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The Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod

UNITING NEWS

18 December 2018

Hello 


It is our hope Uniting News continues to help you grow, transition and innovate as the people of God.

As we journey through Advent, I wish you the peace and joy of Christ’s coming in your family, your work and your community.

Please note that this is the last edition of Uniting News for 2018 with the next edition to be sent 8 January 2019. 

Rev Heather den Houting
General Secretary, Queensland Synod

From the General Secretary

National Redress Scheme

The Uniting Church has been working closely with the Department of Social Services to meet the requirements for full, national participation in the National Redress Scheme. This work will be completed very soon.

For anyone who was abused in the care of the Uniting Church, in our churches, schools or agencies, Uniting Church in Australia President Dr Deidre Palmer has recently reiterated the Church’s sincere apology to survivors. We are truly sorry that we didn’t protect and care for you in accordance with our Christian values.

Our commitment is to make amends and do our very best to ensure that others don’t suffer.

Further updates will be announced in due course.

Rev Heather den Houting
General Secretary, Queensland Synod

From the Moderator

Rediscover the wonder of Christmas

The Queensland Synod Christmas theme this year is "Rediscover the Wonder".

Moderator Rev David Baker invites us to rediscover the wonder—to open our hearts to one another in the hopes that in those encounters, we may rediscover the God who is amongst us.

Download a copy for your Christmas service.

Monday morning prayer

Join us for the Monday morning prayer in December:

Lord, in the midst of all this season brings, open our hearts to wonder at the babe of Bethlehem; the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph; the commitment to truth of the magi. Amen

Position vacant

December placement vacancies

The list of current vacant placements is now available.

People in specified ministries who are seeking a new placement are invited to make contact with the nominated person if they would like their names considered for any of these placements.

Rev Keren Seto
Secretary, Queensland Synod Placements Committee

Youth and young adult pastor role (part-time)

We are an active congregation seeking to live out our mission of "Growing life-long disciples of Christ" and have an exciting employment opportunity for a passionate, committed person with a heart for young people.

This role (24 hrs/wk) is responsible for reaching out to young people, providing a worship that can be owned by them and contributing to programs that encourage exploration of what it means to be Jesus followers.

Essential requirements:

  • Being a Jesus follower and an understanding of the mission and ethos of the Uniting Church in Australia
  • Experience in working with target group
  • Effective communication with youth and young adults and their families.

Please see position description. Apply by 21 December 2018.

Rev Rod Fisher
Minister of the Word, The Gap Uniting Church

Presbytery Tertiary Minister (Illawarra Presbytery)

The Illawarra Presbytery (NSW) is seeking to fill the position of Tertiary Minister.

An exciting ministry opportunity for a creative individual is now available within the Illawarra Presbytery. This full time Presbytery Tertiary Minister role combines the work of chaplaincy at the University of Wollongong (50 per cent), with the creation of new and relevant worship expressions at Wollongong Mission Uniting Church (50 per cent).

For a copy of the position description/profile please email the Presbytery Secretary at illawarrauca@bigpond.org

Sharon Hoogland
Secretary, Illawarra Presbytery

Presbytery and congregation news

Day of Mourning resources now available

The Day of Mourning Worship Resource invites all Uniting Church in Australia congregations to hold worship services that reflect on the effect of invasion and colonisation on Australia’s First Peoples and our identity as a nation.

In the spirit of our Covenant relationship with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), we have declared the Sunday before Australia Day 26 January as a Day of Mourning.

The observance of a Day of Mourning was endorsed by the Fifteenth Assembly at the request of our sisters and brothers in the UAICC.

Resources are available on the Assembly website.

Photo caption: Adnyamathahna woman Rev Denise Champion, Pitjantjatjara woman Auntie Mona Olsson and Canadian First Nations elder Lorna Standingready mourning together at Colebrook Reconciliation Park in Adelaide, a former home for Aboriginal Stolen Generations children. Photo: Supplied

Download Christmas resources

The Communications and Marketing team have produced a number of free resources for congregations and faith communities to assist in celebrating Christmas.

Share the wonder of Christmas with the below resources:

  • Social media banner
  • Powerpoint template
  • Christmas music video
  • Moderator's Christmas video

Ben Tupou
Marketing and Communications Officer, Queensland Synod

Marriage conversation videos and papers

Videos and papers from the "Theological Conversation on Marriage" that was held at Broadwater Road Uniting Church in October with Rev Dr Geoff Thompson and Dr John Fredericks, will be available from 21 December on the South Moreton Presbytery website.

Thank you for your patience in waiting for these resources to be available.

Ps David Busch
Presbytery Minister, South Moreton Presbytery

Learning news

Merry Christmas from Trinity College Queensland

Wishing you a happy and holy Christmas and a safe and fruitful New Year from the Trinity College Queensland team. Thank you so much for your support and participation throughout this year. We are looking forward to partnering with you in 2019.

The college will be closed from 21 December 2018 and will reopen 7 January 2019.

Belinda Hoadley
EA to the Principal and Office Manager, Trinity College Queensland

Agency and service provider news

Volunteering opportunities – can you help?

This year a team of wonderful volunteers helped with some vital maintenance of the historic John Flynn Memorial Church and Adelaide House, paying homage to the founder of Frontier Services. Watch the beautiful journey to Alice Springs. A huge thank you to everyone who took part!

We need your help to support those doing it tough in remote Australia. We've recently received many calls for help from Aussies asking for support over this upcoming Christmas period.

You can volunteer now and lend that practical hand and make a difference in the lives of one of these families. Please call 1300 787 247 for more information.

Michelle McLeod
National Program Manager, Outback Links