News, Notices & Prayer points - 4th July 2023

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News & Notices – 4th July 2023

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 4th July, 2023 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For an end to the violence between Palestine and Israel, and for peace for all
  • For those in our community who are sick or dying, may we be reminded to care for them as God cares for us
  • For university students as they enjoy a break from studying and prepare for a new semester.

 

 

 

Congregational Resource on the Voice

A two-page resource explains why the Uniting Church supports the change, a position informed by our covenant commitment with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and our Christian call to work for practical and meaningful change that ensures all can live life abundantly.

The resource includes:

  • Simple information on why a Voice is needed, how it will work and how it will make a difference
  • Connections to our Covenant with UAICC
  • A section on 'what the Bible says'
  • Helpful starting points for a conversation.

Here is the link to the Assembly webpage, A Voice to Parliament in 2 pages - Uniting Church Australia and click here to download, print and share in your community!

 

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HopeFULL – State Youth Conference 2023

What is there to hope in? It's a question we are finding teenagers asking in our Uniting Church youth ministries. On 9th of September 2023 we (local youth ministries in collaboration with Mission Resourcing) are running 'hopeFULL', a State Youth Conference for high school years 7-12.

At 'hopeFULL', teenagers will explore:

  • Worship experiences that will help them encounter God
  • Inspiring and challenging messages from Courtney Lush, Youth Pastor of New Life Uniting Church
  • Electives that will help you to follow Jesus in a bunch of different ways, from ‘understanding pain and suffering’ to ‘hearing God’s voice’
  • Opportunities to make new friends and connect with other young people
  • A whole lotta of fun.

Do you have a teenager in your life? Please invite them and encourage them to register, it's going to be a simply wonderful event. Registrations can be made at this link: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/state-youth-conference-2023-2138592381

 

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Engage Together - Intergenerational Ministry

A new (updated) Engage Together: Jun-Jul worship resource is now available.

Written collaboratively across three different Synods, the free Engage Together weekly resources provide a helpful starting point for those willing to be stretched – but not too far – toward worship that is more multi-sensory, multi-intelligence and multi-ability aware. Easily accessible and readily adaptable, communities can choose to incorporate as many or as few of the ideas each week as is appropriate for their context.

Based around traditional Uniting Church liturgy and the Revised Common Lectionary, Engage Together worship resources for most weeks include creative ideas for:

  • Call to Worship
  • Songs
  • Prayer of Confession
  • Bible Reading.

Plus a ‘Take home’ idea to prompt ongoing reflection and action.

Engage Together resources encourage greater participation by people of all ages and facilitate engagement across the different generations that are present. As we seek to be a more intentionally intergenerational church, Engage Together is well worth checking out!

More information if available at this link: Engage Together: Jun-Jul 2023.

Also, another link which may be of interest: https://uniting.church/uca-anniversary-intergenerational-ideas/.

 

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Awareness raising sessions on the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament:

A group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous advocates for The Voice at Pilgrim Uniting Church are available to run an engaging workshop on the topic at your church or in your community.

The session can be either 45 minutes or 60 minutes and starts with a Welcome to Country by a Kaurna elder who is a member of the Pilgrim Church. Originally, designed to engage people of all faiths and cultures, the group has also run successful workshops with Pilgrim UC communities. The workshops cover the background to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for a Voice to Parliament and engages participants in reflecting their own understandings about the topic. Importantly, participants can also document any questions or arguments against the proposed constitutional change which they might have heard so that responses can be discussed.

The workshop presenters of these session would prefer to meet with representatives from interested groups to make sure that the session can be tailored to your needs. Contacts: Marelle Harisun Turn on Javascript! or Uncle Allen Edwards Snr Turn on Javascript!

 

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Uniting Foundation Grant Round Now Open

Congregations, faith communities and individuals are invited to consider applying for financial assistance with projects which will enhance and potentially increase their missional effectiveness.

Application close 31st July 2023. Eligibility information, application forms and draft position description template are located at: https://sa.uca.org.au/uniting-foundation/applying-for-a-grant.

 

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Disaster and Recovery Ministries

Would you be prepared to offer a ministry of presence, care and comfort to people affected in times of great need?

You are invited to train as a chaplain for Disaster and Recovery Ministries SA. Coordinated by the Uniting Church in SA, they provide training and coordinate teams of people from many faith groups who are able to provide pastoral and spiritual support to others in the community during times of disaster and subsequent recovery.

For more information, with training dates the 10th and 11th October, please download the flyer located at this link: UCA SA - Disaster and Recovery Chaplain Training

 

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Missional Needs and Opportunities Review Update

Thanks are extended to those that have responded to the recent survey. Below are some interim results:

In response to ‘How would you define mission?,’ responses so far have emphasised the importance of people and community.

