News, Notices & Prayer points - 6th February 2024

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News & Notices – 6th February 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 6th February 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For peace in our world, especially in the Middle East
  • For King Charles, may he recover quickly from his recent health diagnosis and return to good health soon
  • For those who have recently lost loved ones, may they find love and comfort at this difficult time.

 

 

 

Australia Day Awards

We congratulate and acknowledge Yvonne Tyler, the organist at Glengowrie Uniting Church who was also awarded the medal of the Order of Australia in the recent Australia Day Awards.

We also congratulate Christine Adams who is a member of the Para Hills Uniting Church, as she was recently named Citizen of the Year for Tea Tree Gully Council. And Helen Stacey Bunton of Strathalbyn Uniting Church who was awarded Alexandrina Council’s Active Citizenship Award for 2024 for Strathalbyn.

 

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40 days of faithful action for God’s creation! 

Lent Event - 14 Feb to 28 Mar 2024. During Lent this year, UnitingWorld is challenging us to take 40 days of faithful action for God’s creation. Climate change is the biggest threat to the world. Climate change is worsening every threat to peace, security and human wellbeing in our world.  This Lent, commit to action – Personal change, Practical support, Political advocacy – for the world we want to see: hopeful, peaceful, life in abundance for all. 

  • Commit to making a significant change in your life that benefits creation. Suggestions for action here. 
  • Donate to support critical climate action in vulnerable communities in the Pacific and Asia, through projects led by our international church partners. 
  • Sign up for a fundraising challenge for individuals or church groups to raise more!  
  • Speak up and advocate for climate justice.

Lent Event resources include:

  • A weekly video series from our partner churches for individual or church use 
  • A daily email series with reflection and ideas for action (subscribe here) 
  • Promotional assets for newsletters and social posting. 

Find out more at www.lentevent.com.au. 

 

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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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One Day Conference South Australian 2024 History Festival

The recently formed South Australian Church History Network (SACHN) invites you to register for their One Day Conference on 4th May 2024, as part of this year’s History Festival. The theme of the day is Paradise of Dissent Revisited. Papers of 20 minutes will be presented and will open up and examine areas in which churches and Christians influenced social and public life.

Early responses indicate that the event will be full of variety and interest and draw on most South Australian church traditions. Papers will explore the notion of SA as a ‘Paradise of Dissent’ and encourage further research and publication.

The SACHN involves historians from several Christian denominations (currently Anglican, Baptist, Salvation Army, Uniting Church) who are concerned with the recognition of SA religious history within the broader history of the state and within the religious history of Australia as a whole. Its aims are to increase awareness of the Christian presence in, and contribution to, SA life and history from 1836.

Those registering for the day will receive a detailed program including timetable and topics of papers. To find out more and to register contact the convenor of SACHN, Rev Dr Dean Eland at Turn on Javascript!.

The conference fee is $30 and the last date for registration is Monday 29th April. The conference will be held at The Church of the Trinity, (UCA) 318 Goodwood Road, Clarence Park. Generous onsite parking is available on the northern side of the church site.

 

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Parliamentary Inquiry into a Human Rights Act for SA

The 75th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights on December 10th, 2023 was heralded in South Australia with the Social Development Committee for the Parliament of SA announcing an inquiry into the Potential for a Human Rights Act for South Australia.

All people interested in the advancement of Human Rights are invited to lodge a submission to the Committee by Friday February 16th, 2024.

Organisations such as UnitingCare Wesley Bowden, Uniting Communities, UnitingSA and the South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS) have already signed up to progress this discussion in SA.

To lodge a submission or seek further information from the Social Development Committee, please go to https://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/committees/sdc.

If you wish to obtain more information from a Uniting Church in Australia SA perspective, please contact Mark Waters, Director, UnitingCare SA on Turn on Javascript! or on (08) 8236 4276.

