UC e-News 26th July 2022
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26th July 2022
Celebration of Ministries
As part of this year's Synod '22 meeting, a Celebration of Ministries service will be held at Adelaide West Uniting Church on Sunday, 21st August at 2.00 pm. This service celebrates ministry; those who have retired since the last Synod meeting; and those who are celebrating special anniversaries of their ordination. The service will be both in person and live-streamed online. Read more
Frontier Services - Outback Links Volunteers
You may have seen or heard about the amazing difference that volunteers make to the work of Frontier Services, but there are countless more people who need support in remote communities across the country. Frontier Services is Australia’s oldest bush charity, and through its National Volunteer Program called ‘Outback Links,’ dedicated volunteers have been showing up at the farm gate offering their practical support and comforting presence. If you have something to offer, and would like more information: Read more
Tune into Series 3 of the 'Dwelling' Podcast
The National Assembly has released the first of four episodes in a new series of the President's Podcast Dwelling. This series on Diversity and Inclusion invites us to think about how we celebrate and nurture the gifts of all. First up: Rev Dr Paul Dongwon Goh who works in Justice and Cross Cultural Ministry in the Synod of South Australia. Paul shares his own journey into the Uniting Church and reflects on how we might deepen our engagement with difference and reimagine our ways of working to be a truly intercultural church. link
Safe Church update
Through their eyes - Safe environments for children and young people training is being held on Saturday, 17th September at The Corner Uniting Church, 93 Oaklands Road, Warradale. This is a full day course from 9.30 am - 4.300 pm. Bookings are essential and can be made at this link.
Event highlights
Connecting with Ancestors' Retreat
A weekend of connecting with your spiritual heritage through listening to stories of our ancestors and learning through dialogue between the spirituality of First Nations people and the spirituality of the ancient Celts. More information and details about how to book are available at this link.
Supporting one another in Ministry
Free event
A free workshop for those offering oversight and pastoral care to ministers, especially in the wake of disasters around us such as the pandemic and other natural disasters. Emerging issues such as self-care and burnout will be addressed and a range of models and skills will be offered to support those who support others in these challenging times. Presenter Stephen Robinson is an ordained Minister of the Word with a Doctorate in Ministry. To book click here.
During these difficult times we are pleased to provide you with resources for worship leaders to use to encourage people to worship and pray together as a gathered community or at home. These resources have been prepared by Rev Cheryl Wilson:
Read more
Assembly Update
News highlights from the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia this week include:
Save the date 2023: Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday
New language resource hubs
Reaching Sri Lanka's most vulnerable
- Celebration of Ministries (Synod '22)
- Lay Preachers' Sunday
- Emergency Relief Centres
- Adelaide Theological Library Book Sale
- Suicide Awareness Day banner offer
- Safe Church Update
- 2022 Uniting Foundation Grant Round Opens
- Dollars & Sense
- Volunteer Opportunity at
the Red Dove Café
- Food for the Soul
- Celebration of Ministry Service
- COVID-19 Update
- Support Sri Lanka: An Emergency Appeal for Sri Lanka
- L'Arche Adelaide
- Frontier Services - Outback Links
- Series 3 of the 'Dwelling' Podcast with Rev Dr Paul Goh
Reflection of the week
Compassionate Listening
by Richard Rohr
Can we take responsibility for the fact that we push people to polarised positions when we do not stand in the compassionate middle?
I think of how often, during my talks, someone raises a hand and says, ‘I disagree with what you just said.’ Often, they did not hear or understand what I said, and they don’t have the humility to ask, in a non-accusatory way: ‘Did I hear you correctly in saying ..?’ or ‘What do you mean when you say …?’ Of course, sometimes I am wrong, but such a mentality does not encourage dialogue or mutuality.
Prayer points
This week we pray:
- For those experiencing illness, isolation or grief as new strains of COVID-19 emerge and case numbers increase
- For healthcare workers tirelessly providing care to the sick
- For all international mission partners working to support their communities, especially in those countries that are currently experiencing difficult economic conditions.
COVID-19 update
The Synod of SA is adapting and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. For all current updates please visit the Synod website COVID page at this link.
Our Strategic Priorities
The Uniting Church Synod of SA has embarked on a journey to identify its key missional priorities and directions for the next 3-5 years. Read more
Upcoming Events
Please note, many gatherings of people in SA may be further impacted by recent COVID-19 restrictions. The list below is the most up-to-date information available at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
- Celebration of Ministry Service - Rev Alison Whish >>>
- Playford Celebrates 10 years >>>
- Service of Recognition for Rev Lesley Vince >>>
- Adelaide Theological Library Book Sale >>>
- Live Arts at Newland >>>
- Accessing Aged Care Services Made Simple >>>
- Through their eyes: Safe environments for children and young people >>>
- Christianity and the Making of the Western Mind >>>
- 'Honest to God' revisiting Robinson's ground breaking book - still relevant 60 years on >>>
- Breathe Art Exhibition Opening >>>
- Concert for Peace, Love and Understanding >>>
- Mypolonga Uniting Church
Centenary >>> - The Relevance of Bonhoeffer's Religionless Christianity >>>
- Preaching Series: Preaching with a difference >>>
- Celebrating 100 years as a Church community >>>
Positions & Placements vacant
Placements News is available here.
Submitting Content
UC e-News is the weekly e-newsletter of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia. If you wish to include content in UC e-News or on the Synod of South Australia website please submit it by 10am on Tuesdays.
