News, Notices & Prayer points - 23rd April 2024

Posted in News

News & Notices – 23rd April 2024

Below are the news and notices from congregations, the Synod of South Australia and the wider Uniting Church for Tuesday, 23rd April 2024 edition of UC e-News

Prayer Points

We pray:

  • For the safety and protection of innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, caught in conflict zones
  • For divine wisdom for world leaders and policymakers to find peaceful solutions and to promote reconciliation
  • For justice to prevail globally, especially for the marginalised, oppressed, and those facing discrimination or injustice.

 

 

 

Resources for Challenging Times

Following the shocking stabbings in Sydney recently we have been provided with two resources. One from a research project by Stephen Robinson, the National Disaster Recovery Ministries coordinator into faith leaders’ response to violent attacks on houses of worship. The other is a document produced by the Australian and New Zealand Counter Terrorism committee. These may be helpful resources as we seek to support our congregations and communities and as we reflect on these recent events and think about what we may need to understand/action in our context. Download the reports at these links:

Churchill Fellowship Report – Stephen Robinson

Active armed offenders guidelines crowded places

 

------------------------------------------

 

Nationwide ‘Faraz's Gift’ Blood Drive Campaign Launched to Extend Faraz Tahir’s Legacy

In response to the tragic events at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13th, 2024, Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Australia (AMYA), in partnership with Red Cross Lifeblood, is proud to announce the launch of the nationwide blood drive, ‘Faraz's Gift.’ This initiative honours the heroic sacrifice of Faraz Tahir and commemorates the lives of the other five individuals lost in the tragedy. Their collective bravery and the profound loss felt by the community have galvanised a campaign to uphold their legacy through acts of kindness and life-saving blood donations. More information is available at this link: Adelaide Donor Centre | Lifeblood

 

------------------------------------------

 

School of Indigenous Studies Units

The School of Indigenous Studies is offering two new units in 2nd Semester:

Interested students should enrol in the usual way. If attendance is for audit purposes then please contact Dr Garry Deverall, Academic Dean, School of Indigenous Studies, at the above two links.

 

------------------------------------------

 

MediaCom Update

‘A Gospel for All Ages,’ teaching and preaching with the Whole Church. Recommended by the Interdenominational Intergen Group. Six creative ministry professionals join author David M Csinos in providing intergenerational best-practice resources. Each chapter includes discussion questions and exercises for future practice. RRP $37.95 plus Postage and handling. Order here A Gospel for All Ages - MediaCom Education

 

------------------------------------------

 

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/

 

------------------------------------------

 

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. For more information and to register please visit: Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry – Leader | May - UCA

 

------------------------------------------

 

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!.

 

------------------------------------------

 

The 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 the UCAs 47th anniversary. Meeting at the Unley Uniting Church the formal session at 2.00pm will receive the annual report 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 2.30 three former SA Synod Moderators will share their insights on their time in office:  Dr Don Hopgood (1997-1999), Dr Deidre Palmer (2013-16) and Rev Sue Ellis (2016-2019). They will comment on three questions.

  • What was a surprise to you in discovering something about a congregation that you did not know before?
  • In your term as Moderator what did you discover about the significance of church anniversaries and the importance of celebrating the gifts and commitment of those who served and witnessed over many years?
  • Yesterday we celebrated the 47th anniversary of the Uniting Church. What could the UC SA Historical Society do in the next three years to assist congregations prepare for the UCAs Jubilee in June 2027?

The forum 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 enquiry 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!.

 

------------------------------------------

 

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.

 

------------------------------------------

 

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.

 

------------------------------------------

 

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 August.

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!.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Wesley Lifeforce Suicide Memorial Service

If you’ve been impacted by the loss of a loved one to suicide, come together with a supportive community at the Wesley LifeForce Suicide Memorial Service to remember lives lost. Monday, 29th April 2024 from 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm at the Adelaide Convention Centre – Regattas. For more details, visit Wesley Lifeforce Adelaide - Suicide Memorial Service 2024 (wesleymission.org.au). If you would like to promote this event at your local church, download the resource pack: Wesley LifeForce Suicide Memorial Service Adelaide 2024 GV (wesleymission.org.au).

 

More from News

Subscribe to receive News articles by email >

Comments

Comments (3)