News, Notices & Prayer points - 27th February 2024

Posted in News

News & Notices – 27th February 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 27th February 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For those experiencing weather extremes, with loss of property due to fire and floods
  • For all students as they commence the new year both at school and university; and for the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology staff and students as Semester 1 begins this week
  • For a peaceful and urgent resolution to the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.

 

 

 

2024 Lent Resource: Daily Prayer-Action Calendar to Cultivate Public Discipleship

Drawing on the UnitingWorld's 40 Days of Faithful Action For God's Creation lent event and other justice resources, this Lenten prayer and action guide is prepared to help individuals and congregations to cultivate public discipleship through taking time to pray, lament, advocate, and take concrete actions towards coming reconciliation and renewal of the whole creation. You can download the guide at this link: 2024 Lent Prayer - Action Calendar.pdf

 

------------------------------------------

  

40 days of faithful action for God’s creation! 

Lent Event - 14 Feb to 28 Mar 2024. During Lent this year, UnitingWorld is challenging us to take 40 days of faithful action for God’s creation. Climate change is the biggest threat to the world. Climate change is worsening every threat to peace, security and human wellbeing in our world.  

This Lent, commit to action – Personal change, Practical support, Political advocacy – for the world we want to see: hopeful, peaceful, life in abundance for all. 

  • Commit to making a significant change in your life that benefits creation. Suggestions for action here. 
  • Donate to support critical climate action in vulnerable communities in the Pacific and Asia, through projects led by our international church partners. 
  • Sign up for a fundraising challenge for individuals or church groups to raise more!  
  • Speak up and advocate for climate justice.

Lent Event resources include:

  • A weekly video series from our partner churches for individual or church use 
  • A daily email series with reflection and ideas for action (subscribe here) 
  • Promotional assets for newsletters and social posting 

Find out more at www.lentevent.com.au. 

 

------------------------------------------

 

Effective Living Centre in 2024

The centre has a great program of events coming up this year including the new Progressive Christianity Forum (successor to Seminary of the Third Age) and a series on Readers and Writers, as well as old favourites such as Poets Corner, Social Issues and Wilkes Oration. For more information and to download the 2024 Program Brochure, please visit: EffectiveLivingCentre (ucasa.org.au)

The Effective Living Centre is a recognised Mission Centre of Uniting Church in SA. You can participate in their programs or support the work of the centre by becoming a Friend of ELC: Friends of ELC 2024 | Humanitix

 

------------------------------------------

 

Nunyara 75th Anniversary Celebration Service

In 2024, Nunyara Conference Centre celebrates 75 years of providing exceptional Christian hospitably and service to the South Australian community.

To mark the occasion, a Celebration Service will be conducted at Nunyara in The Chapel on Sunday 14 April 2024 commencing at 2:00pm followed by afternoon tea and a tour of the venue.

RSVPs for catering purposes including special diets should be sent to Turn on Javascript!

 

------------------------------------------

 

One Day Conference South Australian 2024 History Festival

The recently formed South Australian Church History Network (SACHN) invites you to register for their One Day Conference on 4th May 2024, as part of this year’s History Festival. The theme of the day is Paradise of Dissent Revisited. Papers of 20 minutes will be presented and will open up and examine areas in which churches and Christians influenced social and public life.

Early responses indicate that the event will be full of variety and interest and draw on most South Australian church traditions. Papers will explore the notion of SA as a ‘Paradise of Dissent’ and encourage further research and publication.

The SACHN involves historians from several Christian denominations (currently Anglican, Baptist, Salvation Army, Uniting Church) who are concerned with the recognition of SA religious history within the broader history of the state and within the religious history of Australia as a whole. Its aims are to increase awareness of the Christian presence in, and contribution to, SA life and history from 1836.

Those registering for the day will receive a detailed program including timetable and topics of papers. To find out more and to register contact the convenor of SACHN, Rev Dr Dean Eland at Turn on Javascript!.

The conference fee is $30 and the last date for registration is Monday 29th April. The conference will be held at The Church of the Trinity, (UCA) 318 Goodwood Road, Clarence Park. Generous onsite parking is available on the northern side of the church site.

 

------------------------------------------

 

International Day of Disabled Persons – Video Series

The theme of the 2023 International Day of Disabled Persons was ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’

The Synod Task Group (STG) into the Disability Royal Commission highlighted this day as a time where we can focus on making our congregations, services and offices more accessible, inclusive and fairer for people with disabilities.

The STG has produced a series of short videos to assist people in thinking about how they can be proactive in supporting people with disabilities. Bruce Ind, Chair of the STG, and one of its members Rev Peter McDonald have been instrumental in developing these videos. The emphasis in the videos is to ensure that the voices of people with lived experience comes through as well as the interests of carers and community organisations.

The videos are now available on the Synod website at this link: UCA SA - Synod Disability Taskforce

 

------------------------------------------

 

Summary of Review of Missional Needs & Opportunities

In 2023 the Mission & Leadership Development Board (MLDB) commissioned AngelWings to conduct a review of the missional needs and opportunities in the SA Synod to inform their decisions on how to best fulfill their mandate over the next 5-10 years. That review is 38 pages, and was not intended to be a public document, as it contains information and recommendations pertaining to specific roles, programs, and personnel that may have implications for people’s positions. However there is much in it that is beneficial for the whole Synod, so the MLDB have prepared a summary which can be read here.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Grant Opportunities

Tea Tree Gully Community Grants

Applications are now open and will close at 4pm, Tuesday 19 March 2024 Council's community grants program consists of one-off financial grants for community groups and not-for-profit organisations. Grants are provided for activities, programs, events and initiatives that provide clear benefits for our community.

