News, Notices & Prayer points - 3rd September 2024

Posted Sep 3, 2024 in News

News & Notices – 3rd September 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 3rd September 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

For all charitable organisations around the world that work tirelessly to support those in need; we ask for blessings upon their work, so they can continue to serve communities effectively and compassionately
For all experiencing acute distress and suicidal thoughts, may we reach out and be a source of support and encouragement during difficult times
For peace and healing in regions affected by conflict, disaster and other crises.

Peer Support and Resilience Workshop

Rev Dr Stephen Robinson serves as the National Disaster Recovery Officer for the Uniting Church. With years of experience in crisis and disaster ministry, he has deeply reflected on how trauma affects ministers and faith communities, often revealing a lack of preparedness to respond effectively and manage the aftermath.

Supported by a Churchill Fellowship, Stephen conducted research and interviewed faith leaders about their responses to violent attacks on houses of worship. His study included the Christchurch Mosque mass shooting, the assassination of a British MP at a UK Methodist Church, and other significant incidents involving synagogues and churches. These events have profoundly impacted the lives of those involved.

Drawing from the lessons learned and the ongoing challenges, Stephen will delve into the critical dynamics that unfold when a community and congregation face a crisis. He will discuss who and what resources will be available to support ministers and leaders during these times of need and how we can better equip ourselves to respond and recover in the face of threats and loss. This is an essential event you won’t want to miss!

Who should attend: This one-day workshop will be of benefit to Ministers, Chaplains and pastoral care leaders. Thursday 3^rd October from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm at Westbourne Park Uniting Church. Bookings for attendance and catering are required at this link: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events/peer-support-and-resilience/.

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What is Love?

Love is a tornado of swirling conversation for young people today. They are talking about this. How often do they get a chance to intersect that conversation with their faith?

SYC 2024, what we are calling ‘What is Love?’ is going to give young people that opportunity. Our dynamic and highly respected keynote speaker, ‘Dubsy’ Want, will speak to the love of God, displayed in the sacrificial love of Jesus. The love of God is the final word on our ‘love-ableness’ and the only kind of love that is ultimately fulfilling and completing. Registrations are open at this link: SYC 2024 | What is Love? (eventzilla.net).

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Synod Meeting 2024

The due date for Proposals for this year's Synod Meeting has been extended until 5.00 pm Friday 13th September 2024! Due to requests from some members still working on proposals, we have decided to extend the deadline for proposals. Please note that no proposals received after Friday, 13th September at 5.00 pm will be considered for the Synod meeting. Information about how to write a Proposal is available on the Synod website at this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/synod-meeting-2024/

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Season of Creation 2024

The Season of Creation runs from 1st September through to 4th October. Check out the Uniting Church Australia list of resources for the month, including updated resources from the Assembly to help your community take worship outdoors. The resource has an introduction from President Rev Charissa Suli, who writes: ‘Just as we are called to weave threads of love in our communities, we are equally called to weave these threads into our relationship with creation, recognising that every act of care for the environment is an act of love for our global neighbours and future generations.’ Find all resources here.

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Cutting of Pastoral Ties Service

We invite you to attend the ‘Cutting of Pastoral Ties Service’ for Rev Wendy Prior at 4pm on Tuesday, 17^th September 2024 at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology at Brooklyn Park. This is an opportunity to thank Wendy for her years of dedicated ministry. She has been an integral part of the Placements and Safe Church team since 2012, demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and care in her role. Her contributions as the Chaplaincy and Supervision Manager have made a lasting impact, building strong relationships with all our chaplaincy partners in Hospitals, Schools, Correction Services and Aged Care and all of the chaplains as well. For catering purposes please RSVP to Gill Morel Turn on Javascript!

