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Rev. Scott’s Christmas Message
In contemporary Australia, while Christmas is associated with family gatherings, gift-giving, and holidays in the sun, sand and surf, its true meaning is a celebration of that moment in time when, in the immensely attractive account of St Luke, God, in the person of Jesus Christ, was born in poverty in a stable in Bethlehem. This obscure event, over 2000 years ago, in a distant province of the Roman Empire – the greatest the world had seen to that time – changed things forever. As Luke records the words of the Angels to the shepherds: “Behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people … A Saviour has been born for you” (Luke 1:10-11).
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Voluntary Assisted Dying
Rev Dr Adam McIntosh joined us by Zoom to present to us on the topic of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). Formerly we have discussed our opinion of VAD, but now that it is a legal reality we have to live with or alongside it. Adam shared some things we will need to know, as we learn to live with VAD.
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Synod Shared Services
Kevin Griffiths is now Manager of Shared Services in the Queensland Synod. Kevin joined us at Presbytery to introduce himself and his role.
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Presbytery Finance
Soon-to-be outgoing Treasurer, Peter Coombes, shared with us some tough truths from the finance space. The really big one is he is very soon …
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Donna Conclusion
On Friday evening 11 November, in Emerald Uniting Church, we celebrated Pastor Donna Muston’s years of service as Rural Mission Minister ….
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“Rising Hope”
What does God bring to how we see the future; what we expect from the future? God shifts our new hope horizon – that people will come into a relationship with God through Jesus. We (the church) has been given the message God’s reconciliation. We’re not the main players – that is God – but we are players in God’s eternal drama. The Uniting Church is not hopeless because God is still working.
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Still connecting
Before she left for the west, Pastor Donna Muston hosted a final morning tea downstairs from our office with the staff at UnitingCare North Rockhampton. She has offered her services as chaplain to the staff who have incredibly difficult issues to deal with …
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Thanks Scott Guyatt
Scott Guyatt has been a part of our presbytery for many years. Starting as leader of the Synod Mission Engagement Team as Director of Mission Strategy, then core leadershiup in Project Plenty, finally his recent role with UnitingCare Queensland as Connect 100 Coordinator …
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Congregation Wrap
We always hear stories from around our congregations. Click below to read the super condensed summary of what’s been happening.
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Evangelism Spotlight
What are the major obstacles to evangelism in our Uniting Churches? It takes a lot to convert someone to believing the gospel message.
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Let the Children Come for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them
The North Rockhampton Church came alive to the sounds of children’s shrill laughter and delightful singing and dancing during the first annual International Children’s Day service on Sunday 23 October 2022. Spearheaded by a small, dedicated task group, the service incorporated a number of church children’s outreach. Young people introduced the service and played a major role in all aspects of the activities. A special youth band was formed for the day which gave the service a positive and uplifting feel. About 30 young families attended, providing parishioners a sense of joy and hope.
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Intergenerational Kids’ Church
Bronwyn Saxby and Bev Moore are coordinators of Northside Mackay Kids’ Church. “This term we have started to invite older members of our congregation to Kids’ Church …”
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Busy Christmas in the West
Christmas in the West is always busy. Community Carols Night, Religious Instruction Church visit, Christmas Craft Activity with the kids and then finally the Christmas Street Party.
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Iona West Community Carols
On Sunday afternoon/evening on Sunday 4 December, Iona West Uniting Church hosted their annual Community Christmas Carols in their yard …
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70th Anniversary
Blue Care will celebrate its 70th Anniversary in 2023. From Olive Crombie’s first step onto the tram at West End, Blue Nurses Qld wide have offered nursing care in their clients’ homes.
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Christingle Service
On the second Sunday in Advent folk gathered at Longreach and Barcaldine as Rev Jenny Coombes led us in an intergenerational Christingle Service.
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Colouring Competition
The colouring competition is back, with a new picture for Christmas. Of course it is a picture of the baby Jesus, with Mary, Joseph and some of the animals.
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