News, Notices & Prayer points - 8 March 2022

Posted Mar 8, 2022 in News

News & Notices – 8 March 2022

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 8th March 2022 edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points

We pray:

For the eastern states of Australia as they come to terms with extensive flooding and loss of life
For the war in the Ukraine that a peaceful resolution can be found
For all people fleeing discrimination and harm may they find welcoming arms of safety and support.

Thriving in Ministry

Thriving in Ministry is a half-day retreat to reflect on and be inspired about the ways in which you are being led to care for your basic needs and promote wellness in your own body, mind and spirit.

Come along and explore wellness in the faith context. Learn the fundamental principles of healthy eating and why they are important. Gain confidence in making healthy food choices and be inspired to movie. Enjoy a morning tea intentionally put together to highlight healthy eating principles. Experience a mindfulness meditation activity and learn how stress effects the body and the mind with practical strategies to avoid burn-out. Learn what happens while you sleep and how to promote some quality shut eye; bring it all together – what can you take away? Information, recipes and resources to take home. Drink tea, relax and fellowship with others!

Saturday, March 26^th from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm. Register at this link.

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New Songbook Launch 'Walk As One!'

A long time in the making … the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts (CMLA) is excited that the new songbook is ready to launch. Full of wonderful new music from around Australia and beyond, this book will enrich congregational life and give voice to worship for this time and place. With 33 new songs for use across worship there is something for every community. Sunday March 27th from 2.00-3.30pm at Adelaide West Uniting Church. See cmla.org.au for more information and registration. Entry is free but registration is essential for COVID planning purposes.

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Renewal: An autumn Retreat with Sean Gilbert

A time for creative community, songwriters, poets, writers, visual and performing artists. Be inspired and renewed by the autumn season in the Adelaide Hills. Take time to be creative, reflect and be spiritually nurtured in this retreat. Immerse yourself in this opportunity, wander the gardens, walk the labyrinth, enjoy being part of a creative community. Sean Gilbert will lead us as we take time out and re-invest in our inner-lives and creative endeavours. 13^th-14^th May at Nunyara Retreat Centre. See cmla.org.au for more information and registration.

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Safe Church News

Have you registered yet? A free online safety webinar for those who are leaders involved in church youth activities is being hosted by the National Safe Church Unit in partnership with the Office of eSafety Commissioner. Friday 11^th March 11:30-12:30pm. To register and or for more information visit: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events/online-safety-webinar-for-adults-who-are-youth-leaders/

Screenings: Reminders are being sent to those who have upcoming renewals due that were initially processed via the Synod Screening Unit. If you have renewed your Working With Children Check (WWCC) through another source, please remember to inform not only your local congregation but also the Synod Screening Unit. This helps us to keep our records current and can be done via the Step 1 form from the Screening webpage: https://sa.uca.org.au/safechurch/screening/

Power and Healthy Communities: Code of Ethics refresher sessions 2021-22. For upcoming dates please see the Events Calendar located at: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/. Don’t delay in booking into either the online or face-to-face sessions.

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COVID Update

A reminder that on Friday, 25^th February, the South Australian government announced changes to some COVID restrictions. Those that relate to churches are:

Hospitality:

Buffets are now permitted. This means that morning teas / dinners etc. can be self-service, with shared plates / platters of food
The following density requirements apply for indoor venues:

Standing consumption – 1 person per 2 square metres
Seated consumption – 3 people per 4 square metres
Combined standing and seated consumption – 1 person per 2 square metres.

Seated consumption – 3 people per 4 square metres
Combined standing and seated consumption – 1 person per 2 square metres.

Private Activity:

A private activity means a gathering greater than 50 people and no more than 150 that is held at a place other than a relevant licensed premises or premises with an on-going liquor license. This refers to wedding receptions, parties or other functions – not church services – church services are public activities.

The following density requirements apply:

1 person per 2 square metres
Maximum of 150 people
Dancing permitted (maximum of 50 people on the dance floor at any time
Singing permitted
Standing consumption permitted.

Outdoor Events

The following density requirements apply to an entertainment activity that is not a hospitality activity:

Outdoor seated consumption – no density restriction
Outdoor combined standing and seated consumption – 3 people per 4 square metres.

