News, Notices & Prayer points - 6 September 2022

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News & Notices – 6 August 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 6th September 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For all nations that they will come to the aid of Pakistan and its peoples as they come to terms with the devastation and loss of life caused by flooding
  • For all in attendance at the World Council of Churches Assembly as they meet together in faith
  • For all coping with the impacts of climate change and for those advocating for a better climate future for all nations.

 

 

World Council of Churches

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is taking place right now with over 4,000 people from across the global church gathering in Karlsruhe, Germany, for its 11th Assembly. Running from 31st August – 8th September, with some pre-gatherings held last weekend this is the first Assembly in nine years.

The WCC has released an abundance of worship and other resources for Assembly members and their churches, which means that even from across the world you can connect with the work of the Assembly and potentially use these resources in your local context. Please visit: World Council of Churches (oikoumene.org)

 

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September Creation Care Guide – A Letter writing Climate Action

At the June 2022 Synod meeting, a new Synod Climate Action Plan was endorsed including: to encourage and resource Uniting Church members to engage and communicate with their local Federal and State members of Parliament to call for stronger climate action. A two-page letter-writing action guide has been prepared to help individuals and congregations take climate action targeting the Australian Government to oppose further development of fossil fuel projects. You can download the guide at this link Letter-writing action on ending funding for fossil fuel extraction-September 2022.pdf. A four-page Synod Climate Action Plan is also available to view here. SA Synod Climate Action Plan 2022-2030-adopted June 2022 Synod meeting.pdf. For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, by emailing Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244. 

 

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Life FM Community Festival

Radio Station Life FM is planning a Community Festival Day at its premises in Hendon. The day will include live music, stalls, amusements and tours of the Life FM studio. Organisers are reaching out to churches across Adelaide to come together to help provide fee fun activities for families and to show Christ’s love in a non-threatening environment. Life FM are seeking volunteers willing to come and represent your church while helping run games and activities. Saturday, October 22nd from 11.00 am – 3.00 pm, contact Kit Densley on 0466 547 158.

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Expression of Interest – Synergy Committee

Synergy is a collective buying group, established by the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia. It combines the buying power of 17 Uniting Church associated organisations in the aged care, health care, community, school and church sectors to obtain the best value for money from suppliers. Synergy currently manages 16 contracts valued at over $25m per annum. Contracts cover the categories of facilities management, energy, health and aged care services and business services. Aside from procurement and contract management, Synergy also runs events throughout the year to bring member organisations together to network, collaborate and learn.

The Synergy Committee is seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced individuals for the role of Committee member. The committee is seeking two volunteer members who will be appointed based on their skills and experience. More information and how to apply is available at this link: UCA SA - Synergy Committee - Expression of Interest.

 

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Uniting Church National History Society – Call for Papers

The Uniting Church National History Society (UCNHS) 2023 Conference will be held in Darwin in August 2023. The theme is ‘Truth Telling: From Colonising to Covenanting.’

The organising committee has issued a Call for Papers for the conference. More information can be found on the UCA Assembly National History Society webpage at this link: UCA National History Society - Uniting Church Australia. Alternatively contact Rev Steve Orme by email at: Turn on Javascript! or call 0447 148 744.

 

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New opportunities for welcoming refugees in local communities

Uniting Church congregations and faith groups have long been at the forefront of welcoming refugees to Australia. Now your congregation can take the next step and welcome newly arrived Afghan evacuees and other refugees referred by the UNHCR living in our communities. The Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) allows us to do just that. The CRSA are looking for volunteers, individuals and groups, to be a part of their Group Mentorship and the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) Programs.

Here’s how it works:

  • Volunteers are groups of at least 5 adults who live near each other. The group offers support to a refugee household (The household is on a refugee or humanitarian visa with full access to Centrelink, Medicare, Work Rights etc.)
  • The group volunteers 10+ hours of support per week between them.
  • Group provides ongoing practical support as required e.g. social connection, assist with driving lessons, finding employment.

How to get involved:

Please let Synod Refugee Advocacy group know your interest in the program (contact convenor Rev Paul Turley Turn on Javascript! or Justice Officer Paul Goh Turn on Javascript!).

 

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Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee Award South Australia

The Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) is indeed grateful to the Synod for the continued funding of the Ecumenical Award which for 2022 was won by the Fulham-Henley Uniting Church.

The award is given each year to a congregation that has done most to foster ecumenical relations within the local community. SERC is now calling for submissions for the 2023 award either in writing or electronically and should be received by the secretary, Don Hopgood, email Turn on Javascript! no later than April 30th 2023. 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 2023 Synod meeting.

Should you wish for further information about this award please feel free to contact Velvy Holden (Chairperson SERC) Turn on Javascript! or Don Hopgood (Secretary SERC) Turn on Javascript!

 

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Connecting with Ancestors' Retreat

A weekend of connecting with your spiritual heritage through listening to stories of our ancestors and learning through dialogue between the spirituality of First Nations people and the spirituality of the ancient Celts. More information and details about how to book are available at this link.

