News, Notices & Prayer points - 6th June 2023

Posted Jun 6, 2023 in News

News & Notices – 6th June 2023

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 6th June, 2023 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

For all church communities taking part in Uniting in Prayer; may we open our lives to God in prayer
For the ability to grow in friendship and understanding of all peoples and cultures
For those advocating on behalf of climate change as we mark World Environment Day this week.

2023 Refugee Week Resources for Congregations

Refugee Week (Sunday 18th June - Saturday 24th June, 2023) offers us an opportunity to build empathy and understanding for the plight of refugees, to recognise their resilience, to pray for displaced people and their homelands, and to take time to discern how God is calling us, as Christ followers, to provide compassionate care for refugees and other displaced people. The Mission Resourcing Justice Officer has prepared a one-page sheet of resources that can be used in worship, witness, advocacy, and service. It can be downloaded at this link:

2023 Refugee Week Resources for Congregations-UCA SA.pdf

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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 31^st 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, and training dates and times, 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

An update from the team undertaking the Review of Missional Needs and Opportunities:

Four focus groups were held last week, and it was good for the team to hear from members of the Uniting Church about their experiences of mission and vision for the Uniting Church. Thanks are extended to all that participated and the team looks forward to hearing from more groups in the weeks to come.

A final reminder about the survey for ministers and others in placement. The survey is open until Friday 9^th June. Access is via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/23MinQuest.

AngelWings is pleased with the way people have been engaging with them to date and look forward to talking further. They will be at the Synod meeting and look forward to chatting to people there. In the coming weeks they will be launching a second survey: gathering perspectives on mission, needs, and opportunities from people across the Uniting Church in South Australia. Comments are also welcome via email: Turn on Javascript!.

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Free Digital Literacy Training

Do you know anyone on a low income (or no income) who would appreciate some help to do things online? FREE help for people who have lived in South Australia 5+ years and are on a low income or no income. Book in here: https://events.humanitix.com/free-support

Development at Work Australia seeks 40 people who need free digital literacy help in June/July to take part in this program. It starts with a mini-session of 2-3 people, at a suitable nearby venue, then participants are invited to free workshops. Participants can use a library PC or bring their own device.

People can get help to do anything basic to help them with everyday living including using email, using zoom, using LinkedIn/face book, writing a document, applying for jobs online, finding information and staying safe/avoiding scammers. More details are available on the booking link. Enquiries can be directed to Bridget Hogg, 0403 941 222 or email Turn on Javascript!.

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UnitingWorld – Together we can end poverty

UnitingWorld, talk about their partners a lot, so the team created a diagram to help keep track of who they’re talking about and where you fit in. To tackle big problems like poverty, there is a need for a whole web of relationships based on trust and understanding between many different people. It takes time and effort to grow those relationships, but when we work together — churches, local communities and leaders, people like you and me — we unlock the most effective route out of poverty.

UnitingWorld has committed to contribute at least $1 for every $5 it can access in government funding, which means right now your tax-deductible gift goes up to six times as far helping to extend the reach of its  programs. More information is available at this link: UnitingWorld | Home.

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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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Expressions of Interest for Mission Resourcing Congregation Pilot due date extended

The due date for the submission of Expressions of Interest for the Mission Resourcing Pilot project has been extended to Friday, 30^th June, 2023.

This Intercultural Congregation Pilot is a six-month process for congregations to learn about new ways of being a church in an increasingly multicultural neighbourhood. This will be done through a cohort learning experience with a joint coaching team to cultivate congregational leadership for intercultural engagement and missional renewal in their neighbourhoods.

A one-page flyer can be downloaded at this link: Intercultural Congregation Pilot Flyer-final.pdf

A four-page leaflet can be downloaded at this link: Leaflet-Awaken Adelaide-final.pdf

The first round of cohorts is planned to launch in July or later this year, your congregation is invited to submit an expressions of interest at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/MtRKMMWEyV Rev Dr Paul Goh is available to provide an information session to your Church Council meeting with a 15-minute presentation followed by Q&A. Please contact Paul on Turn on Javascript! or call 0416 564 193.

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Raising our Tribal Voice for Justice: An Indigenous Theological Revolution 2023 Conference (10^th – 13^th 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 (24^th – 27^th 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 (4^th – 7^th 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 4^th August to Monday 7^th 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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Sally Stamp

Sally Stamp asks that people continue to send stamps to the Uniting Church office, to help with this ministry. The group also suggests that people consider asking local businesses to save their stamps, with doctor’s surgeries being one of the best sources of stamps! Any donations of private collections no longer required are also gratefully received. In 2022 donations were made to the following: South Pacific School Aid Inc. ($4,700); Frontier Services ($1,000); and The Grove U/C Kids Craft Group ($1,000). Pick up can be arranged in metropolitan areas. Contact: Maxine Haines (Convenor), Phone: 0427 972 417, email: Turn on Javascript!.

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End of Financial Year Tasks

As we approach June 30^th, 2023 a reminder that there are two key financial tasks that need to be completed on behalf of congregations

Audited Financial Statements: As per the Uniting Church in Australia Regulations (Item 3.8.7 (g)), a Congregation’s audited (or checked) 2022 financial statements should be forwarded to the Synod’s Financial Services Team by June 30^th, 2023. The financial statements to be received, should include:

(1) A Balance Sheet (also known as Statement of Financial Position)

(2) A Statement of Revenue and Expenditure (also known as Statement of Financial Performance or a Profit & Loss Statement)

(3) Any referenced Notes to the Accounts

(4) An Audit Statement. Audit regulations can be found on the Assembly website at: https://assembly.uca.org.au/resources/regulations

If not already completed, please forward these financial statements as soon as possible. For any questions or concerns contact Financial Services on (08) 8236 4200.

Australian Charities and Not-for profits Commission (ACNC)

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is the national regulator of charities.

The ACNC requirements apply to all Uniting Church SA entities, regardless of their size.

To maintain a current registration with the ACNC, every Uniting Church congregation needs to submit an Annual Information Statement (AIS) to the ACNC within six months from the end of your financial year. For most congregations the due date for the 2022 AIS is June 30^th, 2023.

Congregations that do not submit their AIS will be considered non-compliant by ACNC and risk the prospect of deregistration. Any congregation deregistered by the ACNC will also lose its tax concessions, including income tax, GST and FBT concessions.

Please find below a link to the ACNC's AIS Hub, which can assist you in completing your AIS:

https://www.acnc.gov.au/for-charities/annual-information-statement/

Additional information:

Congregations are required to keep details up-to-date. This includes each time there is a change to church council membership
Log in to the ACNC Charity portal using the user name and password that has been mailed to your congregation, and record the details of the congregation’s ‘Responsible Persons’ (church council members)
If you have misplaced these login details, please contact the ACNC on 13 22 62 and request that they re-send the login details to you
If your congregation has a financial year end other than June 30^th (i.e. most UC entities have December 31st) and you have not yet notified the ACNC, please complete the application for a substituted accounting period within the ACNC Charity portal in order to avoid administrative penalties for late lodgement.

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