As the third evening of the 33rd Synod came to a conclusion, members rose to their feet to sing “Lift High to the Cross” as the Celebration of Ministries commenced. Minutes of appreciation were received to retiring ministers with a short summary presented for each person: Rev Christopher Barr, Rev Russell Clark, Rev Dr Malcolm Coombes, Rev David Fanning, Rev ...
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A new hope for Central Queensland
On the second full day of business at the 33rd Queensland Synod, Rev Arthur Tutin, acting presbytery minister, brought a sense of optimism for the future of life in the Central Queensland Presbytery. Arthur spoke of the diversity of the Central Queensland Presbytery, which stretches from Gladstone to Airlie Beach and west to Longreach and south to Blackall. The land ...
Read More »Faith formation front and centre
Schools and Residential Colleges Commission chairperson Peter Campbell addressed the 33rd Synod highlighting the commission’s critical work of faith formation for the approximately 13 500 students in its portfolio of schools and residential colleges. “The core business of our church is faith formation and the second core business is around engaging young people in faith formation,” he said. Peter also ...
Read More »Queensland Synod office transitions for future health
In her first report to a Synod in Session as the general secretary, Rev Heather den Houting outlined a number of the activities, strategies and happenings the Synod office has been involved with over that past 18 months. On the first day of business of the 33rd Queensland Synod, Heather called members to reflect on the duties of the Synod ...
Read More »Clean, clear and purposeful for the future
Moderator Rev David Baker began his report to the 33rd Synod with an affirmation of the collaborative relationship between the Synod office and presbyteries, which David called a “powerhouse” which will bear fruit in the years ahead as the teams cross-fertilise ideas and support each other. He also highlighted the multicultural dimension of the life of the church which he ...
Read More »A real opening to remember
The 33rd Synod in Session of the Uniting Church in Queensland began with a First People’s Welcome from Brent Miller, a member of the Gubbi Gubbi people—the traditional custodians of the land at Alexandra Headland. Opening worship testified to the multicultural and multigenerational richness of the church of the Uniting Church in Queensland with lively worship music from Ami Pole ...
Read More »5 ways to connect with Synod
Synod in Session is coming up later this month (20–24 October) when 400 or so members of the Uniting Church in Queensland will gather for five days. Whether you’re attending or not, here are five ways to keep informed about what’s happening and even join the conversation. Read the reports Synod reports are available online and provide a succinct overview ...
Read More »A big training Session awaits …
I was listening to Sammy Thaiday, the popular Queensland rugby league player describe a State of Origin training camp. “Oh, they’re great times,” said Sammy, “we train a bit, we plan a bit, and we have some fun.” As I listened, I thought, wow, sounds like that’s what a Synod in Session could be like. Now a Synod is a ...
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