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Tag Archives: David Baker

Changing the national conversation

Queensland Synod moderator, Rev David Baker. Photo: Ben Rogers

As you read this it’ll be one month to go. I’m writing this over two weeks before 5 June, on 16 May, and already there’s a sense of boredom and “let’s get this over with” in terms of the federal election. That’s sad really, as in the course of human history and even in the world today, to be able ...

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Whose face is on your prayer wall?

The moderator’s prayer wall. Photo: Holly Jewell

As part of the Queensland Synod’s commitment to being a prayerful listening church, a new program has been launched to encourage intercessory prayer among Christians. Rohan Salmond reports. One of the first things you notice upon visiting the Queensland Synod moderator’s office are the dozens of photographs scattered on the wall. Religious and political leaders are depicted as reminders to ...

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Solidarity forever

Current Queensland Synod moderator, Rev David Baker.

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.” 1 Corinthians 15:20 If there’s one word that encapsulates the revelation of God in Jesus Christ, it is, for me, the word “solidarity”. The seasons of this time in the Christian year emphasise solidarity: Christmas, the season of “Emmanuel”—God with us; Epiphany, ...

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In whatever you do, be a leader

A cartoon on Christian leadership by Phil Day.

Greetings for the new year; I trust and pray that you will know God’s leading and blessing in it. There are some articles on leadership in this month’s Journey. Leadership is one of those constant, big buzzwords. It seems, in the West, everyone is crying out for it, yet those who are in positions of authority across many of the ...

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Open hearts at Christmas

Don't forget your Christmas tree. Don't forget to post your cards early. Don't forget HIM.

I remember over the years hearing older folk, being confronted with new challenges and disturbing news, saying, “Would you bring a child into this world?” At this time of year we move into Advent on the journey to Christmas, and the readings of the lectionary for our worship and devotion may evoke the same response. The gospel readings are about ...

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The Spirit is abroad in the world

"Did you know the Holy Spirit is inside us, Billy?" [Billy looks at his stomach fearfully]

A couple of weeks ago, one Friday night, the youth group from St Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church in Brisbane hit the streets. They introduced themselves to people and told them that the cathedral was open for prayer; that they were welcome to go in, pray about something that was on their mind or troubling them, and light a candle as ...

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Brisbane’s faith leaders welcome Dalai Lama, agent of peace

Brisbane's civic and religious leaders gather in St Stephen's Cathedral with the Dalai Lama.

A visit from the Dalai Lama brought Brisbane’s civic and religious leaders together in June at a multifaith service of prayer for world peace. Rohan Salmond reports. The moderator of the Uniting Church Queensland Synod has gathered with the Dalai Lama along with Brisbane’s other religious and civic leaders at St Stephen’s Cathedral for a multifaith service of prayers for ...

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Christian and Islamic leaders meet

Heads of Churches Muslim Meeting 20 October 2014

Uniting Church Moderator Rev David Baker was one of the Queensland Heads of Christian Churches who met with leaders of the Queensland Islamic Community in Brisbane on Monday. Mr Baker said it the meeting was called to consider ways of strengthening relations between the Christian and Islamic communities in the State and to promote respect and harmony. The meeting was ...

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Moving forward; keeping the charge

Members share communion during the 31st Synod closing service

The 31st Synod in Session closed five days of work and fellowship on 15 October with a worship service reminding members to “keep the charge”. Moderator David Baker reflected on the church as a flotilla; a group of ships traveling together, supporting each other. He reflected on past moderator, Kaye Ronalds’ question: “Are we there yet?” “I hope you have ...

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Five minutes with the moderator

Rev David Baker wears a sombrero to promote Trinity College Queensland's new OLE learning system at the 31st Synod in Session.

Ashley Thompson asks newly inducted Moderator Rev David Baker some light and personal questions. Ashley: What is your passion? David: My passion? Well I really love trifle. You know, because you’re eating fruit which is healthy. So yeah one of my passions is trifle. Probably another one is curries. I love making curries. A: Spicy ones? D: Yeah, yeah, yeah ...

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