Features

And just like that, the meeting of the 37th Synod is complete. After five days of community, worship, encouragement, business and yarning, members are wending their way back home across the state. Opening Worship & Bible Study Dr Paul Jones explored the text of Jeremiah 13:1-11, drawing a line from this enacted parable to Paul’s later New Testament teaching about ...

Exploring the idea of ‘Growing, not building’, the 37th Synod continued into its penultimate day. Opening Worship & Bible Study Drawing on arresting imagery of a tree planted by the water (Jer 17:5-8) Mandy Smith led the Synod in a deep and at times challenging reflection on what it means to live and depend wholly on God. “What does it ...

The sun has set on a long but rewarding day three at the 37th Synod meeting of the Uniting Church in Queensland. It was a day filled with rich discussions, deep reflection, and exciting stories of small green shoots around the Church. Opening Worship & Bible Study Pastor Katie Iles joined the Synod from South Australia’s Journey Uniting Church for ...

The 37th Synod continued today, members making the late night or early morning pilgrimage north to Alexandra Park Conference Centre after Friday night’s opening celebrations and Moderator’s induction service. Themed “In the likeness of our Ancestors” today’s work has drawn on the wisdom of our church, faith tradition and First Nations culture and practices. After progressing through formal opening business, ...

Albert St Uniting Church was packed to the rafters tonight to celebrate the commencement of the Synod, with the induction of Rev Bruce Moore as its new Moderator. Members of the 37th Synod were joined by the wider church community, by special guests, including Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young, Governor of Queensland, and by the friends and family ...

The Synod gathered for a moving Celebration of Ministries service. A treasured part of each Synod, the celebration marked new ordinations, recent retirements of ordained ministers and the passing of those ministers who have gone to be at peace with the Lord. Outgoing Moderator Rev Andrew Gunton welcomed families and friends, together with members of the Synod, to the celebration. ...

By Andrew McKaysmith, Synod writer and content creator.  Jays Café stalwart Jason Salway is a committed philanthropist, amassing a noteworthy contribution exceeding $27,000 since 2010. Jason’s father fought against prostate cancer and ultimately lost his battle to melanoma. In tribute to his father’s memory, Jason created a fundraising page through the Melanoma Institute Australia and actively participates in the Melanoma ...

By Steve Webster – Synod Mission Facilitator – Transforming Communities In the heart of a busy community where challenges and triumphs exist, there stands a haven of support: the Uniting North Op Shop. For Luisa Scott, the dedicated manager of this community lifeline, every day brings a new set of challenges but also opportunities to make a difference. Lisa, our ...

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 ...

By Andrew McKaysmith, Synod Writer and Content Creator. 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 ...