News, Notices & Prayer points - 8th October 2024

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News & Notices – 8th October 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 8th October 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For all impacted by poverty and the cost-of-living crisis, may we come together as communities in support of each other in difficult times.
  • For the Uniting Church in South Australia as it prepares for its next Synod meeting
  • For all countries suffering through war, especially the Middle East and Ukraine, we pray for peace to be restored, and for all peoples to live in tolerance and acceptance of one another.



 

 

Pastors Appreciation Week

Throughout October, Life FM is celebrating and honouring the Pastors and Church Leaders who are positively impacting their communities across Adelaide and beyond. You are encouraged to share this with your church so that people can nominate their pastor by sharing how they've made a significant difference in their lives, churches or local communities. To make your nomination, head to the website: mylifefm.com, fill out the entry form and be listening to LifeFM from Monday, 21st October to hear if your Pastor's story is being shared.

Did you know that you can add your church to Life FM's Church Directory? Just email your church details to Turn on Javascript!. In addition, if you're ever holding a not-for-profit event in your community, you can submit them to be entered in the Life Diary at mylifefm.com.

 

 

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Synod 2024 Meeting Update

Our Synod meeting is a little over 2 weeks away. Members will find all reports, proposals and a draft program on the website at this link. We would love to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer with set up of the Synod meeting on Wednesday 23rd October.  We need to set up marquees outside, tables and chairs in the hall, and chairs in the auditorium. Please email Turn on Javascript! to register your willingness to help.

Nominations are open for Synod Standing Committee and Stipends Committee.  We would love to receive nominations by this Friday, 11th October in order to prepare to publish profiles for members. Nominations formally close on Thursday 24th October at 3:30pm. Members, please watch your inbox for a final mailing later this week with details about electives and catering options.

If you would like to access the Synod Meeting live stream, please email your details to Turn on Javascript!, and you will be sent the live streaming login details, prior to the meeting commencement on 24th October 2024.

 

 

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Christmas 2024 Resources for Congregations

As you prepare your Christmas worship services a selection of social media graphics, posters, PowerPoint template and postcard designs are now available on the Synod website, ready for download. The Moderator’s Christmas theme for 2024 is ‘Through their Eyes.’ Additional resources will be added from time to time, so please check the site on a regular basis.

 

 

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Christmas Worship Services 2024

Please send through your Christmas Worship times and services so they can be featured on the Synod website at this link: UCA SA - Christmas Services 2024. To provide your Christmas Worship times to the 2024 list please email: Turn on Javascript!. For all other Christmas events, please list them in the usual way via our Events submission form available at this link: UCA SA - Submit an event.

 

 

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IRCA Oceania Conference 2025

The International Rural Churches Association’s (IRCA), purpose is to build connections across the southwestern Pacific area and to bring a uniquely antipodean perspective to the IRCA family.

IRCA is hosting an international conference from 26th – 30th May 2025, with the theme ‘Listening to One Another: Sharing Together Struggles and Joy of our rural Churches in Oceania.’ The draft program can be viewed at this link: IRCAOceania2025DraftProgramme.pdf. Further information is available at this link: IRCA Oceania 2025 - International Rural Churches Association.

 

 

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Safe Church Update

Safe Church Screening Assistance

Have you started a screening application but encountered difficulties? Whether you're unfamiliar with computers or find the process complex, we're here to support you. The UCA Screening Team will be available to assist with your application on Friday, 18th October, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm at the Synod City Office. If you are unable to attend in person, we can also provide assistance over the phone.

Bookings are essential. Please call (08) 8236 4200 or email Turn on Javascript! to reserve your spot.

Safe Church training

Did you miss the last round of courses offered? Are you waiting for a location near you? Are you looking for a refresher for your knowledge of Mandatory Reporting? Called to Care – our own Uniting Church Safeguarding training is being offered on 13th October at Bordertown UC. All training sessions require pre-registration via the event listing on the Safe Church Events Calendar page: Events Calendar – Safe Church (ucasa.org.au).

