Recent Updates & Archives

Become a Silver Anniversary Contact!
Become a Silver Anniversary contact and be the first to find out all the latest information to share with your congregation members, workmates, friends and neighbours.
Simply contact: Sarah Malone at the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod Office by:
• phoning: (07) 3377 9777
• or emailing: heartandsoul@uccentre.ucaqld.com.au

[Updates: 21 June, 2002]

Rocfish playing at Brisbane Event

www.rocfish.com.au
The popular kid's band Rocfish is playing from 1:00-2:00pm at the Brisbane Heart and Soul Celebration.
While the parents are attending the celebration in the UQ Centre Main Auditorium, the kids are having their own celebration at the Kids Zone - UQ Softball Diamond.

[Updates: 20 June, 2002]

Over 200 people gather to prepare to celebrate
Topic: Rehearsals for the Brisbane Heart and Soul Celebration
Venue: Broadwater Road Uniting Church
Date: 16 June 2002
On Sunday over 200 people gathered to rehearse for the Brisbane Heart and Soul Celebration. They were there as choir members, orchestra members, praise and worship band members, dancers, actors for the drama and technical crew. There was real buzz during rehearsals and the Heart and Soul Team are confident that this will be present on 23 June.
If you know somebody who would like to be part of the choir, they can still join it. All they have to do is be at the UQ Centre at 10.00am or as near as they can after this time.
Please note that celebrations start at 1.00pm. At this time Rocfish will perform, the Hymnsing will be on and the Youth Area will commence.
To overcome any difficulty in finding your way around the University of Queensland, there will be signage to direct people to the UQ Centre as they enter onto campus.

Lifeline Community Care
Lifeline Community Care are Celebrating in the following ways:
They have created a network of communicators, where there is one communication contact in each Lifeline Community Care centre. Each of Communicators have been sent a bulletin about the Silver Anniversary and asked to generate awareness amongst their Centre about the Silver Anniversary.
They have produced a poster - promoting the amalgamation of the Life Line and Family and Community Support; that the Lifeline Community Care is part of the Uniting Church; and the Church is celebrating its Silver Anniversary. Forty (40) posters will be sent each division for distribution so they can be displayed in each thrift shop, counselling centre and warehouse. The posters will also be distributed to each congregation.
Each Division will host a reception for the community. All congregations in the immediate vicinity of each Division Administration Centre will receive an invite to the reception. The reception will also include an "Act of Dedication" (for example, Mackay is having a House Hug).
Each Thrift shop will actively distribute the brochure: "What is the Uniting Church" - an Assembly publication.

How other Congregations are Celebrating
Tully
Tully Uniting Church invites the community to Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Methodist Church in Tully and 25th Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Friday 21 June:
• 1.00pm - Open Day at Blue Care Building
• 6.30pm - Celebration Dinner at Church Hall
Saturday 22 June:
• 7.30am - Men's Breakfast Tully Church Hall
• 6.00pm - Fellowship Tea, Mission Beach Worship Centre
Sunday 23 June:
• 9.00am - Cardwell Service at Catholic Church in Cardwell
• 9.45am - Celebration Service at Tully
• 6.30pm - Old Style Methodist Service at Tully

Dawson Valley Uniting Church
All congregations plus visitors (from other denominations and community) are invited to meet at Sutherland Hall, Banana, for a Thanksgiving Celebration. Afternoon Tea and Fellowship to follow the service.
Banana is a reasonably central location in the parish and was the venue for the first celebration in 1977. Some members of the Dawson Valley Uniting Church will be at the Clermont celebration.

Maryborough
Celebrations have begun with a 'PARISH' TEA on Wednesday, 12 June. This event featured table decorations depicting the 'birthday' theme, a quiz to test the knowledge of Uniting Church events in the past 25 years (the prize was to be an item of the 'birthday merchandise), etc. etc.

Other activities:
A 'Parish' Service on 23 June at 10.00am - A special Order of Service has been prepared, Holy Communion will be celebrated and worship will be enhanced by a Liturgical Dance (to the tunes of Celebrate and Give Thanks), choral items and music provided by a small band and the pipe organ. Several banners depicting the 'birthday' theme are being prepared. A sausage sizzle will follow the Service of Worship, at 12 noon. An anniversary cake will be cut by a long-standing member from each congregation.

A general invitation has been extended to all members of the Maryborough community to attend the Service and/or the Sausage Sizzle. This is being done by way of:
Flyers - Almost 800 have been distributed to church members (by way of a pastoral visit from an Elder) and at Services of Worship, to all church groups, to the five Caring Agencies and to local Motels and Caravan Parks.
Newspaper Articles - Copy has been made available to the Fraser Coast Chronicle for publication on 15 June and during the week beginning 17 June.

