Uniting Church Queensland

Social media discussion with a specific focus on Facebook hosted by the Presbytery of The Downs.

This Uniting Church in Australia anniversary service for Sunday 21 June 2020 is a celebration of 43 years Uniting together in Christ.

This Uniting Church in Australia anniversary sermon by Moderator Rev David Baker is for Sunday 21 June 2020 in celebration of 43 years Uniting together in Christ.

In this new edition of the Project Plenty podcast, Rev Kaye Ronalds, Minister at Granite Belt Uniting Church, talks with Scott Guyatt about her congregation’s experiences in contributing to the life of a community confronted with natural disaster and hardship.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott Guyatt speaks with Queensland Synod Moderator Rev David Baker and reflects on where we find ourselves, both as a church and a society.

One of the calls that has resonated throughout the life of the church during the Project Plenty podcast is a renewed focus on discipleship. In this latest episode, Scott Guyatt unpacks what this means with Rev Monique Coughlin, chaplain at The Lakes College within the contexts she has worked in.

The orientation of our local churches toward serving their local communities isn't new, but the question we've heard raised through the Project Plenty process is "what church as community hub" might look like beyond 2020. We talked with Redcliffe Uniting Church's Rev Paul Clark to explore that local congregation's vision for a community hub.

Why does a church need to be reminded about prioritising discipleship? What does it mean to think of ourselves as one church? Is it too late for further input to Project Plenty? With the release this month of the mid-way "What we heard" report, we sat down with Moderator Rev David Baker and Moderator-elect Rev Andrew Gunton to ask them what they’re hearing and what they’re hoping emerges for our church from Project Plenty.

What’s being a safe church got to do with the church’s joining in God’s mission? In this first episode of the Project Plenty podcast for the new year, Scott talks to Rev John Cox of the National Safe Church Unit. They talk Royal Commission, safety, mission and the church of the 21st Century.

In this final episode of Big Kids of God we had the delightful Tahlia and Jess Ruhle on the podcast to chat about thinking for yourself, tapping people on the shoulder and modesty. Listen now! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Queensland Synod.

What’s life like in a suburban Uniting Church congregation? What’s the approach to discipleship? How are we serving in our local community? What next? We talk to Matt Smith, Lead Minister, and Lauren Murray, Relationships Manager, at Toowong Uniting Church to explore the now and future shape of discipleship and mission for this local church. Could the questions shaping their approach be useful in your context? Join us as we explore. The Project Plenty podcast will take a break over Christmas and return in January with more exciting episodes.

Get keen for the most festive of festive Big Kids of God episode! We have Connor Prince our house band on banjolele (yep that's a baby banjo) and we get stuck into juicy edgy topics including "people who only go to church on Christmas and Easter", as well as "the commercialisation of Christmas"˜—sound juicy? Give it a listen! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Queensland Synod.

Growing disciples, mental health and church structures that enhance mission. These are just some of the issues and themes that have been raised during the listen and discern phase of Project Plenty. Find out more as we turn the podcast reins over to Moggill Uniting Church Minister Rev Mel Wheeley as she puts regular host Scott Guyatt under the spotlight. They look at what the past four months of Project Plenty has looked like, the common themes that are emerging and the next steps for Project Plenty in the months ahead.

On this week's episode of Big Kids of God the special guest is Dom Mercer from Indooroopilly Uniting Church. Hear about Dom’s goal to work at as many “weird” places before he returns to uni; how growing up in a church doesn’t make you a Christian; whether dating non-Christians is okay; and tensions between church and “touchy topics”. Listen now! 🎧 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Queensland Synod.

Are bedtime stories for our kids a form of theological education? Is theological education just for ministers? Is it just about biblical and theological theory and knowledge? What’s it got to do with the rest of us? Are approaches to theological education changing? We talk to Dr Paul Jones, Principal at Trinity College Queensland on all these questions and more in this episode of the Project Plenty podcast. (Book reference: Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari)

This week on Big Kids of God we have the fabulous Karien Semaia join us! We chat all things church, journeying with others and leaning on one another during tricky times (plus heaps more). Our edgy topic was “How do we respond to super evangelistic, out there Christians”. Thanks for listening! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Queensland Synod.

