News, Notices & Prayer points - 27 September 2022

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News & Notices – 27 September 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 27th September 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For Indigenous people and their rights and for greater acceptance of all peoples across bounds of ethnicity and religion
  • For all children that they may be protected from violence and abuse
  • For all who live in poverty or are marginalised.

 

 

 

Synod Strategy and Planning (Mission and Property) Working Group Update

Since the June meeting of the Synod, the working group has been going through the feedback given at the Synod meeting about the report tabled at the meeting. The next stage has commenced of this important project, assessing what is required for the church to meet Synod’s request to present a draft Property Strategy, including maps that identify the number and geographical locations of missionally vibrant and viable communities to the next meeting of the Synod in June 2023.

In the coming weeks and months, the working group will be seeking to work with presbyteries to gather information about congregations using a questionnaire, as well as conversations.

If you would like further information about the working group’s progress or would like to provide input on the draft Property Strategy, please contact Sue Page or Philip Gardner at Turn on Javascript!.

 

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MediaCom Education Update

In 1990 the United Nations established the 1st of October as the International Day of Older Persons. This is a day to celebrate the wisdom, experience, and stories of older people; recognise the joys and challenges of ageing; challenge misconceptions about older persons and ageing; and to enable older persons to realise their potential to build a life of dignity, contribution, and human rights.

MediaCom Education has a range of books on growing old boldly with faith, positive spirit and purposefulness.

As publisher for the Uniting Church in Australia, MediaCom Education also has many resources that speak to the UCAs theology, ministry, administration and identity. They can be viewed and ordered online at: Home - MediaCom Education or by visiting MediaCom at Unit 2, Building 4, 32 – 56 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Mile End, (08) 8371 1399.

 

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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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Research Hour at UCLT

Rev Dr Sean Gilbert will present a paper entitled 'Disruption and the vital place of resonant ministry practice.’ Twice called unexpectedly out of the solitary world of study leave into the relational sphere of funeral leadership, Sean’s presentation traces a recent and surprising pastoral journey. His reflection on that experience is interspersed with insights gleaned from other writers as well as drawing on his own previous research and writings. This event will be held in person at the College on Thursday, October 6th from 12.45 pm – 1.45 pm and will also be offered online via the Zoom link: http://ow.ly/iBmR50KSsoG

 

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September Creation Care Guide – A Letter writing Climate Action

At the June 2022 Synod meeting, a new Synod Climate Action Plan was endorsed including: to encourage and resource Uniting Church members to engage and communicate with their local Federal and State members of Parliament to call for stronger climate action. A two-page letter-writing action guide has been prepared to help individuals and congregations take climate action targeting the Australian Government to oppose further development of fossil fuel projects. You can download the guide at this link Letter-writing action on ending funding for fossil fuel extraction-September 2022.pdf. A four-page Synod Climate Action Plan is also available to view here. SA Synod Climate Action Plan 2022-2030-adopted June 2022 Synod meeting.pdf. For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, by emailing Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244. 

 

 

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Life FM Community Festival

Radio Station Life FM is planning a Community Festival Day at its premises in Hendon. The day will include live music, stalls, amusements and tours of the Life FM studio. Organisers are reaching out to churches across Adelaide to come together to help provide free fun activities for families and to show Christ’s love in a non-threatening environment. Life FM are seeking volunteers willing to come and represent your church while helping run games and activities. Saturday, October 22nd from 11.00 am – 3.00 pm, contact Kit Densley on 0466 547 158.

 

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Expression of Interest – Synergy Committee

Synergy is a collective buying group, established by the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia. It combines the buying power of 17 Uniting Church associated organisations in the aged care, health care, community, school and church sectors to obtain the best value for money from suppliers. Synergy currently manages 16 contracts valued at over $25m per annum. Contracts cover the categories of facilities management, energy, health and aged care services and business services. Aside from procurement and contract management, Synergy also runs events throughout the year to bring member organisations together to network, collaborate and learn.

The Synergy Committee is seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced individuals for the role of Committee member. The committee is seeking two volunteer members who will be appointed based on their skills and experience. More information and how to apply is available at this link: UCA SA - Synergy Committee - Expression of Interest.

 

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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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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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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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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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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: SOC-2022-Celebration-Guide-Final-English.pdf

An adaptable Powerpoint slides for Prayer Service with some Australian songs is available for download here: Prayer Service for the Season of Creation 2022.pptx

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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Willunga Uniting Church Cemetery

A memorial has been installed recognising the unmarked, predominately children's graves, that are in the church cemetery. There are over one hundred unmarked graves in the cemetery. The official opening of the memorial for the Unmarked Graves will take place on Sunday, October 16th at 12.00 noon. This will be followed by a light lunch at Bethany Hall. The Willunga Uniting Church Cemetery is located next to the church at 33 St Andrews Terrace, Willunga. RSVP not essential, but preferred by reply email for catering purposes -Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Request for Wool

The Women’s Prison is seeking donations of wool and stuffing and is currently in need of any and all colours, but also a big need for reds and black as production of crotchet poppies for Remembrance Day in November is in full swing. Poppies will be sold for a gold coin donation and the proceeds will be donated to the Anzac Appeal. Other wool will be used to make toys, blankets, scarves and beanies to be donated to the APY Lands, Catherine House and hospitals. 14 bags of woollen items were donated two months ago to the above places and were highly appreciated. People can contact Rev Frances Bartlett/Bartholomeusz on 0407687311, or at the Semaphore Uniting Church Thursday and Friday. Donations can be dropped into the Semaphore Uniting Church OP Shop from Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am – 3.00 pm (146 Semaphore Road, Exeter).

 

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Calling all Suicide Awareness Banners

Over the past 11 years, Scots Church Adelaide has provided Suicide Prevention Day banners to Uniting Church congregations across South Australia. We would like to be able to document this project with photographs of banners where they hang each year. Could any congregation who has received a banner from Scots Church please send us a photograph of the banner and any connected activity. It will be helpful, if sending photographs previous to this year please do indicate the date. Thank you in advance, Jill Lienert: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Sally Stamp

As the year draws to a close the Sally Stamp group would like to thank all that have donated stamps this year. Donations have been made to the South Pacific School Aid and Outback Pastor as a result of stamp donations. As we move towards Christmas you are asked to please save your stamps which can be dropped into the Synod office in Pirie Street. For further information please contact Maxine Haines on 0427 972 417.

 

Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 20th September 2022

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

 

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