Display of Memorabilia
Photographs and items of interest have been gathered of church activities and activities of Caring Agencies. These will be displayed in the foyer of St. Stephen's Private Hospital from 17 June to the evening of 20 June. The display will then be moved to Wesley Auditorium for public viewing on Friday, 21 June and Saturday, 22 June.

Time Capsule
A brass 'capsule' has been manufactured by a local engineering firm. At an appropriate time following 23 June the time capsule will be mounted on the wall of Wesley Auditorium to be opened in 2027. The capsule will contain messages to the congregation of 2027; anecdotes, especially those pertaining to the past 25 years; photos of current church councillors, members of Girls' Brigade, and other church activities; and a tape and Order of Service from the 23 June Service of Worship etc., etc.

Tara
Tara is holding a special Thanksgiving Service followed by a lunch. People living in Tara and the neighbouring surrounds have been invited to the service and for lunch.

Twin Towns
The Congregation held a Celebration Event last Sunday. There was a worship service of Thanks Giving and Praise; a photographic display; a Forum - Yesterday, Today, Forever: presented by three speakers - Rev Colin Munns, Dave Thomas & Rev Sue Holm; and much food, including special lunch and cutting and distribution of an Anniversary Cake.

[Updates: 16 June, 2002]

How other Congregations are Celebrating
Mackay
The Uniting Church congregations in Mackay have joined together to hold their own Silver Anniversary celebration. The celebration is set to rock the Mackay Entertainment Centre on Sunday 23 June and will be a night to remember. We have been able to arrange in the Mackay Daily Mercury a feature page with enough business support. We were aiming at least one page but looks like we will get 2 or 3 pages of UCA feature page.

Toowoomba
The congregations and agencies of Toowoomba are joining together for a city-wide celebration of the 25th Anniversary beginning at 2.00 PM on June 23rd at Fairholme College. Representatives from congregations and agencies will share something of their dreams and visions as we face the future. A combined choir and praise band will help lead the celebration while Past President of the Assembly, Re. John Mavor will inspire us to "Celebrate the Past and Face the Future".
The Mayor of Toowoomba, Dianne Thorley, will be our special guest and will be presented with a number of Gift of Grace Roses for the cities renowned parks. The proceeds of the days offering will also be presented to Di for the Mayors Youth Task Force.

Gold Coast
Sunday 23rd June, 2002. GOLD COAST ZONE - South Moreton Presbytery. To be held at Robina Uniting Church, commencing from 1pm

The Downs Presbytery
Presbytery meets in Wandoan/Taroom Parish from 14th to 16th June. We will celebrate the 25th anniversary with a Concert in the Wandoan Cultural Centre organised by the Presbytery for the Community on Saturday Evening 15th June. There will be items from the Presbytery Members along with items from members of the local community and surrounds.
Former members of Presbytery have been invited to join us for this weekend. Sunday the 16th will be a Celebratory Service of Worship in the Cultural Centre. Members of adjoining Parishes and members of the Community have been invited to join us for this Service of Worship and for Lunch on the Sunday.

Warwick Killarney Parish
Uniting Church Week will be launched in our Parish on Sunday Evening the 16th June with a Confirmation Service for 10 people from the Warwick and Freestone Congregations. What a way to start our Celebrations!
During the week beginning 17th June from the Monday to Friday we plan to have a Static Display in Rose City Shopping World. The display will be manned on Thursday 20th and will include input from Crossroads, Blue Care and Lifeline as well as from the Parish.
The Local paper, Warwick Daily News, will have a full page spread about the Uniting church and 25yrs in the Warwick and district Community on Thursday 13th June.
22nd June is the day of the Silver Anniversary Fair, all the usual fun of the Fair but will also include displays on the History of the Uniting Church in Warwick; the many and varied Talents of our people; and displays on the work of the Church through its Agencies.
23rd June: Celebratory Parish Service of Worship in Warwick. Invited Community Representatives, and those from other Churches will be present. This will be followed by a luncheon and Musical programme.
In October we are planning our Awesome Act of Grace - sponsoring a Mayoral Prayer Breakfast for the Community of Warwick.

