33rd Synod

On Sunday 22 October, General secretary Rev Heather den Houting presented the report of the Synod Standing Committee (SSC) to the 33rd Synod. The report outlined the significant strategic work done since the 32nd Synod to give substance to the Together on the Way process and Priority Directions of the church. Underpinning the work of the SSC was the identification ...

Speaking at the 33rd Synod in Session, Multi-Cross Cultural Reference Group (MCCRG) chairperson Akesa Racava outlined the ways in which the group’s work intersects with Priority Directions, specifically around discipleship and leadership development, connecting with communities and multicultural capacity building. Citing the statistic that there are over 70 cultures within the life of the church in Queensland, Akesa presented three ...

The challenges ahead, and Queensland Synod’s plan to meet them, were the topics of the Synod report presented by chairperson of the Finance Investment and Property (FIP) Board Ralph Collins on 23 October. The board has the primary focus of providing good stewardship of church assets and funds. In his presentation Ralph set the context for the work of the ...

Since 1999, the Queensland Synod, through UnitingCare Queensland, has recognised the outstanding and invaluable commitment of volunteers through the Moderator’s Community Service Medal. UnitingCare Queensland outgoing CEO Anne Cross said 43 notable nominations were received this year. “Today, we come together to commend the efforts of all our volunteers, but in particular, the 14 outstanding recipients of the Moderator’s Community ...

The 33rd Synod heard that significant change in the health, aged care and community services sectors continues to impact every aspect of UnitingCare Queensland (UCQ). Deputy chairperson of the UCQ board Dawson Petie outlined some of the challenges facing UCQ and how the organisation is responding. “We continue to experience major change in government policy which impacts most if not ...

Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) superintendent minister Rev Lyn Burden and CEO Geoff Batkin used a number of personal stories via video in their Synod presentation to highlight the organisation’s ongoing commitment to reaching vulnerable people. Their report noted that the activities since the 32nd Synod have taken place within the context of one of the most profound periods of reform ...

The activities of Trinity College Queensland were the main focus of the Board for Christian Formation (BCF) report to the 33rd Synod delivered by chairperson Rev Stu Cameron on 23 October. As the Synod’s primary vehicle for the delivery of education for ministry, the board is responsible for the overview of the college along with the selection of candidates for ...

The Downs Presbytery Minister Rev Neil Thorpe emphasised the importance of pausing and listening for opportunities for mission during his presentation to the 33rd Synod. “God is already at work in our community and it is important to create space and opportunities for people to connect with God,” said Neil. His presentation included videos with an overview of congregations, faith ...

Moreton Rivers Presbytery shared its 2021 mission priorities document Let it flow with members of the 33rd Synod as part of its report by Presbytery Minister Rev John Ruhle, Rev Fa Matangi (Youth and Children’s Ministry coordinator) and Rev Dr Rob McFarlane (Mission Education officer). Since the last Synod in Session, the Presbytery has used the Synod Priority Directions to guide ...

As the third evening of the 33rd Synod came to a conclusion, members rose to their feet to sing “Lift High to the Cross” as the Celebration of Ministries commenced. Minutes of appreciation were received to retiring ministers with a short summary presented for each person: Rev Christopher Barr, Rev Russell Clark, Rev Dr Malcolm Coombes, Rev David Fanning, Rev ...