News, Notices & Prayer points - 28 September 2021

Posted in News

News & Notices – 28 Septembr 2021

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 28th September edition of UC e-News

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

Prayer Points for the week:

We pray:

  • For peace with creation, with each other and in our global community
  • For those who are damaged by war, political unrest and trauma may they know welcome, healing and justice
  • For those engaged in acts of care and compassion for the most vulnerable in our community at this time.

 

 

Synod Expo Update

The first of the Synod Expos was held on Saturday, 18th September at the Adelaide West Uniting Church with over 90 people in attendance. It was a great day of sharing – as we listened to the keynote presentation by Rev Canon Dave Male who spoke of the church becoming ‘simpler,’ ‘humbler’ and ‘bolder.’ The breakout workshops were also well attended and for a summary video highlights package of the day please visit this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/synod-expo

 

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

 

Youth Mental Health First-Aid (YMHFA)

Adolescence is a time of important change and development for a young person. It is also the peak age of onset for mental illness. It is commonly recognised that young people are at high risk of developing mental health problems, however the concern is those problems may go undetected in the guise of normal adolescent mood changes and developmental stage challenges. Left undetected, mental health problems can have a lifelong impact; however, the chances of this are significantly reduced with early intervention.

With a focus on improved mental health literacy and awareness, the Youth Mental Health First-Aid course is for adults who work, live or care for adolescents. It equips participants with the skills to recognise and respond to an adolescent who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis situation. Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, YMHFA teaches how to support an adolescent until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

The Intergen Team is hosting three Youth Mental Health First-Aid courses delivered by Rev Mark Dickens for anyone serving in youth ministry. Two dates have been filled with the December 4th date the only available option at present, and registrations will close on November 1st. To register visit:: https://ucasa.org.au/mental-health-first-aid/

 

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

 

Mental Health Symposium: Post Pandemic Recovery: Challenges, Resilience and Religion

The National Mental Health Month's theme this year is 'Mental Health: Post Pandemic Recovery Challenges and Resilience', the Mental Health Foundation Australia has planned this symposium with the aim to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst people in the mental health space, including the general public; different faith leaders highlighting what services are available; how services can respond to the needs of CALD communities; how COVID has affected mental health; and how mental health will change after COVID. The symposium will also discuss the relationship between religion and mental health. Bookings can be made at this link.

 

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

 

Preaching and Worship Course

Do you preach or lead worship in your church? Are you a congregation without a minister? Would you like to do some lay preaching? Enrol in ‘Preaching and Worship’ to learn how to: put together an order of service; understand the different elements of worship; structure and prepare a sermon; develop a sermon to connect with your audience; enhance your communication effectiveness; and practically present a sermon. The Uniting College for Leadership and Theology is offering this course in Term 4. It runs for 9 weeks from 12th October – 7th December 2021 and is offered fully online. Enrol at acd.edu.au into this Certificate IV unit CMTMIN402 or contact Jessie Sanders (VET Coordinator) for further information on (08) 8416 8420.

 

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

 

Lincoln College: Available for your Staff Christmas Function in December

Lincoln College offers a traditional Christmas lunch in the heart of North Adelaide, in their beautiful historical grounds in Brougham Place. Seating availability is up to 150 guests, catering packages range from full service dining to buffet-style banquets. Discounts apply to the Uniting Church community. Phone (08) 8290 6003.

 

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

 

Vacancy – Minister, Pilgrim Uniting Church

Expression of interest are invited for a Minister – Deacon (Mission and Community Engagement 0.6FTE) and a Minister – Pastoral Care (0.4FTE) to join the Pilgrim Uniting Church ministry team. This position may be offered as one full-time role. Enquiries and Expressions of Interest (marked private and confidential) should be sent to Rev Philip Gardner, Synod Office, PO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001. Email Turn on Javascript!, phone: (08) 8236 4200 by 22nd October 2021.

 

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

 

Spring Fair at Spicer Uniting Church

There’s something for everyone at the Spicer Fair! Browse the art and craft stalls, grab a bite, listen to our live band and High Spirits Harmony Choir. There’s also pre-loved books to peruse, a great range of plants, bric-a-brac and the ever popular cakes and jams. Treat yourself to Devonshire tea or coffee or a sausage from the barbecue. Come along and enjoy a great family day out. Saturday, 16th October from 8.30 am – 1.30 pm.