Aspley Parish
The congregation of the Parish are excited about the Silver Anniversary celebrations and are holding a FREE sausage sizzle at the Bi-Lo complex in Robinson Road on Saturday, 22 June from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. This is our way of saying "Thank You" to the people who live in the area and who have supported
the activities of the church over the last 25 years.
At the Sausage Sizzle, some of our young people will be handing out brochures telling the residents of the area about some of the activities of the church and the worship times. We hope that this may encourage some new members to the church.
On Sunday, 23 June there will be a Celebration Worship Service followed by a special Morning Tea when a Birthday Cake, made by one of the organising Committee Members, will be cut. Then we will be planting the "Gift of Grace" rose in the complex.
We have hired a bus to take members of the congregation to the culmination of Uniting Church Week at the University of Queensland on Sunday afternoon.

St. Lucia
St Lucia Uniting Church will celebrate the 25th Anniversary with a celebration service at 9.00am followed by morning tea, social time and luncheon. A large screen television will be set up to enable the congregation to share in the Channel 7 Christian Television UCA Production at 11.00am.
Personal invitations have been sent to all people associated with the congregation.
The congregation is encouraged to attend the Heart and Soul Celebration at the UQ Centre which is in our neighbourhood. We are arranging a shuttle transport service to allow elderly parishoners to travel to the centre. The evening service has been cancelled to enable every one to attend without other responsibilities for the day.
Later in the year a Hymn singing evening will be arranged to highlight the legacy of Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian Hymns.

Kilcoy
Kilcoy congregation is having a fellowship tea with an Oz flavour, to which other folk of the town are invited, and we will follow up with our favourite sacred songs. This will take place on Sunday 23rd

Indooroopilly
Indooroopilly congregations are invited by the Open Door to in a Celebratory Dinner on Wednesday 26th June at 6.00pm.in the Indoorooopilly Uniting Church Hall with The Moderator Rev Dr Ray Reddicliffe as Guest Speaker and Fayara providing dinner music. Registrations required by Sunday June 23rd.

Archive of All Changes

 

[Updates: 15 June, 2002]

Silver Anniversary Launch
More than 2000 people heard a message of hope at the launch of the 25th (silver) anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia at King George Square today.
Sir Lou Edwards, former QLD Deputy Premier and Expo 88 CEO, said the Uniting Church had helped countless people over the past 25 years and would continue to do so in the future.
"The Uniting Church's influence has been wide reaching and has made a real difference. In the future, their influence will be even greater," Sir Edwards said.
The Uniting Church's Queensland Moderator Dr Ray Reddicliffe also mentioned the Uniting Church's contribution to Queensland and Australia.
"With 1.3 million Australians claiming an association with the Uniting Church, and with one in five Queenslanders being helped by the church annually, our goal of being truly an Australian church is being achieved," Mr Reddicliffe said.
The crowd also heard from Yien Lam, a 37-year-old refugee recently granted Australian citizenship, who spoke of the help he received from the Uniting Church when trying to relocate his family to Australia.
"To become a refugee is your last option. It means there is nothing left in your own country," Mr Lam said.
Mr Lam said his family of nine were currently in a refugee camp in Cairo. Despite being granted a refugee visa by the Australian government, the family needed to raise $12 000 before being able to travel to Australia or faced going back to Sudan.
Help was provided by Bayside Uniting Church who with several other Uniting Church and non-Uniting Church congregations raised a staggering $26 000 in four weeks for Mr Lam to transport his family to Australia.
"Australian society is based on charity, unity and humility," Mr Lam said.
The launch also featured a free sausage sizzle cooked by Uniting Church ministers and a free lunch time concert consisting of Alabaster Box, Craig Burnett and band and Paul Davis.
Further celebrations organised for the Silver Anniversary include Uniting Church Week (Mon 17 June - Sun 23 June) and huge celebration concerts in Brisbane (23 June), Clermont (13 July) and Townsville (20 July).
The Journey and Heart and Soul team were there, and have 17 photos and three articles already on their website. Go to:
http://www.journey.ucaqld.com.au

[Updates: 30 May, 2002]

Only 3 Weeks to Go!
Welcome to the latest update and news for the Silver Anniversary Celebrations of the Uniting Church.
With only a month to go before the first formal celebration at UQ, the excitement and enthusiasm is escalating.
We hope and pray that you too may feel and be a part of that excitement as we come and celebrate as a Church community the past, present and future of the Uniting Church and all God has done for us and is yet to do.
To assist you and your congregation in being a part of the celebrations, please find the latest update on the planning and organisation relating to the Silver Anniversary Celebrations.

