Queensland Synod News

Rev Peter Lockhart, Board for Christian Formation chairperson, and Dr Leigh Trevaskis, recently appointed director of education for ministry and principal of Trinity College Queensland (TCQ), addressed members on the status of the board and TCQ. “The world of tertiary education is a changing environment constantly, and the way education is delivered, particularly in the online space, has been growing ...

This afternoon Rev Dr David Ferguson and the Mary Burnett Presbytery put forward a proposal (general proposal six) to the 32nd Synod related to better communication of Synod Standing Committee decisions. After some discussion, Dr Marilyn Healy of Bremer Brisbane Presbytery suggested the proposal be broken into two parts—the first half of which she had no issues with and the ...

Earlier today Wesley Mission Brisbane executive director Geoff Batkin and superintendent minister Lyn Burden reported to 32nd Synod members on the organisation’s current state-of-health. Geoff and Lyn opened their presentation with the origins of Wesley Mission Brisbane which began in Albert Street Uniting Church in the mid-19th century, rooted in the mandate of Matthew 25:35. Today Wesley Mission Brisbane offers ...

Yesterday 32nd Synod members called Rev Heather den Houting to be the next Queensland Synod general secretary, starting 1 June 2016. Ashley Thompson catches up with Heather to uncover the personality behind the profession. Ashley: What is your passion? Heather: My passion is people, especially people in Christ. I am always deeply delighted by the capacity and resilience of those who ...

The significant industry turbulence brought by increasing for-profit competitors, disruptive technology, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and changes to government funding models continues to force reflection for UnitingCare Queensland on where their future lies. For an organisation driven by God’s love and altruism, yet existing in an environment of market competitiveness and immense financial responsibilities, UnitingCare Queensland’s reconciliation between ...

Day three of the 32nd Synod closed with a celebration of ministries as Rev David Baker started proceedings with a call to worship; Psalm 100. Minutes of appreciation were received to retiring ministers: Rev Subramaniam Manopavan, Rev Hohaia Matthews, Rev May Morris, Rev Jan Rossow, Rev Costa Stathakis, Rev Dr Paul Walton, Rev Ian Wilson, Rev Peter Aay, Rev Lloyd ...

Uniting Church National Assembly general secretary Colleen Geyer reported to 32nd Synod members about the vast and exciting work of the Assembly. Colleen noted the centrality of the Assembly’s covenant with first peoples saying, “We are guests on occupied land”. She reminded Synod members that last year’s 14th Assembly in Perth “committed to a conversation regarding sovereignty; what that means ...

32nd Synod members have today elected Rev David Baker for a second term as Queensland Synod moderator. Ashley Thompson catches up with David to reflect back on the first 18 months of his first term. Ashley: Why did you put your hand up to be moderator again? David: I was nominated by Bremer Brisbane Presbytery because they thought I still had ...

Since 1999, the Queensland Synod has recognised the outstanding and invaluable commitment of volunteers to the Uniting Church’s mission in community services through the Moderator’s Community Service Medal. The medals are coordinated by UnitingCare Queensland and were today presented by CEO Anne Cross and moderator Rev David Baker. “This year we received 41 notable nominations—all of which exceptionally deserving—so I’m ...

Members of the 32nd Synod have confidently called Rev Heather den Houting to be the next general secretary of the Queensland Synod. Currently acting associate general secretary of the Queensland Synod, Heather will begin this new role on 1 June 2016. “When we say the words ‘together on the way’, I want you to know I work best in the ...