News, Notices & Prayer points - 7th February 2023

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News & Notices – 7th February 2023

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 7th February 2023 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For Turkey and Syria as they come to terms with the impact of the recent earthquake which has caused extreme devastation and loss of life
  • For communities still struggling with the impacts of flooding
  • For social justice for all, as the World Day of Social Justice approaches.

 

 

 

Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) Award South Australia

SERC is grateful to the Synod for the continued funding of the Ecumenical Award which for 2022 was won by Fulham-Henley.

Each year the award is given to a congregation that has done the 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, 19 Ray Avenue, Morphett Vale 5162 email: Turn on Javascript! and no later than April 30th 2023. Please 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 2023.

Should you require 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!.

SERC looks forward to receiving your submissions and hearing about the involvement of congregations in South Australian Ecumenism. We pray God’s blessing on your efforts.

 

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Through their eyes: Safe Environments for Children and Young People

The training ‘Through their Eyes: Safe Environments for Children and Young People’ (Reporting) will be held on Saturday 25th February commencing at 9:30am till 4pm, at Mount Barker Uniting Church. Pre-bookings are required at the following link: Through Their Eyes – full day – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au).

 

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Assistance for vulnerable groups unable to access Australian Government support

The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) has a Christian vision of compassion, generosity and hospitality for people seeking asylum and refugees in Australia that guides the advocacy work of the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce (ACRT) and the establishment of the Refugee Support Grant Fund.

NCCA wishes to assist people seeking asylum and refugees to live in dignity in Australia as independent individuals living their lives to the fullest (John 10:10) and sharing their traditions, skills and talents with us all.

Visit: the Refugee Support Grant Fund page of the ACRT website for Guidelines and the Application form. Applications: to be submitted to the NCCA Board of Directors, with forms completed and returned electronically to Turn on Javascript!. Closing date: 10th March 2023. All enquiries and applications should be directed to: General Secretary, National Council of Churches in Australia, email: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Justice Advocacy Guides - Letter-writing Actions for Asylum Seekers and Pacific Workers

In collaboration with other Synods, two Justice letter-writing action guides have been developed to help Uniting Church members advocate to the Australian government: Seeking Just processing for those seeking asylum and Reforms for a Fairer Deal for People coming from the Pacific Islands to Work in Australia. You can download the guides at these links:

Refugee Advocacy Guide February 2023

Letter Writing Guide on PALM Scheme reforms February 2023

For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, by emailing Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.  

 

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The Sin of Social Injustice- a resource for World Day of Social Justice and the first Sunday in Lent

A Uniting Church worship resource focusing on World Day of Social Justice (20th February) and for the first Sunday in Lent called 'The Sin of Social Injustice' is now available. This five-page resource contains a sermon reflection, and an adaptation of a traditional prayer, both written by Rev Gordon Scantlebury, Chairperson of the WA Synod Social Justice Commission. You can download the resource at this link. 

 

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MediaCom Education

Mediacom Resources are now available on display in the foyer of the Synod Office at 212 Pirie Street.

Resources will be updated as new publications arrive. The current focus is resources for Lectionary Year A and Lent/Easter. Further information is available at: www.mediacom.org.au 

 

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Uniting World Lent Event 2023

UnitingWorld’s Lent Event seeks to help us refocus our lives through prayer, simplicity and generosity.

Pray - Use our prayer guide to pray alongside our partners as they address the challenges facing their communities.

Live simply - Give up something in solidarity with people who have less.

Give - Donate or fundraise to help our partners fighting poverty and injustice.

Head to http://www.lentevent.com.au today to get started. In 2023, Lent is from 22nd  February to 6th April.

 

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Stopping Slavery as act of discipleship with Carolyn and Fuzz Kitto

A look at modern day slavery through the lens of Christian discipleship in preparation for Easter 2023. Church leaders are invited from across the state to join in this event. Participants will receive material which can be used in worship and preaching in the lead up to Easter. This is an opportunity to explore the story of Jesus and how it makes a difference in today’s world, and in particular how to put a stop to modern day slavery through shopping wisely. Blackwood Uniting Church, 266 Main Road, Blackwood

10th February. 7pm – Start. 7:30pm – Speakers. 8.30pm - Light refreshments. Click here to RSVP.

 

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Grant Opportunities

Multicultural Grants Program 2023-24 currently has Expand Together funding open to support multicultural communities.

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 $100,000. Applications for Round 2 open on 1st June 2023 and close on 30th August 2023. Find out more.

Community Grants January 2023
Tea Tree Gully 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 the community.

Community groups and organisations can apply for funding to improve wellbeing, encourage inclusion, celebrate cultural diversity, engage in the arts and improve the environment.

The next community grants round dates have now been confirmed. Please visit the community grants webpage to read through the policy and guidelines to check your eligibility here. Opens 10.00 am, Tuesday, 7th March 2023, closes 4.00 pm, Tuesday 4th April 2023.

Outcomes will be advised by Thursday 25th May 2023. To check eligibility and to discuss a  project call (08) 8397 7444 and speak to a member of the community grants team or send an Turn on Javascript!.

External grant opportunities
Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants provide one-off ageing specific capability building grants of up to $40,000 for projects that support older South Australians to age well. Grant recipients will receive coaching, mentoring and support by The Australian Centre for Social Innovation to enable them to achieve sustainable, long term outcomes for older people. To be eligible, organisations must be an incorporated community organisation that are not-for-profit and have a registered Australian Business Number (ABN). Applications close on Friday 10th February 2023. Find out more.

NAIDOC week
Funding is available for activities to be held during NAIDOC Week (2nd – 9th July 2023) by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and community organisations. The funding will provide assistance towards the cost of organised activities. Previous grants have generally been for amounts between $200 and $1,000. Applications close on 17th February 2023. Find out more.

 

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Basic Support Skills for Bereavement by Suicide Workshop

What do I say? What do I do? A free workshop is being held at Scots Church Adelaide from 1.00 pm – 5.00 pm on Wednesday, 22nd February 2023. Afternoon tea is included. Topics include: crisis, trauma and grief. What makes suicide different from sudden death, support approaches; best practice; and self-care. For more information or to book, contact: Michelle on 0479 179 770. (Workshop Facilitator) or Rev Jill Lienert on 0409 178 465 (Scots Church). RSVP by 15th February 2023.

 

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Organist/Pianist Available for Funerals and Weddings

With many years’ experience playing organ and piano for funerals and weddings, Simon Smith is part of the music team at Rosefield Uniting Church. He plays from the heart to lift the heart. Please call him or email him regarding availability, fees and music options for funerals and weddings. References available. Simon Smith, mobile 0438 881 476 or email Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Call for Auditors

The Uniting Church SA Synod Financial Services Team currently requires additional assistance from suitably qualified auditors (CPA, CA or Registered Company Auditor) to provide audit services to Uniting Church SA congregations and other entities. Fees are to be negotiated directly with the congregation and prospective auditors will need to have their own ABN as well as appropriate insurance. If you or someone you know is available and willing to join a small team to provide this valuable service, please contact Bella Esposito, Financial Services Coordinator on (08) 8236 4251 or via email at Turn on Javascript! for further information.

 

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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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