News, Notices & Prayer points - 5th March 2024

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News & Notices – 5th March 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 5th March 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For all mankind that we may be ever reminded of our responsibility to protect and care for our shared world
  • For both Palestinians and Israelis that we may pray ardently for a resolution to this war
  • For those that have lost loved ones due to war, famine and the impacts of climate change.

 

 

 

‘Walk as One’ Worship Music Packs - Launch by CMLA

The Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts is pleased to announce the coming release of new music packs for worship based on the popular ‘Walk as One’ Songbook. Starting in March, the CMLA will release a pack of five songs every two months - with sheet music, original audio recordings, lyric videos, and PowerPoint files - along with suggestions for their use in worship. The series online launch, hosted by Dr Craig Mitchell, will feature music and video samples and brief interviews with songwriters from across Australia - Tuesday 19th March at 2pm ACST on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/events/906737801459194/. The music packs will be available for sale from 19th March at cmla.org.au. More details are available on the CMLA website.

 

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2024 Lent Resource: Daily Prayer-Action Calendar to Cultivate Public Discipleship

Drawing on the UnitingWorld's 40 Days of Faithful Action For God's Creation lent event and other justice resources, this Lenten prayer and action guide is prepared to help individuals and congregations to cultivate public discipleship through taking time to pray, lament, advocate, and take concrete actions towards coming reconciliation and renewal of the whole creation. You can download the guide at this link: 2024 Lent Prayer - Action Calendar.pdf

 

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Effective Living Centre in 2024

The centre has a great program of events coming up this year including the new Progressive Christianity Forum (successor to Seminary of the Third Age) and a series on Readers and Writers, as well as old favourites such as Poets Corner, Social Issues and Wilkes Oration. For more information and to download the 2024 Program Brochure, please visit: EffectiveLivingCentre (ucasa.org.au)

The Effective Living Centre is a recognised Mission Centre of Uniting Church in SA. You can participate in their programs or support the work of the centre by becoming a Friend of ELC: Friends of ELC 2024 | Humanitix

 

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Nunyara 75th Anniversary Celebration Service

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

To mark the occasion, a Celebration Service will be conducted at Nunyara in The Chapel on Sunday 14 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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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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Summary of Review of Missional Needs & Opportunities

In 2023 the Mission & Leadership Development Board (MLDB) commissioned AngelWings to conduct a review of the missional needs and opportunities in the SA Synod to inform their decisions on how to best fulfill their mandate over the next 5-10 years. That review is 38 pages, and was not intended to be a public document, as it contains information and recommendations pertaining to specific roles, programs, and personnel that may have implications for people’s positions. However there is much in it that is beneficial for the whole Synod, so the MLDB have prepared a summary which can be read here.

 

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Grant Opportunities

Tea Tree Gully Community Grants
Applications are now open and will close at 4pm, Tuesday 19 March 2024 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 our community.

Please visit the community grants webpage to read through the policy, guidelines, check your eligibility and submit your application here.

To discuss your project idea and to confirm your eligibility email: Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 8397 7444.

Celebrate Together Grants 2024-25
The celebrate together grants assist multicultural organisations to host festivals and events to share their cultures, customs and traditions with all South Australians. There are two categories of grants available under Celebrate Together:

  • Large Grants from $5,001 to $30,000 are available for festivals and events that can be delivered within 12 months, commencing in July 2024.
  • Small Grants (Round 1) of up to $5,000 are available for festivals and events to be held between 1st July 2024 and 31st December 2024.

The online application form and Funding Guidelines are available now on the Multicultural Affairs website. Grants close 11pm, 24th March 2024.

Environmental Grant
The City of Port Adelaide Enfield is pleased to advise that Environmental Grant applications are also currently open and will close on Friday 29th March 2024. The Environmental Grants Program encourages environmental project initiatives that will protect and enhance the sustainability and environment of the local area. More information  on how to apply and guidelines for project funding can be found here.

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 3pm on 3 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 5 March 2024 and Closing 3pm on 4 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 August 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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Sally Stamp

Sally Stamp thanks all churches, businesses and people who have donated stamps for 2023 and ask that you continue for 2024. They have commenced the new year with a healthy bank balance and will be able to fund a shipment for South Pacific School Aid Inc. to send books and aid to the Pacific Islands. Stamp Collections no longer required can be assessed free of charge. Maxine Haines, Convenor, email: Turn on Javascript!, mobile 0427 972 417.

 

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Afghans in Art

'Afghans in Art' is an exhibition of artwork by Afghan refugees who have been mentored into artists, with their artworks shown at Rumi Palace Restaurant, as part of a special art exhibition at the Adelaide Fringe 2024 on 16th March. The event is being put on by Circle of Friends Australia Incorporated, a 100% volunteer run refugee support group. Tickets and bookings for the official art opening are at: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/afghans-in-art-af2024

The official opening will include Afghan food and drinks as part of the experience. Ticket sales will support Afghan girls overseas in terms of education - so book today with work in this area led by Erfan Abidi. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/erfanullah-abidi/

 

 

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