This week on Big Kids of God we have our very first guest! Big shout out to Nathan Pegg from Emmanuel Uniting Church for sharing his story. On spicy topics we chat chocolate vs strawberry milk, Kanye's new album and salty Christians! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Queensland Synod.

We are children of God but what does that look like for young people in the Uniting Church? Emma and Michelle chat to youth and young adults from across the Uniting Church in Queensland to hear stories of actual real-life young Christians (bc we exist!) and have a fun time too. Join us on this 6 week adventure! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Queensland Synod.

Are we in the middle of a mental health crisis? Are we making progress as a society? What’s the church’s role or opportunity in helping our communities address mental health needs? We talk to Samantha Klintworth, Psychologist and General Manager within UnitingCare Queensland on this topic that has generated so much discussion at Project Plenty workshops and in churches, schools and agencies as we’ve progressed through Mental Health Month...

Will my bus driver lose his job to a driverless bus? In this sixth episode of the Project Plenty Podcast, Scott is joined by Brett Hall of Jobs Queensland to explore questions like this as they tackle the future of work. They’ll talk technology, globalisation, demographic change as factors driving change in the future of work for Queensland, and think a little about what that evolving future means for the Uniting Church.

In this edition of the Project Plenty podcast, Scott Guyatt speaks with Geoff Batkin, Chief Executive Officer of Wesley Mission Queensland, about the organisation's work in the aged care sector. Share your thoughts today to shape our future for tomorrow. Join the Project Plenty conversation.

What does it mean to be human, and created in God's image? With incredible advances in bio and medical technology, where do we draw the line with how we "enhance" ourselves? What will we be able to do to and with the human body by 2030 ... and should we? Trinity College Queensland's Dr Victoria Lorrimar explores these questions with Scott Guyatt in this episode of the Project Plenty podcast.

During his recent visit to Australia, Andrew Root (http://andrewroot.org) sat down with Scott Guyatt for the third episode of the Project Plenty podcast to discuss ministry and mission in an increasingly secular world. Andrew's most recent books, "Faith and Formation in a Secular Age" and "The Pastor in a Secular Age", explore similar topics. Share your thoughts today to shape our future tomorrow. Join the conversation by visiting the Project Plenty website or join the Project Plenty Facebook page.

What are the challenges facing our youth and young adults? What does the future of the church look like through their lens? What challenges face parents of today's young people? Scott Guyatt is joined by Mike Hands (Newlife Brisbane Pastor) and Rev Fa Matangi (Moreton Rivers Presbytery Youth and Children's Ministry Co-ordinator) to explore these and many more questions in the second edition of the Project Plenty podcast. Share your thoughts today to shape our future for tomorrow. Join the Project Plenty conversation at www.ucaqld.com.au/projectplenty

In this first episode of the new Project Plenty series, Scott Guyatt (Queensland Synod Director of Mission Strategy) interviews North Queensland Presbytery Minister Rev Garry Hardingham and asks, "What do you think 2030 looks like and what role can the Uniting Church play?" For more information about Project Plenty visit www.ucaqld.com.au/projectplenty

Fresh from their experience at the 33rd Qld Synod of the Uniting Church, we sat down with Jo, Julia and Josh, three young adults, to explore their reactions to the Synod meeting, and their views on the now and future Uniting Church. Join us for this final episode of the #realUnitingChurch podcast series. The #realUnitingChurch podcast series explores the core identity of the Uniting Church in this its 40th year, and where the church might go in the next 40 years. #podcast #realunitingchurch #ucaqld #unitingchurchqueensland #UnitingChurchinAustralia #UCA

In this Synod Inspired session Andy Goodacre (3DM) challenges people to think differently about rejuvenating the local church, using practical examples of what his church in Tasmania has done. He talks about becoming God's missionary people and seeing lives transformed. Part one of two recorded during the 33rd Queensland Synod in October 2017.

