News, Notices & Prayer points - 9th April 2024

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News & Notices – 9th April 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 9th April 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For all who are affected by natural disasters and issues of climate change and impacting many lives
  • For all countries that they may find diplomatic solutions that will bring harmony between nations – we pray for wars to end
  • For reminding us that life is not always easy, but that God is always with us.

 

 

 

Synod office closure

Both the Synod office at 212 Pirie Street and the Brooklyn Park campus of the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology will be closed this Thursday, April 11th for an all staff professional development day. Both locations will be closed from 9.00 am and will re-open again at 1.00 pm.

 

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Safe Church training opportunities

Through their Eyes (formerly known as Mandatory Reporting) is being offered for individuals who are seeking to understand their legal obligation for reporting concerns when a child is or may be at risk of harm. The full day session is designed for anyone who hasn’t participated before or it’s been more than 4 years since they last participated in this training. The ½ day refresher is for those to keep their knowledge fresh. It is recommended that this should be done every 3-4years. Several dates are now becoming available with bookings now open. Full day cost $30, ½ Day Refresher $25.00. Full Day Wednesday 24th April at Uniting Venues Nunyara, Belair; Full day and Refresher Saturday 18th May at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, 312 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Brooklyn Park.

Called to Care This is the Uniting Church awareness 3 hour session about safeguarding practices and responsibilities. Church Council members and leaders are invited and encouraged to participate in these sessions. Pre attendance booking is required for this free session: Sunday 5th May at Rosefield UC Highgate; Saturday 15th June at Henley Fulham UC, Fulham Gardens.

To see dates listed on the Safe Church Events Calendar please go to: https://safechurch.ucasa.org.au/events-calendar/


 

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Nunyara 75th Anniversary Celebration Service

In 2024, Nunyara Conference Centre celebrates 75 years of providing exceptional Christian hospitably and service to the South Australian community.

To mark the occasion, a Celebration Service will be conducted at Nunyara in The Chapel on Sunday 14th April 2024 commencing at 2:00pm followed by afternoon tea and a tour of the venue.

RSVPs for catering purposes including special diets should be sent to Turn on Javascript!

 

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MediaCom New Release

MediaCom is pleased to release a new publication that invites Christian disciples to engage in deeper reflection and action. 'Meditations and Reflections for Christian Disciples,' by Christopher C Walker.

Meditations and Reflections for Christian Disciples is a thoughtful exploration of Christian faith and discipleship. Whether read individually or used as a resource for group study, Walker encourages readers to delve into the depths of their faith and live more fully into their identity as disciples of Christ. Available for ordering online at this link: https://www.mediacomeducation.org.au/shop/meditations-and-reflections-for-christian-disciples/. RRP $24.95 (Revised price) + postage and handling. Email: Turn on Javascript!, Phone: 08 83711399.


 

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A New Season of Worship and Learning

The Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts offers new resources and learning opportunities in the Easter season. The new Worship Music Packs, featuring sheet music, song files, Powerpoint and video files, are available now. A monthly online Zoom Cafe for Preachers commences on Friday, 12th April. On 16th May the CMLA commences a series exploring ‘Creating Authentic Online Communities’ - thinking and practice around being churches who connect online as well as face to face. Details at cmla.org.au.

 

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Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry – Leader (FTML)

Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry is a 3-day program designed to give participants an introduction to the key concepts and practices of ministering with congregations and agencies in times of transition.

While it is a stand-alone program, it is also the first phase of training that leads to being qualified as an Intentional Interim Minister. Thus, it is useful for anyone in lay or ordained ministry, and also for those exploring whether they are called to Intentional Interim Ministry.

1st , 8th, and 15th of May 2024 from 10 am to 4 pm each day. This course is delivered fully online via Zoom. This is a nation-wide training, and people from all Synods are warmly welcome to register. More information and you can register here.

 

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One Day Conference South Australian 2024 History Festival

The South Australian Church History Network is finalising the program for a one-day conference during SA’s History Festival. The theme of the day is ‘Paradise of Dissent Revisited: 1836-1900.’ 18 presenters will share a wide range of papers from almost all main line church traditions in SA. We expect that these insights will open up new areas in the religious history of nineteenth century South Australia and explore the way churches and Christians influenced social and public life.

The program will also include a book launch of One Faith, Many Voices: Essays on South Australian Church History, a collection of significant essays about SA religious history produced by David Hillard over many years.

The conference will be held on Saturday 4th May 2024, 9.00am – 5.00pm at the Church of the Trinity, 318 Goodwood Road, Clarence Park and morning/afternoon tea will be provided. Your donation of $30 on the day will support this growing partnership between churches and historians from many backgrounds.

Members of the Network are committed to increasing the awareness of SA religious history within the wider history of SA. Christian presence contributed to the civic and social life of the Province and the notion of ‘Paradise of Dissent,’ was distinctive in the Australian context.

To find out more and to register for the conference contact Rev Dr Dean Eland, SACHN Convener at Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Annual General Meeting of the Uniting Church South Australia Historical Society

The 2024 AGM of the UC SA Historical Society will be held on Sunday 23rd June the day after UCAs 47th anniversary. The meeting will be held at Unley Uniting Church, 187 Unley Road (side entrance off Edmund Ave). All those interested in church history are welcome.

