On 17th December, the SA government released the latest COVID-Ready Plan to apply from 28th December 2021.

We are currently seeking clarification from the government around the restrictions on singing in worship when all in attendance are not fully vaccinated. The Synod’s guidance at this time is that unless you can be confident and compliant in ensuring all attendees at your services are fully vaccinated (consultation requirements and privacy legislation apply), congregations should plan not to sing in worship on 2nd January 2022. This includes not having a person or persons at the front singing.

We believe that this is the most inclusive option to allow congregations to continue to meet at a time when visitor numbers are higher and the directions are still to be confirmed.

As soon as further clarification is available from the government, we will provide it to you. The latest COVID-Ready Plan is available for download from the Synod website.

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This Christmas, amid the weariness, anxiety and tension in our world, the birth of Jesus brings hope, says UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis. Her first Christmas message is now available to download for use by UCA congregations and faith communities (password is Hope2021) until Christmas Day).

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This is the last UC-enews for 2021. This year we estimate that the Engagement Ministry Centre has processed over 5,000 items on behalf of the church community. This includes event submissions, positions vacant, social media posts, logo designs, flyers, New Times online and in print, postcards, banners, posters, calendar, a variety of communications campaigns and a myriad of other requests and over 350 weekly issues of the UC-enews.

The Engagement team is taking a well-earned break and we look forward to again supporting the Uniting Church in South Australia when we return on January 4th, 2022.

Best wishes to you all (and stay safe),

Bridget, Henry, Mark & Alex.

Uncle Nelson Varcoe’s God inspired songbook and CD Gift of Music is sure to make a special gift. Copies are available for purchase from Mission Resourcing at the Uniting College between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm on 21st and 22nd December The Gift of Music contains 25 original songs in country-gospel style. 

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CMLA is pleased to bring you their 2022 Planning Day on Thursday February 3rd, 2022 at Campbelltown UC from 10am – 2.30pm. It’s an opportunity to get a heads up on the year ahead and spend planning time and brainstorming ideas with others in ministry. More information is available on the CMLA website.

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Mission Resourcing has released its draft research report on ‘Mapping Intercultural Neighbourhoods in SA.’ It presents the findings of a CALD-Intercultural Ministry Survey with 55 Uniting Church leaders and interviews with 30 CALD leaders, which was conducted between March and May 2021.

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Thank you to those people that have ordered and picked up their 2022 calendars or have opted to have them posted. We have a few remaining in the office and would ask you to please come in and pick up your orders this week, before we close for Christmas and New Year. A reminder that the office will close at 3pm this Friday.

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The Synod office at 212 Pirie Street and the Brooklyn Park Unitng College Campus will both be closed from 3.00 pm on Friday, 24th December 2021 and will re-open again on 4th January 2022.
 

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.

Upcoming events:

• Carols under the Pine Tree >>>
• Uniting Art Exhibition >>>
• An Introduction to Art Journaling with Karan Hudson and CMLA >>>

Want to share your event with the wider Uniting Church in SA? Complete the Events Form here.

This week we pray for:

• For children’s health as they move into the school break that they will be free of COVID infections and will remain safe over the Christmas season
• For the funds that are available for those children requiring surgery at Biet Cure Hospital, and for those needing medical attention that it will be readily available in the new year
• For the continued sponsorship of students and for the successful completion of this year’s studies and enthusiasm for the year ahead
• For the staff and volunteers associated with the OVC Project that they may carry out their tasks with enthusiasm and love that the Lord provides.

Author and Center for Action and Contemplation teacher Brian McLaren understands Jesus’ mother Mary as an example for all of us to find a larger hope by surrendering our lives to God. Here he comments on Luke’s Gospel and offers an Advent practice inspired by Mary.

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