From the Moderator

Monday morning prayer

Join us for the Monday morning prayer during June:

Lord, empower us to hunger and thirst for your justice, in our lives and in our world. Let us never be satisfied with anything less. Amen

Vale: Rev Dr Doug Brandon

“To be a servant to the servants of God” was Doug’s hope for his life in ministry. His pastoral and encouraging ministry from Charleville in 1958 as a 22 year-old home missionary to recent years in retirement, were shaped by this desire.

Dougserved in congregational ministry, in state resourcing roles, as moderator in 1981, and as a chaplain to the university. His time as moderator convinced him of the need to resource the health and wellbeing of ministers and their families. He researched in that area, and helped the beneficiary fund respond pastorally to ministers.

While at Charleville, Doug married Val Jensen, and she proved a tremendous support to him in ministry.

Doug will be remembered for his deep, compassionate heart, his vitality of life, and his encouraging and entrepreneurial spirit. The love of God for others shone through his life.

Rev David Baker
Moderator, Queensland Synod

Synod office news

Is your congregation or building electrically safe?

Last week a Uniting Church congregation closed their church buildings after discovering unsafe electrical wiring until this is rectified. This posed significant risk of electric shock to people and/or fire risk.

Regular electrical safety checks are a must for all buildings but even more so for buildings that may fit into the areas listed below:

• The building is fitted with single insulated wiring or Indian rubber cables.
• The safety switch trips frequently or an absence of a safety switch in your switchboards.
• The building was built in the 1970s or earlier.
• Socket outlets are over heating.

To discuss please contact the Health and Safety team health.safety@ucaqld.com.au

Peter Rose
Synod Inspection and Support Representative, Queensland Synod

Single Touch Payroll

Single Touch Payroll is a government initiative to streamline business reporting obligations. It will become a mandatory reporting obligation for every employer in Australia.

This change will come into effect for organisations with 20 or more people from 1 July 2018. For organisations with fewer than 20 persons, the change will be effective from 1 July 2019.

All Uniting Church organisations whichremunerate 20 or more persons will therefore need to urgently review their current payroll system to identify whether it is capable of supporting Single Touch Payroll.

For more information, visit the Single Touch Payroll website or contact a member of the Payroll team via email.

Angela Drew
People and Payroll Manager, Queensland Synod

Presbytery and congregation news

Watoto Children's Choir is visiting Queensland

On Tuesday 12 June, St Paul's Uniting Church was full for the Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda, raising about $8000 towards Watoto ministries.

There is still time for churches to book the choir for concerts in Queensland. See the calendar on the website for dates and places including at Blackwater on Sunday 24 June, Bundaberg on Wednesday 27 June, and Dalby and Toowoomba on Tuesday 3 July.

Main contact for the choir in Brisbane is Jason Myhill (tour coordinator), to 3806 0311, email or via mail Watoto Australia, PO Box 782, Springwood QLD 4127.

Rev Dr Julia Pitman
Minister, St Paul's and Armitage Uniting Churches

100 days until Uniting Women 2018

More than 200 women across Australia have already registered!

Held in Brisbane from 27–30 September, join women from across Australia as they weave their stories of wisdom and wonder. 

• Hear from inspiring speakers including keynote speaker Olympian and humanitarian—Eloise Wellings.
• Engage in a variety of workshops (see program).
• Join other women for worship and Bible studies.

Whether you are a traveler on the way or a seeker, you will find acceptance, encouragement and revelation as women come together in God’s name, weaving wisdom and wonder. Register today!

Position vacant

Young People and Families Pastor 0.5 FTE

The Kawana Waters Uniting Church is inviting expressions of interest for the above position by 16 July 2018.

Contact Rev Dr Schalk Pienaar on 5437 8520 or via email for a position description and further information.

Rev Dr Schalk Pienaar
Minister, Kawana Waters Uniting Church

Learning news

Principal's Hour: Week 12 (Kamina Wust)

In this sermon from Principal’s Hour, guest speaker Kamina Wust, unpacks Paul's final instructions to the Ephesians in 6:10–24; to be strong in the face of spiritual opposition by persevering in their daily Christian lives as an act of spiritual warfare until they share in Christ's final victory.

You’re invited to Principal’s Hour 11:45 am on Tuesdays even if you’re not enrolled in one of Trinity's courses.

Subscribe to our podcast today!

Marie Bourne
Marketing Coordinator

Assembly news

Tell your MP “We Can Do Better”

Uniting Church in Australia President Stuart McMillan writes to Uniting Church members to “love our neighbour and welcome the stranger". He points out how hard it is for refugees and people seeking asylum to find a safe place to live and to rebuild their lives. He calls on us all to visit our local MP to share our desire for a more compassionate and humane response to refugees and people seeking asylum. Resources for your visit are here.

Sue Hutchinson
Research and Policy Officer, Queensland Synod

Reaching out and speaking out

Our Journey – World Refugee Day

Multicultural Development Australia (MDA) in partnership with Brisbane City Council presents this celebration of the spirit and courage of refugees in spoken word, world music and dance at Queen Street Mall, Brisbane.

World Refugee Day is an annual opportunity for us all to remember that the plight of refugees has affected most nations at some point in history.

This event is on 20 June between 1:15 and 3:30 pm. 

We are all born equal ...

Frances Whiting reflects on an unexpected thing that happened while she was in hospital recently. It certainly makes you think and wonder “What goes wrong? Why? What can we do about that?”

Passionate about justice?

The Abundant justice and prophetic imagination conference is happening right here in Queensland (Brisbane) in July.

It is being organised by the Anglican Church, with speakers from the Anglican, Catholic, Uniting and other Christian traditions. 16–18 July, with several masterclasses available on 19 July.

Some of the sessions: Understanding our world as it is; Discerning God in the here and now; Seeking a prophetic vision for how it might be; Reimagining and enlivening our communities.

Full or part attendance is welcomed.

Join me!

Sue Hutchinson
Research and Policy Officer, Queensland Synod

Other news

Church pews for sale

• 17 pews, 1 arm rest – 1800 mm (L) x 860 mm (H) x 600 mm (W) has shelf which holds the hymn books. Brown powder coated steel frames, cream coloured vinyl cushion. Four pews (front row) have a book box built under the seat but easily removed.
• 7 pews, arm rests at each end – 1800 mm (L) x 860 mm (H) x 600 mm (W) as above colour.
• 5 pews – 2500 mm (L) x 870 mm (H) x 600 mm (W). No arm rests, slightly lighter colour than shorter pews. Generally in good condition, some signs of wear on timber arms and a few marks on vinyl.

Price negotiable – reasonable offers considered. Expressions of interest to: unitingchurchnerang@bigpond.com. No delivery available. Must be able to pick up from 5 Nerang River Dr, Nerang.

Anne Panitz
Assistant Treasurer, Nerang Uniting Church

Seeking copies of Alexanders Hymn book

Redcliffe Uniting Church Adult Fellowship is seeking multiple copies of Alexanders Hymn book large print edition. If any congregations can help, please contact Peg Morgan on 3203 6260 or Mr Keith Lawson on 3203 1788.

Peg Morgan
President, Redcliffe Uniting Church Adult Fellowship