News, Notices & Prayer points - 31st January 2023

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News & Notices – 31st January 2023

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 31st January 2023 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For all students starting school this week, especially those who are entering their very first year, and those who are preparing for the challenges of year twelve. May God be with them as they begin a new academic year, and bring them courage and joy in this time.
  • For those returning to work after the holiday break. May they enter the workplace feeling refreshed, peaceful and renewed.
  • For our hospital staff, nurses and doctors. May we give thanks for their hard work and dedication over the last three years since COVID-19 first struck. Let us always remember and appreciate their service and compassionate care for our most vulnerable.

 

 

Moderator and Acting Moderator

As you may recall our Moderator Bronte Wilson has had some sick leave in 2022, and is currently returning to work in an intentional and structured way. We are grateful to Rev Sue Ellis who as Ex-Moderator has also been our Acting Moderator during this time. This has been a complex time for all to negotiate and Sue has led with compassion and verve. Sue completed her stint as Acting Moderator on the 31st December.

As the Moderator continues on his return to work program Past Moderator Deidre Palmer is now assisting him with fulfilling the roles and duties of the Moderator. We invite you to pray for our Moderator as he continues to return to full health and vitality and for Deidre as she offers assistance and leadership at this time.

 

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Stopping Slavery as act of discipleship with Carolyn and Fuzz Kitto

A look at modern day slavery through the lens of Christian discipleship in preparation for Easter 2023.

We invite church leaders from across the state to join us. You will receive material which you will be able to use in worship and preaching in the lead up to this Easter. It is an opportunity to explore the story of Jesus and how it makes a difference in today’s world, and in particular how we can put a stop to modern day slavery through shopping wisely.

We thank Carolyn and Fuzz Kitto for accepting our invitation to talk to us about their ministry; the chocolate scorecard; and their hope that leaders in congregations might invite your members to see this as a deep act of discipleship.

Blackwood Uniting Church, 266 Main Rd, Blackwood
10th February
7pm - Start
7:30pm - Speakers
8.30pm - Light refreshments

Click here to RSVP.

 

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MediaCom Education

New look L3

MediaCom Education first produced L3, then titled ‘Lay Leaders’ Liturgy’ in time for Advent 2020. Now, in response to your feedback and the changing nature of the church, L3 comes to you with a new name. Still L3 but now 'Liturgy, Learning and (purposeful) Life.' Sarah Agnew introduces a 'reformed' L3, and you can listen to it at this link.

 

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Uniting World Lent Event 2023

UnitingWorld’s Lent Event seeks to help us refocus our lives through prayer, simplicity and generosity.

Pray - Use our prayer guide to pray alongside our partners as they address the challenges facing their communities.

Live simply - Give up something in solidarity with people who have less.

Give - Donate or fundraise to help our partners fighting poverty and injustice.

Head to http://www.lentevent.com.au today to get started. In 2023, Lent is from 22 February to 6 April.

 

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Grant Opportunities

Multicultural Grants Program 2023-24 currently has Expand Together funding open to support multicultural communities.

The Expand Together grants assist multicultural organisations to expand their capacity by upgrading community facilities or purchasing equipment to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Apply for up $100,000. Applications for Round 2 open on 1st June 2023 and close on 30th August 2023. Find out more.

Community Grants January 2023
Tea Tree Gully Council's community grants program consists of one-off financial grants for community groups and not-for-profit organisations. Grants are provided for activities, programs, events and initiatives that provide clear benefits for the community.

Community groups and organisations can apply for funding to improve wellbeing, encourage inclusion, celebrate cultural diversity, engage in the arts and improve the environment.

The next community grants round dates have now been confirmed. Please visit the community grants webpage to read through the policy and guidelines to check your eligibility here.

Key dates:
Opens: 10am, Tuesday 7th March 2023
Closes: 4pm, Tuesday 4th April 2023
Grants assessed: 7pm, Tuesday 23rd May 2023 and outcomes advised: Thursday 25th May 2023. To check eligibility and to discuss your project call (08) 8397 7444 and speak to amember of the community grants team or Turn on Javascript!.

External grant opportunities
Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants provide one-off ageing specific capability building grants of up to $40,000 for projects that support older South Australians to age well. Grant recipients will receive coaching, mentoring and support by The Australian Centre for Social Innovation to enable them to achieve sustainable, long term outcomes for older people. To be eligible, organisations must be an incorporated community organisation that are not-for-profit and have a registered Australian Business Number (ABN). Applications close on Friday 10th February 2023. Find out more.

NAIDOC week
Funding is available for activities to be held during NAIDOC Week (2nd – 9th July 2023) by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and community organisations. The funding will provide assistance towards the cost of organised activities. Previous grants have generally been for amounts between $200 and $1,000. Applications close on 17th February 2023. Find out more.

 

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New Uniting College Website

Uniting College for Leadership & Theology has launched a new website available at this link: Uniting College for Leadership and Theology. The site will expand with new information and photographs in coming months.

 

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Basic Support Skills for Bereavement by Suicide Workshop

What do I say? What do I do? A free workshop is being held at Scots Church Adelaide from 1.00 pm – 5.00 pm on Wednesday, 22nd February 2023. Afternoon tea is included. Topics include: crisis, trauma and grief. What makes suicide different from sudden death, support approaches; best practice; and self-care. For more information or to book, contact: Michelle on 0479 179 770. (Workshop Facilitator) or Rev Jill Lienert on 0409 178 465 (Scots Church). RSVP by 15th February 2023.

 

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Organist/Pianist Available for Funerals and Weddings

With many years’ experience playing organ and piano for funerals and weddings, Simon Smith is part of the music team at Rosefield Uniting Church. He plays from the heart to lift the heart. Please call him or email him regarding availability, fees and music options for funerals and weddings. References available. Simon Smith, mobile 0438 881 476 or email Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Call for Auditors

The Uniting Church SA Synod Financial Services Team currently requires additional assistance from suitably qualified auditors (CPA, CA or Registered Company Auditor) to provide audit services to Uniting Church SA congregations and other entities. Fees are to be negotiated directly with the congregation and prospective auditors will need to have their own ABN as well as appropriate insurance. If you or someone you know is available and willing to join a small team to provide this valuable service, please contact Bella Esposito, Financial Services Coordinator on (08) 8236 4251 or via email at Turn on Javascript! for further information.

 

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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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