The 2.00pm formal session will receive annual reports and elect Council members. Highlights for the year include support from Genealogy SA in scanning records, agreement to upgrade property to increase storage capacity, grants for publications and support to the SA Church History Network for their 4th May conference day, Paradise of Dissent Revisited.

At 2.30pm three former SA Synod Moderators will share their insights on their time in office:  Dr Don Hopgood, (1997-1999), Dr Deidre Palmer (2010-13) and Rev Sue Ellis (2013-2016).

The meeting will conclude at 3.30pm with afternoon tea. For information about the Society contact the History Centre 44A East Ave Black Forest. Phone 8297 8472. Email Turn on Javascript!. Research enquiries and archives. Email Turn on Javascript!. More about the society on their web site https://historicalsociety.unitingchurch.org.au/. Facebook: UCA Historical Society – South Australia. Rev. Dr Dean Eland. President.  Email Turn on Javascript!

 

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International Day of Disabled Persons – Video Series

The theme of the 2023 International Day of Disabled Persons was ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’

The Synod Task Group (STG) into the Disability Royal Commission highlighted this day as a time where we can focus on making our congregations, services and offices more accessible, inclusive and fairer for people with disabilities.

The STG has produced a series of short videos to assist people in thinking about how they can be proactive in supporting people with disabilities. Bruce Ind, Chair of the STG, and one of its members Rev Peter McDonald have been instrumental in developing these videos. The emphasis in the videos is to ensure that the voices of people with lived experience comes through as well as the interests of carers and community organisations.

The videos are now available on the Synod website at this link: UCA SA - Synod Disability Taskforce

 

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Grant Opportunities

Grassroots Grants Open

Green Adelaide is launch Round 5 of its Grassroots Grants Program. Funding is available for the delivery of local projects that contribute to a cooler, greener and wilder Adelaide. More information is available at this link: Grassroots Grants | Green Adelaide.

Mark Butler MP Grants
The office of Mark Butler MP has compiled a list of key grants that may be available to organisations in the electorate of Hindmarsh across the Western Suburbs. The MPs office has also established an online Grants Hub which will be regularly updated. You can access the Grants Hub at markbutler.net.au/community/grants.

 

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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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Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) Update

The Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) has extended its submission date to match in with the date of this year’s Synod meeting in October. As such SERC is now calling for submissions for the 2024 award, either in writing or electronically and these should be received by the secretary, Don Hopgood 19 Ray Ave, Morphett Vale 5162, email: Turn on Javascript! no later than 31st.

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 October 2024. Further information about the award is available from either Velvy Holden (Chairperson SERC) Turn on Javascript! or Don Hopgood (Secretary SERC) Turn on Javascript!.

 

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PIEN 2024 Speaker Tour

Mercy Aiken, co-author of Bishara Awad, a Palestinian Christian and founder of Bethlehem Bible College will speak at two events on Sunday, 14th April and Monday, 15th April, sponsored by the National Council of Churches in Australia. More information is available at this link: PIEN 2024 Speaker Tour - Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network

 

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Mark Drama

Many people these days are not interested in reading the Bible. They think that it is irrelevant, old-fashioned, or unreliable.

Dusting off the old book, the Mark Drama turns Mark’s biographical account of Jesus into a 90 minute, fast-paced, theatre-in-the-round stage production. Fully immersed in the action, the audience hears almost all the words of Jesus as recorded in Mark’s gospel.

Just as the disciples ask, ‘Who is this man, that even the wind and the waves obey him?’ (Mark 4:41), guests can discover for themselves – is Jesus just another guy with imaginative ideas about God, or is he truly the King of the universe? Dates: Saturday, 13th April 2024 at 7:30pm or Sunday, 14th April 2024 at 2.00pm. Venue : Burnside City Uniting Church

Booking :  https://www.trybooking.com/CPWYU Entry:free

 

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Oodnadatta Fundraiser

It has been identified that there are no property funds available to provide furniture for the almost completed Oodnadatta building. As such, Fellowship and Mission Support have offered to undertake a fundraiser for all Fellowship and Friendship circles to buy a chair (and add in the transport costs). It is hoped that they will be able to raise enough funds for 60 chairs. Donations should be sent to Ms Janet Woodward, Fellowship & Mission Administration, 312 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Brooklyn Park 5032 or can be made to BSB 704095 account number 195684 Reference: Oodnadatta. Further information is available from Rev Sue Ellis, 0427 162 009 email: Turn on Javascript!.

 

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Fellowship Future Together Gathering

This event will be held on Friday, 19th April 2024 at Burnside City Uniting Church. Every Fellowship are invited to send a representative to listen and discern together. Ruthmary Bond will share; Allen Edwards will lead the Welcome and talk about the elections of the Voice to SA Parliament; and Jamie Webster will lead music. This event will commence at 10.00 am, morning tea provided, 10.30 am start, and will finish with lunch. Cost $15.00. Bookings can be made at this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CQCBN.

 

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