Pastoral Letter from the Moderator – Rev Bruce Moore

Grace and peace to you in the name of Christ.

As Cyclone Narelle bears down on communities across Far North Queensland, we hold a deep concern especially for our remote and island communities, and for our First Nations peoples whose lands and waters are directly in the path of this storm.

We recognise that for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, this is not only a weather event but an experience that touches Country, culture, memory, and community life. The disruption and danger can be profound — particularly in places where resources are limited, distances are vast, and support can take time to arrive.

At times like this, the Church is called to stand in solidarity — to listen, to pray, and to respond with humility and care.

We give thanks for the leadership and resilience within First Nations communities, for the work of Muth Arrak (UAICC), for local elders, community leaders, and the congregations and faith communities who will be caring for one another even now. We hold in prayer those who may feel isolated, those preparing as best they can, and those whose homes and sacred places may be at risk.

To our sisters and brothers in these communities: you are seen, you are not forgotten, and you are not alone. The whole Church stands with you - committed to walking alongside you in the days ahead, not only in response, but in relationship.

I invite all of Synod church family – presbyteries, congregations, agencies, schools, colleges, early learning centres and other ministries - to set aside intentional time for prayer in the coming days. Reach out where it is possible and appropriate. Be attentive to the wisdom of local leadership. And prepare to respond with generosity and respect in the aftermath.

May we be a people who embody Christ’s presence - steady, compassionate, and grounded in hope.

In Christ,

Bruce

Rev Bruce Moore
Moderator, Synod of Queensland

A Prayer for Communities in the Path of the Cyclone

God of all creation,
God of land and sea,
God who has walked with peoples on this land since the beginning,

We come before you as the winds rise and the rains fall
across the far north of this vast country.

We hold before you the remote communities,
the island homes,
and especially our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers
their families, their elders, their children,
their stories, their deep connection to Country.

In the face of this storm,
be their shelter and their strength.

Where fear is present, bring calm.
Where isolation is felt, bring a deep knowing of your presence.
Where homes and sacred places are at risk,
hold all things in your care.

We pray for community leaders and elders
grant them wisdom and strength.
We pray for emergency workers and responders
protect them and guide them in their service.

We pray for the Church in these places
that it may be a place of refuge and hope,
grounded in love,
respectful in listening,
faithful in presence.

And when the storm passes,
give us grace to respond rightly
to walk gently,
to listen deeply,
and to stand alongside communities
in ways that honour dignity, culture, and connection to land.

God, you are our refuge and our strength,
our ever-present help in times of trouble.

Hold your people.
Steady this land.
Carry us through.

In the name of Christ,
who brings peace in the midst of the storm.

Amen.