Features

By Sam McDonell – UnitingCare – Connect 100 So often we begin prayer in a mode of “Listen Lord, your servant is speaking”. Don’t get me wrong, of course we are meant to pour out our prayers – praises, confessions, laments, requests, hopes and more. Scripture clearly encourages persistent, tenacious prayer that keeps knocking, keeps asking and keeps believing in ...

Karen MacNeil is a devoted grandmother who was balancing her role as a nighttime and weekend chef with her primary responsibility as the main caregiver for her grandson. Karen couldn’t find an appropriate care service for her grandson, 4-year-old Damon until she connected with the team at Uniting In Home Care. She said she was very appreciative of the support ...

Bec Schwenk needed someone to look after her daughter, Isabella, whilst she and her husband worked during the day, so she asked Uniting In Home Care to help. Isabella is five years of age and unable to attend mainstream off-site daycare programs. Bec said that In Home Care had been great for Isabella since they started just over a year ...

The South Sudanese Nuer Faith Community recently commemorated 20 years of shared spirituality and fellowship at St David’s Uniting Church in Cooper’s Plains. The event provided a chance for individuals of South Sudanese heritage and their friends from all corners of Brisbane to experience a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Andrew Demack, a church council member, said the Nuer Community is ...

Reviewer: Dr Daniel Pampuch, CEO of Christian Schools Australia, Chair of Council – Newlife I have long been a supporter of the concept of bivocation. Bivocation is a calling to do more than one form of service or mission at a time. Martin Luther firmly believed that all things are sacred and that how we engage with work, the environment, ...

By Andrew McKaysmith, Synod Writer and Content Creator The congregation at Caloundra Uniting Church is helping members of their community through initiatives designed to reach the most vulnerable. Pastor Steven Fincham was on hand to discuss the projects that have redefined his congregation’s sense of identity, community involvement, and a renewed focus on spirituality. According to Sunshine Coast Council, there ...

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 ...

By Andrew McKaysmith, Synod Writer and Content Creator The Carpenters Workshop at Elanora is a community collective affiliated with the Elanora Uniting Church, welcoming both men and women who enjoy collaborative woodworking. Kevin Stanley is a seasoned instructor who was a teacher and carpenter before retiring. He guides and mentors the members in transforming wooden blocks into household essentials. “I ...

By Andrew McKaysmith, Writer and Content Creator.  Burleigh Village Uniting Church marked a century of mission, worship, and faith this August with a special service and an unveiling of a time capsule. The commemoration kicked off with a worship service featuring a message from the church pastor and a performance by the kids in the congregation. This was followed by ...

By Andrew McKaysmith, Synod Writer and Content Creator Oxley Uniting Church has welcomed the Alpha course, an instructional series that introduces the fundamental concepts of Christianity. Participants engage in talks and discussions, with the course creators describing it as an opportunity to explore the meaning of life. Reverend Dave Thomas provided insight into the Alpha course’s recent success. “It went beyond ...