News, Notices & Prayer points - 29 June 2021

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News & Notices – 29 June 2021

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

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Prayer Points for the week:

We pray:

  • For all states in Australia as they again come to terms with the on-going impacts of COVID-19
  • For all people seeking asylum in Australia who live in fear and uncertainty
  • For the Government’s review of the National Redress Scheme that it may lead to better support for survivors of abuse and improved access to the scheme.

 


 

Synod Expos Update

We are thrilled to announce the first keynote speaker for the Synod Expos being held around South Australia from September through to November this year. Dave Male is no stranger to South Australia. Rev Canon Dave Male is the Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Based in Westminster in the UK, Dave leads a large team which helps diocese and churches to equip people for evangelism and discipleship for the whole of their lives. He is a trainer in pioneer ministries and an advisor on Fresh Expressions in England. Dave is a sought after speaker internationally and we are thrilled to know that he will provide an inspiring keynote for the expos. 'I have loved my time connecting with Australians and I am so looking forward to continuing that connection into the future,' said Rev Dave Male.

 

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NAIDOC Week 2021

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. For more information visit: https://www.naidoc.org.au/about/naidoc-week

 

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NAIDOC Ecumenical Service at Pilgrim Uniting Church

Pilgrim Uniting Church is honoured to be hosting an ecumenical NAIDOC Service to welcome in NAIDOC Week. Key respected representatives will be speaking. Please note a change in the date for this event which will now be Sunday, 11th July at 6.00 pm, 12 Flinders Street, Adelaide. A warm welcome to all.

 

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Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru

An Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru to mark the eight year anniversary of the Australian government recommencing offshore indefinite detention: 8 Years - Stop the Torture Now will be held on 18 July. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/AdelaideVigil/

 

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Six weeks of dwelling in prayer

As the 16th Assembly of the Uniting Church draws near, members across the country are invited to join together in prayer. Each week a new prayer will be offered, often in languages other than English.

In Week 3 of Six Weeks of Dwelling in Prayer, Rev Siotame Paletu'a shares a prayer in Tongan for the 16th Assembly meeting next month.

For more information visit: https://uniting.church/dwelling-in-prayer/

 

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Beyond Violence – a new resource

The Uniting Church Assembly has launched Beyond Violence, a new resource that aims to help congregations and communities begin a conversation about Domestic and Family Violence (DFV).

In a video introduction, UCA President Dr Deidre Palmer and National Consultant Rev Charissa Suli speak of the Uniting Church's commitment to say no to all forms of violence and urge UCA members to help change the culture that allows DFV to occur.

The resource includes theological reflection, worship resources, key statistics, helpful information on how to pastorally care for those experiencing or fleeing DFV and key actions we can take to build a world ‘Beyond Violence.’

For more information visit: https://uniting.church/dfv/

 

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Safe Church Update

As we grow our culture of safety across UCA, how can we keep our energy and focus as we work to embed child safety and well-being into our leadership, governance and culture?

Rev Felicity Amery, General Secretary, Synod of South Australia shares some of her Synod’s approaches and tells us why it’s about keeping it relevant every day to everyone.

Felicity is in conversation with John Cox, National Director, National Safe Church Unit. To view this video visit: https://vimeo.com/560286791/aa3c1eedd9

The National Safe Church Unit also has a new website to make it easy to find all the resources and information you need. In the handy section for Congregations and Presbyteries, you’ll find UCA Child Safe Principles posters in multiple languages, Tools for Listening, the new ‘Safe Church’ poster and more. Visit the website and let us know how we can make it even more useful https://safechurch.uca.org.au

 

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Cato Lecturer for the 16th Assembly

The Cato Lecturer for the 16th Assembly is Professor Anthony Reddie, Director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture at Oxford University.

Professor Anthony Reddie is the leading scholar in the practice of Black theology in grass-roots communities of faithful practice.

Professor Reddie is one of the leading theorists and practitioners in the development of racism awareness (or diversity) training in Britain.

He is the first Black person to ever receive an A rating in theology and religious studies in the history of the National Research Foundation in South Africa. He is also a recipient of the Archbishop of Canterbury's 2020 Lanfranc Award for 'exceptional and sustained contribution to Black theology in Britain and beyond.'

He is the author of Is God Colourblind and several scholarly publications and numerous essays and articles. Professor Reddie has previously visited Australia and connected with members of UAICC. The Cato Lecture will be live-streamed on Saturday, 17th July at 7.00 pm for all to attend. Further information is available at this link: https://uniting.church/meet-the-cato-lecturer/

 

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2021 Australia Post Community Grants Program – now open

The 2021 Australia Post Community Grants Program is offering grants of up to $10,000 for eligible community-led, local projects that help improve connection and mental health and well-being in a community.

Being connected and feeling part of a community is vital to maintaining good mental health and well-being. Australia Post seeks to support communities and organisations that are helping to improve mental health outcomes.

For more information and to read the guidelines and FAQs and to check eligibility criteria visit this link. Alternatively, contact Malcolm Wilson, Grants and Historical Records Officer by phoning 0414 520 140 or email Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Uniting SA Winter Appeal 2021

Winter is a particularly difficult time for South Australians experiencing poverty or homelessness. At UnitingSA, demand for emergency assistance and homelessness services increases during winter as more people reach out for help to ensure they can keep their families safe, warm and healthy. Support can include the provision of food and blankets, or help with emergency or long-term accommodation.

The COVID-19 pandemic, an increasingly competitive rental market, rising utility bills and a lack of affordable housing mean more people are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. For further information or make a donation visit: https://unitingsa.com.au/donate/winter-appeal/

 

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Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee Award

The Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) invites congregations who have been involved in Ecumenical activities within their local community to submit to SERC a brief of their activity. This can be through a written report with photographs, video or whatever creative presentation you wish to make.