Please note the following restrictions that continue to apply to church activities:

Masks are required to be worn by attendees at all times, including when singing, except when eating or drinking
COVID Safe measures: QR check in, COVID Marshal, physical distancing of 1.5m between household groups; hand sanitising, frequent cleaning
Density: no more than 3 persons per 4 square metres for seated worship (1 person per 2 square metres if there is standing)
Indoor fitness – 1 person per 4 square metres density requirement
Gathering at home cap: 50 people

All existing directions, frequently asked questions and other information 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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Synod Meeting 2022

The 2022 Synod meeting will meet online on Saturday, 18^th June and in person on Friday, 24^th June and Saturday, 25^th June at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre at Hahndorf.

Presbyteries are gathering nominations for Synod membership, to be elected/appointed at presbytery meetings in March. For more information, please contact your presbytery.

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Multiple Grant Opportunities

Heritage Grants

South Australia has a rich heritage that contributes to quality of life and connects community to its history and stories. Since 2018, the Heritage Grants Program has been funding conservation works with benefits including adaptive re-use of historic buildings, support for heritage trades, and support for State Heritage Places in rural and urban areas across the state. Heritage Conservation Grants are now open:

Download Facts sheet
Download the Application Guide.

Community Grants

Applications are now open and can be made between now and 4pm Tuesday 22 March 2022. Community groups and organisations can apply for funding to improve wellbeing, encourage inclusion, celebrate cultural diversity, engage in the arts and improve the environment. Further information is available at this link.

Highbury Street Fund – Applications for funding for 2022 now open.

The Highbury Street Fund supports leadership development for leaders and aspiring leaders of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse worshipping communities through education and training. Grants of up to $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 are available for people currently living in South Australia either in, or with strong connection to, a Uniting Church congregation. The closing date for applications for Round 1 closes on 31^st March and Round 2 on 31^st August, annually. For further information and applications please visit: https://sa.uca.org.au/cald/highbury-street

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International Mission Op Shop Woodville

The Op Shop began operation on 1^st February 2022 and had a successful day. However, they are urgently seeking a Volunteer Manager and a Coordinator for this venture. The Op Shop operates on Tuesdays from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm and Thursdays from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. If you are interested in either of these positions or in volunteering please contact Janet Woodward on 0432 271 757 or email Turn on Javascript!.

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Just Earth

Something for the forthcoming season of Lent - a phone or ipad app entitled ‘Just Earth.’ Download and discover constructive Biblical reflections, quotes, prayers and actions illustrated by stunning pictures for each of the 40 days of Lent. Designed by the Uniting Church Environmental Action Group, it has been receiving high praise and has also been translated into Korean. Please download from the Apple store or for Android phones go to this link. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.earthapp

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Lessons from COVID-19 for the Climate Emergency

As your church and its groups plan their 22 program, why not give attention to the video series ‘Lessons from COVID 19 for the Climate Emergency.’ This series of 7 short videos is ideal for community viewing and discussion groups. Discussion questions, Biblical principles and actions are included. This series can help individuals and your church prepare for the greatest existential threat facing us all – human induced Climate Change.

Download the free series at this link.

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Breathe – Seeking expressions of interest from artists for August SALA Exhibition

Willunga Uniting Church is seeking expressions of interest by artists for its annual SALA Exhibition, held in August each year at Bethany Hall. The 2022 theme is ‘Breathe,’ suggested associated events include: meditation retreat, singing/choir, artist in residence sessions. ‘Breathe’ has broad applications and multiple meanings. Please advise your expression of interest by March 31^st to: Jenny Esots (Curator) email: Turn on Javascript!.

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Artist in Residence Week

Find your voice and strengthen the ties between us during a week-long Artist in Residence event at St Andrew’s in Glenelg. Tasmanian singer/songwriter John Coleman and Melbournian art therapist Jenny Batten will guide us in singing, song writing and community building. 15^th – 22^ndMay, various events and times. Refer to the website for details https://www.standrewsuc.org.au/ and booking information or contact Christine Gilbert on (08) 8295 1771. A balm for the COVID weary.

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Sally Stamp

Please remember to save your stamps, although access to the Synod Office is closed the group are working from home to earn funds to send school books etc. to the Pacific Island and beyond. Personal stamp collections no longer required are very welcome. Pick-ups can be arranged in the metropolitan area by ringing 0427 972 417 or email: Turn on Javascript!. Further information about 'Sally Stamp' is available at this link.

