Churches of Christ Archives

Kenmore Church Hosts Free Movie Event Celebrating Faith and Family for Local Seniors

Kenmore seniors and their families are invited to a special free screening of the Australian film “Unsung Hero” at Kenmore Church. The film highlights the inspiring journey of an Australian family who overcame incredible odds to achieve their dreams in the music industry.

The movie will be shown on Tuesday, 22 October, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Kenmore Church, located at 41 Brookfield Road. Attendees will enjoy free popcorn and have the chance to connect with other seniors and community members.

Organised by Churches of Christ, one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit organisations, this event is part of the Queensland Seniors Month celebrations. It recognises seniors’ contributions while fostering community connections and social interaction.

“Unsung Hero” tells the remarkable true story of David and Helen Smallbone, a family who migrated from Australia to the United States after David’s music promotion business collapsed. With nothing more than their faith, seven children, and a deep love of music, the Smallbones rebuilt their lives in Nashville.

Helen’s unwavering faith inspired the entire family to push through hardships, and eventually, their children became two of the biggest names in Christian music—Grammy Award-winning artists for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James.

Although the film is faith-based, its focus on family, resilience, and the challenges of starting over in a new country appeals to a broad audience. Its story resonates with the universal themes of hope, love, and perseverance, making it perfect for the seniors and caregivers attending this event.

Kenmore Church, where the screening will take place, is a growing, modern church launched in 2019 with a mission to bring a fresh expression of Christianity through multiplying discipleship and spiritual renewal. The church is committed to building connections across generations and contributing to the community’s well-being.

To reserve a spot for the screening, seniors and their carers can call Churches of Christ at (07) 3363 1881 or email events@cofcqld.com.au.

350 Jobs in Jeopardy as Kenmore-Based Churches of Christ Withdraws From Government Contracts

Around 350 people working for Kenmore-based Churches of Christ could lose their jobs in the wake of its decision to cancel its government contracts to provide care to children who have not been placed with foster carers.

Despite its longstanding relationship with the Queensland Government, Churches of Christ announced its withdrawal from its contracts during a video-conference held on Tuesday, 27 June 2023. Concerns about funding prompted the decision, raising alarm among advocates who fear that other organisations may follow suit.

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Despite cancelling its government contract for care services, Churches of Christ will continue to provide foster and kinship care services. In the coming months, all staff members will remain employed as Churches of Christ assists the government in transitioning the care to another provider that is yet to be determined.

Although the exact number of individuals at risk of losing their jobs is uncertain, the spokeswoman for one of Queensland’s largest child protection services gave assurances that no redundancies have been made thus far.

However, she regretfully disclosed that the organisation had notified both their staff and the State Government of their intent to transition out of youth residential, supported independent living services, and family support services. She explained that this difficult decision was commercially necessary.

Tom Allsop, Executive Director of child safety advocate group PeakCare, warned that the financial viability concerns in the child and family sector could lead to the departure of numerous organisations if immediate action is not taken.

He said that the insufficient funding for these sectors, unable to keep pace with rising service costs, poses a threat to the continuation of services.

Allsop stressed that if the funding crisis is not adequately addressed, it could result in the collapse of the non-government child and family care sector in Queensland, jeopardising the well-being of vulnerable children and causing significant job losses.

Published 30-June-2023