UC e-News 22nd November 2022
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22nd November 2022
Unexpected joy, as a new Fijian Congregation is planted at Vermont
On Sunday 20th November 2022 the Vermont Uniting Church became the Vermont Uniting Church Fijian Congregation in a transitional church plant. In a moving service led by Rev David Ingleton, the Chairperson of the Vermont UC, Mr Ian Megaw invited the Chairperson of the Fijian community Rt. Isoa Tikoca to receive the key to the church. Read more
Advent Refugee Advocacy Guide – Christmas Bowl Worship Resources
A two-page Advent Refugee Advocacy Guide is prepared to help congregations share God's love with refugees through the Christmas Bowl and advocacy actions during the season of Advent 2022. It contains the links to worship resources for each week of advent, PowerPoint presentations and clip art to use with your congregation, either in person or online. This and other resources for congregations are available to download on the Synod website: UCA SA - Refugees: Resources for Congregations.
Read more
Unexpected Joy - Christmas Appeal 2022
The Christmas season is a time to celebrate JOY. Churches remember the joy of the gift of a Saviour to the world arriving in the baby Jesus. The Seniors Ministry Unit through Uniting Church Fellowship and Mission Support (UCFAMS) is inviting congregations, friendship and fellowship groups, family and youth ministry groups to dig deep this Christmas by donating personal care gifts to make up pamper packs for vulnerable adults. Read more
Call for Auditors
The Uniting Church SA Synod Financial Services Team currently requires additional assistance from suitably qualified auditors (CPA, CA or Registered Company Auditor) to provide audit services to Uniting Church SA congregations and other entities. Read more
Uniting Church Calendar 2023
The 2023 Uniting Church Calendar is now available for order! The 2023 Calendar features Uniting Church schools and colleges and is both colourful and vibrant; and we extend our sincere thanks to all of the schools for their willingness to be a part of our annual publication. If you would like to order the 2023 Calendar, please visit this link: https://ucasa.org.au/calendars/
Christmas Worship Times
Thanks 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 Devotions
This 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 Resources
Based 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 highlights
Ordination of Shelley Alexander
Shelley Alexander is to be ordained by the Presbytery of Southern SA on Friday the 9th of December at 7pm at Yankalilla UCA. All are welcome to attend this joyous celebration!
RSVP by clicking on this link.
Climate Action Resources Expo
The Climate Action Resources Expo is a community event being organised by the Blackwood Uniting Church, in collaboration with representatives from the City of Mitcham, Australian Parents for Climate Action, Conservation Council of SA and Blackwood Sustainable Communities and Twenty Metre Trees. 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:
Read more
Assembly Update
News highlights from the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia this week include:
Prayers for West Java
'Our heart for God's renewal': Intergenerational at Trinity Alberton Uniting Church
New Associate General Secretary Appointed
- Advent Refugee Advocacy Guide
- Unexpected Joy - Christmas Appeal
- Worship Resources for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence 2022
- 2023 Uniting Church Calendar
- MediaCom Advent Calendar of Daily Devotions
- Ordination of Shelley Alexander
- Free Church Signs
- Climate Action Resources Expo
- Call for Auditors
- Spiritual Care Volunteers Needed
- Intergenerational Ministry Training Opportunities
- COVID-19 Update
Reflection of the week
Sharing God's Grace
The words “gratitude” and “grace” come from the same root word, gratia in Latin. . . . “Grace” is a theological word, one with profound spiritual meaning. Grace means “unmerited favor.” When I think of grace, I particularly like the image of God tossing gifts around—a sort of indiscriminate giver of sustenance, joy, love, and pleasure. Grace—gifts given without being earned and with no expectation of return—is, as the old hymn says, amazing. Because you can neither earn nor pay back the gift, your
heart fills with gratitude. And the power of that emotion transforms the way you see the world and experience life. Grace begets gratitude, which, in turn, widens our hearts toward greater goodness and love.
Read more
Prayer points
This week we pray:
- In the wake of the tragedy in Colorado Springs in the United States, we pray for the families and loved ones of those who had their lives suddenly cut short. God of justice, we pray your comfort and peace is with them during this devastating time.
- For the people of Indonesia as they face the aftermath of a severe earthquake, which has destroyed homes, injured hundreds, and killed many. May we show solidarity with the Indonesian people as they face overwhelming grief and sorrow.
- As we move into Advent, we give thanks for those organising Christmas events, services, carols and donations for those in need. It is through the work of these people throughout all congregations that foster the Christmas spirit of love, joy, hope and peace.
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.
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.
