38th Synod - Daily Summary: Thursday 15th and Friday 16th May

CELEBRATION OF MINISTRIES

The Celebration of Ministries was the opening service of our 38th Synod in Session. Albert St Uniting Church hosted this service, honouring those ministers who have retired, remembering those who have passed and celebrating newly ordained ministers.

Moderator Rev Bruce Moore encouraged us in our central charge as disciples – to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, that he is our reward, and the author and perfecter of our faith. The Moderator reminded us, in the presence of the ‘great cloud of witnesses’, that we are called, not to platforms or positions, but to faithfulness, and that God is faithful to finish what he has started.

Rev Doug Foster gave response representing the retiring ministers. Rev Foster reflected on the diversity of the ministers in this group – both the diversity of origins and of the ministry roles held by the retiring cohort. While each experience in ministry and life was unique, the common factor was the moulding work of the Spirit, and the common workspace of God’s creation amongst the brokenness of the world.

Newly ordained minister Rev Annie Baker was called to respond on behalf of our newly ordained ministers. Reflecting on Philippians 2:1-2, Rev Baker spoke of Paul’s call to be one, and of the need to embrace and be mindful of our humanness in the ministry journey, asking on behalf of the new ministers that the Synod regularly pray for them as they serve God.

CONVOCATION WITH REV CANON DAVID MALE

While not a session of the 38th Synod, the Moderator took the opportunity of so many ministers being gathered to host a minister’s Convocation. Those in attendance were blessed by Rev Canon David Male’s ministry and the group discussion that followed, with a focus on the theme personal renewal. Rev Male reminded ministers that preparing ourselves as leaders is the most important part of ministry; similar to a car – putting it in for a service doesn’t mean it’s a bad car, just that maintenance is a good and healthy part of its function.

Some of the notable themes and quotable moments included:

The Father’s acceptance of Jesus at his baptism came BEFORE he had done anything in ministry

We are chosen, before anything. We are God’s A team for wherever and whatever he has called us to

We are designed for a place of rest, not just rest from work

One of the most powerful challenges came in the form of a question – “what is the liturgy you have for finishing work?” Rev Male encouraged those present to ‘close the door’ to work each day, resisting the temptation to leave computers open and check emails, and to provide a moment of separation from it each day.

OPENING BUSINESS – General Proposals + Yarning Circles

Business Committee Convener Rev Brian Hoole led us through our procedural proposals, including how we would address the various stages of information, discernment and decision - and the Synod celebrated the first consensus decision – always a relief for the whole Synod gathering!

The Movers and Seconders for each General Proposal were supplemented with video introductions for each proposal, outlining the high level detail. Yarning Circles were introduced and asked to consider and discuss the three General Proposals.

OPENING WORSHIP – Moderator’s Message “God is not finished with us yet”

Opening worship commenced with a Welcome to Country from Rev Uncle Rodney Minniecon, who gathered members of his family and led us in a several old favourite songs. We were led in worship by the Synod worship team, and blessed by the Park Tongan Choir and Band whose harmonies filled the auditorium with the Hallelujah Chorus, among others. Special guests were welcomed, including Assembly President Rev Charissa Suli and General Secretary Andrew Johnson, NSW & ACT Moderator Rev. Mata Hilliau, Ps Gary Swenson (Australian Christian Churches), Rev Stuart Hoadley (Presbyterian Church of Queensland), and His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane (Greek Orthodox).

Moderator Rev Bruce Moore gave his opening message around the theme ‘God is not finished with us yet’, inspiring and challenging us to discern the life-giving spirit of God moving in our midst. The Moderator issued a prophetic call, to refuse the decline we have heard so much about - “Our mission is not to reconstruct the church as we knew it, but to discern – where is the river flowing? And our calling is to abide; abide in the presence of Christ.”

The challenge before is that, while people are more interested in the Gospel and spirituality than ever, they are sceptical of institutional religion. But people are hungry. The Moderator offered a number of testimonies of people encountering God and growing in faith from around the Queensland Synod.

TOMORROW

Tomorrow will begin with worship and a bible study from Ps Alex Stark on the theme “See - I am doing a new thing”, followed by general business, the opening of ballots and yarning circles engaging with the three General Proposals.