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Lent Event is coming!

From 2^nd March to 14^th April, UnitingWorld invites you to journey through Lent by reflecting on and re-dedicating yourself to Christ’s compassion and justice.

Lent Event is 40 days of living simply, learning from global neighbours and choosing to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of others. Last year, UnitingWorld changed the lives of more than 460,000 people in 13 countries!

Take up a Lent Event challenge and be part of a movement to end poverty and injustice in our world. For more information, videos, Bible studies and other resources, visit this link: https://donate.unitingworld.org.au/event/lent-event/resources

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Pop-up Shop Event

KLG Designs will host a pop-up shop at Brighton Uniting church featuring gifts, home decor, handmade arts and crafts, pots and plants. The pop-up shop showcases local artists including Amanda Cooper earrings, Judy Garrard greeting cards, Stephen Skillitzi studio glass, and KLG Designs photography and candles. There is a range of new, pre-loved and up-cycled pots which can be matched with a plant. Plus a select range of pre-loved home decor. The pop-up shop is open Saturdays in March. Parking is available in Woolworths next door. You will find the pop-up shop behind the church. For further information email Karen at Turn on Javascript!

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Need a job – but don’t have experience?

‘The Experience Café’ at Broadview Uniting Church can help with café experience, confidence and a reference letter. No financial cost. Volunteer one day per week from 8.30 am – 2.00 pm, lunch provided. Within 3 months or less you can reach your goal. For more details message us on Facebook, Instagram or text 0407 608 000. Apologies, we are unable to take people with disabilities at this point in time as we do not have trained staff.

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2022 Lent Resource: Daily Prayer and Action Guide Calendar – now available

A Lenten prayer and action guide has been developed and is designed to help individuals and congregations take time to learn, lament, repent, advocate, and to take concrete steps to transforming justice of God for coming reconciliation and renewal of the whole of creation. Drawing on the Uniting Church’s Our Vision for a Just Australia statement, this 4-page guide provides links to prayers, campaigns, and resources for raising awareness and taking action. You can download the guide at this link.

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

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New Synod Refugee Advocacy Guide – now available

A two-page Synod Refugee Advocacy Guide focuses on the Federal Government’s latest announcement in response to the plight of refugees from Afghanistan and renewed spotlight on detention of refugees. It provides updated information and resources for raising awareness and taking action. You can download at this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/justice-advocacy/refugees-and-asylum-seekers/resources. For further information, please contact Paul Goh, Justice Officer, Turn on Javascript! or phone (08) 826 4244.

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CALD Research Report now available for download

A full report is now available for download from this link. This newly released ‘Mapping Intercultural Neighbourhoods’ recommends ways forward for being a multicultural church in a local context. Seeing cultural diversity as an opportunity of renewal and source of strength, this report explores questions such as: how congregations have responded to their increasingly multicultural contexts and reflects on the status of intercultural ministry in progressing and embodying the Uniting Church’s vision of being a multicultural church?

How to engage and connect with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in local neighbourhoods? Based on the findings of online surveys with 55 Uniting Church leaders and interviews with 30 CALD leaders, it makes ten recommendations for Action Plans under three foci of the Synod Strategic Priorities: Understand Who We Are as UCA; Create Local Connections; and Support Ministries on the Margins.

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One In Worship is back for 2022!

One In Worship is a community church worship and prayer service encompassing all denominations. All are invited to come along for an evening service full of great live music (covering old and new), and community prayer.

We invite you and your congregation and kindly ask that you place the attached flyer in your bulletins / newsletters for the community One In Worship services currently being held at Springhead Lutheran Hall. Join the service each last Sunday of the month as listed on the attachment.

If any musicians or vocalist would like to join the One In Worship team, they are welcome to do so. Simply send through details to Amy Loechel who will place them in the roster. Email Turn on Javascript! or text 0416222591.

The first service for 2022 is on Sunday March 27th 6pm. You are welcome to join in a community dinner at 5.00pm. The duration of the services are approximately 1 hour and are free. All are welcome to come and worship as one and pray as one over our families, towns, country, government and world.

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 1st March 2022

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

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