UC e-News 6th December 2022 No images? Click here 6th December 2022Moderator's SA Flood AppealBy faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning. (Hebrews 11:7) The Riverland in South Australia is preparing for what is believed to be one of the larger floods of the River Murray. The Moderator is calling the Uniting Church in South Australia to respond to this emerging disaster, through financial assistance and prayer. To read more and to make a donation please visit this link. A 'donate now' button is also available on the front page of the Synod website at this link. Synod Strategy and Planning Mission and Property - Important UpdateThe Synod Strategy and Planning – Mission and Property working group has been working on the next steps in the project requested by the meeting of the Synod in June 2022 in relation to developing a draft property strategy to take to the next meeting of the Synod in June 2023. One of the steps in the process is gathering data and information about our congregations. To help us gather this data, a questionnaire has been sent to each congregation this week and we thank those congregations that have responded. To assist with completion of the questionnaire you can now also access a PDF version of the questions to use as a guide as you fill in the questionnaire. This guide is available at this link. Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, 5 Years On …The last five years have been full of opportunities for learning and growth for the Church. Some of the important lessons from the Royal Commission relate to how we respond to people who experienced abuse. The findings of the Report will continue to impact how we move forward as a stronger, more inclusive community. Read more We Say No to ViolenceThe President and Moderators from across the Uniting Church have prepared a video message for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. We share this strong united message in support of this important initiative. The video is available for viewing at this link. Moderator's Christmas Worship GuideA range of resources for congregations are listed on the Synod website. Just released is the Moderator's Christmas Worship Guide with the theme 'Unexpected Joy,' and a video from Subtle Bricks. Both can be downloaded from this link. Unexpected Joy - Christmas Appeal 2022A reminder that ‘Unexpected Joy’ is a Christmas gift opportunity for SA Synod congregations to contribute to our Uniting Care organisations and congregations with a special toiletry gift for a vulnerable adult. Closing dates for receiving gifts vary and not every Uniting Care congregation participates in gift giving. Check out those who do and the dates they need goods to be delivered by at this link. Uniting Church Calendar 2023The 2023 Calendar has arrived from the printer! For those that have selected to have their orders posted to them, they are now on their way. If you chose to pick up your orders from the Synod office at 212 Pirie Street in the city, they are now available for pick-up. Calendars are still available to order at this link. Christmas Worship TimesThanks to those congregations that have informed us of their Christmas Worship times and activities. In preparation for Christmas and New Year, if you haven't already done so, please send through your congregational worship times, and we will feature them on the Synod website. All details can be sent to: engagement@sa.uca.org.au MediaCom UpdateA range of books from Mediacom, including resources for Year A Lectionary and Advent, are now on display and available for purchase from the Synod Office, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide. This display will be refreshed on a regular basis. If you are visiting the Synod office, please take time to review the books on offer. Synod Office Closure Christmas/New YearThe Synod office will be closed on Thursday, 15th December to allow all staff to attend our end-of-year gathering. Further to the 15th, during the Christmas/New Year period the Synod office will close on Friday, 23rd December, 2022 at 3.00 pm and will re-open on Tuesday, 3rd January, 2023 at 9.00 am. UC Invest will be available for business during the hours of 9.30 am - 3.30 pm from 28th December - 30th December (inclusive). Christmas Worship ResourcesBased on Luke 2:10 - 'Do not be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people,' we are pleased to bring you a range of resources for congregations as you prepare your Christmas and New Year services and activities. Resources include social media graphics, Powerpoint template, poster and postcard designs. The Moderator's Christmas video will soon be added into the resources, all available at this link. Event HighlightCarols in the AmphitheatreFavourite carols will be accompanied by Enfield Brass. Hear the story of how everyone heard the good news of Jesus’ birthday – angels, shepherds, animals, wise ones. Enjoy the free sausage sizzle while being entertained by some fabulous Christmas music. Children are invited to come dressed as an angel or a shepherd to join in the nativity story. Read more 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: Assembly UpdateNews highlights from the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia this week include: An Enterprise in Hope
Reflection of the weekby Henri Nouwen ‘Nobody is so poor that he/she has nothing to give, and nobody is so rich that he/she has nothing to receive.’ These words by Pope John-Paul II, offer a powerful direction for all who want to work for peace. No peace is thinkable as long as the world remains divided into two groups: those who give and those who receive. Real human dignity is found in giving as well as receiving. This is true not only for individuals but for nations, cultures, and religious communities as well. Read more Prayer pointsThis week we pray:
COVID-19 updateThe 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 PrioritiesThe 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 EventsPlease 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. Positions & Placements vacantPlacements News is available here. Submitting ContentUC 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. |