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32nd Synod

Dangerous ideas cause chain reaction

Unchaining dangerous ideas... Illustration: Phil Day

A new forum to explore outside-the-box thinking was a smashing success at Synod. Journey reports. Hundreds gathered for Unchained, a half-day festival held during Synod in Session to air dangerous ideas about how the Uniting Church might re-imagine itself and its place in the world. The event evolved from a suggestion first made by the moderator that the Synod needed ...

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32nd Synod closes reflecting on beauty

The 32nd Synod's closing service reflects on beauty. Photo by Mardi Lumsden.

The 32nd Synod of the Uniting Church in Queensland has closed how it begun, in a celebration of the rich cultural diversity of the church. Rev David MacGregor opened closing worship by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which the Synod gathered, the Gubbi Gubbi people. Stillness descended over the meeting as members watched a short video called ...

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Synod adopts revised priority directions

Rev Linda Hanson addresses her concerns regarding the 2016–2020 priority directions to the 32nd Synod. Photo by Mardi Lumsden.

After fervent discussion the 32nd Synod has passed by consensus revised priority directions for 2016–2020. Brought forward by Rev Andrew Gunton on behalf the facilitation team, the original wording of the proposal was amended to reflect the concerns of 32nd Synod members. The originally discerned top five priorities of 32nd Synod members were to “adopt as its priority directions for ...

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Rebuilding finances for mission

Ralph Collins and Peter Cranna at the 32nd Synod. Photo by Uniting Communications.

Finance, Investment and Property (FIP) Board chairperson Ralph Collins and Finance and Property Services (FAPS) director Peter Cranna addressed the 32nd Synod saying the Synod office’s finances are in a stable condition. The Synod Reserve Fund (SRF) is a reserve to cover unexpected costs or meet ongoing expenses if all other income ceased. This fund is being rebuilt, with a ...

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Living the covenant: room to grow in Indigenous connections

Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress chair Rev Dennis Corowa at the 32nd Synod. Photo by Uniting Communications.

Several Aboriginal and Islander Uniting Church members told 32nd Synod members of the challenges and opportunities for the church in their communities. Rev Dennis Corowa, chairperson of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and the Calvary Presbytery in Queensland, said the Uniting Church has a long history in supporting and encouraging Indigenous people. He made particular reference to the ...

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Trinity College Queensland offers fresh vision

Dr Leigh Trevaskis, recently appointed director of education for ministry and principal of Trinity College Queensland, addresses the 32nd Synod. Photo by Uniting Communications.

Rev Peter Lockhart, Board for Christian Formation chairperson, and Dr Leigh Trevaskis, recently appointed director of education for ministry and principal of Trinity College Queensland (TCQ), addressed members on the status of the board and TCQ. “The world of tertiary education is a changing environment constantly, and the way education is delivered, particularly in the online space, has been growing ...

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Synod agrees to improved reporting changes

Kingaroy Uniting Church minister Rev Dr David Ferguson at the 32nd Synod. Photo by Ashley Thompson.

This afternoon Rev Dr David Ferguson and the Mary Burnett Presbytery put forward a proposal (general proposal six) to the 32nd Synod related to better communication of Synod Standing Committee decisions. After some discussion, Dr Marilyn Healy of Bremer Brisbane Presbytery suggested the proposal be broken into two parts—the first half of which she had no issues with and the ...

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Wesley Mission Brisbane positions for growth

Wesley Mission Brisbane superintendent minister Lyn Burden and executive director Geoff Batkin report to the 32nd Synod. Photo by Holly Jewell.

Earlier today Wesley Mission Brisbane executive director Geoff Batkin and superintendent minister Lyn Burden reported to 32nd Synod members on the organisation’s current state-of-health. Geoff and Lyn opened their presentation with the origins of Wesley Mission Brisbane which began in Albert Street Uniting Church in the mid-19th century, rooted in the mandate of Matthew 25:35. Today Wesley Mission Brisbane offers ...

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Seven (fun) insights into your next general secretary!

Rev Heather den Houting at the 32nd Synod. Photo by Holly Jewell.

Yesterday 32nd Synod members called Rev Heather den Houting to be the next Queensland Synod general secretary, starting 1 June 2016. Ashley Thompson catches up with Heather to uncover the personality behind the profession. Ashley: What is your passion? Heather: My passion is people, especially people in Christ. I am always deeply delighted by the capacity and resilience of those who ...

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UnitingCare Queensland still facing huge change

UnitingCare Queensland board member Craig Barke and CEO Anne Cross at the 32nd Synod. Photo by Holly Jewell.

The significant industry turbulence brought by increasing for-profit competitors, disruptive technology, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and changes to government funding models continues to force reflection for UnitingCare Queensland on where their future lies. For an organisation driven by God’s love and altruism, yet existing in an environment of market competitiveness and immense financial responsibilities, UnitingCare Queensland’s reconciliation between ...

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