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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 26^th – 30^th 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

Safe Church trainings: Did you miss the last round of courses offered? Are you waiting for a location near you? Are you looking for a refresher for your knowledge of Mandatory Reporting? The next Through Their Eyes Refresher is being offered as a full day course, Saturday 7^th September at The Journey, Ridgehaven. Called to Care – our own Uniting Church Safeguarding training is being offered on 13^th October at Bordertown UC. All training sessions require preregistration via the event listing on the Safe Church Events Calendar page: Events Calendar – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au).

Safe Church Screening

Have you started a screening application but found yourself stuck? Maybe you're not comfortable using a computer or find the process too complicated? The UCA Screening team is here to help! We are offering appointments between 10am and 2:30pm on Friday, 20^th September, at the Synod city office to assist you in completing your screening application. Bookings are essential, so please call 8236 4200 or email Turn on Javascript! to secure your spot.

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Grant Opportunities

Celebrate Together Grants 2024-25

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs has announced that applications for Multicultural Affairs’ (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) CELEBRATE TOGETHER Round 2 grants are now open. The CELEBRATE TOGETHER grants assist multicultural organisations to host festivals and events to share their cultures, customs and traditions with all South Australians. The government recognises that festivals and events celebrate our state’s cultural diversity and showcase who we are as South Australians. Applications are open now and close 11pm, 15^th September 2024.

Adelaide Fringe Fund now open

The Adelaide Fringe Fund is now taking grant applications from artists and venues planning to participate in the 2025 Adelaide Fringe. Funded through Adelaide Fringe’s foundation, Arts Unlimited, the Fringe Fund’s mission is to support bold ideas, elevate diverse voices and encourage innovation by providing financial support to artists and venues. Ahead of last season, the Adelaide Fringe Fund awarded more than 200 grants totalling $1m to artists, producers and venues participating in the 2024 festival. These grants were instrumental in enabling participants to bring their vision to Fringe. For the 2025 season, the grants will be available in two categories:

Australian First Nations Grants: $5,000
Participant Grants: $5,000.

The grants will fund operational, development and marketing costs, access providers, and regional touring. Grant applications close 10^th September 2024. More information is available at this link: Adelaide Fringe - 21 February - 23 March 2025.

Mark Butler MP Grants Information

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

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‘Sing a New Song’ Worship Leadership Events

The CMLA and Mission Resourcing SA are hosting two leadership development events for worship leaders, musicians and preachers. Friday evening 6th September: ‘Post-colonial Worship in Australia’ - lecture with Rev Prof Stephen Burns from the University of Divinity in Melbourne, followed by panel discussion. Saturday 7th September 9.30am-4.00pm with an address by Rev Burns followed by multiple electives including new music, worship in a multicultural church, church online, bringing Bible readings alive, Advent and Christmas ideas, copyright, and much more. Venues: Adelaide West UC and Uniting College Full program and registration details here.

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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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Post-Colonial Worship in Australia

Rev Prof Stephen Burns will speak on the challenges and opportunities for Australian churches in shaping worship for this land in this time, recognising the history and presence of our First Peoples. Stephen is a lecturer and researcher with Pilgrim Theological College and the University of Divinity, based in Melbourne. The evening is being held on Friday, 6^th September from 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm and includes a panel conversation and Q&A. An interdenominational event hosted by the Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts. Venue: Uniting College for Leadership and Theology campus, Brooklyn Park. Cost $10. Bookings at this link.

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Sally stamp

Thanks are extended again to Churches, Fellowships, Businesses and all people who have donated stamps for the Stamp Group to process. They are about to reimburse funds for South Pacific School Aid Inc to freight books/aids to the Islands and have donated for chairs for Oodnadatta Church, NT. The Stamp Group need more stamps to keep their volunteers busy for the next few months - please put a notice in your Church Newsletters. Pick-up in the metropolitan area can be arranged. Enquiries to Maxine Haines - Convenor - UCA Stamp Group on 0427 972 417or email: Turn on Javascript!.

