have had 3 or more COVID vaccinations and have a current police check. Please contact Rev Jenski on 0417 863 635 or email Turn on Javascript!, Coordinating Chaplain at St Andrew’s Hospital.

 

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Lay Preachers’ Sunday

The first Sunday in August is recognised in South Australia as Lay Preachers’ Sunday. This year it falls on Sunday week, August 6th. All Uniting Church congregations in SA are encouraged to celebrate and recognise the invaluable work of Lay people in preaching and leading worship every week. Suggestions for a liturgy, and some notes for preachers, are available on the Synod website at this link: UCA SA - Lay Preachers.

 

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Service of Induction – Rev Dr Sarah Agnew

All are welcome to attend the induction at Christ Church Uniting Church, 26 King William Road, Wayville for Rev Dr Sarah Agnew on Sunday, 13th August 2023 at 2.00 pm. The service will be conducted by Rev Diane Bury and the preacher will be Rev Andrew Robertson. Afternoon tea will follow the service. RSVP by Monday, 7th August 2023 to Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Code of Ethics Dates 2023 – Bookings for August and September NOW OPEN

The dates for both face-to-face and online refreshers of the Code of Ethics in 2023 have now been set as follows:

All ministry agents who are either in placement, awaiting placement or providing supply are expected to complete a refresher session each year.

Bookings for the first 3 courses can be accessed at this link: Events Calendar – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au)

8 August              Playford UC - 1.00pm to 4.00pm

23 August            Online 1.30pm to 4.00pm           

6 September        Enfield UC - 9:30am to 12.00pm

Bookings opening soon:

17 October          Online 1.30pm to 4.00pm  

26 October          Online 9:30am to 12.00pm 

30 November      Rosefield UC - 1.00pm to 4.00pm.

 

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2023 Safe Church Audit

The annual Safe Church Audit is now available until August 25th for congregations to complete. 

The Uniting Church, at both state and national levels, continues to be very active in responding to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. In responding to the questions in this Safe Church Audit it will not only provide a snapshot of the life and activities of your congregation but will indicate your progress of compliance. Collated results will be shared with Presbytery leaders along with other relevant Synod ministry centres.

Communication has been sent to the Safe Church contact and/or the Secretary of each congregation. The questions can be downloaded from the Safe Church website at this link: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/resources/#audit  to enable the data to be prepared prior to the online survey being completed - with one response per congregation required.

 

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Q&A with Noel Pearson: What a Voice to Parliament will mean for Australia Webinar

In conversation with Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Sharon Hollis, hear about Noel Pearson’s journey leading up to this referendum. Noel comes from the Guugu Yimidhirr community of Hopevale on South Eastern Cape York Peninsula and is a widely respected community elder, Australian lawyer and land rights activist.

Noel has described the referendum as the most important vote for Australian people since Federation. In this webinar on 16th August, hear why he thinks a successful referendum is an opportunity to complete Australia.

Further, hear from constitutional lawyer Dr Shireen Morris on how she became involved in advocating and supporting a constitutionally guaranteed Voice to Parliament for Indigenous people. Details and registration can be made at this link: https://uniting.church/qa-with-noel-pearson/

 

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