 

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

 

A New Video and Guide for Refugee Advocacy and Support

A new video produced by the Synod Refugee Advocacy Group can be viewed in a service of worship in your congregation, as a part of a Church Council meeting, and other gatherings to raise awareness of practical responses to support and advocate for refugees and those seeking asylum. You can view and download at this link: https://vimeo.com/605416093.A new two-page Refugee Advocacy Guide sheet can be downloaded at this link. For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.

 

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

 

Global Day of Action for the Climate

All Uniting Church members and congregations are encouraged to participate in a global Day of Action for the climate called Faiths 4 Climate Justice, which will be take place on the 17th and 18th October, 2021. One of the actions we can take as a faith community is to put up a banner in our places of worship with the UCA logo and chosen ‘faith and climate messages’ such as ‘For the Whole Creation: Bold climate action by 2030 starting now.’

 

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

 

Code of Ethics Refresher: Save the date!

The Safe Church team is scheduling dates for the 2021-22 Code of Ethics Refreshers. Four online sessions are planned for the rest of this year with face-to-face and online sessions in 2022. Bookings for October and November sessions will be open soon. See the Event Calendar at the Safe Church website here: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/

 

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

 

Anti-Poverty Week – 17th – 23rd October

Every community in South Australia has children, young people and families enduring financial stress and poverty. This year due to the impacts of COVID, responding to poverty and hardship must take on an even greater priority. The evidence shows that unemployment, under-employment, financial and housing stress and metal health problems are compounded by COVID. Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People has written to churches and their communities to seek your support at this time. Anti-Poverty Week will take place from the 17th to 23rd October and the Commissioner’s letter can be downloaded at this link. 

 

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

 

The Church in the Digital Age

Running from March 2021 until November 2022, the Assembly Standing Committee has formed the Church In the Digital Age Task Group to identify the critical theological, pastoral and practical issues related to the worship, witness and service of the Uniting Church in Australia raised by the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. In response the Task group are asking for short submissions (100-200 words) detailing how you or your community are or have engaged digital/online ministry. What about that engagement excited you, what surprised you? What has shaped your broader thinking about church? Read and download the invitation to engage with the Task Group here.

 

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

 

Season of Creation 2021 Worship Guide available now

The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration of prayer and action for our common home. Together, the ecumenical family around the world unites to pray, protect, and advocate for God’s creation. During the 2021 Season of Creation, from 1st September through 4th October, hundreds of thousands of Christians will be uniting around the theme, ‘A home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God.’ The full guide and resources are available to download here: https://seasonofcreation.org/. A full liturgy outline, sermon reflections and an adaptable Powerpoint slideshow for each week are available for download here: https://ecochurcheswa.net/worship-resources/. An adaptable Powerpoint slideshow for an Ecumenical Prayer Service is available for download at this link.

 

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

 

Send love and fight poverty

UnitingWorld’s set of eight beautiful Christmas cards are ready for pre-order. These cards bring hope and joy not just to friends and family, but to people working hard to free themselves from poverty overseas. $15 per pack of eight – proceeds give life to our international partners. Order now for delivery in early October! https://everythingincommon.com.au/collections/all-products/products/christmas-cards-pack-of-8-4-designs

 

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

 

Morialta Uniting Church Student Houses – Vacancies 2022

Undergraduate university/TAFE students from rural/regional areas. Furnished single bedrooms, living areas, shared bathroom or ensuite. Close to UniSA, Magill. Easy travel to city for Adelaide University and UniSA, and to Mawson Lakes Campus. Rent $390 or $430 monthly. Contact Anne Ind 0402061124, Church Office 83319344. Now is the time for school leavers heading for tertiary studies to apply for accommodation in our Student Houses.

 

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

 

Jarrah pews to give away

The new owner of State Heritage listed 261 South Terrace Adelaide (the former Royal Deaf Society), has 20 jarrah pews from the former chapel and meeting room, which they will gift to a church. The pews will seat 15 people each, are jarrah and date from 1928. Please contact Property Services by emailing Turn on Javascript! for the owner’s phone number.

 

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

 

Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 21 September 2021

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

 

More from News

Subscribe to receive News articles by email >

Comments

Comments (3)