[Mission is] reaching to our community to show and tell of God's love and grace

[Mission is] Looking for where God is working and joining in.

Reflecting on mission respondents were glad to be a part of, responders have mentioned different forms of mission and missional engagement including (but not limited to!): caring for the disadvantaged in their communities, prioritising worship services, forming relationships with unchurched people, and establishing a community group to support the Uluru Statement.

If you haven’t completed the survey yet? It is open till Monday 10th July at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023RMNO.

If you have any questions about the survey? Please refer to this document for some FAQs.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Awuk--I3Y4l2U_BOrwmoGL7IuxsU6_vWnMo5Lln6VTc/edit?usp=sharing

If you have further questions, or feedback, or you would like to provide your thoughts? Please contact the review team at: Turn on Javascript!

 

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Voice Banners now available

The Synod of VIC/TAS has designed a banner in support of the Voice to Parliament and the banner has been endorsed by the National Assembly. There are four colour options for those congregations that wish to display a banner in support of the Voice to Parliament. The designs are available to view at this link: UCA SA - Voice to Parliament Resources

If you would like to order a banner please email the Engagement Ministry Centre at Turn on Javascript! and include the following details with your order:

  • Name of congregation
  • Name of contact person at congregation
  • Type of banner required e.g. corflute, canvas
  • Size of banner, please include number of eyelets required
  • Indicate colour choice of your design (3 options to choose from)
  • Clearly indicate any additional words you would like included in the design.

There is no design fee, however there will be a print and postage and handling fee for all requests. Once an order is received, Engagement will let you know the print quote cost for your banner, before progressing your requirements.

 

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Raising our Tribal Voice for Justice: An Indigenous Theological Revolution 2023 Conference (10th – 13th July 2023)

The School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Divinity is pleased to announce a four-day conference entitled ‘Raising Our Tribal Voice for Justice: An Indigenous Theological Revolution.’ This is the first ever national ecumenical platform where Indigenous theologians from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific will raise up their voices and challenge churches across denominations to call their followers to action in addressing injustice, inequality and systemic failings of churches history to protect, nourish, and benefit from Indigenous peoples and their knowledge. More information and how to book is available at this link: Raising our Tribal Voice for Justice Tickets, St John's Anglican Cathedral, Brisbane City | TryBooking Australia

 

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Uniting Church National History Society 2023 Conference (24th – 27th August 2023)

Registrations for the Uniting Church National History Society's 2023 Conference are now open. For information and details about how to register for the conference please download the promotional flyer at this link or contact Judy Orme email: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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National Lay Preachers Conference 2023 (4th – 7th August 2023)

The Queensland Synod is pleased to host on behalf of the National Lay Preacher Committee, the 2023 National Conference of Lay Preachers to be held Friday 4th August to Monday 7th August 2023 at Alexandra Park Conference Centre, Sunshine Coast Queensland.

For Lay Preachers, prospective Lay Preachers and those interested in leading worship. Share in a wonderful few days and be encouraged, supported and challenged in your ministry. Further information is available at this link: National Conference of Lay Preachers 2023 - Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod (ucaqld.com.au)

 

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Grant Opportunity

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 to $100,000. Applications for Round 2 open on 1st June 2023 and close on 30th August 2023. Find out more.

 

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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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Volunteering Red Dove Café 2023

There are just over 9 weeks away for the Red Dove Café for 2023 at the Royal Adelaide Show. Money raised from this café goes to mission in South Australia. The organisers are seeking people to fill 800+ shifts for the period 1st – 10th September this year. If you are interested please contact Volunteer Coordinators, on email Turn on Javascript! or call Janet on 0432 271 757.

 

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Imagination, Friendship & Spirituality 23rd July 2pm-4pm St John’s Halifax St Anglican Church Hall

Dr Antonia Spizzey, via video presentation, will share a new take on ecumenical engagement through Jesus’ call to us to be Friends. This is based on her exceptional paper presented at the 2022 International Receptive Ecumenism Conference V.  Come share in a Cuppa and Conversation over Devonshire Tea around the table with friends. Why not bring a table from your church? RSVP so you don’t miss out on scones! (Gluten Free available). Booking link: Churches Together SA 2023 - Ecumenical Learning Event (jotform.com)

 

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Listening Circles – Listening with our Heart

Understanding the Uluru Statement from the Heart and Referendum. Rev Anne Hewitt is happy to facilitate a Listening and Learning time with your Church, community and local ecumenical networks, to offer space and prayerful insight, for greater understanding, concerns or questions. She looks forward to hearing from you, to arrange a suitable date, time and space, to assist those who wish to understand more, so they feel educated and equipped in their decision making later in the year. City and regional areas considered. Contact, Rev Anne Hewitt, Mobile: 0475 016 789 or email Turn on Javascript!.

 

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