UC e-News 25th October 2022
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25th October 2022
Connecting with Ancestors' Retreat
When I first saw the Ancestors’ Retreat event advertised, I was intrigued by the concept of the spiritual wisdom of Australia’s First Peoples and Europe’s ancient Celtic Christians being brought together as a topic. The retreat was held over the weekend from 21st-23rd October at the Moonta Uniting Church and was a time for reflection about identity and connection. Read more
Uniting College for Leadership and Theology Faculty Vacancies
With a long history of theological and ministerial education, Uniting College for Leadership & Theology (UCLT) is in a period of significant renewal and is currently seeking applications for four faculty positions:
- Director of Leadership (1.0)
- Director of Theology & Church History (1.0)
- Director of Biblical Studies (1.0)
- VET Co-ordinator (0.8).
For more information and to access the Position Descriptions for each role please visit the Synod website at this link.
Launch of Climate Pastoral Care Course
Faith organisations from Australia and the USA have joined together to share a new course on the mental health and spiritual impacts of the climate crisis. The climate crisis is creating a worldwide emergency that impacts communities mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well as physically. Climate emotions (like climate grief and climate anxiety) are increasingly impacting young people in particular. Read more
Intergenerational Ministry Training Opportunities
If you are wondering how to practically engage in intergenerational ministry in your church two online training opportunities are available on November 10th and November 15th. More information is available in this week's News and Notices section on the Synod website. Read more
2023 Calendar Orders Now Open
Orders for the Uniting Church 2023 Calendar were due to open on 24th October. We are pleased to advise that we have been able to bring these to you earlier than first anticipated. We give thanks to the Uniting Church schools and colleges for their willingness to be a part of our calendar publication for 2023. Orders can now be made at this link.
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.
Mondays at MediaCom
Next Monday, October 31st will be the last Monday at MediaCom. From 10.00 am - 2.00 pm you are invited to have a cuppa and chat with an opportunity to connect with colleagues and the MediaCom team. Check out resources for Advent, Christmas and Year A and grab a bargain from the clearance table. Read more
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 does 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
Spiritual Care Volunteers
Do you have some pastoral skills and time? Flinders Medical Centre, The Repatriation Precinct and Noarlunga Hospital are looking for more volunteers to visit patients to provide emotional and spiritual support. Training will be provided and free parking each time you come to volunteer. Read more
Justice Campaign - Two Postcard actions
In collaboration with other Synods, we are encouraged to take part in two Justice Campaigns through postcard action on the Divestment from Fossil Fuel and the Increased Humanitarian Protection Program. Read more
Legal Specialist - Volunteer role
The Resources Board of the South Australian Uniting Church Synod is seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced individuals for the role of ‘Legal Specialist.' The Resources Board is tasked with maximising the financial and property resources available for mission and assisting the Synod and Presbyteries to allocate these resources in accordance with the mission priorities and ethos of the Church, whilst managing risk associated with these decisions. Read more
Event highlights
A warm informative evening acknowledging disturbance of God’s creation, exploring ‘eco-theology’ and practical care, listening to young leaders and passionate Christian scientists, and learning to live more lightly. Light refreshments and live music and Q&A. This event will also be live streamed. 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:
Ending violence will take commitment from all
New Lectionary now available
Now is the time for courage and leadership
- Justice Campaign - Two postcard actions
- Payneham Road UC Organ Scholarship 2023
- Mondays at MediaCom
- Call for Auditors
- New opportunities for welcoming refugees in local communities
- October Refugee Advocacy Guide - A letter writing action and postcard campaign
- COVID-19 Update
- Reclaiming History with Voice Treaty Truth: An Evening Hosted by Pilgrim Uniting Church
- Churches Together: Beyond the Garden Gate Environmental Forum
- Spiritual Care Volunteers Needed
- Intergenerational Ministry Training Opportunities
- Luku Ngarra - Movie Event
Reflection of the week
'Looking Backwards Through a Prism: Non-Dual Thinking and Inner Peace.'
Many people have observed that the human condition seems burdened with a dualistic way of understanding reality. This divided nature of our minds creates a spiritual warfare within us. It creates a conflict between sin and righteousness, which we often lose.
Part of the way which we move past this is to re-evaluate how we understand sin and righteousness. It is in our nature to see them as diametrically opposed, to see ourselves as either sinful or righteous, but in reality, we are both and always will be. Read more
Prayer points
This week we pray:
- For all who volunteer their time and talents to supporting others
- For Uniting College for Leadership and Theology as it embarks on a period of renewal
- For our world as we know it right now, with all of its challenges and conflicts.
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.
- Helen Phillips - The Significance of the Interior Life to Personal and Global Concerns - Seminary of the Third Age >>>
- Garage Sale at Payneham Road Uniting Church >>>
- Connect Women's Conference >>>
- Great Outback BBQ - Frontier Services >>>
- Worship without Musicians Workshop >>>
- Film Fundraiser: Mrs Harris Goes to Paris >>>
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.
