News, Notices & Prayer points - 29th October 2024

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News & Notices – 29th October 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 29th October 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For the next generation of believers, that they may be empowered by the legacy of saints before them. Ask that they be filled with faith, wisdom, and a heart for service
  • For unity in families, communities, and across nations. Ask for wisdom and compassion to bridge divides and foster peace
  • For the recent Synod Meeting, that we may listen to where the Spirit is taking us as a church; and we give thanks to all members, staff and visitors that attended the meeting.



 

Synod 2024 Meeting Update


Thanks to all that attended the recent Synod Meeting from 24th-26th October at Adelaide West Uniting Church. Thanks also go to members, staff and visitors for what was a successful and well received meeting. If you would like to access the summary emails from each day of the meeting please visit the following links: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3​​​​​​​.

 

 

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A new call for papers from the Act2 Project

Earlier in the Act2 Project, the Assembly invited a variety of reflections on the theological culture of the Uniting Church in Australia. As the church looks to the future, it wants to encourage dialogue, debate and theological reflection around the concepts of ‘mission’, ‘discipleship’, ‘evangelism’ and ‘diaconal communities.’ Dedicated work in this area will be led by the Commission for Theology, Formation & Leadership and the National Assembly. Alongside this, the Assembly is pleased to invite contributions from theologians and others who wish to contribute from across the breadth of the Church on one or several of these terms. This could be in any form in any genre including papers, provocations and theological reflections, and may be written or offered in other ways.

 

 

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Australian Lectionary Worship Resources Update

Liturgy, Learning, and (purposeful) Life and Words for Worship are now available on a new, dedicated website: liturgylearninglife.com. All subscribers, including those with automatic renewals, will need to create a new subscription through the new site, as previous subscriptions from the old MediaCom system are no longer valid. The L3 Advent, Christmas, and After the Epiphany resource will be available for download and delivery at the end of this week. Don't miss out—subscribe today!

 

 

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Christmas 2024 Resources for Congregations

As you prepare your Christmas worship services a selection of social media graphics, posters, PowerPoint template and postcard designs are now available on the Synod website, ready for download. The Moderator’s Christmas theme for 2024 is ‘Through their Eyes.’ Additional resources will be added from time to time, so please check the site on a regular basis.

 

 

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Christmas Worship Services 2024

Please send through your Christmas Worship times and services so they can be featured on the Synod website at this link: UCA SA - Christmas Services 2024. To provide your Christmas Worship times to the 2024 list please email: Turn on Javascript!. For all other Christmas events, please list them in the usual way via our Events submission form available at this link: UCA SA - Submit an event.

 

 

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IRCA Oceania Conference 2025

The International Rural Churches Association’s (IRCA), purpose is to build connections across the southwestern Pacific area and to bring a uniquely antipodean perspective to the IRCA family.

IRCA is hosting an international conference from 26th – 30th May 2025, with the theme ‘Listening to One Another: Sharing Together Struggles and Joy of our rural Churches in Oceania.’ The draft program can be viewed at this link: IRCAOceania2025DraftProgramme.pdf. Further information is available at this link: IRCA Oceania 2025 - International Rural Churches Association.

 

 

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Safe Church Update

The Essentials: Code of Ethics Foundations Training

The Essentials: Code of Ethics Foundations training will take place on 26th – 27th November 2024, at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology in Brooklyn Park, SA. This two-day course focuses on the Uniting Church's Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice, incorporating case studies and written reflections. It is required for candidates for ministry, Ministry of Pastors, and key leaders, with Lay Preachers encouraged to attend. The facilitators for the training will be Rev Dr. Sean Gilbert and Rev Andrew Robertson. Find event details at this link: https://www.eventzilla.net/e/the-essentials-code-of-ethics-foundation-training-2138621894

 

 

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Grant Opportunities

Mark Butler MP Grants Information

A range of grants information is available via the Grants Hub at markbutler.net.au/community/grants.

SA Youth Week 2025 Grants Now Open

Applications are open now until 29th November for one-off grants of up to $2,500 for organisations, including community groups, non-government organisations and local councils to host events during SA Youth Week 2025 in metropolitan and regional South Australia. Events should promote, acknowledge, recognise and celebrate the contributions of young people in our communities.

Visit the grants page to find out more, read the grant guidelines and complete your application. Applications Close 3.00 pm, 29th November 2024.

Strengthening Rural Communities — Small & Vital (Round 23)

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for grassroots, community-led projects that benefit remote, rural, and regional communities across Australia. Projects must align with charitable outcomes like fostering resilience, improving community wellbeing, supporting diversity, and enhancing community spaces. Preference is given to smaller communities (populations under 15,000).

