News from Uniting Church SA
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Tuesday 2 September 2025
Introducing Rev Dr Graham Hill
Graham is a Mission Catalyst for Church Planting and Missional Renewal. He develops church planting and new growth initiatives for new and renewing communities and works to inspire and equip church planters, new congregations, and innovations in established churches.
Graham has written over twenty books, including partnering with Mike Frost and Grace Ji-Sun Kim, and is passionate about revitalizing the church and for nurturing faith that shapes the world. He has also written numerous devotional resources including the series Daily Devotions with Jesus and brings a global perspective to local mission.
Graham will be delivering the keynote Green shoots in dry ground: Missional renewal through church planting and facilitating the workshop Following the Jesus way: Radical love, costly discipleship and the way of Jesus.
Renew 2025 – 6 weeks to go!
With Renew 2025 only 6 weeks away, we've just added some email footers to our Renew Resources page to help you spread the word. The collection now includes:
- Email footers to add to the bottom of your emails
- A PowerPoint slide – for you to display during your services
- Posters – for you to print or email to friends and members of your congregation
- A logo – for anywhere else you can think of!
You can download these resources right now from the link below.
And don't forget to register for the event as soon as possible to assist us with planning.
Renew Grant
We're excited to announce that, with the support of UC Invest, the Synod is launching a new one-off grant for innovative projects flowing from the Renew event. This grant is available exclusively to attendees at Renew!
Standing against racism; standing for Love
Over the weekend, President Rev Charissa Suli and General Secretary Andrew Johnson joined the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria & Tasmania in Melbourne. During the gathering, time was taken to pause in prayer in response to recent anti-immigration rallies that have impacted various parts of the country.
As the Uniting Church, we grieve the rise of racism, hatred, and fear. These have no place in our streets, our society, or the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We stand in solidarity with our multicultural and migrant communities – you are seen, loved, and not alone. We give thanks for Moderator Rev Salesi Faupula, the new Moderator of the Synod of Victoria & Tasmania, who reminded us that there is no room for racism in the household of God. May Christ’s reconciling love guides us all toward peace and understanding.
Calling for Expressions of Interest – Property Trust and Resources Board
The Property Trust and the Resources Board will have a vacancy at the end of the year.
The Property Trust is the legal entity of the Uniting Church in SA and is governed by ‘The Uniting Church in Australia Act, 1976–1977’.
The Resources Board is a sub-committee of the Synod’s Standing Committee (refer Synod By-law 18.1). The Board is responsible for maximising property and financial resources across the Synod and allocating them in accordance with the Church’s mission. The Resources Board is skills-based, and requires amongst its membership expertise in:
- Uniting Church Ethos and Polity
- Mission Resourcing
- Corporate Governance
- Financial Management
- Investment
- Law
- Property.
Expressions of interest are sought from suitably qualified persons to join the Trust and Board. In keeping with governance requirements which reflect the breadth of the Church, preference will be given to an ordained applicant. All expressions of interest received will be considered, taking into account the composition requirements of the Resources Board.
The Trust and Board meet at least six times per year, and this role is non-remunerated.
Further details about the role and the Resources Board are available on the UCASA website here or direct queries to Leah Hopton on 8236 4229. Please email expressions of interest to resources@sa.uca.org.au by 14 September 2025.
New Manse Management Policy
The Synod of South Australia has released a new Manse Management Policy to guide the care and oversight of church-owned manses.
Manses are more than houses – they are homes for Ministers and their families, places of rest and hospitality, and a vital resource for ministry. This new policy has been developed to ensure that manses remain safe, functional, and well-cared-for into the future, while also helping congregations meet the growing legal responsibilities of landlords in South Australia.
The policy was shaped through extensive consultation with the Synod Property Committee, Joint Presbytery Leaders, and the Synod Standing Committee. It establishes a consistent approach across the Church, including the use of professional property management, clear agreements with Ministers, and the establishment of sinking funds to plan for long-term maintenance.
By providing a clear framework, the policy aims to reduce the burden on volunteers, safeguard our resources, and support Ministers in their call to serve.
The policy is now available on the Synod website here. Congregations are encouraged to read the policy and begin preparing for implementation in line with the transition dates outlined.
For more information, please contact Synod Property Services at property@sa.uca.org.au or phone 8236 4200.
Safe Church alert
Churches may receive an email from a company ANCC who is offering to provide Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Record Checks. Please note this is not applicable or necessary for congregations as all our screenings are conducted through the Synod Screening Unit and Department of Human Services.
Reminders for screening that are due for renewal come from the UCSA Screening Admin (ssu@sa.uca.org.au). DHS is actively sending reminders to all who have WWCC due for renewals, but please wait until you get a reminder from this office to recommence the renewal.
Our next Screening Assistance Day will next be offered on Tuesday 23 September. The team is available to help with screening applications either by appointment over the phone or in person at the Synod office. Bookings can be made by either emailing ssu@sa.uca.org.au or calling the Synod office 8236 4200 for that day or at a time convenient for all.
Free Good News Bibles available
Belair Uniting Church has around 20 Good News Bibles looking for a new home. If your congregation or someone you know – could make use of them, please get in touch.