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Ordination of Robert Cartridge

The Presbytery of Southern SA welcomes everyone to attend the ordination of Robert Cartridge. The service will take place on Friday, 20^th September at 7.00 pm at Woodville Uniting Church, 44 Woodville Road, Woodville South.

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MediaCom Update

Currently there are a range of publications and resources for sale in the foyer of the Synod office. These publications are offered at greatly reduced prices and available during office hours at 212 Pirie Street in the Adelaide CBD.

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Taizé Brother Visiting Pilgrim Church

One of the brothers from Taizé will be visiting Adelaide. Pilgrim Church will be hosting a Midday Prayer on 31st October at 12:15pm, followed by a light lunch. Parking midweek can be challenging, so you are encouraged to use public transport or park in one of the nearby carparks (more details at https://pilgrim.org.au/church-access/).

Br Matthew of Taizé shares this prayer: ‘Eternal God, you are the source of all life. Open the ears of our hearts so that we can listen to you. And then we will hear of your love through your Word and through the beauty of your creation. And when we are faced with choices to be made, we would like to decide with you. Therein is our life.’

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25 Years of Together in Song

This year marks 25 years since the publication of Together in Song, Australian Hymn Book II. Together in Song has been a significant asset through its contribution to meaningful and effective worship, both traditional and contemporary. Join Christ Church Uniting Church Wayville to celebrate Together in Song on Sunday, 15^th September at 2.30pm. Admission is $15, all of which will go towards the Christ Church Organ Scholarship Fund. Please book online at: https://events.humanitix.com/25-years-of-together-in-song

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Spring Show

The SA Orchidaceous Society will hold their Spring Show in the Western Link UC Hall, 93 Crittenden Road, Findon on Saturday 7^th September from 9am-4pm and on Sunday 8^th September from 12noon until 4pm. Beautiful orchids will be on display, and some will be available for sale. $5.00 donation incudes complimentary tea/coffee and a biscuit. More information 0430 194 808.

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The Uniting Church goes Net-Zero

The UCSA Synod Climate Action Plan aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions from UCSA sources by 2040. Can we do it? Yes we can! Find out about the keys to success and what strategies we can use to reach this ambitious target. Come and hear from the Environmental Action Group on 11^th September from 7.30 – 9.30 pm. and join the discussion about practical ways to achieve this goal. Tickets $15 general admission, $12 concession and $5 live stream. More information is available at Synod website at this link.

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Celebrating 170 Years at Findon

At 10.00 am on Sunday, 13^th October at Western Link Uniting Church, 93 Crittenden Road, Findon the original site of the Findon Church known as ‘Old Glory’ will celebrate 170 years. The building is heritage listed by the Charles Sturt Council who have commissioned a commemorative plaque to be mounted in a suitable place. All past members, their families, former Ministers and anyone who had a relationship with ‘Old Glory’ is welcome to attend. Contact Marion on 0437 128 365.

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Craft Display Day

On Thursday, 26^th September come and enjoy the stunning display of Arts and Crafts produced every Thursday. Entry gold coin donation to the Worship Centre. Morning tea, light lunch and coffee cart available from 9.00 am – 1.00 pm. A variety of stalls with items for sale will be available in the hall. Westbourne Park Uniting Church, 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn.

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RUOK 2 Play!

Boardgames. Fun! Giveaways. Pizza. Community. Inclusion. Hilarity on 28^th September and 12^th October from 12.00 noon to 6.00 pm. Find event details at this link: Welcome - St Andrew's by the Sea Uniting Church (standrewsuc.org.au).

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Let’s Get Real Workshop

Step out from behind the professional facade, ditch the fancy talk, and name pastoral and spiritual care for what it is - messy, muddled and amazing! Join Dr Michael Paterson for an interactive conversation about being awake, agile and audacious - personally and professionally. Tuesday, 8th October from 9.00 am - 12.30 pm at UnitingSA Learning Hub, workshop fee is $50 (and includes lunch). To register email Les Underwood at Turn on Javascript!.

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