Queensland Synod News

James O’Callaghan looks at a new chaplaincy framework to be implemented within Queensland Health facilities which will open new doors for chaplains.  Our chaplains within Queensland Health facilities are in many respects the first and last spiritual care points of contact that many may have. And so, with the current framework for Integration of Pastoral Careers and Chaplains in Queensland ...

Prominent social justice advocate, ethicist, academic, commentator and Uniting Church minister, Rev. Dr Noel Preston, died early on Thursday, October 22, after a long illness. He was 78. David Busch writes.  Noel William Preston was born on 15 December 1941 in Mareeba, North Queensland, the first of four children to Methodist minister, Rev Arthur Preston, and his wife, Clare (nee Green). Arthur ...

James O’Callaghan reports on the third and final day of the 35th Synod in Session. The third day of the 35th Synod in Session commenced with Bible study and worship led by leaders from the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. Stories were shared around Ephesians 4:15-16 and the theme of the 35th Synod “grow”. Among those who offered reflections ...

James O’Callaghan reports on the second day of the 35th Synod in Session where reports from multiple governing bodies and agencies were received by members. The first virtual and 35th meeting of the Synod in Session continued for a second day on 24 October 2020. The day was opened with worship and Bible study where leaders from the Uniting Aboriginal ...

James O’Callaghan reports on the first day of the 35th Synod in Session. The 35th Synod in Session of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod commenced on 23 October 2020. The session was opened by Rev Andrew Gunton—who was inducted as Moderator of the Queensland Synod on 22 October 2020—before Gaja Kerry, Traditional Owner, Jaggera/Turrubal Lands performed a Welcome ...

James O’Callaghan reports on the induction of Rev Andrew Gunton as new Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod. On the evening of 22 October 2020, Rev Andrew Gunton was inducted as Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod. A COVID-19 safe service was held at the Rollie Busch Chapel in the Queensland Synod office to ...

As the term of Moderator Rev David Baker nears conclusion, a Service of Worship was held to mark the occasion with a distinctly COVID-19 safe approach to proceedings. James O’Callaghan reports. A closing Service of Worship for any moderator is a significant event in the life of the church. But in the COVID-19 safe era of physical distancing, gathering limitations, ...

The Freestone Uniting Church completed a remarkable turnaround earlier this year, with a rededication ceremony held to celebrate 155 years of service. James O’Callaghan reports. The small church in the Southern Downs district of Queensland was filled for their February service, a stark contrast to 2014 when it was earmarked for closure after its 150th anniversary celebrations. Rev Ansie Liebenberg—Warwick ...

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the health landscape, and roles like Infection Control Coordinator at St Andrew’s held by Lyn Cribb have been thrust into the spotlight. Journey reports.  Training, upskilling and process clarification have become a daily focus for Lyn, a nurse whose career spans 31 years working across surgical, endoscopy, theatre, oncology, Risk and Quality and infection control. Prior ...

Rev Des Williams (1934–2020) will be remembered for a faithful life of service to the church, including some 46 years of ministry. With service as a minister to various congregations as well as the padre of the Burke and Wills Patrol, Des’ ministry took him across the state including Noosa, Bundaberg, Mackay and Bundamba.  Born in Rockhampton, Des’ working life was dominated by work ...