Scoop

In early August the Lebanese capital of Beirut was in crisis after two devastating explosions at the port left over 150 dead, 6000 injuries and billions in property damage. James O’Callaghan speaks with South Moreton Presbytery Multicultural Project Officer Levon Kardashian about his connection to Beirut and what the church can do to assist. By now you’ve probably seen the ...

Below is the brief summary of the Synod Standing Committee meeting—held on Thursday 6 August 2020—to inform the wider Uniting Church in Queensland community of the discussions, deliberations and decisions arising from that meeting. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting was held virtually. The Synod Standing Committee resolved unanimously that it communicate regularly with the wider church on non-sensitive matters. ...

The COVID-19 pandemic may have forced churches to radically adjust their standard operating procedures but for Redcliffe Uniting Church there are some things that still require a safe in-person experience. Ben Rogers reports. Most people are used to getting hamburgers or fried chicken from a drive-through but with COVID-19 forcing everyone to innovate and develop creative solutions to meet safety ...

As recovery efforts begin in the wake of a devastating explosion in Beirut, South Moreton Presbytery Multicultural Project Officer Levon Kardashian writes about his personal connection to the city and offers prayers (both in long and short form) for those impacted by the tragedy.  On Tuesday 4 August 2020 an explosion shook Beirut and all of Lebanon. The tremor of the ...

There’s a function on mobile phones that gives them a name; usually the name of the owner. I’ve seen some odd names for phones; I was sitting in a public space somewhere and my phone popped up telling me what hotspot wi-fis were available. One was named “ASIO Surveillance Van 86”. Those who were familiar with “Get Smart” will get the ...

To commemorate the anniversary of the day in 1994 that the Uniting Church in Australia formalised its commitment to walk together in solidarity with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), Rev Richard Cassady and Erin Mawhinney took the time to remember our shared history and our heritage of faith. We spoke of the Rev Charles Harris story (who ...

Carpentaria Presbytery Minister Rev Garry Hardingham reflects on recent news coming from Victoria of another COVID-19 outbreak and looks to Jeremiah 28 for understanding our own predicament of enduring the COVID-19 yoke.  Over the last few days I have been enthralled by the story of Jeremiah and Hananiah from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 28. I see such richness in its ...

“Smelling your oats” is a phrase I used to hear from my dad. It came from the days when you headed for home on a horse after a day’s work; the horse knew what heading for home meant—oats. So all of a sudden, the pace picked up, new energy was found, and there had to be a bit of reining ...

Margaret Harvison of Mackay recently received an Medal of the Order of Australia (General Division) as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her contribution to the performing arts. James O’Callaghan reports. In addition to the performing arts, the Uniting Church—particularly St Paul’s Mackay—has been the other constant over the course of Margaret Harvison’s life. “I’ve always had a strong ...

James O’Callaghan meets Sheena Liley of Toowoomba, recipient of an Order of Australia Medal in 2020.  Sheena Liley of Toowoomba was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for “services to the community of Toowoomba” as part of the annual Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Sheena has spent most of the past 25 years supporting volunteer causes, two of which are particularly close ...