Resource Kit
The Heart and Soul Resource Kits have now been sent out to the congregations. The Kit is principally made up of three parts:
• Resource Booklet
• Resource CD Rom (there is an attached sheet listing all the information that is on the CD Rom)
• OHPs (if they have been requested)
This resource kit will help equip you in preparing and conducting worship services and other local celebration events. Please accept the apologies of the Silver Anniversary Task Group for the two-week delay in making these resources available to your Congregation. It is hoped that the delay has not greatly inconvenienced worship teams that have been awaiting the resources.

Heart and Soul Web Site
Now that you know about the site, the Heart and Soul Team would like to encourage you to do at least three things: 
Check the site out and then tell us what you think
Promote the site to your Congregation, as well as all your friends and relatives
Give us information that we can add to the site (reflections on the last 25 years, hopes and vision for the future, inspirational people of the last 25 years)  
Another feature of the Site is sharing information on the “Awesome Acts of Grace” congregations are performing around the State.

Celebration Events
These events should not be missed!
All services have been developed to ensure that an 8 year old will feel as much a part of the service as an 88 year old.
Therefore, the Silver Anniversary Task Group invites congregations to attend the celebration service closest to them and join with others to participate in an awesome worship experience.
So plan not just to be there, but bring a bus from your congregation. This is a rare opportunity to not only worship God as a large Church family but also to share together in a time of fellowship and fun.
The program for the Brisbane Worship Celebration is attached. The programs for the regional celebrations will be in the next communiqué. As part of the Brisbane event, we have planned activities for all ages before coming together in the common auditorium for an awesome worship experience filled with a variety of traditional and contemporary worship elements. Just imagine the sound and feel of singing and worshipping with two and a half thousand other people as we join in some of the well known hymns and choruses.
At this stage over 50 Volunteers have committed their time to help stage and organise the Celebration Events. One of the most exciting things, in addition to these people offering their gifts and talents, is the age range of the volunteers – they cover all ages on the spectrum.

Heart and Soul Launch
An open invitation is extended to all Uniting Church members and people in the wider community to the launch of Uniting Church Week. The launch will be held in King George Square in Brisbane City on Friday, 14 June, beginning at 11.30am.
A feature of the launch will be the presentation by the Moderator of a Uniting Church Flag to a prominent community leader. There will be a special program of entertainment featuring bands, drama, testimonies and displays from various sections of the Church. UC ministers will be cooking up a free sausage sizzle for everyone.
The launch in King George Square is bound to attract much public attention on a Friday lunch time, so don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of the crowd as the Uniting Church meets the people in the Square.
So come along and join us for what promises to be a special Uniting Church event to launch the Church’s celebrations of 25 years of Heart and Soul.

Merchandise
Would you like balloons or bumper stickers to promote your Congregation’s Heart and Soul Celebrations? Each item will have the Heart and Soul image on it.
The costs for the items are as follows: 
• Balloons: $0.35 each
• Bumper Stickers: $1.00 each 
Other merchandising items that will be available for sale are: 
• T-shirt [long sleeve]: $20.00 each
• Pen [chrome and plastic]: $2.50 each
• Coffee Mugs: $4.00 each
• Key Ring [silver key, laser engraved]: $13.50 each 
All merchandising items will have the Heart and Soul Image displayed on them.
Several congregations have been asking about a promotional item that could be handed out as a gift. There is a sample of bookmark available that the Task Group believes would make an ideal gift. The bookmarks can be personalised to suit the needs of the Congregation. For the relatively small outlay of $250.00, a congregation can obtain 1000 bookmarks.
Please complete the order form as quickly as possible if you wish to order any item of merchandise. All items of merchandise will also be available at each of the Celebration Events.

Tell Us
Please tell us your Congregation’s plans to celebrate the Silver Anniversary. We will place them on the Web Site.
We are also keen to receive people’s reflections on the past twenty-five years and their vision for the Church for the next 25 years. Once received, we will also put them onto the Web Site.

Heart and Soul Timeline
Mark your diary with these important dates
• Friday 14 June—Media Launch of the Silver Anniversary King George Sq, Brisbane; 11.30am-1:30pm
• Monday 17 June—Sunday 23 June: UC Week
• Monday 17 June—Frontier Services Day
• Tuesday 18 June—Blue Care Day
• Wednesday 19 June—Lifeline Community Care Day
• Thursday 20 June—Uniting Health Care Group Day
• Friday 21 June—Wesley Mission Day
• Saturday 22 June—Actual Anniversary & Congregations Day
• Sunday 23 June—Brisbane Heart and Soul Celebration Event
UQ Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia; 1-5pm
• Sunday 23 June—Uniting Church Documentary, 11am, Channel 7
• Saturday 13 July—Clermont Heart and Soul Celebration Event Clermont Shire Hall
• Saturday 20 July—Townsville Heart and Soul Celebration Event
Mount Louisa Uniting Church

Your Help
We want to create two montages to display as we travel around the State celebrating 25 years of Heart and Soul:
A collection of postcards and photos of where you live and worship.
A collection of children’s drawing and painting depicting their experiences of being part of church family. Get to local visitor’s bureau, get the camera out and get your kids to splash some paint around – help us realise our objective!

