News, Notices & Prayer points - 2nd April 2024

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News & Notices – 2nd April 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 2nd April 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For each new day, may we be filled with the Spirit
  • For your sacrifice, that we may have freedom and life
  • For reminding us that life is not always easy, but that you are always with us.

 

 

 

Child Social Exclusion Report

On Wednesday, 27th March 2024 UnitingCare Australia launched the latest Child Social Exclusion Report – Nurturing Inclusion: Paving the Way to Improved Child Wellbeing at Parliament House, Canberra.

The Report provides a snapshot of how children in Australia are faring taking into account factors such as poverty, housing, health, education, connectedness and environment. It gives a comprehensive picture of the barriers that exist to child wellbeing.

The Child Social Exclusion Index Report was produced by the University of Canberra, with the support of the UnitingCare Network organisations, including Uniting NSW, ACT, Uniting Vic Tas, Uniting Communities, Uniting SA, UnitingCare Queensland and Wesley Mission.

The full report can be accessed here.

 

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Annesley Junior School’s Easter Chapel Service

On Thursday, 28th March Moderator, Rev Peter Morel and the UnitingCare team, attended Annesley Junior School’s Easter Chapel service, which was led by Pastor Pete, Chaplain at Annesley.

It was a wonderful service about lightening the heavy load we carry at times. The service concluded with the Moderator announcing the winner and runner ups of the Penny Pancake colouring in competition. The winner’s artwork will be the poster for Pancake Day 2025.

A special visitor, Penny Pancake also made a guest appearance and was greatly received by the children at Annesley.

A big thank you to Annesley Junior School for being involved in Pancake Day 2024 and for their participation in the competition. Its never too late to get involved and to host your very own Pancake Day. By clicking on this link to register you will be helping raise funds for UnitingCare’s Emergency Relief Centres, helping those in need.

 

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Cracking the Glass Ceiling

Much has been heard in the past month about gender pay equity. Congratulations go to Jane Pickering, Chair for SA Leaders for Gender Equity and CEO Eldercare; and Jo Boylan, CE, Clayton Church Homes for being featured in Bank SAs March 2024 Focus magazine which highlighted women in leadership across South Australia.

Link to Focus magazine March 2024.

It is wonderful to have the leaders of our aged care organisations being recognised in this way.

 

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Nunyara 75th Anniversary Celebration Service

In 2024, Nunyara Conference Centre celebrates 75 years of providing exceptional Christian hospitably and service to the South Australian community.

To mark the occasion, a Celebration Service will be conducted at Nunyara in The Chapel on Sunday 14th April 2024 commencing at 2:00pm followed by afternoon tea and a tour of the venue.

RSVPs for catering purposes including special diets should be sent to Turn on Javascript!.

 

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A New Season of Worship and Learning

The Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts offers new resources and learning opportunities in the Easter season. The new Worship Music Packs, featuring sheet music, song files, Powerpoint and video files, are available now. A monthly online Zoom Cafe for Preachers commences on Friday, 12th April. On 16th May the CMLA commences a series exploring ‘Creating Authentic Online Communities’ - thinking and practice around being churches who connect online as well as face to face. Details at cmla.org.au.

 

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Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry – Leader (FTML)

Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry is a 3-day program designed to give participants an introduction to the key concepts and practices of ministering with congregations and agencies in times of transition.

While it is a stand-alone program, it is also the first phase of training that leads to being qualified as an Intentional Interim Minister. Thus, it is useful for anyone in lay or ordained ministry, and also for those exploring whether they are called to Intentional Interim Ministry.

1st , 8th, and 15th of May 2024 from 10 am to 4 pm each day. This course is delivered fully online via Zoom. This is a nation-wide training, and people from all Synods are warmly welcome to register. More information and you can register here.

 

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One Day Conference South Australian 2024 History Festival

The South Australian Church History Network is finalising the program for a one-day conference during SA’s History Festival. The theme of the day is ‘Paradise of Dissent Revisited: 1836-1900.’ 18 presenters will share a wide range of papers from almost all main line church traditions in SA. We expect that these insights will open up new areas in the religious history of nineteenth century South Australia and explore the way churches and Christians influenced social and public life.

The program will also include a book launch of One Faith, Many Voices: Essays on South Australian Church History, a collection of significant essays about SA religious history produced by David Hillard over many years.

The conference will be held on Saturday 4th May 2024, 9.00am – 5.00pm at the Church of the Trinity, 318 Goodwood Road, Clarence Park and morning/afternoon tea will be provided. Your donation of $30 on the day will support this growing partnership between churches and historians from many backgrounds.

Members of the Network are committed to increasing the awareness of SA religious history within the wider history of SA. Christian presence contributed to the civic and social life of the Province and the notion of ‘Paradise of Dissent,’ was distinctive in the Australian context.

To find out more and to register for the conference contact Rev Dr Dean Eland, SACHN Convener at Turn on Javascript!

 

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International Day of Disabled Persons – Video Series 

The theme of the 2023 International Day of Disabled Persons was ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’

The Synod Task Group (STG) into the Disability Royal Commission highlighted this day as a time where we can focus on making our congregations, services and offices more accessible, inclusive and fairer for people with disabilities.