This award has been agreed to by Synod with $600 being included in the SERC budget for it. Certificates will be presented to all applicants. The closing date is the 17th September and the award will be presented at a Synod meeting. Please submit applications to Don Hopgood Turn on Javascript! or Velvy Holden at Turn on Javascript! or mail to SERC c/o 19 Ray Avenue, Morphett Vale 5162.

 

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Uniting Foundation

Do you have an idea for a vibrant new initiative or project to engage with your local community?

Every day, Uniting Church congregations and faith communities provide programs and services that bring hope and help to many South Australians. Uniting Foundation grants offer financial support to establish projects that will help to build vibrant churches and communities into the future. The 2021 round is now open with a closing date of 31 July 2021.

For more information visit: https://sa.uca.org.au/uniting-foundation/applying-for-a-grant

Further information about the work undertaken by previous grants is available at this link.

 

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Environmental Action Group (EAG) calls ‘All Aboard’

The Uniting Church in South Australia body for the environment, the EAG, plans to engage individuals and churches seeking to create a Climate Action Plan. The EAG invites expressions of interest into this program. Please indicate your interest in this ‘Living the Change’ forum. A week-day evening after July is likely. Specific details to follow. Interested parties – please send names and contact details to the EAG email at: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Synod Art Project

Artists from all around South Australia and beyond have shared theological reflection through art and transformed the Synod office building. Come and see the artwork before the exhibition ends. Tours conducted by Dieter Engler, Karan Hudson and Neryl McCallum. More information is available at this link: https://www.cmla.org.au/events/synod-art-project-tours/

 

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Dive into Preaching – preparing and delivering a sermon

Join Tanya Wittwer and Max Howland for a two-day workshop on preparing and delivering a sermon. The workshop is designed for those who are being asked to preach and either have no training yet, or for those that have started/completed the Lay Preacher’s Certificate IV course, as a practical supplement to the course. The workshop will be held on July 20th and July 27th at the Uniting College, Brooklyn Park from 9.30 am – 4.00 pm each day. The cost is $15 per person and you register at this link: https://events.sa.uca.org.au/uclt/preachingworkshop

 

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Finding the road less travelled

Established and emerging artists will be given the opportunity to put their heart and art into coming to terms with the past COVID year in which our lives were turned upside down. How do we find the road less travelled?

Bethany Hall, Willunga - 33 St Andrews Terrace. Bethany Hall is one of Willunga's earliest buildings which features gallery lighting to showcase local Fleurieu artists.

Open weekends in August from 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Opening Event Saturday, August 7th at 11.30am with Rev Dr Michael Trainor. For further information email: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Refugee Alternatives Conference 2021

6 – 7 July (Online sessions available)

The Refugee Alternatives Conference brings together a broad range of expertise covering topics of displacement, protection, cooperation, well-being, resilience, education, advocacy and unity from across the country and around the globe. Over the course of the two days, participants from refugee backgrounds, academia, service provision, advocacy, policymaking, government and engaged individuals come together to collaborate and discuss policy and practice.

This year’s conference theme ‘Rebuilding: resilience and innovation’ recognises and celebrates the incredible and challenging work that took place over the past 12 months whilst navigating the unprecedented impact of the current global pandemic. Rebuilding through resilience and innovation means building back stronger, igniting new ways of thinking and transitioning towards an even more effective and inclusive way of working together. This hybrid conference offers online sessions. Please register your interest to join online at the Uniting College with Paul Goh at Turn on Javascript! by 30 June. For further information, go to https://refugeealternatives.org.au/

 

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Spirituality Group for Women

A group to support and nurture the spirituality of women will gather at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Glenelg on 5th July from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm. In July, the focus will be on the life and writing of Julian of Norwich. Living and writing during the Black Plague in Europe, Julian has much wisdom to share. Please RSVP to Christine on 8291 1771 or email Turn on Javascript!.

 

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MediaCom Education – Preparing for Year C

The new lectionary year is fast approaching (28th of November, 2021). MediaCom Education has just finished printing the Calendar and Lectionary Year C 2021 - 2022. It can be purchased online here.

Their Woodlake sale continues, with all stock reduced by 60% and available for purchase with the code ‘woodlake60’. There are limited numbers of some stock, so get in quick! Shop the sale here.

 

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Notice of Postponement: Symposium & Workshop – Uluru Statement from the Heart and Treaty

Due to unforeseen circumstances and current COVID uncertainty this event has been postponed. Dates: Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd July. Apologies for any inconvenience. Please pass this information on to others who planned to attend. For online bookings and refunds please contact Robyn Boyes, Turn on Javascript! or the office by phoning 8212 3295 or email Turn on Javascript!. Alternatively, Pilgrim can hold your payment until events are re-scheduled.

 

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 22 June 2021, which includes updates about:

  • Queen’s Birthday Honours List Update
  • Six weeks of dwelling in prayer
  • Beyond Violence – a new resource
  • Safe Church Update
  • 2021 Refugee Week - – Sunday 20 June to Saturday 26 June
  • 2021 Australia Post Community Grants Program – now open
  • Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee Award
  • New Climate Change Videos now available
  • Uniting Foundation
  • Hare Street Uniting Church
  • 2021 ARA and Hawke Centre Conversation (free event)
  • Environmental Action Group (EAG) calls ‘All Aboard’
  • Synod Art Project
  • Dive into Preaching – preparing and delivering a sermon
  • Webinar 2: National Conferences in the UCA
  • David Drury – Renowned Organist – Lunch-time Concert
  • L’Arche Adelaide
  • Finding the road less travelled
  • Refugee Alternatives Conference 2021
  • Spirituality Group for Women.

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

 


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