UC e-News 29th November 2022 No images? Click here 29th November 2022We 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. 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 is being sent to each congregation this week. Read more Voice to Parliament to be shaped after Australia's ReferendumAll Australians will have a rare opportunity to come together with First Nations People to achieve a greater sense of equality, fairness and justice, the Federal Government’s Special Envoy on Reconciliation, Senator Pat Dodson, has told a Parliament House Forum. Senator Dodson told the Leaders Forum, hosted by Australia’s largest community services network, UnitingCare Australia, that it will be the role of Federal Parliament to fashion The Voice following the referendum if it was successful. Australians will have to wait to see the form of The Voice to Parliament if it is supported through the proposed referendum to provide First Nations people with an active advisory role under the Constitution. Read more 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. A Scottish Welcome to AdareTo welcome Reverend Janice Mc Whinney as Adare’s Minister, many guests wore something Scottish – ribbon, tie, scarf, skirt or a kilt as worn by Hunter, Janice’s husband. Janice comes to Victor Harbor from Wagga Wagga, but says she has strong Scottish roots. Rev Sue Page, Acting General Secretary of the Synod of SA was the guest speaker and mentioned that she and Janice met at Edinburgh RAAF base where they were both chaplains. Everything in CommonUnitingWorld and the Uniting Church’s own ethical Christmas cards are here again! Registrations are now open for churches and groups to host an Everything in Common stall. Help solve Christmas shopping problems, honour a loved one and beat poverty at the same time! Gifts include clean water, education, support for people with disability, chickens and goats. Sign up to host a gift stall and get your gifts today 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 Advent Calendar of Daily DevotionsThis annual favourite is a wonderful resource for churches to give to each family, to share with visitors or others, emphasising the importance of the Advent. Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, it includes the Scripture, a short devotion, and a brief prayer. It is printed with a larger font for ease of reading. Sold in packs of 10, enabling churches and making it easy to share with visitors or others the church wishes to reach during the Advent season. Read more 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 highlightHandel's MessiahA Christmas version of Handel's majestic Messiah will be held in the stunning acoustics and beauty of Clayton Wesley Uniting Church. Featuring soloists Fiona McArdle, Nicholas Cannon and Meran Bow and a chorus of professional singers. Organist, Andrew Georg, Conductor, Kim Worley. Sunday, 4th December 2022 from 5.00 pm. 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: Why Intergenerational?
Reflection of the weekIsaiah 2:1-5 What a statement of commitment and choice! Let us walk in the light which the Lord gives us! God offers us a way forward together, with a path to follow so that we can live as a flourishing and nurturing community. It is up to us to choose to take the path. Swords and spears are tools of opposition and attack, to respond to inner fear and hate, focused on anger and violence. They are designed specifically to leave negative and violent space between two people, to break communication, and to harm and do damage. ‘Swords and spears’ can be found in many forms of broken or damaging communication, greed or patterns of living. Their destructive and cruel affect causes insult and injury, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. 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. |