News, Notices & Prayer points - 29 March 2022

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News & Notices – 29 March 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 29th March 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For innocent lives shattered by war and conflict
  • For communities struggling with the impacts of floods and other natural disasters
  • For world leaders to lead with wisdom and compassion.

 

 

 

 

Climate Report: ‘They Shall Inherit the Earth’

A new Climate Report entitled They Shall Inherit the Earth for a new conversation about climate change in Christian communities is available now.

An essential report for all those involved in Church leadership, this study and its findings show:

  • How Christians aged 18-40 years are engaging with climate change
  • What they think about the role of the Church in taking action
  • The attitudes and practices of church leaders towards this issue
  • How we can take steps to heal division and, together, bring a voice of hope.

For details and a social media toolkit please refer to this link: https://assets.tearfund.org.au/files/Tearfund_Climate-Report.pdf

 

 

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COVID Update

From Saturday 12th March, the South Australian government has implemented changes to some COVID restrictions. Those that relate to churches are:

All density requirements have been lifted, for all venues, including private homes:

  • Dancing permitted
  • Singing permitted.

A reminder that the following easing of restrictions was announced on 25th February:

  • Buffets are now permitted. This means that morning teas / dinners etc,, can be self-service, with shared plates/ platters of food.

Please note the following restrictions that continue to apply to church activities:

  • Masks are required to be worn by attendees at all times, including when singing, except when eating or drinking
  • COVID Safe measures: QR check in, COVID Marshal, hand sanitising, frequent cleaning.

All existing directions, frequently asked questions and other information 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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Outback Links Needs You

If you have been thinking of ways to make a real difference in the lives of people affected by the floods and other natural disasters, and are committed to serving those in need, Outback Links needs you. There are so many people out there doing it real tough right now and the road to recovery will be long. And they cannot do it alone. If you would like to help right away, now is the time! Please call 1300 787 247 or email: Turn on Javascript!. Go online to ‘The Farmers Gate here for a full list of opportunities. 

 

 

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Community Connections Network Gathering

The Community Connections Network will meet at Payneham Road Uniting Church Hall on Friday, 8th April from 2.00 – 3.30 pm. They meet to support workers, volunteers and others interested in extending the mission of their congregation through connections with the wider community. Anyone is welcome to attend. For more information please call Jill on 0409 178 465.

 

 

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Renewal: An autumn Retreat with Sean Gilbert

A time for creative community, songwriters, poets, writers, visual and performing artists. Be inspired and renewed by the autumn season in the Adelaide Hills. Take time to be creative, reflect and be spiritually nurtured in this retreat. Immerse yourself in this opportunity, wander the gardens, walk the labyrinth, enjoy being part of a creative community. Sean Gilbert will lead us as we take time out and re-invest in our inner-lives and creative endeavours. 13th-14th May at Nunyara Retreat Centre. See cmla.org.au for more information and registration.

 

 

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Safe Church News

Screenings: Reminders are being sent to those who have upcoming renewals due that were initially processed via the Synod Screening Unit. If you have renewed your Working With Children Check (WWCC) through another source, please remember to inform not only your local congregation but also the Synod Screening Unit. This helps us to keep our records current and can be done via the Step 1 form from the Screening webpage: https://sa.uca.org.au/safechurch/screening/

Power and Healthy Communities: Code of Ethics refresher sessions 2021-22. For upcoming dates please see the Events Calendar located at: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/. Don’t delay in booking into either the online or face-to-face sessions.

Berri Uniting Church is hosting the following training session over the weekend of the 9th and 10th of April:

  • Saturday, April 9th, 9.30 am – 4.00 pm ‘Through their eyes: safe environments for children and young people.’ For all church leaders and volunteers to understand their legal obligations for reporting concerns of children and young people.

  • Sunday, April 10th, 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm ‘Called to Care’ is an awareness session for key leaders and members of church councils to explore and consider best practice for creating a safe place.

Registration of attendance is required in advance for both sessions. Bookings close 6th April. Register at this link: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/

Murray Bridge Uniting Church is hosting the following training session over the weekend of the 4th and 5th of June.