Further Information
If you want any further information about any aspect of the events and activities planned for the Silver Anniversary, please contact Jackqueline Hargreaves or myself on 3377 9777.

Gary Adsett
[On behalf of the Silver Anniversary Task Group]

[Updates: 16 May, 2002]

[extracts from the May 2002 Edition]

South-East Queensland Celebration
There will be something for everyone at the South East Queensland 25th anniversary celebration event on June 23, event organiser Rodney Taylor said.
Rodney said the celebrations would consist of an afternoon of fun, music, worship and activity for all ages and tastes, to be held at the recently completed UQ Centre at the University of Queensland's St Lucia Campus.
"We will be using the new centre to its fullest potential and have planned an all-indoors event to ensure a great afternoon regardless of the weather," Rodney said.
"There will also be special celebration ushers to guide you to the particular part of the event that interests you."
For the young at heart, Rodney said a Kids Zone would feature the very popular 'Rocfish' performing their latest musical production.
"Rocfish recently performed at KUCA campout and were outstanding," Rodney said.
"There are stories of campers and even leaders lining up for an hour to get autographs," he said.
The Kids Zone will also feature rides and activities including a jumping castle, and will run from 1.00 until 3.00 p.m.
The 'Rock Your Soul' zone will provide a separate space for young people to dance and rock to top Christian bands live and also experience multi-media presentations and short films on a giant video screen.
'Rock your Soul' coordinator Paul Simmonds said the event would double as the second Ignite event for 2002 and was sure to 'set the stage on fire'.
For a change of pace, the main stage will feature a 'Soulful Interlude' of common and popular sings and hymns from 1.00 p.m. until 2.00 p.m.
"All are welcome to join with hundreds of others in an hour of singing well-loved hymns and choruses that are often heard resonating through churches each Sunday," Rodney said.
"The hymn-sing will allow you to join with a thousand other voices in song."
A Uniting Church documentary being produced by the Christian Television Association for Channel 7 will be shown on the big screen at 2.00 p.m. in the main auditorium.
This documentary will showcase the many and varied aspects of the mission, work and life of the Uniting Church, featuring the church's history, its presence today, and the vision for the future.
Finally, the main Heart and Soul celebration will begin in the main auditorium at 3.00 p.m. This celebration will feature something for all ages and all people, with producers now putting the final touches to this unique worship and celebration service.
The auditorium is purpose built for large events and the anniversary celebrations will be one of the premier events at this new facility this year.
Features of the venue include tiered seating to allow everyone to be an intimate part of the celebration.
In addition, there will be an extended worship area to can cater for an overflow of people and provide an area where young families can watch the celebration on a giant screen while the kids stretch their legs.
"No matter what your tastes, we will have something in the celebration service to suit you and hopefully a little but more," Rodney said.
The afternoon will conclude with a fireworks display outside the venue.

New and Old at Anniversary Celebration
At 3.00 p.m. on Sunday June 23, make sure you are at the Heart and Soul Celebration to enjoy the variety of music, dance and a sense of community and excitement.
Celebration producers Rodney Taylor and Megan Thomson are excited about this unique opportunity for the Church to gather in one place and as one community to celebrate life, Christ, the Church and each other.
The celebration promises to be place for both traditional and contemporary styles. Many well-known elements will reflect the proud tradition and history of the Church.
The use of audio visuals, videos and other creative elements will ensure an afternoon of surprises and different expressions of the ministry of the Church and the love of God.
"The celebration will incorporate elements of the old and the new," Megan said.
"We have been able to gain access to some of the original order of worships including prayer and drama scripts from the 1977 inauguration services and we have used these in our preparation for the anniversary service," she said.
Megan also said that old-time favourite band, Family, would be performing.
"Family is a band that many of us remember from our childhood and I still recall playing their album in our lounge room when I was a kid," Megan said.
"It will be exciting to have them as part of the service.
"They have a long history with the Uniting Church and have proven to be popular with many generations."
The celebration will incorporate a range of creative and well-known elements including music, song, dance, audio-visuals, prayer and opportunities for reflection.
"Another highlight will be the dramas written and performed by Chris and Sue Chapman, recent winners of the "96.5 Creative Challenge", Megan said.
"Chris and Sue will present a strong message through their humour and creative dramas.
"Many people will also remember the Chapmans from their years of ministry at YAF and other UC events."
In addition, event goers will have the opportunity to share in communion with all those gathered.
A special music ensemble and band has been put together for the event.
They will perform a mixture of hymns and more recent music to reflect the varied aspects of the celebration.
"This is sure to be a special part of the afternoon where we can join in voice with 3000 other people proclaiming praises and glory to God," Megan said.
"The celebration will allow reflection and revive some memories of the past, celebrate the present but also present an opportunity to examine and grasp the opportunities and challenges of the future.
"In all of this we will be celebrating the gifts and grace of Christ and all that he has done for you and me."

