Queensland Congregational Fellowship

29/03/2026

EASTER MAKES CHRISTIANS INTO OPTIMISTS
It’s an impossible story that Jesus, tortured and mutilated through crucifixion, so obviously dead as he possibly could be, should rise from the tomb. It was met with disbelief by many people who were not persuaded by the stories they heard. It took his appearance among his disciples to convince them. Famously Thomas who missed his appearance among the other disciples even when faced with the testimony of all his companions said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
With the crucifixion the disciples were as crushed as they had been excited in the previous years while sharing Jesus’ ministry. Everything had suddenly tumbled down and now they lived in fear, uncertainty, sorrow and misery. The understanding that Jesus was actually alive burst on them like a blinding light. His death was not the end. To the contrary, the world was opening up before them.
Like the disciples, we too can go through many varieties of dark times - personal crisis, relationship breakdown or community catastrophe to name just three. It would be fair say that times look pretty dark right now.
When darkness surrounds us, it is easy to give way to despair and to believe that there is absolutely no way out because we cannot see one. We make the mistake of believing that what we cannot see, cannot be. We make the even bigger mistake of thinking that the way forward lies in our own hands and not through the intervention of God.
Here’s the thing to remember: When Jesus broke the ultimate barrier of his own death he demonstrated that all things were possible, as impossible as they might seem. Whatever challenges that may confront us. they are not as insurmountable as the one Jesus faced. It won’t be easy. In fact it could be very difficult. We will not immediately see where the path is that will lead us outwards. What we do have is hope - hope that there is a way forward because we have an assurance that God will not abandon us to face what we cannot endure. We know that just as Jesus could rise from the dark place of his death we will rise from the dark places of our own despair.
Easter gives Christians faith. Easter gives Christians hope. Easter makes Christians into optimists.

Dr Joe Goodall
Moderator
Congregational Federation of Australia and New Zealand

25/12/2025

Pilgrim's Christmas day service, led by Dr Joe Goodall. A poignant focus on the town of Bethlehem (the place and the song) made for a service all about the power of love

20/12/2025

Congratulations to Neway Congregational Church and Pilgrim Congregational Church for the fun and spiritual Christmas Carols service last Sunday night.

https://www.facebook.com/NewayCongregationalChurchBrisbane

07/12/2025

Join the folks at Bardon next Sunday night for Christmas Carols!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2033601694158270/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

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24/09/2022

Today our church supported Ian, Anthony and Christopher at Trudy's funeral. The church was full of people who came to celebrate the life of Trudy Joyce Leivesley. As a wife, mother, counsellor and friend Trudy endeavoured to do good throughout her life. We thank the Lord for the life of Trudy in our lives.

27/04/2022

This reporter is reporting from the formerly Russian occupied area of Hostomel outside Kyiv!
“I’m with Zach & Vasily and we are delivering World Central Kitchen food kits and hot meals at a local school…But soon we will get the kitchen here up and running so it can cook for the community! Take a look and follow what this chef (José Andrés) is doing to support the people of Ukaraine. "

Keep up your prayers for the support and care of the people of Ukraine.

21/04/2022

Street art in Paris by Frenchman Julien Malland, commonly known as Seth Globepainter .

So sweet!

19/04/2022

Sunshine Coast vet Lachlan Campbell has been helping animals in abandoned homes and refugee centres across Ukraine. Air raids, checkpoints and soldiers armed with machine guns have become a regular part of his day.
Animal welfare organization Four Paws International, which has been leading emergency and rescue missions in places like Syria, Gaza and Iraq since 1988, has also been active in Ukraine. Its team of veterinarians, rescue workers and crisis managers has been in contact with local counterparts, where they are helping send resources to shelters which are nearly inaccessible due to the fighting.
Outside of Ukraine, the organization said it has been working with local groups in places like Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova to provide refugees with free services like vaccinations, microchipping, veterinary care, food and other necessary supplies for their pets.
Most of the animals that have fled the war zone are pets — cats, dogs, rabbits and the occasional reptile. But animal charities from Poland have also been caring for displaced farm animals, such as sheep.

16/04/2022

The first and very significant impact of this war is the loss of innocent lives, loss of mental peace and harmony. Along with this, a strong market fall down will shake the economy of both nations. And the signs of it are already visible the civilians of both the nations are facing the hard phase. Please continue to keep these people in your prayers.

13/04/2022

This painting titled “The Ukrainian Family” was painted during WWII by Marc Chagall. It could have been painted today. Please include the Ukrainian people in your prayers.

12/04/2022

Facebook Post
The Dutch have developed a new tulip named in honour of Ukraine and featuring the yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag. Named the “Tulip Ukraine” (Tulipa Ukraine”).
These are gorgeous and need to be planted everywhere possible.
I think these look truly beautiful.