As Bundaberg Uniting Church members begin the familiar Advent journey, many will reflect on a year of working and waiting for a new beginning. Dianne Jensen reports. The people of Bundaberg and the nearby towns in the Wide Bay Burnett region had their lives turned upside down by the floods caused by cyclone Oswald last January. An estimated 9000 houses ...

Rev Paul Clark is blazing the path for innovative worship in the south-east corner. Ashley Goetze talks to the “art church” minister. From Genesis to Jesus, over the course of 52 weeks, Redcliffe Uniting Church commissioned artists from within their church and wider community to journey together through the Old Testament. The year-long art project, inspired by a desire to address and help ...

Emerald Uniting Church is passionate about sharing the good news of Jesus by serving the community in all its diversity. Rohan Salmond spoke with Rev Suzy Sitton. What is happening in your congregation? There’s regular vibrant worship, youth activities, Bible study and lots of care and support for each other and for those in the community. Our local mission focus ...

Cairns Emmanuel Uniting Church is one of the most culturally diverse in Queensland. Rohan Salmond spoke to interim minister Rev Peter Woodward. What’s happening in your congregation? The Emmanuel Congregation is in a period of transition. I’m the intentional interim minister for 2013, but the processes of calling a minister to commence in early 2014 is well in hand. The ...

Pull out the popcorn, it’s time for the sermon. Dianne Jensen explores how preaching styles have changed, and why good preaching still matters. When comedian George Burns suggested that the secret of a fine sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, with the two as close together as possible, he could not have imagined the entertainment ...

Actively expressing love for others by being a positive presence in the community has become a priority for Jandowae Uniting Church. Rohan Salmond spoke with congregation minister Rev Jenny Sims. What’s happening in your congregation? There is new enthusiasm within the congregation to connect with the community. Three members of the congregation are involved in religious instruction in the school. Members are involved ...

I knew I was in trouble when I was sleeping poorly and my usually sunny nature gave way to a cloudy, stormy self. In 2009 a series of things converged in my life and I was diagnosed with depression. The triggers included being very tired because we lived next to a major road, I was away more than 100 nights ...

"The concept of Rural Muster was initiated to provide an opportunity for those in small and rural congregations to gather together... sharing our resources and stories" - Donna Muston

National Church Life Survey analysis is highlighting some encouraging trends in Uniting Church congregations, reports Dianne Jensen. Do you feel settled at your local church, yet sense that your gifts are not being fully used? You’ll support outreach initiatives (if they don’t clash with your volunteer work) but would prefer not to personally invite people to church. Growing confidence and ...

One of Queensland’s iconic city churches celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, throwing the spotlight on a remarkable period of Christian witness in the south-east region. Dianne Jensen reports. Built of local basalt and sandstone,St Stephen’s Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian) in Toowoomba was completed in 1884. The 150th anniversary marks the establishment of the charge (parish) in 1863, although the ...