ABOUT ALBERT STREET
Albert Street Uniting Church sits in the heart of Brisbane CBD at the corner of Albert Street and Ann Street, directly across the road from King George Square and Brisbane City Hall. Since its first acts of compassion and kindness in 1847, the Albert Street Congregation has had a vital presence in the Brisbane CBD, particularly among those who have often found themselves in need or on the margins of society. For over 170 years, we have been committed to being ‘good news’ people, advocating for hope and healing and justice for all people. The gospel message of Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God, remains at the heart of all we do. Our continual prayer is that we are becoming more like Jesus as we participate with the work of the Holy Spirit at work in and around us.
We are the spiritual home of Wesley Mission Queensland which was established in 1907 through this worshipping community when it was known as the Central Methodist Mission. Today, Wesley Mission Queensland provide services throughout Queensland to people from a wide spectrum across the community including: the elderly (retirement living, residential aged care), youth and families at risk of homelessness, those living with a disability and people struggling with disadvantage who have nowhere else to turn.
We are a member of the Uniting Church in Australia. In 1977, Albert Street joined with other Methodist churches, the Congregational Union in Australia, and Presbyterian churches to form the Uniting Church in Australia.
OUR VISION
An inclusive church at the heart of the city and online: a sanctuary to heal and transform by faith and embodying the compassionate spirit of Christ, preaching from the scriptures.
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Expanding our social connections, engaging our local communities, to support the everyday person in times of trial or loneliness or in need of social justice and to connect with Jesus (Connect)
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Expanding outreach and leveraging existing mission to enable people to become disciples (Commit)
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Growing faith through shared missional activities and through investing in relationships that support long-term growth of the faith of our Congregation. (Build)
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Deepening discipleship and leadership skills with intentional faith practices to equip members of the Congregation to fish for followers (Train)
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Sharing our story, our future —celebrating our heritage, building missional activities across all generations and cultures to live out the gospel, actively discipling with good governance for Albert Street’s future. (Send - to multiply, and not hide under a bushel)
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Our secondary vision:
Maintaining this heritage listed Church building built by our forefathers to attract and welcome new people to participate in worship.
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The corresponding theme: Stewardship of the church for future Congregations: financial and property sustainability, meeting regulatory requirements, to welcome and allow people to participate in worship at this site.
OUR MISSION
Founded in the gospel message of Jesus Christ, we are committed to living out our faith through worship, witness and service. As disciples we are called to work within and around us to provide hope and achieve reconciliation, equality, and justice for all through our practices of:
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Care and compassion: we care about all who visit and attend, and offer sincere compassion
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Proactive hospitality: we welcome all who visit and attend.
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Inclusive mission: we aim to make a positive difference in the lives of others
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Faith-forming discipling: we form and sustain disciples to grow new disciples, promoting growth in faith and grace
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Meaningful worship: worship is an important time spent with others
OUR BEHAVIOURS
We are committed to living out our 5 Congregational Behaviours of Worship, Witness and Service. These are:
Radical Hospitality: We serve our local community and beyond with passion.
Passionate Worship: With our organ and musical interest we bring worship into everyday part of our lives, culture and events.
Faith Forming Discipleship: As an inter-generational church group we welcome diversity and cater for all while seeking to make connections to grow in faith together.
Care and Compassion: We care for you and what is happening in your life. We care deeply for the greater community, especially the lost, lonely and disconnected with many of our events targeted directly for this community.
Risk Taking Mission: Actively seeking to make a difference where it most matters.
A chance to place our other 4 behaviours above into action among our community and beyond.
MEET OUR MINISTER
REV. BRIAN HOOLE
Brian is married to Claire and they have 3 adult children and 3 grand-children. Brian was ordained in December 1994 and has ministered in Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland. He is passionate about the church being open and inclusive with a strong engagement with its community and with a culture that grows disciples of Jesus. In his spare time Brian does Pilates, swims and scuba dives.