 

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Emergency Relief

The UnitingCare Emergency Relief Centres are struggling to keep up with the demand from people needing emergency food supplies. The usual sources have reduced supplies because of floods and rising costs. UnitingCare SA encourages congregations to include packaged goods as part of their regular offerings and to then, say monthly, arrange delivery to an Emergency Relief Centre. More information can be found at https://sa.uca.org.au/unitingcare-sa/ or call UnitingCare SA on (08) 8236 4255. The number of people seeking relief is continuing to increase each month and if we all do our bit we can, collectively, help many.

 

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Safe Church Update

It is 3 years since the changes to legislation required a change in the screenings types that ‘persons with roles of responsibilities within the church community’ are expected to have. ‘Working with Children Checks’ are valid for 5 years – so any checks carried out post 1st July 2019 still have another couple of years before renewal is required. However the other screening types of General Probity and Vulnerable Persons are valid for 3 years. Renewal of a previous screening needs to be carried out no more than 6 months prior to the expiry date. Thank you to those who are diligently seeking renewals for these screenings. Reminders will be sent to the contact details given by individuals at the initial time of requesting a check.

For all screening requests and more information:
Safe Church Resources – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au)

Upcoming training: ‘Through their Eyes – safe Environments for children and young people:’ Saturday 17th September, The Corner Uniting Church, 93 Oaklands Road, Warradale, is hosting a full day course (9:30am – 4:00pm). Bookings are essential and can be registered at this link: Events Calendar – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au).

Cost $30.00 per attendee. Morning Tea provided, BYO lunch.

 

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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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Thuruna Campsite – 60th Anniversary – Save the Date!

Thuruna will celebrate 60 years of ministry, service and hospitality to the people of the Eyre Peninsula and beyond. A commemorative worship service and afternoon tea is planned for Sunday, 23rd October, 2022 at Thuruna commencing at 2.00 pm. All welcome. Enquiries and RSVPs can be made by emailing Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Season of Creation 2022 Worship Resources available now

The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration of prayer and action for God’s beautiful Earth. From 1st September – 4th October, the global Christian family around the world unites to pray, protect, and advocate for God’s creation. This year's theme is ‘Listen to the Voice of Creation’ and the full guide and resources are available to download here: SOC-2022-Celebration-Guide-Final-English.pdf

An adaptable Powerpoint slides for Prayer Service with some Australian songs is available for download here: Prayer Service for the Season of Creation 2022.pptx

With the theme of ‘Time to Turn Around,’ the West Australian Synod Social Justice Commission also offers a liturgy outline, sermon reflections, children’s activities and adaptable Powerpoint slides for each week and these are available for download here Sustainable September – Ecochurches WA.

Also, Common Grace offers a range of resources to engage with throughout this season. Find links to prayers, songs and reflections that can be used as part of your church or faith community’s engagement with Season of Creation 2022 here.

 

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African Community – Ecumenical Prayer Service

An Ecumenical Prayer Service for Reconciliation, Unity, Peace and Harmony among the African Community in South Australia and Africa is being held on Saturday, 10th September at 2.30 pm at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Wakefield Street in the city.

Within the Uniting Church in South Australia, we are blessed to have four African background faith communities/congregation as follows:

  • South Sudanese Uniting Church in Elizabeth North (Wimala Presbytery)
  • Adelaide Zimbabwe Faith Community at Hallet Cove UC (Generate Presbytery)
  • International Prophetic and Pentecostal Church at Elizabeth Grove UC (Wimala Presbytery)
  • Golgotha Uniting Church at Playford UC (Generate Presbytery).

 

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RUOK? … It’s more than small talk

A fun, free and informative day to support your own and your friend’s emotional health is being held at Scots Church, 237 North Terrace, in the city on Thursday, 8th September from 11.00 am – 4.00 pm. For more information phone 0409 178 465. All welcome.

 

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Uniting Church Historical Society Public Meeting

The history of Church Youth Movements: 1950s to 1970s is the topic of this event which will take place on Sunday, 18th September from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm at Malvern Uniting Church, Marlborough Street, Malvern.

This could be part of your history! A panel of speakers representing the three Uniting denominations will lead a reflection on the way things were and how and why they have changed.

This is probably part of your history! A panel of speakers representing the three uniting denominations will lead the reflection on the way things were and how and why they have changed.

Afternoon tea provided and all welcome.

 

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Assembly – Job Vacancies

Three roles have become available as the Assembly Standing Committee has commenced putting together the Act2 Project Unit to carry the project forward. A project lead will be shortly appointed and the Project Unit will have three staff roles.

Assembly Associate General Secretary (closes COB 9 September) and two roles within the newly-established Act2 Project Unit: Act2 Project and Research Officer and Administration Officer (both close COB 16 September).

 

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 30th August 2022

Check out last week’s UC eNews here to keep you updated.

 

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