Pick up: 18 Sheoak Rd, Belair SA 5052 – Belair Uniting Church
Contact: 0488 211 287
Ageing Well Grants now open
The Office for Ageing Well has opened applications for its annual Ageing Community and Research Grants, supporting projects that help older South Australians age well. Grants are available across four streams, including Grants for Seniors, Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants, Age Friendly SA Grants, and Impact Research Grants. Funding ranges from $5,000 to $100,000, depending on the program.
Applications are open now and close 5 pm Friday 10 October 2025. Eligible organisations must be working with older people and fostering inclusive, age-friendly communities
Events
Discover Raukkan – A historic day trip
Looking for a meaningful day out? On Saturday 11 October, a special day trip to Raukkan – the historic town featured on Australia’s $50 note – is being held. For just a $20 donation, participants will enjoy a guided tour by the local Community Council, plus visits to the town’s gallery and museum. The journey departs 9am from Church of the Trinity, Clarence Park, returning around 6pm.
Spots are limited! To reserve your place, email the SA Uniting Church Historical Society at secretary@ucsahistory.org.au by Tuesday 30 September and indicate if you’ll be travelling by bus or car. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore a community rich in culture, history, and vision for the future.
State Youth Conference (SYC)
13 September
For young people aged 12 to Year 12, join others from across SA for a day of worship, teaching, and community at Hope Valley Uniting Church.
Theme:
"Christian discipleship is not about a set of rules and propositions but about being captivated by a person." – Lucy Peppiatt
The call of Jesus is radical, it causes people, to this day, to leave behind the things to which we cling and to step out onto the water with Him. Throughout history it has called fishermen to leave their nets, cricketers to leave their bats, tax collectors to leave their booths and the nobility to leave their wealth. Over and over again, Jesus calls, “Come, follow me”.
Come explore what it truly means to follow Jesus—through relationship, not just rules.
Adelaide Male Voice Choir
14 September
Come along and enjoy a delightful afternoon of music presented by the ever-popular Adelaide Male Voice Choir, followed by a relaxed afternoon tea.
Bring your friends and enjoy a vibrant mix of musical styles—including show tunes, spirituals, folk songs, and sea shanties. Proceeds from the event will be shared with the choir, so your support makes a real difference.
If each of us brings a friend, it’s sure to be a wonderful success! Mark the date in your diary now!
Where: Morialta Uniting Church
26 Chapel St, Magill South Australia 5072
When: 2–4 pm, Sunday 14 September 2025
Tickets are available through the Morialta UC office or via the link below.
A Day to Reconnect – Retreat at Sunset Rock UC
Take a day to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God.
Join us for a one-day retreat on Saturday, 18 October 2025, at Sunset Rock Uniting Church. The retreat will include guided prayer, personal reflection, silence, and space to rest in God's presence.
Time: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: $30 (includes morning tea and lunch)
Contact: office@sunsetrockchurch.au
Upcoming events
September
News from the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia this week includes:
Reflection of the week
Releasing Our Passions
In Greek mythology, three female goddesses, the Furies, were the deities of retribution and vengeance. They were horrible to look at, with snakes for hair, black wings, and blood dripping from their eyes. Though they were supposedly pursuing and punishing evildoers, their righteous need for vengeance brought about little lasting good, because they needed to punish evil too much and thus became evil themselves. Does this not sound like what practitioners of modern nonviolent theory tell us – violence begets violence? Our words “furious” and “infuriated” come from these goddesses. Their main problem was that their righteous anger consumed them, and their blind fury became an end in itself – and the lasting message.
Father Richard Rohr
Prayer and readings
For the Season of Creation
Creator God,
You shaped the earth in beauty and balance, breathing life into all that is.
In this Season of Creation, we give thanks for the wonders of your handiwork – for mountains and meadows, rivers and skies, creatures great and small.
Awaken in us a spirit of reverence and care. Teach us to walk gently upon the earth, to cherish what you have made,
and to live as faithful stewards of your creation.
Inspire us to act with courage and compassion.
Strengthen our resolve to protect the vulnerable, to reduce harm, and to seek justice for all living things.
May our choices reflect your love,
and our efforts bring healing to the earth.
May your Spirit renew the face of the earth, and renew our hearts with compassion and courage,
that we may serve you in harmony with all living things.
Renew us by your Spirit,
that we may serve you in harmony with creation, through Jesus Christ,
who reconciles all things to you
Amen.
____
Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lord: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you, from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings.
Jeremiah 18:11
____
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down; and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue;
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before;
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
Psalm 139:1–6
Resources to help people worship and pray together as a gathered community or at home. These resources are generously prepared by Rev Cheryl Wilson.
Positions and placements
Activity Facilitator – Beyond Limits Outdoor Education – Open now
Events Coordinator – Closes 8 September
First Third of Life Ministry Leader – Keiraview Uniting Church, Wollongong, NSW – Closes 8 September
Administrative Services Coordinator – The Spire Community – Closes 17 September
Centre Manager, Adare – Victor Harbor – Closes 30 September
UC eNews is the weekly email newsletter of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia. If you’d like to include content in UC eNews or on the Synod of South Australia website, please submit it by COB Mondays.
