By Andrew McKaysmith, Synod Writer and Content Creator Haven Red Hill assists children and young adults with disabilities; their ‘Van Haven’ initiative is one way they empower these youths. Thomas Hegarty is the Service Coordinator at Haven, and he said the concept started with an acoustic guitar and some bongos, which inspired him to successfully apply for a grant to ...

An informal discussion around the BBQ between Rev Craig Mischewski and six young people (with little connection to the church) provided a wealth of insight into the church, its messaging and how it might engage younger people who are warm to the concepts and actions of the Christian faith. Rev Craig Mischewski writes. It was Sunday after church, and I ...

A new ecumenical initiative is bringing young people together on the Sunshine Coast to connect with their faith through music and exciting guest speakers. Journey reports on Activate Sunshine Coast (ASC) and what gives it the “X Factor”. It started with a simple proposition: why couldn’t the Sunshine Coast regularly hold youth rallies for the state’s Christians to connect with ...

From nude selfie sharing to hard drugs, there’s an abundance of dangerous temptations for today’s youth. Rev Tom Kerr grapples with sin and guiding our young people with a Christ-like love. You’ve seen the news headlines about violence at out of control house parties, teen nude photo sites and the Ice epidemic. Youth, sin and theology. I think we’d better ...

The new Uniting Church youth camp Easter Madness was a great success. Journey reports Over 100 young people from across the Uniting Church in Queensland celebrated the Easter weekend together at the inaugural Easter Madness youth camp in March. The Easter Madness Appeal also meant that 13 young people, including two leaders, from rural and remote Queensland were able to ...

Brisbane Taiwanese Uniting Church youth mentor and Trinity College Queensland alumni, Jack Shao is encouraging the next generation of youth to undertake lay education. Ashley Thompson writes. Immigrating with his family to Australia at 14, Jack Shao has been attending the Brisbane Taiwanese congregation for 25 years. A Brisbane Boys’ College old boy, he was baptised at 17 and has ...

Blackall Uniting Church in western Queensland has planted the seeds for a thriving youth ministry. Youth pastor Scott Walker speaks to Dianne Jensen. Thursday night at the Blackall Uniting Church is youth group night, and youth pastor Scott Walker starts the evening by praying with the six regular attendees. The numbers have fluctuated over the last two and half years ...

Forget the flashing lights and loud music, ministry to children and youth is about valuing people and relationships. Rev Josie Neuendorff explains. When I speak to people in congregations about children and youth ministry, I am almost always asked about what programs and activities will attract young people and keep them interested. The answer is, simply, there are none. Compared ...

Life is about to get tougher for young Queenslanders in trouble with the law. Dianne Jensen reports. “Tough on crime” has a reassuring ring to the outraged householder who discovers a smashed car window or graffiti on their freshly painted wall. It’s time these kids faced up to the consequences of their behaviour, right? The Queensland Government is currently considering legislation ...

Recent changes to the Juvenile Justice Act have gone largely unreported, but were highly politicised and do nothing to prevent reoffending, says Steve Skitmore from Youth Affairs Network Queensland. It's been a long time coming. In June 2009, then-Queensland Deputy Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg flagged huge changes to the Juvenile Justice Act under a Liberal National Party Government in Queensland. ...