 

The Essentials: Code of Ethics Foundations Training

The Essentials: Code of Ethics Foundations training will take place on 26th – 27th November, 2024, at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology in Brooklyn Park, SA. This two-day course focuses on the Uniting Church's Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice, incorporating case studies and written reflections. It is required for candidates for ministry, Ministry of Pastors, and key leaders, with Lay Preachers encouraged to attend. The facilitators for the training will be Rev Dr. Sean Gilbert and Rev Andrew Robertson. Find event details at this link: https://www.eventzilla.net/e/the-essentials-code-of-ethics-foundation-training-2138621894

 

 

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Grant Opportunities

Mark Butler MP Grants Information

A range of grants information is available via the Grants Hub at markbutler.net.au/community/grants.

SA Youth Week 2025 Grants Now Open

Applications are open now until 29th November for one-off grants of up to $2,500 for organisations, including community groups, non-government organisations and local councils to host events during SA Youth Week 2025 in metropolitan and regional South Australia. Events should promote, acknowledge, recognise and celebrate the contributions of young people in our communities.

Visit the grants page to find out more, read the grant guidelines and complete your application. Applications Close 3pm, 29th November 2024.

 

 

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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

Thanks are extended again to Churches, Fellowships, Businesses and all people who have donated stamps for the Stamp Group to process. They are about to reimburse funds for South Pacific School Aid Inc to freight books/aids to the Islands and have donated for chairs for Oodnadatta Church, NT. The Stamp Group need more stamps to keep their volunteers busy for the next few months - please put a notice in your Church Newsletters. Pick-up in the metropolitan area can be arranged. Enquiries to Maxine Haines - Convenor - UCA Stamp Group on 0427 972 417or email: Turn on Javascript!.

 

 

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MediaCom Update

Currently there are a range of publications and resources for sale in the foyer of the Synod office. These publications are offered at greatly reduced prices and available during office hours at 212 Pirie Street in the Adelaide CBD.

 

 

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Celebrating 170 Years at Findon

At 10.00 am on Sunday, 13th October at Western Link Uniting Church, 93 Crittenden Road, Findon the original site of the Findon Church known as ‘Old Glory’ will celebrate 170 years. The building is heritage listed by the Charles Sturt Council who have commissioned a commemorative plaque to be mounted in a suitable place. All past members, their families, former Ministers and anyone who had a relationship with ‘Old Glory’ is welcome to attend. Contact Marion on 0437 128 365.

 

 

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New Worship Music Pack from the CMLA

A new set of five songs from the ‘Walk as One’ Songbook has been released by the Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts. Australian worship songs of blessing, mission, celebration and commitment from Rosemary Dewerse, David MacGregor, Jenni Hughes, Leigh Newton and others. Each song comes with sheet music, audio and video, PowerPoint and lyric text files. Cost $35. Subscribers to the full set of songs receive a bonus song in each pack. More details at cmla.org.au.

 

 

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A Life of Pastoral Ministry founded in Scholarship: The Legacy of Robert Iles

Many South Australian readers will be familiar with Rev Dr Robert Iles and his contributions to teaching and pastoral ministry, particularly within the Uniting Church. This year, a fitting tribute to Robert has been published in the form of two volumes, featuring selected lectures and sermons. The first volume contains revised lectures on the 19th-century philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard, originally delivered by Robert to RAAF chaplains.

The second volume includes reflections from former parishioners, as well as a selection of his sermons and writings. The Robert Iles Memorial Trust hosted a series of well-attended lectures, leading to the decision to produce a lasting record of Robert’s ministry and life. A launch event to honour Robert’s work and celebrate the publication of these two volumes will be held at Walkerville Uniting Church, 17 Smith Street, Walkerville, on Sunday, 13th October at 2 pm. This gathering will offer a wonderful opportunity for reunion, with strong public support from Robert’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Guest speakers will include Mary Hawkes and former South Australian Moderator, Rev Rob Williams. The two volumes are available for purchase by contacting: Turn on Javascript! or Turn on Javascript!. Cost: $10 per volume, plus postage. Postage is $10 for up to 4 sets of the 2-volume collection.

 

 

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