38th Synod - Daily Summary: Monday 19th May | Where rivers of living waters will flow

MORNING WORSHIP + BIBLE STUDY – Rev Noah Kim 

The final day of the 38th Synod began with bible readings and worship before Rev Noah Kim of Paradise Point Uniting Church brought us a powerful word on the theme ‘Where rivers of living waters will flow’. Rev Kim challenged us - “Are we tempted to dig our own cisterns instead of coming to the true source of living waters? Digging our own cisterns is sin and they will not hold living water. Jesus says ‘whoever believes in ME.....’. In God's kingdom there is no tyranny, no exploitation, no enslavement and no competition – we are children of God, deeply loved by him.” 

Rev Kim invited us – as has been sensed all Synod – to open ourselves to the work of hte Spirit, “How do we live out a calling that is impossible to fulfil in our own strength? In today’s passage we hear Jesus’ gentle invitation – receive the Holy Spirit!” 

MODERATOR’S REPORT 

With a focus on the next generation, Moderator Rev Bruce Moore brought his report to the Synod. Some of the highlights of the last 18 months have included a journey to India with our partners Dostana, the opening of affordable housing on Thursday Island, time spent with the wider church in presbytery meetings, ecumenical partnerships and friendships, and Easter Madness 25.  

The Moderator invited Eli Gearing and Mitchell Guyatt from Bremer Brisbane Presbytery - two members of the Youth in Synod program – to share their perspective and story. It was wonderful to hear the hunger and passion of the next generation, with the Moderator declaring, “They aren’t the future of the church, they ARE the church!” 

GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT

Rev Dr Adam McIntosh began his report with an acknowledgement of the season of renewal we are called to, not one of managed decline but of renewal and growth. In leading the Synod Office, the General Secretary outlined the three focusses of the office’s work – to prioritise mission impact, to lighten the burden, and to build a better future together. Rev McIntosh acknowledged the team who lead this work and their heart to support the church in its mission.  

The General Secretary shared an outline of the strategic plan to enable, equip and encourage a growing church in Queensland. The changes in the Synod Office structure have been done to enable greater support for presbyteries and congregations in their work.  He also reported the incorporation work done in our agencies, Wesley Mission Queensland and UnitingCare Queensland, and the future incorporation of other entities. The SafeChurch framework review is currently underway, while the reporting program of Protech has been significant in reducing the reporting workload for congregations. 

WESLEY MISSION QUEENSLAND (WMQ) REPORT 

Elaine Rae, chair of the Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ), began the agency’s report outlining the new incorporated state of WMQ. CEO Jude Emmer shared stories of , while new Director of Mission Colleen Geyer shared the missional heart of WMQ, embedding mission in every part of the organisation and its activities. Ms Rae returned to share the status and membership of the WMQ board, and their focus and direction over the near future. Ms Emmer then shared a minute of appreciation for Elaine Rae as her term as chair ends 30 June. 

UNITINGCARE QUEENSLAND (UCQ) REPORT 

Jim Demack – chair of UCQ board – began the report, outlining the theme of ‘Advancing toward 2030 – delivering impact while navigating challenges’. Mr Demack shared some of the challenges the organisation faces, particularly in health and aged care. The incorporation of UCQ has been a positive outcome, enabling greater engagement with government.  

CEO Craig Barke shared what is his final address as CEO, stepping down from the end of June. Mr Barke shared the vital new frameworks for becoming an employer of choice. The volunteer base has also grown by 20% in the last 18 months. UCQ continues to have a deep commitment to Reconciliation with a new RAP for 2024-2027. The Dreamline leaders First Nations leaders mentoring program has also seen its first cohort completed. 

BlueCare has been preparing for the new Aged Care Act which comes into effect from 1 July 2025, following the Aged Care Royal Commission. Mr Barke shared new developments and services in aged care, and the sale of seven services in regional areas. UnitingCare hospitals have developed new vital services, including Buderim and St Andrews Hospitals. He also noted the impact of the Family and Disability services teams, particularly in the natural disasters in Queensland over the last 18 months.  

Director of Mission Rev Dr Peter Armstrong shared some of the changes in the chaplaincy space, moving from ‘chaplain-centric’ to ‘chaplaincy service approach’ in the approach, equipping more volunteers, with a 60% increase in volunteer participation.  

Jim Demack shared a minute of appreciation for Craig Barke who has served as CEO for 8 years, and on the board for 14 years. BlueCare preparing for new Aged Care Act on 1 July 2025. New aged care services under construction.  

MODERATOR’S COMMUNITY SERVICE MEDALS 

Moderator’s Community Service Medals were presented to the following people: 

• Betty Rogers 
• Carol Hevron 
• Diana Thomson 
• Don Ross 
• Hazel Turner 
• Ian and Julie Anne Harding 
• Judith Hunt 
• Judy Ross 
• Lyn Watson 
• Margaret Reid 
• Margaret Whitchurch 
• Muriel Wroe 

CLOSING WORSHIP + COMMUNION 

Moderator Rev Bruce Moore began closing worship with thanksgiving for many of the team, both volunteers and staff from across the Synod, who made the 38th Synod happen. He also offered his thanks to our First Nations members and the UAICC Regional Council Queensland, Alexandra Park Conference Centre Staff, and our Assembly National President and General Secretary.  The Synod shared communion and worship together as the final session closed for the 38th Synod in Session.