Regional Events
The 25th anniversary will not only be celebrated in the State's capital, but also in the regions at Claremont and Townsville.

Central Queensland - 13 July - Claremont Shire Hall, Claremont
It's the Year of the Outback and where better to celebrate the UC's anniversary in the outback than in Claremont.
Event coordinator Rodney Taylor said on the 13 July, people would come from all over Queensland to celebrate the Silver Anniversary in Claremont.
"We are encouraging anyone travelling in the area at that time, to include Clermont in their itinerary," Rodney said.
"It will be a great time to be in Claremont and a chance to join with hundreds of other people in the celebration."
"A team of people from the South East Queensland celebration event will supplement the local team in Claremont to create and produce an exciting evening of fun, worship and celebration," Rodney said.

North Queensland - 20 July - Mount Louisa Uniting Church, Townsville
Townsville will have its own celebration event on Saturday 20th July at Mt Louisa Uniting Church with a civic gathering to celebrate the extensive work of the Uniting Church in regional Queensland.
This event will celebrate the Church's role in the community and provide an opportunity for the people of North Queensland to come together and share the excitement of the Silver Anniversary.
Like the Claremont celebration, a small team from the South East Queensland celebration event will supplement the local team in creating a unique event.
Event coordinator Rodney Taylor said a sense of excitement was building in Townsville but as a lot of planning and assistance is required to make these celebration events a success, he was seeking help on a local level from people who wish to be actively involved in the celebrations.
"We are keen to hear from anyone who wishes to be involved in these regional events," Rodney said.
"We are excited to be able to stage these events and look forward to joining with people across the State in this time of celebration."

Both the Townsville and Claremont celebrations will follow a similar format to the South East Queensland celebration, including youth and children's events, extended worship, trade displays, music, dance and drama.

Getting to the South-East Queensland Celebration Event
There are many options available for people wanting to make their way to the celebration event.
Car
There is ample parking under and adjacent to the venue. Why not car pool and enjoy the trip with others?
Bus
While there is ample parking on-site, you can arrange a charter bus for your congregation. This is a great opportunity to travel together, have a bit of fun on the bus, get dropped off at the door and simplify the travel arrangements. Alternatively, you can catch a Brisbane City Council bus directly to the university.
Disabled Access
There is designated disabled parking under the venue with easy access to the main auditorium.
City Cat and Ferry
For the nautically inclined, why not cruise into the venue aboard a City Cat or ferry. The City Cat jetty is located only 400m from the venue.
Bike or Walk
For the physically keen, you can pedal or walk your way into the celebration through the maze of bikeways and paths to UQ.
The UQ Centre is located towards the back of the St Lucia campus between the swimming pool and Schonnel Theatre. For public transport information, phone 13 12 30.

Cake Bake
We have the ingredients of a pretty amazing Church - and to prove it - we will be creating and baking a huge celebration cake at the South East Queensland Celebration concert!
This is another way that everyone can get involved - from the kids to grandma and grandpa. Each individual, congregation, group or church who registers an interest in participating in the Cake Bake will be allocated a part of the cake which they bring to the Celebration Concert at the UQ Centre on 23 June 2002.
The giant cake will come together in a patchwork of cake styles and types and will reflect the diversity and breadth of the Uniting Church but also signify that this is a celebration.
This is an activity that everyone can be involved in, so whether you are young or old, pick up a mixing spoon and some ingredients and add your contribution to the Uniting Church's biggest cake ever!
For more information and to register your interest, contact the Synod Office on (07) 3377 9777.

