From the Moderator

Monday morning prayer

Join us for the Monday morning prayer during May:

Blessed are the humble, for they shall inherit the earth.

Lord, may we ever have the capacity to laugh at ourselves;
to be open to our own absurdity; to receive the wisdom of others. Amen

Moderator's musing

In this week's Moderator's musing, Rev David Baker reflects on his visit to Moggil Uniting Church for their 150th anniversary celebration and reflects on the impact this community has had on his ministry. Read more.

Rev David Baker
Moderator, Queensland Synod

Moderator's diary

This Thursday, Moderator Rev David Baker will attend the National Pioneer Gathering held at the Sunshine Coast.

The gathering seeks to develop a community of innovators and experimenters with a passion for mission and birthing new forms of contextual church.

On Friday morning, David will give an address at The Wesley Volunteer Dedication and Service awards.

Position vacant

Bush Chaplain – Cunnamulla, Burke and Wills patrol

The Downs Presbytery is seeking an ordained or lay person to fill the role of Bush Chaplain in the Cunnamulla, Burke and Wills patrol based in South West Queensland.

This is a full-time placement within the Presbytery funded by Frontier Services. Please respond by 8 June.

Rev John Case
Secretary, The Downs Presbytery

June 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 David Fender
Associate General Secretary, Queensland Synod

Youth and young adults news

Joan Stott UCAF Bursary

Are you committed to or already studying for leadership or theology within the ethos of the Uniting Church? Are you under 35 years of age? Could you use funds to pay fees to your place of study? Or pay for additional courses or resources?

Apply now for a Joan Stott Uniting Church Adult Fellowship (UCAF) Bursary for study in 2019. Closing date 30 June 2018.

Alyson Madsen
Secretary, Uniting Church Adult Fellowship

Presbytery and congregation news

Conclusion of placement service for Rev Lyn Burden

You are invited to the conclusion of placement service for Rev Lyn Burden which will be held at Albert St Uniting Church, 9 am Sunday 27 May.

Please contact the Moreton Rivers Presbytery Office for further details.

Kathy Wright
Administration Office Manager, Moreton Rivers Presbytery

2018 Birdsville Races volunteers

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Seeking the bright lights of stars and open space?

The Downs Presbytery is currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with our fundraising events during the races in Birdsville, 26 August to 3 September 2018.

If you are interested, please contact our coordinator John Case tdpresb.sec@gmail.com 0417 956 997.

Rev John Case
Secretary, The Downs Presbytery

Presbyteries retired ministers' and spouses' luncheon

The next Brisbane presbyteries retired ministers' and spouses' luncheon will be held at Aspley Uniting Church, 748 Robinson Rd, Aspley 4034, 29 May from 10 am–1 pm.

Program includes morning tea followed by devotions with guest speaker Rev Heather den Houting (Queensland Synod General Secretary), followed by lunch.

Cost $20 per person. RSVP to Rev Peter Clark (Convener)  via email or telephone 07 3267 5236 or mobile 042 110 2847.

Rev Peter Clark
Convener

Learning news

Principal's Hour: Week Eight (Dr Paul Jones)

In this week's episode, Dr Paul Jones explores a principle undergirding Ephesians 4:17-32 — that identity determines activity — and challenges us to ‘learn Christ’ by trusting in the gospel’s claim on our lives.

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

Subscribe to our podcast today!

Tisa Lacey
Marketing and Event Coordinator, Trinity College Queensland

Raymont Parents' Soirée

On Saturday, more than 60 parents, students and staff gathered together for the annual Parents' Soirée at Drysllwyn House, Raymont Residential College.

Parents travelled from all over South East Queensland and as far away as Townsville and Sydney to be entertained by the classical ensemble led by Scarlett and Maori, who performed two love songs, one of which she wrote herself.

A highlight of the evening was hearing Zoe share her story about her time at Raymont as well as one of her passions which is to raise money for Relay for Life. A most enjoyable night was had by all in the beautiful surrounds of the Albert Room.

We currently have a limited number of vacancies available and would love to invite you to join us at Raymont for semester two.

John Low
Vice Principal, Raymont Residential College

Photo: Scarlett Gallery and the classical ensemble. Supplied.

Reaching out and speaking out

The choirmaster

Last week’s Australian Story focused on a charismatic choirmaster who took a group of women from Central Australia to Germany on an unlikely and remarkable road trip. German missionaries came to Central Australia 140 years ago, bringing their hymns.

They translated them into local languages. The Central Australian Aboriginal women in Morris Stuart’s choir sing in language and they take these hymns back to audiences in Germany. This is a remarkable tale, and includes excerpts from the new documentary The Song Keepers.

Don’t keep history a mystery

National Reconciliation Week runs from Sunday 27 May until Sunday 3 June. We are all challenged to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. Resources from Reconciliation Australia help us to explore the history hidden just beneath the surface.

John Harrison has written a history of Mapoon and Christian missionaries from Germany in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. This is available for free download.

Sue Hutchinson
Research and Policy Officer, Queensland Synod