  • Closing Date: 5 December 2024
  • Eligibility: Non-profit organisations

More information is available at this link: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-small-vital/

Strengthening Rural Communities — Prepare and Recover (Round 23)

Grants up to $25,000 are available to support remote, rural, and regional communities with initiatives that build resilience, prepare for climate impacts, or support recovery from past disasters. Projects should focus on strengthening local networks, inclusion, decision-making, and preparedness for future climate challenges.

  • Closing Date: 5 December 2024
  • Eligibility: Non-profit organisations

More information is available at this link: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-prepare-recover/

 

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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.

 

 

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Have your say in UnitingWorld's strategic development!

UnitingWorld is recruiting participants for a one-hour focus group discussion to be held on Zoom, to gather a range of thoughts and insights about their work. Participants will be thanked with a $50 Visa gift card. They are seeking different types of participants - members of the UCA, those who work with UCA agencies, and people who care about global social justice even though they may not be associated with the UCA. There are a range of dates and times available - find out more and register at: https://unitingworld.typeform.com/focusgroups.

 

 

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Mental Health Month

The Mental Health Month theme for 2024 is 'Let's Talk About It'. This year’s theme prompts us all to reflect on our mental health and overall wellbeing, irrespective of whether we’ve personally encountered mental illness. It emphasises the significance of maintaining good mental health in our daily lives and encourages a proactive approach to seeking help when necessary. For more information please visit: Mental Health Month | WayAhead.

 

 

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Converge Oceania Conference

Mission Resourcing invites you to the Converge Oceania Conference on Tuesday, November 12th in Adelaide to hear Dr Rowan Lewis share insights on factors influencing discipleship and the faith journeys of young Australians, based on stories from 439 young people. This event is for church leaders, youth workers, chaplains, Christian educators, and parents, offering practical ways to support lifelong discipleship. Join us at Burnside City UC, 3:30-8:30 pm, for $55 (includes a light meal and report). Register at https://www.convergeoceania.com/conference (scroll down and click on Adelaide for the registration link). Financial assistance available; contact Melissa Neumann (Turn on Javascript!) for details.

 

 

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Gartrell Church 110th anniversary

Gartrell Church, Rose Park, will be celebrating 110 years since the opening of the church building, with a worship service at 10.00 am Sunday, 10th November 2024, followed by morning tea / brunch. Past ministers and members of the congregation are welcome to celebrate with all! Email Turn on Javascript!, for catering purposes.

 

 

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Prepare the Way with Moments of Peace

Join us on 23 November 2024, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, for "Prepare the Way with Moments of Peace," a Prayer & Reflection Day facilitated by Lillian Van Brussel at Stillpoint Spirituality Centre. This Advent retreat invites you to pause, reflect, and connect with the season’s themes of Love, Hope, Peace, and Joy through scripture, music, art, and nature. Participants will receive a take-home booklet to continue their journey throughout Advent. The cost is $50 per person ($45 concession), with morning tea provided; please bring your own lunch. Spaces are limited to 30, so early booking via Advent Reflection Day is essential. For more information, contact Frances at 0407 687 311 or Christ Church Uniting office at 08 8271 0329.

 

 

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Doug Simper Tribute and Benefit Concert

Join us for a tribute and benefit concert celebrating Doug’s life and his invaluable contributions to Australian music, with proceeds helping to cover Lorna and Doug’s flights to Adelaide. Featuring performances by Fossils with Peter Combe, Minim, Rod Boucher & Buffalo Drive, Andrew Dutney, Leigh Newton, Sevenfold, and more, the concert will showcase Doug’s beloved songs. Join us on Sunday, 1st December at 3 pm at the Church of the Trinity, 318 Goodwood Road, Clarence Park. Tickets are available at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1296779

 

 

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Travelling North Art Exhibition

Artist Lynn Chamberlain has exhibited her artworks in a variety of Fleurieu venues including wineries, pubs, community centres, art galleries and more. Lynn will be exhibiting her much-loved artworks using the theme: Travelling North. Moria Were AM Mayor of Onkaparinga will officially open this event on Friday, November 8th, 6 pm at Bethany Hall, 33 St Andrew’s Terrace, Willunga.

The exhibition is open on Saturday in November and December from 12 pm - 2pm with the exception of November 16. Please contact (08) 8556 2650 for more information

 

 

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Invitation to the book launch of: Godaku Tjukurpa – Pitjantjatjara Children’s Art Bible

Join us on Saturday, 2nd November 2024, 2pm – 3pm at Emmaus Christian College, South Plympton Campus, Emmaus Performing Arts Centre, 7 Lynton Ave, South Plympton. The Launch will feature speeches, video presentations and a cake. Books will be available for purchase, and the funds raised will be used to produce Pitjantjatjara Bible resources for children. There will be a display of artwork along with Pitjantjatjara Bibles and Scripture Resources. Please RSVP by the 25th October at https://biblesocietyaus.typeform.com/to/MqLZVBuq or email Turn on Javascript!  or phone 0415 441 334.

 

 

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