  • Saturday, 4th June, 9:30am-4.00pm ‘Through their eyes: safe environments for children and young people.’ For all church leaders and volunteers to understand their legal obligations for reporting concerns of children and young people.

  • Sunday, 5th June, 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm ‘Called to Care’ is an awareness session for key leaders and members of church councils to explore and consider best practice for creating a safe place.

Registration of attendance is required in advance for both sessions. Bookings close 31st May. Register at this link: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/

 

 

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Synod Meeting 2022

The 2022 Synod meeting will meet online on Saturday, 18th June and in person on Friday, 24th June and Saturday, 25th June at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre at Hahndorf.

Presbyteries are gathering nominations for Synod membership, to be elected/appointed at presbytery meetings in March. For more information, please contact your presbytery.

 

 

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Multiple Grant Opportunities

Heritage Grants 

South Australia has a rich heritage that contributes to quality of life and connects community to its history and stories. Since 2018, the Heritage Grants Program has been funding conservation works with benefits including adaptive re-use of historic buildings, support for heritage trades, and support for State Heritage Places in rural and urban areas across the state. Heritage Conservation Grants are now open:

Download Facts sheet
Download the Application Guide.

Highbury Street Fund – Applications for funding for 2022 now open.

The Highbury Street Fund supports leadership development for leaders and aspiring leaders of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse worshipping communities through education and training. Grants of up to $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 are available for people currently living in South Australia either in, or with strong connection to, a Uniting Church congregation. The closing date for applications for Round 1 closes on 31st March and Round 2 on 31st August, annually. For further information and applications please visit: https://sa.uca.org.au/cald/highbury-street

 

 

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Breathe – Seeking expressions of interest from artists for August SALA Exhibition

Willunga Uniting Church is seeking expressions of interest by artists for its annual SALA Exhibition, held in August each year at Bethany Hall. The 2022 theme is ‘Breathe,’ suggested associated events include: meditation retreat, singing/choir, artist in residence sessions. ‘Breathe’ has broad applications and multiple meanings. Please advise your expression of interest by March 31st to: Jenny Esots (Curator) email: Turn on Javascript!.

 

 

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Artist in Residence Week

Find your voice and strengthen the ties between us during a week-long Artist in Residence event at St Andrew’s in Glenelg. Tasmanian singer/songwriter John Coleman and Melbournian art therapist Jenny Batten will guide us in singing, song writing and community building. 15th – 22nd May, various events and times. Refer to the website for details https://www.standrewsuc.org.au/ and booking information or contact Christine Gilbert on (08) 8295 1771. A balm for the COVID weary.

 

 

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Need a job – but don’t have experience?

‘The Experience Café’ at Broadview Uniting Church can help with café experience, confidence and a reference letter. No financial cost. Volunteer one day per week from 8.30 am – 2.00 pm, lunch provided. Within 3 months or less you can reach your goal. For more details message us on Facebook, Instagram or text 0407 608 000. Apologies, we are unable to take people with disabilities at this point in time as we do not have trained staff.

 

 

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2022 Lent Resource: Daily Prayer and Action Guide Calendar – now available

A Lenten prayer and action guide has been developed and is designed to help individuals and congregations take time to learn, lament, repent, advocate, and to take concrete steps to transforming justice of God for coming reconciliation and renewal of the whole of creation. Drawing on the Uniting Church’s Our Vision for a Just Australia statement, this 4-page guide provides links to prayers, campaigns, and resources for raising awareness and taking action. You can download the guide at this link.

For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, by emailing Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.

 

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New Synod Refugee Advocacy Guide – now available

A two-page Synod Refugee Advocacy Guide focuses on the Federal Government’s latest announcement in response to the plight of refugees from Afghanistan and renewed spotlight on detention of refugees. It provides updated information and resources for raising awareness and taking action. You can download at this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/justice-advocacy/refugees-and-asylum-seekers/resources. For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.

 

 

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 22nd March 2022

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

 

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