Welcome to our new look Networking.

In this month’s Networking, Dean writes about the changes that will stem from the Federal Government’s aged care reform package and the success of Easterfest. Also read about Early Childhood Service Raceview’s Open Day, Browns Plains Church of Christ’s journey and one of the eager participants in the 2012 State Youth Games.

Subscribe to Networking, enter your details in the subscription form on our home page or view past editions in our News Archive

Venue: HumeRidge Church of Christ, Toowoomba

Jesus knew the value of withdrawing to focus on his personal relationship with God. Taking time to grow, develop and deepen our spiritual lives is vital for us as well. The Spiritual Transformation Conference is an ideal opportunity for you to be inspired by teaching from leaders in the field of spiritual transformation, as well as being in an environment which encourages you to hear directly from God.

The facilitators are Keith Farmer and Mindy Caliguire.

Mindy Caliguire is the founder of Soul Care, a spiritual formation ministry, Director of Transformation Ministry for the Willow Creek Association, and author of several personal formation books. She has worked on staff at Willow Creek Community Church, been part of a church-planting team, and is much in demand as a speaker and leadership consultant. Mindy enjoys mentoring Christian leaders by encouraging them to re-establish their spiritual vitality and thus give sustainability to their ministry and leadership.

Keith Farmer has been involved in ministry and ministry training since graduating from Churches of Christ Bible College in 1967. Involved in local church ministries in NSW & Victoria and then Principal for 24 years at the Australian College of Ministries (ACOM), Keith is actively involved in mentoring Christian ministers and leaders across Australia, as well as preaching and teaching. Keith is passionate about helping Christian leaders develop in spiritual and personal maturity in order for them to sustain their ministry and service.

Plan to be a part of this amazing opportunity.

For more information, and to register, please go to the Willow Creek website: www.willowcreek.org.au/events/mindycaliguire

Download Networking newsletter here

Subscribe to Networking, enter your details in the subscription form on our home page or view past editions in our News Archive

In the lead up to Easter, the Council of Churches of Christ in Australia (CCCA) is pleased to join up with Stop the Traffik, a humanitarian organisation that fights the ongoing evil of human slavery.  

It is believed that up to 27 million people worldwide are still in some form of slavery; many of them are children. Truly, these are some of the most vulnerable and exploited people in the world. 

Stop the Traffik highlights the use of slavery in the production of chocolate and Easter eggs.  By going on to the Stop the Traffik site, you will be able to find out what chocolate and companies have been certified as safe, and don’t use child labour or slavery. For more details and resources, go to www.stopthetraffik.org.au

2011 was an amazing year of ministry for Endless Praise! God’s leading was ever so present as the mission tours throughout Australia, USA & Chile, South America were a firsthand testimony to God’s amazing leading and love as thousands of lives were touched as Endless Praise travelled to so many different areas!

And this year we are anticipating nothing less but to continue strong in the directions that He is taking the group and we stand in full respect of His mandate to go where ever He leads communicating the Gospel and His everlasting love, forgiveness and hope to as many people from all walks of life.

We are excited to be going back to Queensland now in 2012 and would like to offer your community the opportunity to have one of Australia’s best in Christian Music Ministry as part of your program in your area on one of our dates shown below,

Take time a look at the below linked items and video and let Endless Praise know if you would like to proceed with any of the dates. Visit www.epraise.com.au for more detail.

• Endless Praise Bio
• Workshops for Churches 2012

 The 34 residents were flown from St George to Gold Coast Airport in two trips – four high care residents arrived by CareFlight early Sunday morning and 30 by a RAAF C-130 Hercules, Sunday afternoon.

 Touching down at Gold Coast Airport, residents were greeted by David Swain, Director – Churches of Christ Care: Grant Weaver, General Manager – People and Performance and Crisis Management Team Coordinator: a support crew; and a fleet of ambulances.

 Thirty residents were transported by Queensland Ambulance Services to six aged care service providers at Southport and Ashmore, and to two Churches of Christ Care aged care services.

 With water levels expected to peak at a record 15 metres, the Warrawee facility is expected to be inundated with flood waters. Warrawee staff, led by Steve McNamara, Aged Care Area Manager – Far West, has worked hard preparing the facility for water by sandbagging critical areas such as electricity transformers, lifting furniture off the floor, and packing residents’ belongings and records for transport.

 Mandatory evacuations have been declared for the inland Queensland town of St George as it braces for a record flood to hit. Authorities made the call on Sunday based on modelling by the Bureau of Meteorology.

 Modelling shows upstream rivers rising quickly and the Balonne River is now expected to peak in St George anywhere between 14 and 15 metres.

 The evacuation of over 3000 St George residents is the largest in Queensland’s history.

 Churches of Christ in Queensland CEO Dean Phelan said if the water rises to anticipated record levels, the Warrawee facility is expected to go under.

 “Last year the water lapped our doorstep but it looks like we may not be spared this time. We have been sandbagging but it appears it will have little effect,” he said.

 “For two thirds of our residents, this is their third evacuation in as many years. While this is a major disruption, they are all coping well despite the stressful situation. Our staff are primarily concerned with the residents’ wellbeing and safety, and have done everything they can to keep them informed and updated.

 “Moving this many people, some with specific health needs, is a huge logistical operation but our staff have done an outstanding job of providing ongoing care and support, and organising records.”

 Churches of Christ in Queensland worked closely with Retrieval Services, Emergency Services and Queensland Ambulance Service in preparing for the evacuation. Dean said the emergency services have done a fantastic job.

 “We are grateful to everyone who has helped us protect our facility and to evacuate our residents quickly,” Dean said.

 “The professionalism of everyone involved has been outstanding – the welfare and safety of our residents is paramount and it’s uplifting to know that it has been a priority for their local community and emergency services.”

 Other Churches of Christ Care St George services affected are the Mobile Children’s Service St George, Family Day Care St George, Early Childhood Centre St George, Home and Community Care Services St George, Community Care Program St George, and an Independent Living Unit.

Dean said many in the Churches of Christ in Queensland family will be affected by the flood.

“Being affected by the flooding three years in a row is hard to take and we extend our prayers and love to our staff and families affected by the flood. Once the water recedes, there will a lot of work to do in St George and surrounding areas.”

In other flood news…

Many areas in central and south-west Queensland have been affected by flood waters including Mitchell, Roma and Charleville.

Water in Roma and Mitchell is falling and the community is moving into recovery mode.

It has been a challenging yet rewarding year, and as we head into 2012, it is time to reflect on the things we have accomplished and achieved …

Our Stories is a new Churches of Christ in Queensland annual publication that is a snapshot of the year, featuring a selection of stories from our churches and care services – celebrating the amazing people who provide love and support to many people in our communities.

Let the stories in this publication ‘refill your tank’ and lift your spirits with their air of hope and positivity.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you the best for a joyous New Year. May the gifts of love, peace and happiness be yours.

Desley Millwood

Director – Communications & Marketing

Churches of Christ in Queensland

• Download Our Stories
• Request a printed copy mailed to you

Find out about the success and growth for churches, and care and support services showcased at our Annual General Meeting held on 12 November.

The Churches of Christ in Queensland Historical Committee updates us on progress of the Historical Committee building.

• For more interesting articles and updates download the December Networking Newsletter here
• Subscribe to Networking, enter your details in the subscription form on our home page
• View past editions in our News Archive

Click here to view the 2010/11 Annual Report. ​