From the General Secretary

Nominations for Moderator-elect

One of the important privileges and opportunities of congregations and presbyteries is to identify persons who are available to serve as Moderator-elect of the Queensland Synod.

The Moderator is the spiritual head and the main spokesperson for the Uniting Church in Queensland. Nominees for Moderator-elect will be consultative, well-versed in the consensus decision-making of the church and value and promote good governance.

Nominations should reach the General Secretary at generalsecretary@ucaqld.com.au by 5 pm, 14 December.

This is a key role in the life of the Synod and we pray for all involved as we engage in the discernment process of nominating suitable candidates.

For more information contact Chairperson of the Moderator-elect Candidature Task Group, Rev Kaye Ronalds, via email.

Consultation paper on governance structures

There is still time to have your say! The consultation paper on Queensland Synod Governance Structures closes soon and your contribution to this consultation process will be invaluable. The consultation paper is open for feedback until 1 November 2018, however please send any requests for extension to Belinda, Governance Secretary, via email.

Read the consultation paper and submit comments online or email the Queensland Synod office.

From the Moderator

Day of Lament – National Apology

President Dr Deidre Palmer has written to members of the Uniting Church in Australia ahead of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse on Monday 22 October.

On the preceding Sunday 21 October, all congregations are asked to use the special National Apology Prayer, attached to her message, in their worship services. All church members are urged to listen to the Apology, which will be broadcast live.

Also helpful might be “Healing and Hope: Resources for Prayer and Worship”, released by Assembly in early 2018 to encourage the church to engage in lament and to honour our commitment to be the safest church we can be for children in our care.

Monday morning prayer

Join us for the Monday morning prayer in October:

Lord, strengthen us to stick up for the truth of the gospel; may our speaking and living be done in faith, hope, and love. Amen

Moderator's diary

This Sunday, Moderator Rev David Baker will attend the opening of a new centre at  Buderim Uniting Church. The centre will be used for outreach as well as other ministries. 

On Monday, David will officially open the Inspired Disciples festival held at the Synod office. The festival will run until 27 October and includes a range of guest speakers and workshops.

Synod office news

Peer support for ministry agents

As part of the Queensland Synod’s commitment to providing resources to support ministry agents, we are intending to develop a specific program of work based on the peer support model.

It is envisaged that this work will occur within the next three months. If you are interested in either being trained to provide peer support for ministry agents generally in Queensland, or receiving ministry support at this time, please contact the Queensland Synod office with your availability or requested time frame for support.

Access to free professional counselling services for ministry agents

The Queensland Synod’s Employee Assistance Program policy provides for individuals to access confidential professional counselling services of up to three one-hour consultations free of charge.

The Synod is extending this service to all ministry agents (Deacon, Minister of the Word and Ministry of Pastor). The provider can assist with short-term intervention strategies to help resolve a range of matters, such as coping with stress and anxiety. Read more.

Grant Weaver
Manager, People and Culture, Queensland Synod

Youth and young adults news

Synod subsidies available for NYALC participants

The Queensland Synod has made available funds to assist those accepted as participants in the National Young Adult Leaders Conference (NYALC) 2019.

Applications are open until 30 November 2018.

All applicants for subsidy will require a reference from their Presbytery youth minister/rep or congregational minister. A panel of youth ministry practitioners will meet after the deadline to arrange disbursement of funds based on a specific set of criteria.

Congregations and presbyteries are asked to identify and encourage young adult leaders who would be suitable to attend, and support them in their application (spiritually as well as financially).

Please also pray for NYALC as an event.

Steve Molkentin
Mission Officer (Generation Next), Queensland Synod

Assembly news

UnitingWorld at Inspired Disciples

UnitingWorld Associate Director – Australian Partnerships, Alison Cooke will present two sessions on reimagining global and financial discipleship at the Inspired Disciples conference on Wednesday 24 October.

The 1:30 pm session will use a post-colonial theological frame to deconstruct the way we approach global partnerships.

In the evening session (7–9 pm), Ali will explore financial discipleship and generosity. She will look at cultivating generosity, the why, when and how to give, and ways to avoid being manipulated by sophisticated fundraising techniques.

To register or for more information visit the Inspired Disciples website.

Mardi Lumsden
Australain Partnerships Coordinator, UnitingWorld

Learning news

Principal's Hour: Week 9 Semester 2

As the tension between David and Saul reaches fever pitch we find the two in a confrontation amidst the wilderness in En-gedi. In this encounter David spares Saul’s life, giving a clear example of what God’s grace and power looks like.

Listen to this week's podcast episode of Principal's Hour delivered by Rev Nigel Rogers. Subscribe to Trinity College Queensland's podcast.

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

Reaching out and speaking out

Carers Week

Do you know someone who is a carer?

That’s someone who provides unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged. Many don’t identify as carers, and don’t realise that there are many helpful supports available for them.

This Carers Week, find an event near you or organise your own. There are resources including posters, information about being a carer and making workplaces carer-friendly available on the Carers Week website.

Kids off Nauru

Doctors without Borders (MSF) have spoken about the impact of stopping mental health services on Nauru, describing the mental health situation of men, women and children seeking asylum on Nauru as “beyond desperate”.

There are still 85 children and their families detained on Nauru. Many of the children have witnessed or experienced self-harm. Some are attempting suicide. At least a further 30 are suffering from Traumatic Withdrawal Syndrome. This includes the inability to walk, talk, eat, drink or interact.

Members of Parliament return to Canberra on October 15. Please email your MP urging them to evacuate the 85 children and their families for urgent medical treatment in Australia.

Sue Hutchinson
Research and Policy Officer, Queensland Synod