The Queensland Government recently passed legislation to add 15 more crimes to the list of disqualifying offences when applying for a Blue Card.

This year’s Synod was my first ever Synod. I wasn’t a delegate this time round as I was representing LYQ. As someone who has only been in the state several months, it was a great way to see what is happening in the district and meet lots of people.

Luther was strong on the gospel. When he discovered that God was for him, no matter what, that what Jesus had done on the cross was enough – and that he was made right with God through what Jesus did, it turned his life around.

At the District Synod in Ipswich this year, the delegates learned about the connection between my Dad and the way in which I sometimes casually say the words, “Praise the Lord”.

“I’ve learnt that there are many areas of the LCAQD that are doing really great work in spreading the love of God. This has been very encouraging to hear.”

“We are all Christians but it’s like a reflection in a mirror. Depending on the angle you are looking at the mirror from, you will see something slightly different.”

Young people face three key questions. Who am I? Where do I fit? What difference do I make? Healthy churches respond to these questions through journeying with, listening to, and making time for.

‘Synod’ is a not a common word in our culture, but as a word to describe our life as God’s people in the mission of God we call ‘the Church’, the word ‘synod’ has deep meaning and profound opportunity.

We are familiar with our Lord Jesus saying, “I am the Good Shepherd” and this is a well-loved and well-known image for God. But why is the ‘portico of Solomon’ mentioned in this passage?

‘God did something wonderful among us at the Muster, and we pray that this movement in the Spirit and truth of his Word will spread, helping to fill the void replaced by the shrinking footprint and decreasing resourcing of the organised church.’