News, Notices & Prayer points - 6 July 2021

Posted Jul 6, 2021 in News

News & Notices – 6 July 2021

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 6th July edition of UC e-News

------------------------------------------

Prayer Points for the week:

We pray:

For all nations continuing to cope with the impacts of COVID-19, in particular for India and Cambodia
For all First Peoples as they celebrate their history, culture and achievements during NAIDOC Week
For all health workers and medical staff as they continue to work on the frontline of the pandemic.

Synod Expos Update

We are thrilled to announce the first keynote speaker for the Synod Expos being held around South Australia from September through to November this year. Dave Male is no stranger to South Australia. Rev Canon Dave Male is the Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Based in Westminster in the UK, Dave leads a large team which helps diocese and churches to equip people for evangelism and discipleship for the whole of their lives. He is a trainer in pioneer ministries and an advisor on Fresh Expressions in England. Dave is a sought after speaker internationally and we are thrilled to know that he will provide an inspiring keynote for the expos. 'I have loved my time connecting with Australians and I am so looking forward to continuing that connection into the future,' said Rev Dave Male.

------------------------------------------

NAIDOC Week 2021

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. For more information visit: https://www.naidoc.org.au/about/naidoc-week

We also draw your attention to the following resources:

Mark Kickett on Radio National ‘God Forbid’with Naomi Wolfe and others.
Rev Dr Denise Champion with Brooke Prentis on Radio National ‘Soul Search.’ An outstanding interview linked to the Uniting College’s recent Walking on Country event.
Janet Oobagooma and Kirsty Burgu’s story featured on Compass. Janet and Kirsty are from the Congress and UCA community in the Kimberley, WA.

------------------------------------------

NAIDOC Ecumenical Service at Pilgrim Uniting Church

Pilgrim Uniting Church is honoured to be hosting an ecumenical NAIDOC Service to welcome in NAIDOC Week. Key respected representatives will be speaking. Please note a change in the date for this event which will now be Sunday, 11^th July at 6.00 pm, 12 Flinders Street, Adelaide. A warm welcome to all.

------------------------------------------

One Great Sunday of Sharing: Celebrating being a Multicultural and Intercultural Church

One Great Sunday of Sharing is held each year on the third Sunday in July providing an opportunity for Uniting Church congregations to celebrate being a multicultural church since the Church declared in 1985 at the 4th National Assembly: ‘the Uniting Church in Australia is a multicultural Church.’

This year, all congregations and faith communities are encouraged to observe One Great Sunday of Sharing on 18^th July. The Worship Resources (editable) including a three-minute video showcasing vibrant South Australian CALD faith communities and intercultural congregations will be available on the Synod webpage from next Tuesday 13^th July at https://sa.uca.org.au/cald/cald-events-and-resources.

------------------------------------------

Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru

An Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru to mark the eight year anniversary of the Australian government recommencing offshore indefinite detention: 8 Years - Stop the Torture Now will be held on 18 July. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/AdelaideVigil/

------------------------------------------

Six weeks of dwelling in prayer

Uniting Church members are invited to join together in a time of prayer in the lead up to the opening of the 16th Assembly on 17-18 July 2021.

Each week a prayer is offered, often in languages other than English.

President-elect Rev Sharon Hollis invited Uniting Church members to enter into the heart of prayer: We trust the promise of Holy Spirit that God hears and prays, in us, with us and through us as we join in many languages to lift our voice in prayer for the Assembly and the work of the Assembly across Australia.

For more information visit: https://uniting.church/dwelling-in-prayer/

------------------------------------------

16^th Assembly Update

The 16th Assembly is the triennial decision-making meeting of the national Council of the Uniting Church, which guides the life of the Church and its advocacy over the next three years.

This year, for the first time, the triennial Assembly meeting will take place online from 17-18 July 2021, a decision made to protect the health and safety of members in the context of COVID-19. The Assembly meeting will then reconvene in 2022 when a face-to-face meeting is possible.

------------------------------------------

Safe Church Update

As we grow our culture of safety across UCA, how can we keep our energy and focus as we work to embed child safety and well-being into our leadership, governance and culture?

Rev Felicity Amery, General Secretary, Synod of South Australia shares some of her Synod’s approaches and tells us why it’s about keeping it relevant every day to everyone.

Felicity is in conversation with John Cox, National Director, National Safe Church Unit. To view this video visit: https://vimeo.com/560286791/aa3c1eedd9

The National Safe Church Unit also has a new website to make it easy to find all the resources and information you need. In the handy section for Congregations and Presbyteries, you’ll find UCA Child Safe Principles posters in multiple languages, Tools for Listening, the new ‘Safe Church’ poster and more. Visit the website and let us know how we can make it even more useful https://safechurch.uca.org.au

------------------------------------------

Friendship Club

The next Western Link Friendship Club meeting will be held on Thursday, 15^th July at 1.30 pm. Vogue Music (Antonio and Kate Villano) will entertain us and afternoon tea will follow. A donation of $5.00 is all that you need! Enquiries: to Pam 8443 8145 or the Church Office 8445 2332. All welcome.

------------------------------------------

Cato Lecturer for the 16^th Assembly

The Cato Lecturer for the 16th Assembly is Professor Anthony Reddie, Director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture at Oxford University.

