BlueCare Sunday - 70 years of compassionate service - Uniting Church in Queensland Synod

By Andi Griggs, Connect100+ | Mission & Community Partnerships

Congregations across Queensland marked BlueCare Sunday by celebrating more than 70 years of compassionate service and strengthening connections between local churches, BlueCare teams and the communities they serve.

On Sunday 23 August, people gathered in churches, aged care homes and community spaces across Queensland to celebrate BlueCare Sunday, giving thanks for a ministry of care that has touched countless lives through generations.

The occasion invited congregations to reflect on a remarkable story that began more than seven decades ago, when Reverend Arthur Preston and Sister Olive Crombie helped establish the Blue Nursing Service at West End Uniting Church. What started as a local response to community need has grown into one of Queensland's most recognised care ministries, supporting older Australians and vulnerable people across the state.

At West End Uniting Church, where those first steps in community nursing were taken, worshippers, staff, volunteers and church members gathered in prayer, reflection and celebration. Stories of compassion and service honoured a legacy that continues to shape lives and communities today.

Across the state, congregations embraced opportunities to celebrate, learn and connect. In Mount Isa, BlueCare staff joined the local Uniting Church congregation for worship and morning tea. During the service, BlueCare representative Cynthia shared the history of BlueCare and the breadth of services now offered throughout the region.

BlueCare Mount Isa Neighbourhood Lead Ngapine reflected on the experience, particularly for team members who had rarely attended church before.

"I have a couple of team members that have never really attended church apart from a funeral and they thoroughly enjoyed the singing and worship," she said. "I was really proud of them for stepping into a space they were unsure of and embracing it."

Ngapine also described meaningful conversations about culture, belonging and purpose, highlighting the value of creating spaces where faith, service and community intersect.

At Caboolture Uniting Church, members of the congregation welcomed BlueCare representative Liz from Morayfield and took the opportunity to learn more about the impact of local community care.

Meanwhile, at Pine Rivers Uniting Church, BlueCare Chaplain Donna, alongside a volunteer, staff member and client, shared personal stories of compassion, support and hope. Their reflections highlighted the many ways BlueCare's ministry makes a difference in people's lives and demonstrated faith in action through care for others.

Even the children's message brought BlueCare's story to life. Using toy cars to illustrate the journey from the earliest days of community nursing to today's fleet of more than 1,200 vehicles, children explored how a small ministry initiative grew into a statewide network of care. It was a simple but powerful reminder that faithful service often begins with one person responding to a need.

These gatherings highlighted something deeper than an anniversary. They demonstrated the ongoing relationship between the Uniting Church and its community services, showing how faith continues to find practical expression through care, companionship and presence.

BlueCare Sunday reminds us that mission is not confined to church buildings. It can be found in aged care homes, community visits, support services and the everyday acts of kindness carried out by staff and volunteers. When churches and community services come together, they create spaces where people experience not only practical support, but belonging, dignity and hope.

As communities across Queensland continue to navigate changing needs and growing social challenges, the connection between faith and service remains as important as ever. BlueCare Sunday offered a powerful reminder that through partnership, hospitality and care, local churches and community services can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around them.

Every partnership begins with a conversation. Inspired by BlueCare Sunday? Connect100+ works alongside congregations to build meaningful connections between faith communities, local services and the people they serve. To explore new opportunities for community connection, care and faith in action in your local area, reach out to the Connect100+ team at connect100@ucareqld.com.au.

Mount Isa congregation & BlueCare team with Connector Mataio Sopoaga