News, Notices & Prayer points - 3 May 2022

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News & Notices – 3 May 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 3rd May 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For all in the Uniting Church as members gather for the 16th Assembly
  • For the binding relationship between the Uniting Church and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress as we prepare to renew the Covenant at the 16th Assembly reconvened meeting
  • For the people of the Pacific, our church partners in the region and Pasifika communities in the Uniting Church. We give thanks for their deep faith, theological insights and their prophetic voice for peace and creation.

 

 


 

 

Synod Meeting 2022

Registrations have now been sent out for the June Synod meeting.

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.

Synod members may submit proposals for consideration by the Synod on any matter in the reports or the working papers, and on any matter that falls within Synod’s responsibility.

New proposals are required to be submitted by no later than 3pm Thursday 19 May 2022

New proposals should be sent to: Rev. Sue Page: Turn on Javascript!  (or) GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001.

This is to:

  • Encourage members to think well ahead of time about the proposals they want to bring to the meeting
  • Allow the wording of proposals to be refined so that they can be dealt with in the best way at the meeting
  • Allow members time to reflect on the proposals and
  • Enable a realistic agenda to be created giving adequate time to all aspects of the meeting.

If you want to submit a proposal for consideration by Synod, please ensure that it is put in writing and includes the names of two (2) members of Synod, and has with it a paragraph of rationale.

Assistance in the structure and wording of new proposals will be offered so that the proposals can be dealt with as efficiently as possible by the meeting. 

 

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UnitingCare Australia and the Federal Election

With the Federal Election just around the corner this means we are entering a period of heightened opportunity. The opportunity is to make Australia better by making our laws better.

UnitingCare Australia is undertaking a concerted push to change the way our system works. One of their key focuses is economic inequality because we believe in an Australia where prosperity is shared fairly, embracing all people regardless of their privilege or upbringing. This vision is based in the ministry of Jesus who announced, ‘good news to the poor’ and those excluded from society.

We are challenging decision makers to use the economy to improve wellbeing. As outlined in An Economy of Life:

The point is not to find the solution (for there is no one), but to foster all the ways that every human enterprise, including theology, can help us imagine and live a different abundant life, one that will make the earth healthier and people happier.

Three straightforward proposals outlined in their Pre-Budget Submission will move us closer to this goal:

  1. A National Inquiry into the causes of income stagnation,
  2. Increasing wages in aged care, and
  3. Paying superannuation on top of Parental Leave Pay

Together we can help make people the priority in Australia and ensure everyone is empowered to live a life of dignity.

But we need your help to get these policies into our democracy. There are lots of ways to pitch in. Some activities will take five minutes, others will take a little longer. So – Can you lend a hand? More information is available at this link: https://unitingcare.org.au/campaign/uniting-a-caring-australia/

 

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The Blackwood Reconciliation Walk

Please join the 2022 Blackwood Reconciliation Walk on Sunday, May 29th at 11.30 am. Meet at the Blackwood roundabout and walk together down Shepherds Hill Road to the Colebrook Reconciliation Park to a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. All are invited to bring their own picnic lunch and take time to hear the Voices of former residents of the Colebrook Training Home for Aboriginal Children which are present in so many forms at this site. We will also speak to the theme for National Reconciliation Week, 2022, ‘Be brave. Make change.’ Further information is available at this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/568290347786631/?ref=newsfeed

 

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One in Worship

The next One in Worship Service for 2022 will be held on Sunday May 29th. If you enjoy singing or listening to Christian songs and music or like to pray with others, you are invited to come together as community and be as one to worship and pray. Further information is available at this link: www.oneinworship.net


 

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Frontier Services – The Journey so far

A message from Frontier Services’ National Director, Jannine Jackson - The journey so far has not been easy for any of us in 2022. This is especially true for our friends in rural and remote Australia. They have struggled through the darkness and despair brought upon by natural disasters. This has been compounded by the pangs of loneliness and isolation.

But we are here now. And none of this would have been possible without the constant help and support of our loved ones. For those living on far-flung cattle stations, properties and some of Australia’s most isolated towns, our Bush Chaplains and Outback Links volunteers have been standing by their side, taking their hand and helping them place one foot in front of the other, on the road to rebuilding and recovery. Further information is available at this link: https://frontierservices.org/journey-so-far/

 

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So that the whole earth be as it is in heaven: 2022 Federal Election Resource

As followers of Christ, we are called to vote with a prayer for ‘earth as it is in heaven’ so that all people and all creation might share abundant life.

To help inform your vote, the Environmental Action Group of the SA Synod has met with and/or received information from, four of the Candidates for the Federal seat of Boothby in Adelaide on their climate policies, as determined by their Parties. This assessment could apply to all Federal electorates. The Statement can be accessed at this link.

You can read and download a three-page summary of the results here: Who shall I vote for on May 21.pdf

For further information visit the Environmental Action Group’s Website,  https://www.environmentalaction.org.au

UCA Assembly’s Federal Election Resource can be downloaded here.

 

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Ukraine Humanitarian Assistance

We are all concerned about the unfolding human tragedy in Ukraine. Rosefield Uniting Chuch has direct contact with Community Solidarity Support Ukraine (CSSU). We are raising funds to help out in real and tangible ways. CSSU purchase supplies and distributes them to communities in Ukraine. For more information please download this flyer: https://rosefield.ucasa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/2022/04/UKRAINE-HUMANITARIAN-ASSISTANCE-Leaflet-v2.docx

Alternatively you can email Turn on Javascript! for further information.

 

 

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Sally Stamp

The UCA Stamp Group is happy to again be meeting in the Synod office to continue to sort stamps. We had a good sale for $357.50 to our buyers which will enable us to continue to pay for freight to South Pacific School Aid Inc. (SPSA). We were thrilled that SPSA organised to send 7 pallets of equipment to Tonga which was sent by the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade by air without any payment from our end. Stocks of stamps are now low, so please continue to save and send your used stamps through to: Maxine Haines – Convenor, UCA Stamp Group phone: 0427 972 417 or email Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Campbelltown Uniting Church – 175th Anniversary Service

Campbelltown Uniting Church is celebrating 175 years of Methodist/Uniting Church worships, witness and service in the district. An anniversary service will be held on Sunday, 15th May at 10.00 am. The Moderator will preach and all are welcome to join in worship and morning tea.

 

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New Creation Care Guide

A new Creation Care Guide has been developed in collaboration with the Environmental Action Group and UCA Assembly and is designed to help individuals and congregations take climate action. This two-page sheet includes GreenPower Guide for Congregations and Homes and the UCA Federal Election Resource regarding Climate Change. The guide is available for download at this link: GreenPower-Election resource-April 2022-revised.pdf

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



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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-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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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.

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, 2022. Register at this link: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/

Naracoorte Uniting Church is hosting the following training sessions on Saturday 25th June.

  • 9:00am-12.00noon ‘Through Their Eyes: safe environments for children and young people.’ Refresher for all church leaders and volunteers to understand their legal obligations for reporting concerns of children and young people who have participated in this training before.

  • 00-4.00pm ‘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 21st June, 2022.
To book: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/

 

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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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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 26th April 2022

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

 


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