 

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Worship Resourcing Days with Rev Dr Sunny Chen

The Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts (CMLA) will host New Testament scholar and Assembly Consultant Rev Dr Sunny Chen on Wednesday evening 7th and Thursday 8th February for two resourcing sessions for preachers and worship leaders. Dr Chen will focus on the Gospel of Mark and the book of Ephesians and he is an excellent, engaging speaker. The Thursday program will also feature new music, creative worship ideas, and space for worship planning. MediaCom resources will be available. Further details and how to book are available at this link: https://www.cmla.org.au/events/sunny-chen/

 

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Financial counselling helps to make ends meet!

For visitors to UCare Gawler, the financial counselling service is in high demand.

When that surprise bill comes, it can sometimes tip families over the edge. It is the difference between putting food on the table or having their child attend that school excursion or going without essential items.  

‘As an experienced financial counsellor, I understand that financial stress and economic insecurity can be overwhelming. Our role is to help people understand which debts they need to prioritise, how to develop a workable budget, help them access grants and concessions and set up payment arrangements for bills such as electricity and gas with the Hardship teams. Knowing where to get help about money and receiving support sooner rather than later can make a world of difference.’ Sheena Tapping Financial Counsellor

These are the sorts of programs that Pancake Day will support as agencies such as UCare Gawler keep meeting the needs of local people as they wrestle with their latest bills.

Flip for a cause from Shrove Tuesday (February 13th) onwards so that the Emergency Relief Centres across the Uniting Church can raise much needed funding for their services.

 

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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 - UnitingCare SA

More videos to follow.

 

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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

Celebrate Together Grants 2024-25

Online information session. Multicultural Grants Program 2024-25 currently has celebrate together funding open to support multicultural communities.

An online information session will be held on Wednesday 7th February 2024 from 5pm to 6.30pm. To register your interest, email your details to Turn on Javascript!.

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 Grants

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.


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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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MediaCom

Mediacom will be joining the CMLA Worship Resourcing Days.  this Wednesday and Thursday with resources linked to the presentation and themes of the event. If you are an attendee and are looking for a particular resource email Turn on Javascript! or call 08 83711399 and we can bring it to you on the day. Remember still time to order Lent/Easter publications and resources. 

 

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Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC)

SERC is now calling for submissions for the 2024 award. The award is given each year to a congregation that has done most to foster ecumenical relations within their local community and SERC is grateful to the Synod for the continued funding of the Award. Submissions can be made either in writing or electronically which should be received by the secretary, Don Hopgood 19 Ray Ave, Morphett Vale 5162. Turn on Javascript!. No later than April 30th 2024. Use words and pictures (if possible) to make clear what you have undertaken and the measure of your success.

 

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House for Rent Required

A young ministry couple on track towards ordination are looking for a rental property in the area of Henley Beach, Seaton or Grange. If anyone knows of a rental property with three bedrooms in this general area, we would be delighted to hear from you! Please contact Vicky Balabanski, Principal, Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, email: Turn on Javascript! for more details.

 

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Turn on Javascript!

The Turn on Javascript! is a 'Cafe Style' event which will showcase Blues, Folk, Classical, Jazz, Country and Rock  Music played by Adelaide, International, Regional and Local Guitarists. The venue is the atmospheric St. Andrews Church Hall, 10 Alfred Place, Strathalbyn. Sit back and enjoy listening to Frank Lang's trio 'The Sunjammers,’ (Bass player Frank has played with Chris Finnen, and Matt Taylor's 'Chain,’ and his Guitarist Michael Rigby has been described as one of Sydney's best!). Adelaide Guitarist, JJ Fields (Streamliners/Papa Legbar) will play his Slide Blues and 6 and 12 string acoustic guitar and Matt Mei (who has recorded in Canada) will play his acoustic brand of Canadian Blues. There will be a host of other local and regional talent who will perform including a beautiful Classical Quartet. It promises to be an enjoyable afternoon! This event will be held on Saturday 17th February from 2-5pm. BYO Drinks and Nibbles (some Drinks and Nibbles will be available for purchase.) Tickets: $25 ($20 Concession) from 'The Bookkeeper' or www.trybooking.com/COHMS. A 'Save our St. Andrews' Event.

 

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