On Saturday 21 October 2017 members of the 33rd Queensland Synod meeting enjoyed this lunchtime panel discussion hosted by the Synod Interfaith Relationships Committee. Rev Heather Griffin hosts this fascinating conversation with Dr Nora Amath, Associate Professor Halim Rane, Rev Brian Hoole and Rev Heather Allison.

Trinity College Queensland principal Dr Leigh Trevaskis brings the third Bible study to the 33rd Synod of the Uniting Church in Queensland. Based on Leviticus 23-25, Leigh explores the modern relevance of the Old Testament. The reading (Leviticus 24:1-9) is read by Baressa Jakonia from Napranum.

Synod Inspired was a series of elective workshops held during the 33rd Queensland Synod and were designed to offer inspiration, practical equipping and encouragement in a range of areas related to the Synod's Priority Directions. In this workshop, Brian Hoole (Bremer Brisbane Presbytery minister) and Dave Copeman (Queensland Community Alliance) explore approaches to partnerships with our community that help seek the greater good, while enabling us to be missional in our neighbourhoods.

Gerda Olafsen, First Peoples chaplaincy coordinator, brings the first Bible study to the 33rd Synod of the Uniting Church in Queensland. Based on readings from Exodus and Acts, she asks, "What are the marks of a listening church?"

The Uniting Church in Queensland is committed to being Christ-centred, at prayer and listening, but what does it look like to pray without ceasing? How is bush walking or painting prayer and what can we learn from ancient traditions? In this episode of the #realUnitingChurch podcast, Scott and Mardi talk to Dr Irene Alexander and Jeff Lawrence about prayer, spiritual direction and opportunities for the church to rethink prayer. The #realUnitingChurch podcast series explores the core identity of the Uniting Church in this its 40th year, and where the church might go in the next 40 years.

What does it mean for the Uniting Church to be active in rural and remote Australia? Is this part of our DNA as a church? What are the some of the challenges facing rural and remote Australia in general, and the Uniting Church in particular? In this two-part episode of the #realUnitingChurch podcast, Mardi chats with Rev Kaye Ronalds (former Moderator, former CQ Presbytery Minister, now at Granite Belt UC) and then Scott talks with Rev Arthur Tutin (Central Qld Remote Area Ministry Project Officer) in a conversation that explores the relationship between rural and remote Australia and the Uniting Church. The #realUnitingChurch podcast series explores the core identity of the Uniting Church in this its 40th year, and where the church might go in the next 40 years.

What does it mean to plant new churches? And why should the Uniting Church be interested in doing so? In this episode of the #realUnitingChurch podcast, Scott goes one-on-one with Stu Cameron of Newlife Uniting Church to explore church planting in Australia, leadership, success, models and more. The #realUnitingChurch podcast series explores the core identity of the Uniting Church in this its 40th year, and where the church might go in the next 40 years.

What does it mean to be cross-cultural rather than just multi-cultural? This is a question the Uniting Church needs to answer. In this episode of the #realUnitingChurch podcast, Scott and Mardi talk to Next Gen Arise organiser Noah Kim and young adult leader Ben Tupou about how cross-cultural young leaders are being empowered and what the challenges and opportunities for the church are. The #realUnitingChurch podcast series explores the core identity of the Uniting Church in this its 40th year, and where the church might go in the next 40 years.

Welcome to episode three of the #realunitingchurch podcast! In this episode we talk to a real life Uniting Church young adult, Emma Holmes, about what she wishes the church would be now and in the future (church on Mars anyone?). We also chat to Steve Molk, the Queensland Synod digital youth discipleship project officer about what he does and how to let young people lead the church now. The #realUnitingChurch podcast series explores the core identity of the Uniting Church in this its 40th year, and where the church might go in the next 40 years.

Welcome to episode two of the #realunitingchurch podcast! In this episode we talk to Queensland Synod moderator Rev David Baker and Rev Janet Staines about what we mean when we say "real" and "uniting". We ask how the church is real with young people and if we have lived up to the intention of the founders of the Uniting Church. The #realUnitingChurch podcast series explores the core identity of the Uniting Church in this its 40th year, and where the church might go in the next 40 years.

