News, Notices & Prayer points - 9 November 2021

Posted Nov 9, 2021 in News

News & Notices – 9 November 2021

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 9th November edition of UC e-News

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Prayer Points for the week:

We pray:

For communities across the world that are regularly experiencing suffering and trauma, especially Sudan, Afghanistan, Ghana, Haiti and Iraq
We pray for the more than 650 million living women and girls who, according to UNICEF, were married as children. Within the next decade as many as 110 million more are expected to be married before they turn eighteen
We pray for those more vulnerable and susceptible to COVID-19 – that they may be protected from harm in this time of great uncertainty.

Synod Expo Update

The Berri Expo was a great success last Saturday, November 6^th and was the last in the series that has been held during September through to early November. Berri was again a day of connecting and sharing, incorporating a range of workshops Renewing in Diversity, Property Management and Going Deeper into Luke’s Gospel. For a summary video highlights package of the Berri expo day please visit this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/synod-expo

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Privacy Considerations when Live Streaming or recording Worship

It is required by Privacy law that people attending worship that is to be live streamed or video recorded be given the option to not be filmed and/or recorded. Please ensure that you have signs notifying people that the service is to be live streamed/recorded, and that it is announced at the commencement of worship. You must give people the chance to opt out – that is, to move to a location that is not visible on the live stream/video recording. For more information, please contact the Synod Privacy Officer, Rev Sue Page Turn on Javascript!.

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External grant opportunities

Grants SA minor and medium grant rounds are now open. The purpose of the grants is to fund programs and services that encourage and support local community needs, and strong and inclusive communities. The minor grant provides up to $10,000 for programs and services that focus on connecting and belonging, apply before 26th November 2021. The medium grant provides up to $25,000 for programs and services that focus on connecting, belonging, aspiring and creating. Apply before 12^th November 2021. Find out more.

The Stronger Communities Program - Round 7 opens on the 26th October 2021. Funding up to $20,000 is available for small capital projects that improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant viable communities. Expressions of Interest can be emailed or delivered to your Federal MPs office, by 5pm on Friday, 19^th November 2021. Find out more.

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Act2

Members of the Uniting Church, our congregations, agencies, schools and Councils have been invited to engage in a conversation about the future to which God is calling our Church.

To find out more about Act2 and how you can be part of this important conversation, first read the Introduction to the project at this link: http://form.jotform.com/203201030312024.

There will be a number of opportunities to participate across the Church between now and the end of the year. Assembly General Secretary Colleen Geyer has also written an explanation of the Act2 theme which is available here: https://uniting.church/whats-in-a-name-uca-act2/.

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The Church in the Digital Age

Running from March 2021 until November 2022, the Assembly Standing Committee has formed the Church In the Digital Age Task Group to identify the critical theological, pastoral and practical issues related to the worship, witness and service of the Uniting Church in Australia raised by the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. In response the Task group are asking for short submissions (100-200 words) detailing how you or your community are or have engaged digital/online ministry. What about that engagement excited you, what surprised you? What has shaped your broader thinking about church? Read and download the invitation to engage with the Task Group here.

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Send love and fight poverty

UnitingWorld’s set of eight beautiful Christmas cards are ready for pre-order. These cards bring hope and joy not just to friends and family, but to people working hard to free themselves from poverty overseas. $15 per pack of eight – proceeds give life to our international partners. Order now for delivery in early October! https://everythingincommon.com.au/collections/all-products/products/christmas-cards-pack-of-8-4-designs

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Accidental Counsellor Workshop: 7^th December 2021

Accidental counsellors often find themselves in a counselling role by accident, as a result of conversations or requests from customers, colleagues or others. Facilitated by experienced Lifeline mental health trainers, this workshop provides practical and effective skills to step into the shoes of a counsellor and respond to an support others when they are experiencing a challenging time. Find out more: https://donate.lifelineadelaide.org/event/accidental-counsellor-dec

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Save the Date – Amplify Conference for Children, Youth and Family Ministry

Amplify Conference is happening on March 5^th, 2022. Please put this in your diary and let your leaders and volunteers in children, youth and family ministry know about it too!

There will be hubs around Australia and online. We are excited to be joining in with four hubs in South Australia, including at the Uniting College.

Registration and information for the South Australian hubs will be hosted centrally through the Amplify Team in Queensland with an SA Planning Team organising hub locations and logistics.

For more information contact Melissa Neumann, Intergen Team, Mission Resourcing by email at Turn on Javascript!.

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Advent Resources for all ages

The ‘Christmas Family Faith Trail’ is free for churches to gift to households or small groups to explore the events of the Christmas story through five interactive stations. Each station includes a theme, Bible passage, questions to chat about, activity ideas for different ages including pre-school, primary school and adults; and prayer ideas. The resource can be downloaded at this link: https://sa.uca.org.au/intergen/family-resources/

Also available is a ‘Letter for churches’ with ideas for running one station or modelling elements of this resource. An online seminar unpacking this resource is being planned for November 23^rd at 7.45pm. More information to follow.

Year C Advent – ‘Something is Coming!’ is a resource that includes a selection of verses and concepts across all lectionary readings for each week of Advent, and to engage together and interact with the story of Christmas. This resource can be scaled to the size of the congregation and used as part of the worship service. The resource can be downloaded at this link: https://intergen.org.au/product/advent-series-something-is-coming/

Recently an online seminar was held with the author – to view the recording please visit: https://www.facebook.com/UCAChildrensMinistry

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Mission Op Shop – Woodville Uniting Church

The Op Shop is currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to fulfil the roles of Coordinator and Shop Manager. Enjoy the fellowship of a Christ-centred community whilst actively contributing to God’s mission. Operating hours are Tuesdays from 12.00 pm – 3.00 pm and Thursdays from 10.00 am – 1.00 pm. If you feel either of these positions would suit you or you would like further information please contact Janet Woodward on 0432 271 757 or email Turn on Javascript!.

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Cuisine & Culture in Conversation for Palestine Advocates

Two opportunities for you to engage with Palestine in a different way, whilst raising funds for Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network (PIEN). Online cooking class: Tuesday, 23^rd November 2021 at 7.30 pm AEDT. Host a ‘Peace Meal,’ a dinner party in the weeks following the cooking class – email Turn on Javascript! to register. Further information is available at this link: https://pien.org.au/c-c-c-combined-flyer/

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Click here for the News, Notices & Prayer points – 2nd November 2021

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

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