Members from Uniting Churches across Queensland gathered together at Alexandra Park Conference Centre to commence the Queensland Syond's 30th meeting. Moderator's celebrates unity On the first full day of business at the 30th Synod Rev Kaye Ronalds reflected on the first half of her journey as Moderator. Ms Ronalds said her position as Moderator has enabled her to partake in ...
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Community on the brink: mining proves best and worst thing for community
The impacts of mining and Fly-In Fly-Out work on communities and the environment was the subject of a new initiative at the 30th Synod. Mardi Lumsden reports. Whether in the city or the bush, all Queenslanders are effected by mining and fly-in fly-out (FIFO) or drive-in drive-out (DIDO) work. That was the message given to 30th Synod members during a ...
Read More »A decade of reform predicted for community services
In addressing members of the 30th Synod in Session, UnitingCare Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Anne Cross spoke about the identity of UnitingCare Queensland as the Uniting Church at work in the world and how this identity influences daily decisions. "Who we are as the Church influences many service delivery decisions, as we grapple with financial viable. "We continue to invest ...
Read More »Country continues to dominate in Farnsworthy’s honour
Synod wouldn't be the same without the City vs. Country touch football game, named after the mythical (some say legendary) former Trinity student Charles Farnsworthy. Despite the game being used as an example for the whole of synod on consensus voting practices on Friday night, it was uncertain whether Country would have enough starters. Thankfully, Country rallied and was able ...
Read More »Synod finances stable, but not happy
Synod Director of Finance, Investment and Property, Robert Packer, reminded 30th Synod members that the Synod is not a simple organisation to be able to give an overview of its financial health. "Managing the different services the Synod has and presenting one picture is very difficult," he said. During the report from the Finance Investment and Property (FIP) Board, Mr ...
Read More »Treading lightly to continue the dream
A number of the reports to the 30th Synod mentioned the implications, joys and challenges of the Queensland Synod's increased involvement in the services previously run by the Congress Community Development and Education (CCDEU). Mardi Lumsden reports. CCDEU is a company limited by guarantee, whose directors are appointed by the Calvary Presbytery, that aims to address some of the enormous ...
Read More »Shaping our future in schools
With 20 000 young people attending Uniting Church affiliated schools each day Synod Schools Commission chairperson, Rev David MacGregor, reminded members of the 30th Synod that their involvement in our schools is essential. Drawing on the Uniting Church in Queensland’s Vision 2020, Mr MacGregor said the focal points of Uniting Church schools are “local and wider partnerships with our Indigenous ...
Read More »Services of the future
The UnitingCare Queensland report to the 30th Synod provided an insight into the implications of the significant changes underway in aged care, disability, health care, child protection and the regulation of charities. UnitingCare Queensland CEO Anne Cross reported on a range of key areas impacted by the changing landscape of community care in an environment of increasing fiscal restraint. "Both ...
Read More »Moderator-elect: leadership is an action, not a position
Bremer Brisbane Presbytery Minister Rev David Baker has been elected as Moderator-elect of the Uniting Church in Australia Queensland Synod. Mr Baker said he is greatly encouraged by the leadership in the life of the Uniting Church. "My sense of call for this role comes from the voice of the church in the Moggill and Brisbane Valley congregations nominating me, ...
Read More »Synod celebrates faithful servants
Jubilant pilgrims from the Uniting Church in Australia waved coloured flags at the beginning of a service of celebration at Unity College in Caloundra. Members and visitors of the 30th Synod enjoyed a morning of discipleship and song. There were a number of milestones that were recognised and celebrated. Moderator Kaye Ronalds commented on National Sorry Day. "Today is a ...
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