Professor Anthony Reddie is the leading scholar in the practice of Black theology in grass-roots communities of faithful practice.

Professor Reddie is one of the leading theorists and practitioners in the development of racism awareness (or diversity) training in Britain.

He is the first Black person to ever receive an A rating in theology and religious studies in the history of the National Research Foundation in South Africa. He is also a recipient of the Archbishop of Canterbury's 2020 Lanfranc Award for 'exceptional and sustained contribution to Black theology in Britain and beyond.'

He is the author of Is God Colourblind and several scholarly publications and numerous essays and articles. Professor Reddie has previously visited Australia and connected with members of UAICC. The Cato Lecture will be live-streamed on Saturday, 17^th July at 7.00 pm for all to attend. Further information is available at this link: https://uniting.church/meet-the-cato-lecturer/.

------------------------------------------

Uniting SA Winter Appeal 2021

Winter is a particularly difficult time for South Australians experiencing poverty or homelessness. At UnitingSA, demand for emergency assistance and homelessness services increases during winter as more people reach out for help to ensure they can keep their families safe, warm and healthy. Support can include the provision of food and blankets, or help with emergency or long-term accommodation.

The COVID-19 pandemic, an increasingly competitive rental market, rising utility bills and a lack of affordable housing mean more people are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. For further information or make a donation visit: https://unitingsa.com.au/donate/winter-appeal/

------------------------------------------

Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee Award

The Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) invites congregations who have been involved in Ecumenical activities within their local community to submit to SERC a brief of their activity. This can be through a written report with photographs, video or whatever creative presentation you wish to make.

This award has been agreed to by Synod with $600 being included in the SERC budget for it. Certificates will be presented to all applicants. The closing date is the 17^th September and the award will be presented at a Synod meeting. Please submit applications to Don Hopgood Turn on Javascript! or Velvy Holden at Turn on Javascript! or mail to SERC c/o 19 Ray Avenue, Morphett Vale 5162.

------------------------------------------

Uniting Foundation

Do you have an idea for a vibrant new initiative or project to engage with your local community?

Every day, Uniting Church congregations and faith communities provide programs and services that bring hope and help to many South Australians. Uniting Foundation grants offer financial support to establish projects that will help to build vibrant churches and communities into the future. The 2021 round is now open with a closing date of 31 July 2021.

For more information visit: https://sa.uca.org.au/uniting-foundation/applying-for-a-grant

Further information about the work undertaken by previous grants is available at this link.

------------------------------------------

Synod Art Project

Artists from all around South Australia and beyond have shared theological reflection through art and transformed the Synod office building. Come and see the artwork before the exhibition ends. Tours conducted by Dieter Engler, Karan Hudson and Neryl McCallum. More information is available at this link: https://www.cmla.org.au/events/synod-art-project-tours/

------------------------------------------

Dive into Preaching – preparing and delivering a sermon

Join Tanya Wittwer and Max Howland for a two-day workshop on preparing and delivering a sermon. The workshop is designed for those who are being asked to preach and either have no training yet, or for those that have started/completed the Lay Preacher’s Certificate IV course, as a practical supplement to the course. The workshop will be held on July 20^th and July 27^th at the Uniting College, Brooklyn Park from 9.30 am – 4.00 pm each day. The cost is $15 per person and you register at this link: https://events.sa.uca.org.au/uclt/preachingworkshop

------------------------------------------

Finding the road less travelled

Established and emerging artists will be given the opportunity to put their heart and art into coming to terms with the past COVID year in which our lives were turned upside down. How do we find the road less travelled?

Bethany Hall, Willunga - 33 St Andrews Terrace. Bethany Hall is one of Willunga's earliest buildings which features gallery lighting to showcase local Fleurieu artists.

Open weekends in August from 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Opening Event Saturday, August 7^th at 11.30am with Rev Dr Michael Trainor. For further information email: Turn on Javascript!.

------------------------------------------

Choral Evensong Service – Pilgrim Uniting Church

On Saturday, 10^th July from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm, worshippers and music lovers are invited to a Choral Evensong performance by the Choir of Pilgrim Uniting Church featuring the Stanford Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in G major. The solos will be sung by internationally known soprano Suzanne Pederson and Andrew Turner, baritone. A traditional and time-honoured service, one of a few offered in Adelaide. Donations for the choir, much appreciated. All welcome.

------------------------------------------

Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 29 June 2021, which includes updates about:

NAIDOC Week 2021
NAIDOC Ecumenical Service at Pilgrim Uniting Church
Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru
Six weeks of dwelling in prayer
Beyond Violence – a new resource
Safe Church Update
Cato Lecturer for the 16^th Assembly
2021 Australia Post Community Grants Program – now open
Uniting SA Winter Appeal 2021
Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee Award
Uniting Foundation
Environmental Action Group (EAG) calls ‘All Aboard’
Synod Art Project
Dive into Preaching – preparing and delivering a sermon
Finding the road less travelled
Refugee Alternatives Conference 2021
Spirituality Group for Women
MediaCom Education – Preparing for Year C
Notice of Postponement: Symposium & Workshop – Uluru Statement from the Heart and Treaty.