Please visit the community grants webpage to read through the policy, guidelines, check your eligibility and to submit your application here. 

To to discuss your project idea and to confirm your eligibility Turn on Javascript!or phone 8397 7444.

Celebrate Together Grants 2024-25

The celebrate together grants assist multicultural organisations to host festivals and events to share their cultures, customs and traditions with all South Australians. There are two categories of grants available under Celebrate Together:

  • Large Grants from $5,001 to $30,000 are available for festivals and events that can be delivered within 12 months, commencing in July 2024.
  • Small Grants (Round 1) of up to $5,000 are available for festivals and events to be held between 1st July 2024 and 31st December 2024.

The online application form and Funding Guidelines are available now on the Multicultural Affairs website. Grants close 11pm, 24th March 2024.

Environmental Grant

The City of Port Adelaide Enfield is pleased to advise that Environmental Grant applications are also currently open and will close on Friday 29th March 2024. The Environmental Grants Program encourages environmental project initiatives that will protect and enhance the sustainability and environment of the local area. More information  on how to apply and guidelines for project funding can be found here.

Mark Butler MP Grants

The office of Mark Butler MP has compiled a list of key grants that may be available to organisations in the electorate of Hindmarsh across the Western Suburbs. The MPs office has also established an online Grants Hub which will be regularly updated. You can access the Grants Hub at markbutler.net.au/community/grants.

2023/24 Strengthening Inclusive Pathways to Employment Grants

Currently open and closing 3pm on 3 April 2024. Applications are open to organisations with socially inclusive projects or programs focused on building practical skills for employment and volunteering.

This funding opportunity is a one-off grant of up to $50,000 for:

  • Building digital connectivity and capability for public access in communities, such as Wi-Fi connectivity in regional and remote areas, IT equipment for training, and community inclusion and participation, digital literacy for priority focus groups.
  • Providing equipment and resources to deliver or expand on-the-job training opportunities.
  • Improving Access to information and resources with the development of formats including Easy Reads, First Nations languages and video resumes.
  • Support for delivery of Learners License driving programs for learners from the priority focus groups to gain on road driving experience.
  • Providing equipment and resources to develop or expand Social Enterprises.
  • Building the inclusive practices of organisations. Examples could include Cultural Sensitivity/Cultural Competence training, Diversity training, Rainbow Tick accreditation, Autism Awareness training.
  • Access improvements including ramps, installation of handrails, automatic doors, office, and bathroom modifications.

For the Strengthening Inclusive Pathways to Employment Grants or to apply please visit:  https://dhs.sa.gov.au/how-we-help/grants/available-grants/strengthening-inclusive-pathways-to-employment-grants

2023/24 Social Impact Round 2 Grants

Opening 5 March 2024 and Closing 3pm on 4 April 2024. Applications are open for grant funding in support of initiatives that help create strong and inclusive communities, that advance social and emotional wellbeing for people living and working in South Australia.

This funding opportunity is a one-off grant of up to $10,000 for:

  • Minor upgrades to infrastructure to encourage participation especially in regional and remote areas. Examples are disability access upgrades or inclusions, counselling rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, or community spaces.
  • Establish or expand community gardens for locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables.
  • Materials and resources for programs that enable, encourage and or increase participation in community activities.
  • Equipment purchases, to establish or improve a program or a facility to ensure it is a safe space for all participants/community members. Examples are IT equipment, digital technology, catering equipment, furniture, air conditioning.
  • Marketing and contingency costs can make up 10% of combined budget request.

Social Impact Grant Round Guidelines will be available at the following link: website.

 

------------------------------------------

 

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.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC)

SERC is now calling for submissions for the 2024 award. The award is given each year to a congregation that has done most to foster ecumenical relations within their local community and SERC is grateful to the Synod for the continued funding of the Award. Submissions can be made either in writing or electronically which should be received by the secretary, Don Hopgood 19 Ray Ave, Morphett Vale 5162. Turn on Javascript!. No later than April 30th 2024. Use words and pictures (if possible) to make clear what you have undertaken and the measure of your success.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Sally Stamp

Sally Stamp thanks all churches, businesses and people who have donated stamps for 2023 and ask that you continue for 2024. They have commenced the new year with a healthy bank balance and will be able to fund a shipment for South Pacific School Aid Inc. to send books and aid to the Pacific Islands. Stamp Collections no longer required can be assessed free of charge. Maxine Haines, Convenor, email: Turn on Javascript!, mobile 0427 972 417.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Uniting College Opening Chapel

You are invited to the share in the Uniting College Opening Chapel.
Wednesday February 28th
12:30pm including sharing in lunch and worship together

Please RSVP for catering purposes to Turn on Javascript!

This event welcomes the extended Uniting Church community to mark the beginning of the new semester and pray for students, faculty and staff.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Thank you Rev Dr Tim Hein

Share drinks and nibbles to give thanks for and acknowledge the significant contribution of Rev Dr Tim Hein as Executive Officer, Mission and Leadership Development.

Thursday February 29th, 4:00pm
Please RSVP to Lois Manolakos Turn on Javascript!

 

More from News

Subscribe to receive News articles by email >

Comments

Comments (3)