Overview
The Uniting Church's actual 25th anniversary is on Saturday 22 June 2002.
To help us mark and celebrate this momentous event, a variety of events and activities have been planned around the date throughout Queensland.
These events have been designed for all people - young or old, UC members or non-members of our Church.
Below is a summary of the events coming up:
• Friday 14 June - the State Media Launch of the Silver Anniversary, held in Brisbane.
• Monday 17 June - Sunday 23 June - UC Week!
This is a chance for us to celebrate the work that the Uniting Church's various agencies do in our communities. Keep an eye out for celebrations being organised by Lifeline Community Services, Blue Care, Wesley Mission and Uniting Health Care.
• Saturday 22 June - This is the actual Anniversary date and is also Congregations Day! All UC congregations through Queensland are encouraged to organise events in their local area. The theme for the day is 'Acts of Grace'. What acts of grace could your congregation do in your community on this special day?
• Sunday 23 June - It's time for South East Queensland to celebrate with the Brisbane Heart and Soul Celebration Event, at the University of Queensland. Channel 7 will also be screening a not-to-be-missed documentary on the work of the UC at 2pm.
• Saturday 13 July - It's the Year of the Outback and where better to celebrate the UC's anniversary in the outback than in Claremont. Make sure you don't miss the Claremont Heart and Soul Celebration Event!
• Saturday 20 July - The final Heart and Soul Celebration Event will be held in Townsville!

We Need You!!
There are many ways to get involved and be a part of this exciting event.
Call the Synod Hotline on 3377 9777 to register your interest.
Come along
But don't come alone - bring your friends, your church members, your Minister and anyone else who is looking for an afternoon of fun, activity and celebration.
Join the Choir / Play Music / Drama
If you can sing and hold a tune, drop us a note!! You could be a part of the music team for the Heart and Soul Celebration.
Set-up and pack down
There will be a huge amount of infrastructure to install, construct and remove across the weekend. Willing and keen volunteers will make the load easier.
Hosts / Security
If you have a great smile, enthusiasm and a keen sense of fun, this job is for you. You will assist in hosting the event and usher people through the different options and activities.
Bake a Cake
If you are a whizz in the kitchen, let us know and we will add you to the ingredients for the Uniting Church's largest Cake.
Regional Events
If you can help out in Clermont or Townsville, we'd like to hear from you.
Anything else?
If you have anything you can offer, from in-kind support to a poem or prayer, contact us today.

Web Site Launch
The Silver Anniversary web site has now been officially launched. Log on to www.heartandsoul.ucaqld.com.au to find out all about anniversary events, the official media launch, Uniting Church week, local events, resources for local celebrations and services, photos, media releases, church history and much, much more.
Join in the celebrations on the web
If you are unable to join us on the day, log on and join us on the web. The South East Queensland celebration will be streamed across the Internet. Log onto www.heartandsoul.ucaqld.com.au at 3.00 p.m. on 23 June 2002 and join us in a time of celebration.

Important Date

23 June 2002
• Rocfish on kids Stage
• Family to perform in Main celebration
• Chapman's drama
• Hot Christian Youth Bands
• Dance & Music for all ages
UQ Centre
Easy Access

website: www.heartandsoul.ucaqld.com.au
email: heartandsoul@uccentre.ucaqld.com.au
phone: (07) 3377 9777

[updates: 10 May, 2002]

Anniversary Celebration Event a First
The Uniting Church will be one of the first major users of a newly constructed University of Queensland building, the latest addition to the St Lucia campus.
The complex, which cost an estimated $ XX million is expected to be completed just in time for silver anniversary celebrations in June 2002.
The 25th anniversary celebrations, to be held on 23 June, will bring the centre alive with organisers planning to use all available space to present an exciting program for all ages and tastes.
Celebration organisers (Rodney Taylor, Megan Thomson, Paul Simmons and Gary Adsett) recently met with the venue manager Mr Raymond Fong to discuss the celebration event.
"We were really impressed with the flexibility and versatility of the centre," Mr Taylor said.
"It has been designed both as a sports complex and convention and function centre which is ideal for our purposes."
Mr Fong said he understood the event was an important and significant one for both the Uniting Church and the UQ Centre and that he would do all possible to ensure a smooth and successful day.
"The venue is well suited for such an event with ample parking, ease of access to all areas of the centre and space for a number of activities to occur simultaneously," Mr Fong said.
Event organisers were excited about the prospects for the day and were keen to maiximise the benefits of the centre by using separate areas for different activities before bringing everyone together to fill the main auditorium with an enthusiastic congregation of people celebrating the life of the Uniting Church.
"Just imagine 3000 voices proclaiming the glory of God in what we are calling a "Heart and Soul" celebration," Mr Taylor said.
"It will be a great opportunity for everyone to be a part of this event and experience the coming together of many different people in worship and celebration of Christ's love."
Mr Taylor also said the main auditorium would be filled with chairs, including a tiered stand to ensure everyone had the opportunity to particpate in the celebration event.
"The 3 p.m. "Heart and Soul" Celebration will be the culmination of an afternoon of fellowship and fun and will showcase some of the Uniting Church's finest talents," he said.