Welcome to the #realunitingchurch podcast! Here Scott and Mardi explore the core identity of the Uniting Church in this its 40th year, and where the church might go in the next 40 years. In the first episode we talk to Queensland Synod general secretary Rev Heather den Houting, pastor and church planter Phil Smith and graphic designer and church member Holly Jewell. These people have all had big life turning points around the age of 40. We talk to them about what they changed as a result and what it might look like for a church to do the same.

Aside from the beautiful carols and the perfect baby Jesus, the Christmas story is actually pretty dangerous. There's a pregnant young couple (and her husband is not the baby's father) with a king out to get them! In this final episode of the Church Unchained podcast Scott and Mardi talk to the moderator of the Uniting Church in Queensland Rev David Baker about the hope and danger of the Christmas story.

Every day we make dozens of purchasing decisions, let alone at Christmas time. What if, in each transaction, you could make someone else’s life better? And on a larger scale, imagine the impact if churches only ever bought fairtrade or ethical products. In this episode we talk to Rev John Martin about making a conscious (but not difficult) decision to choose fairtrade products. Some of the resources John mentions in this episode are the Baptist World Aid: Behind the barcode Australian fashion report and the Shop Ethical guide and app. Upcoming events: 19 November: Ethical Christmas festival at Southport Uniting Church, Gold Coast. 26–27 November: Brisbane Fair Trade Christmas Market at the Queensland Sports and Athletic Centre, Nathan, Brisbane. Join the conversation.

Nine years ago Katie Wallis had a life changing experience going to Africa on a church mission trip. A lot has happened since then. We talk to Katie (an exercise physiologist, singer/songwriter and author) about responding to life-altering realisations, slowing down, embracing being counter-cultural and letting go. Join the conversation!

Think you have a great idea for a new project or business? Turns out a good idea is not enough; it’s all about the execution. In this episode of Church Unchained we head into the world of tech start-ups and talk with Peta Ellis, CEO of Brisbane’s RiverCity Labs, about start-ups, what it takes to get a new idea off the ground, how refugees and tech start-ups are solving social problems and what the biggest mistake is that people make when moving from idea to reality. Join the conversation.

Leadership is the new black; it’s what we’re all talking about. We don’t have it, do have it, don’t need it, do need it! But what makes a good leader and how can those people be identified and equipped? What can the church learn from the secular world in terms of leadership? In this episode Scott has a special one-on-one chat with Craig Bailey, Director of Leadership at Uniting College of Leadership and Theology in South Australia, to explore the sometimes thorny topic of leadership and the church. Join the conversation.

There’s a movement around Australia that’s seeing church leaders hold prayer vigils in politicians’ offices. It is the final straw for many who have been fighting government policy on the detention of asylum seekers for years. That movement is called Love Makes a Way and in this episode we talk to Queensland rep Peter Branjerdporn about the movement, the concept of sanctuary and hear about an Australian example of sanctuary. Join the conversation. ** So, this is one of the episodes we recorded on mute. Oops! This is recorded on an iPhone as a back up. Quality is not amazing. Mardi and Scott Church Unchained podcast

This week Scott and Mardi speak to Rachel Watson, Wesley Mission Queensland's service innovation and new business manager about what homelessness in Queensland really looks like and a few ideas that could actually make a big difference in people's lives. 1-6 August 2016 was national homelessness week. Homelessness Australia has a lot of good information and resources, including a fact sheet we refer to in the podcast on homelessness in Queensland. Visit homelessnessaustralia.org.au for more information.

Church Unchained explores dangerous and innovative ideas for the church in Australia. Produced by the Uniting Church in Queensland, we explore theology, discipleship, leadership and more. In this first episode, hosts Scott and Mardi talk to Rev Craig Batty and Rev Stephen Rothery about Pokemon Go and how augmented and virtual reality is changing our world, and the church! And we mention this TED talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/chris_milk_the_birth_of_virtual_reality_as_an_art_form#t-498903 www.ucaqld.com.au/unchained