The STG has produced a series of short videos to assist people in thinking about how they can be proactive in supporting people with disabilities. Bruce Ind, Chair of the STG, and one of its members Rev Peter McDonald have been instrumental in developing these videos. The emphasis in the videos is to ensure that the voices of people with lived experience comes through as well as the interests of carers and community organisations.

The videos are now available on the Synod website at this link: UCA SA - Synod Disability Taskforce

 

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Grant Opportunities 

Grassroots Grants Open

Green Adelaide is launch Round 5 of its Grassroots Grants Program. Funding is available for the delivery of local projects that contribute to a cooler, greener and wilder Adelaide. More information is available at this link: Grassroots Grants | Green Adelaide.

Mark Butler MP Grants
The office of Mark Butler MP has compiled a list of key grants that may be available to organisations in the electorate of Hindmarsh across the Western Suburbs. The MPs office has also established an online Grants Hub which will be regularly updated. You can access the Grants Hub at markbutler.net.au/community/grants.


2023/24 Strengthening Inclusive Pathways to Employment Grants
Currently open and closing 3.00 pm on 3rd April 2024. Applications are open to organisations with socially inclusive projects or programs focused on building practical skills for employment and volunteering.

This funding opportunity is a one-off grant of up to $50,000 for:

  • Building digital connectivity and capability for public access in communities, such as Wi-Fi connectivity in regional and remote areas, IT equipment for training, and community inclusion and participation, digital literacy for priority focus groups.
  • Providing equipment and resources to deliver or expand on-the-job training opportunities.
  • Improving Access to information and resources with the development of formats including Easy Reads, First Nations languages and video resumes.
  • Support for delivery of Learners License driving programs for learners from the priority focus groups to gain on road driving experience.
  • Providing equipment and resources to develop or expand Social Enterprises.
  • Building the inclusive practices of organisations. Examples could include Cultural Sensitivity/Cultural Competence training, Diversity training, Rainbow Tick accreditation, Autism Awareness training.
  • Access improvements including ramps, installation of handrails, automatic doors, office, and bathroom modifications.

For the Strengthening Inclusive Pathways to Employment Grants or to apply please visit:  https://dhs.sa.gov.au/how-we-help/grants/available-grants/strengthening-inclusive-pathways-to-employment-grants

2023/24 Social Impact Round 2 Grants
Opening 5th March 2024 and Closing 3.00 pm on 4th April 2024. Applications are open for grant funding in support of initiatives that help create strong and inclusive communities, that advance social and emotional wellbeing for people living and working in South Australia.

This funding opportunity is a one-off grant of up to $10,000 for:

  • Minor upgrades to infrastructure to encourage participation especially in regional and remote areas. Examples are disability access upgrades or inclusions, counselling rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, or community spaces.
  • Establish or expand community gardens for locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables.
  • Materials and resources for programs that enable, encourage and or increase participation in community activities.
  • Equipment purchases, to establish or improve a program or a facility to ensure it is a safe space for all participants/community members. Examples are IT equipment, digital technology, catering equipment, furniture, air conditioning.
  • Marketing and contingency costs can make up 10% of combined budget request.

Social Impact Grant Round Guidelines will be available at the following link: website.

 

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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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Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) Update

 The Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) has extended its submission date to match in with the date of this year’s Synod meeting in October. As such SERC is now calling for submissions for the 2024 award, either in writing or electronically and these should be received by the secretary, Don Hopgood 19 Ray Ave, Morphett Vale 5162, email: Turn on Javascript! no later than 31st.

 Use word and pictures (if possible) to make clear what you have undertaken and the measure of your success. The award recipient will receive $600, or this amount may be divided between two or more entrants if appropriate. All entrants will receive a certificate acknowledging their willingness to engage in ecumenical activities and these will be presented at the Synod meeting October 2024. Further information about the award is available from either Velvy Holden (Chairperson SERC) Turn on Javascript! or Don Hopgood (Secretary SERC) Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Meditation Classes at Clayton Wesley Uniting Church

Clayton Wesley Uniting Church is hosting an eight week meditation program starting 4th  April, every Thursday from 11.00 am to 12.00 noon. No prior experience is required, come and learn mindfulness skills and techniques to de-stress. Contact: Turn on Javascript! for more information and register for the class at this link: (5) Meditation Class with Right Brain Liaisons | Facebook

 

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PIEN 2024 Speaker Tour

Mercy Aiken, co-author of Bishara Awad, a Palestinian Christian and founder of Bethlehem Bible College will speak at two events on Sunday, 14th April and Monday, 15th April, sponsored by the National Council of Churches in Australia. More information is available at this link: PIEN 2024 Speaker Tour - Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network

 

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Mark Drama

Many people these days are not interested in reading the Bible. They think that it is irrelevant, old-fashioned, or unreliable.

Dusting off the old book, the Mark Drama turns Mark’s biographical account of Jesus into a 90 minute, fast-paced, theatre-in-the-round stage production. Fully immersed in the action, the audience hears almost all the words of Jesus as recorded in Mark’s gospel.

Just as the disciples ask, ‘Who is this man, that even the wind and the waves obey him?’ (Mark 4:41), guests can discover for themselves – is Jesus just another guy with imaginative ideas about God, or is he truly the King of the universe? Dates : Saturday, 13th April 2024 at 7:30pm or Sunday, 14th April 2024 at 2.00pm. Venue : Burnside City Uniting Church

Booking :  https://www.trybooking.com/CPWYU Entry:free

 

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