A Day of Celebration Planned for all Ages
On Sunday 23 June 2002, the Uniting Church will commemorate its 25th Anniversary with an afternoon of celebration, music, bands and a lot of fun.
This is one day not to be missed.
The Silver Anniversary events team has been working hard to ensure there will be something for all ages and tastes at the celebration to be held at the University of Queensland form 1 p.m. on 23 June 2002, including:
• A "young at heart" kids stage featuring the very popular Roc Fish children's group
• A "rock your soul" youth stage featuring top Christian bands and multi-media presentations
• A "soulful interlude" hymn-sing featuring an opportunity for you to join in a special Choir and Ensemble to sing some of the most popular and well loved hymns and songs.
At 2 p.m. there will be a special screening in the Main Auditorium of a television documentary on the Uniting Church, currently in production by Christian Television Australia for airing on for Channel 7.
The documentary promises to be a showcase of the many and varied aspects of the mission, work and life of the Uniting Church.
Also at 2 p.m. the kids stage will transform into an impromptu stage featuring church groups interested in presenting a short performance, such as a dance, choir performance or drama.
A kids carnival zone will also appear on the oval at 2 p.m. outside the UQ Centre. It will include fun rides and activities for kids of all ages.
The combined celebration will take place from 3 p.m. in the main auditorium and will feature many of the Uniting Church's gifted performers. The celebration producers, Megan Thomson and Rodney Taylor would not reveal too many secrets but indicated they were preparing a quality program presenting the faces of the past, present and future.
"The program will provide an opportunity for us to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and grasp the opportunity and challenges of the future," Mrs Thompson said.
"It is a time to celebrate the Uniting Church as a History Maker.
Mrs Thompson said the celebration would include music, dance, audio-visuals, drama, reflection time and worship.
"We also plan to share in holy communion together as the body of the Church," Mrs Thompson said.
"We have been deliberate in planning a celebration that is multi-generational, multi-media, multi-dimensional, and multi-everything. But at the same time, maintaining our focus on the gifts and grace of Christ and all He has done and all He offers to us and the Church."

Web Celebrations
If you are unable to join us on the day, log in and join us on the web. The main celebration will be streamed across the Internet.
Details on how to access this will be included in the June edition of Journey.
Don't forget in the lead up to the event you can find out all the latest anniversary news on www.heartandsoul.ucaqld.com.au

Anniversary Celebrations Hit The Road
The 25th Anniversary will also be celebrated in style in Central and North Queensland. The regional celebrations will both coincide with the Presbytery in these regions and be held in:
• Clermont, Clermont Shire Hall, July 13
• Townsville, Mt Louisa Uniting Church, July 20
Silver Anniversary coordinator Gary Adsett said he was excited about taking the celebration on the road.
"This is an excellent opportunity to link with our friends and families in the regional centres and come together to celebrate this significant milestone in the Church's history," he said.
"The celebration in Clermont will reflect 2002 as the Year of the Outback and provide an opportunity for us to recognise the gifts of this country and rural Australia in conjunction.
"We know many people will be travelling at this time of year and we encourage them to include July 13 in Clermont or July 20 in Townsville on their itinerary."
Mr Adsett said the event in Townsville would also celebrate the anniversary with a civic gathering representing the extensive work of the Uniting Church within Townsville and the greater North Queensland presbytery.
Event organisers are currently looking for people to be involved at the local level to ensure a successful event. If you are interested, register your interest by email or phone.

Making History by Making a Cake
This is one anniversary activity that everyone can participate in - the "Cake Bake 2002".
As part of anniversary celebrations, a giant cake will be designed in a bid to break the Guiness Book of Records largest cake of 58.08 tonnes. Well, maybe the second biggest cake ever!
Individuals and groups will nominate and be allocated a portion of the cake with specific dimensions and colours. The giant cake jigsaw will come together at the celebrations on 23 June 2002 and be on display.
This is an activity that anyone and everyone can do to illustrate uniting spirit of the Uniting Church and the things that we can achieve.
Let's show that no-one can bake a cake better than us! We hope you will participate in CakeBake 2002.

for further information email: heartandsoul@uccentre.ucaqld.com.au