News, Notices & Prayer points - 29 April 2025

Posted Apr 29, 2025 in News

News & Notices – 29 April 2025

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 29 April 2025 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

For the election this week in Australia, we pray that God grants wisdom, discernment, and peace to all voters and leaders, guiding decisions that promote justice, compassion, and the common good for all
For the beginning of School Term, we pray that God grants strength, focus, and renewed energy to all students, teachers, and school staff, guiding them with patience, wisdom, and a spirit of excellence throughout the term
For God's comfort and strength for all those in the Catholic Church around the world who are grieving the loss of Pope Francis, and for church leaders as they navigate this time of transition.

Uniting Conversations - Good Grief!?

When: Sunday May 18th from 7-9pm
Where: Seacliff Uniting Church,
5 Wheatland St., Seacliff

Grief impacts all of our lives in many ways. As we get older, we grieve over the loss of some skills and fitness. We also find ourselves facing the loss of aged parents, the
prospective loss of our partner and maybe even the death of a child. And then, we often find ourselves perplexed because we are not sure how to assist a relative, friend, colleague or child grieving over a significant and, perhaps, tragic loss.

You’re invited to join our conversation about ‘Good Grief’… is it possible!? We are sure you will find it helpful. We also believe that your contribution to the conversation will be of help to others. So please join us.

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Our Vision for a Just Australia

The Uniting Church in Australia has launched its updated “Our Vision for a Just Australia 2025” on April 1, 2025.

Congregations across SA are encouraged to play the short video message from our President Rev Charissa Suli this Sunday 27^th April as part of worship. Hyperlink video message here: https://uniting.church/a-vision-for-a-just-australia/.

The seven pillars developed in 2021 remain, namely:

A First People’s Heart
Renewal of the whole creation
A Welcoming, Compassionate and Diverse nation
An Economy for Life
An Inclusive and Equal Society
Flourishing Communities, Regional, Remote and Urban
Contributing to a Just and peaceful World.

While resources are included to start conversations with political candidates and leaders, this document will shape justice advocacy in the church for the next three years.

As President Rev Suli said in the Joint Statement at the time of the launch:

“In a time of deep division and uncertainty, the need for compassionate, informed participation has never been greater. We urge all people of faith and goodwill to engage in this election wholeheartedly with courage and conscience, and to reject apathy and cynicism. Choose to hope over despair.”

We commend “Our Vision” to all our church members.

Rev Peter Morel Rev Philip Gardner
Moderator General Secretary

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Copyright Reminders

This is a reminder to all congregations to ensure you have permission to use any content such as photos, artwork, poems, worship songs, etc.... before you use them in worship, on brochures or posters or in any publication.

We have had some cases recently of churches being fined by organisations who are searching the internet for infringements on behalf of copyright owners. Please be aware that if you livestream your worship, anything you put in your presentation is recorded. This appears to be an avenue that is being used to identify copyright infringements.

If you are unsure if you have breached copyright, here are some helpful links with more information:

UCA SA - Content Guidelines

PicRights: How to Deal with a Letter Alleging Copyright Infringement

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Save the Date – Resourcing Day!

The Resourcing Day will take place on Friday evening, 17 October, continuing Saturday, 18 October.
If you’re interested, please save the date! More details will be available soon.

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Karoonda Uniting Church Centenary Celebration

Karoonda Uniting Church invites you to join the celebration of 100^th Anniversary on Sunday 18 May 2025 at 10.00 am which is led by Rev Dr Sean Gilbert. The event will be hosted at the church followed by a pooled luncheon and fellowship at the Karoonda Football Clubrooms. Please bring a pooled savoury dish to share and RSVP by 1 May 2025. For further information, please contact Don Loller 0488 034 202 or Turn on Javascript!.

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Code of Ethics Refresher

The Code of Ethics Refresher will be held on May 22, 2025, from 9.00 am to 12:30pm at Ascot Community UC, 24 Fifth Ave, Ascot Park. Bookings can be made at: https://www.eventzilla.net/e/code-of-ethics-refresher-2025-2138661732. For questions, contact Mark Dickens, Professional Standards Officer, at Turn on Javascript! or (08) 8236 4253, or Mel Pipikos, Administration Assistant, at Turn on Javascript! or (08) 8236 4247.

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A Stronger, Fairer Australia for All – Uniting Care Australia

One of the central issues for Australians as we approach the May 3 election is cost-of-living. UnitingCare Australia has launched its federal election campaign “A stronger, fairer Australia for all. Together we can.” This campaign focuses upon ensuring a strong and adequate safety net and strengthening community support services. As voters and candidates consider their views in the lead up to the Federal Election, this campaign encourages everyone to think of those who are on the margins and are doing it tough. More information is available at Federal Election 2025 Policy Platform - UnitingCare Australia | UnitingCare Australia

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Sally Stamp

A donation of $2,000 has been made to South Pacific School Aid Inc., and $1,000 to the Outback Pastors, using remaining funds from 2024.

It is hoped that another shipment to the Pacific Islands can be supported once SPSA has a pallet ready.

Sincere thanks to everyone who continues to donate stamps—especially full collections no longer required by families. These contributions are greatly appreciated and make a real difference.

Maxine Haines - Email: Turn on Javascript! - Mobile: 0427 972417

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Joseph Haydn's Nelson Mass

Joseph Haydn's Nelson Mass will be presented by the Adelaide Harmony choir on Sunday 1 June 2025 at 2.00pm, in Wesley Uniting church Kent Town. There will also be other instrumental and vocal music by guest artists. Tickets: Adults $35, Concession $30 and child $10.
RSVP: Adelaide Harmony Choir presents Nelson Mass by Joseph Haydn Tickets, Wesley Uniting Church, Kent Town, Kent Town | TryBooking Australia. Tickets available at the door (card or cash)

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DISC Profile Workshop for Leaders

The DISC Profile is a widely used tool for understanding leadership and workplace behaviours. Dr Craig Mitchell is leading a one day DISC workshop on Wed 28 May at Uniting College. This event for ministry agents, other church workers and leaders includes completing the accredited DISC Profile and receiving a personalised report, as well as a series of workshop activities. DISC is also an excellent tool for teams. Craig is offering this event in association with Mission Resourcing SA and Uniting College. More details and registration link here

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Oodnadatta Church Opening

The Oodnadatta Congress Faith Community is celebrating the opening of their brand new church building. Everyone is warmly invited to join the celebration on Sunday 11 May 2025 at 10.00am in Oodnadatta. What started as three open blocks of land, known simply as "The Church Ground," has now become a beautiful place of worship and community, thanks to the love, support, and prayers of many people. Please be aware that accommodation in Oodnadatta is very limited, so if you are planning to come, it is a good idea to bring swags, tents, camping supplies, food, fuel, and anything else you might need.

For more information, please contact Ian Dempster on 0417 217 320 or Maxine Marks on 0499 765 409.

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National Volunteers Week (19 – 25 May 2025)

Adelaide West Uniting Church invites you to join and celebrate the volunteers that have and are working with Fellowships and Mission Support on Sunday 18 May 2025 from 2.00pm – 4.00pm at 312 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Brooklyn Park. Afternoon tea will be provided, please bring some non-perishable goods to support Uniting Care Congregations.

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