Uniting Church in Australia
Presbytery of North Queensland
PRESBYTERY PROMPTS
29 Wentworth Ave Mundingburra 4812 Ph: 07 4779 5818 presbnq@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.presbyterynq.net
SIXTEENTH EDITION WEDNESDAY MAY 2nd 2007
On the Grapevine…
Greetings everyone,
This last week I have been involved in quite a number of very different civic events. These have included the farewell function for the Townsville Deputy Mayor, Anzac Day Services and a function to honour the last trip to Townsville of the Navy Patrol Boat HMAS Townsville. In conversations at these functions and the conversation I had on the plane to Brisbane on Tuesday with a business manager for a utility company, I was able to inform those I spoke to of the breadth of work and service that the Uniting Church was engaged in. They were very surprised. I was struck again by the fact that we do not ‘market’ ourselves very well nor are we very effective at getting the story out of what the Lord is doing through the Uniting Church to make a difference in the community.
I remind you of the information shared with us by Bruce Mullan at the Presbytery Meeting in Cairns about effective ways of sharing the good news stories of our local congregation and/or agency in the local media.
I reprint that here.
The following is the basic information on “Working with your Local Media”.
1. Two types of Stories will feature in your local media ACTIVE and REACTIVE.
2. ACTIVE stories put the church on the front foot. These are positive stories of your people and their impact in the local community. They could include history and heritage (anniversaries, stories of pioneers in the church in the area, …) Achievements, Milestones, Positive influential leadership of people in the church and community. These should usually be accompanied with a photo or a photo opportunity. Bruce Mullan and the Journey staff are very happy to help “tidy up” the article so that it is more likely to be accepted as you put it in.
3. REACTIVE stories.-
4. Finally Bruce challenged us with these 2 questions: Why should the media
want
to engage with you? and What is the best story you could offer to your local
paper this year?
Maybe there are some ways you can see to follow this up in your community.
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
• Garry and Theresa Hardingham and family with continued concerns for Tamara
• Innisfail and Tully residents as they continue to work through the effects of the cyclone, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
• Carole and Colin are now back home in Mission Beach. Their friend Selwyn has been able to get up for a short walk following his operation. Continue to pray for them.
• Ian Wilson, former minister at Aitkenvale, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Please pray for him and Merlene. They are back in Mackay
• Follow through of the decisions of the Zone meetings in Mareeba and Ayr and the family ministries seminar in Ayr.
McKay Patrol
Some of us in the Presbytery have been working very hard in recent days to try to
get the McKay Patrol on a solid financial foundation to relieve Garry of the added
burden of raising funds for the Patrol. Donations are well down so far this year.
The McKay Patrol is a Queensland Synod Patrol which receives some support from Frontier
Services and the Synod budget but with the extra expenses recently associated with
the unexpected repairs to the airframe cracks and airbox replacement we are already
behind the 8 ball to the tune of more than $8,000.
Ian Jessup, Garry and I are trying
to put together some sponsorship applications as well as do an application for tax
deductibility for the Patrol. If there are folk in the Presbytery with expertise
in these areas who can give us a hand we will be very grateful.
It almost goes without saying but all donations are very gratefully received. Please send them direct to Garry at PO Box 95 Cloncurry Q.4824.
Synod Report
Garry is doing a good job of this report. If there are still folk to send stuff to
him please do that ASAP. Below is his request:-
“Garry wants at least 2 photographs from every congregation. Not just the parish,
but from individual church buildings or gatherings. Even a bible study group with
a small thing about how they relate to the theme of this Synod (Dare to Dream, Discover,
Design and Deliver) also, if some would like to record a small audio grab as well
(15-
The Mossman consultation was held over the weekend. It was an important time of sharing with the congregation and hearing the exciting ministry occurring in Mossman, Port Douglas and Mt Molloy. The consultation team of Doug Foster, Krishna Buhler and Bruce Cornish were very encouraged. Please pray for us as we formulate a report and for the congregation and Graham and Cheryl Bizzell as they continue in ministry there.
The Tully and District congregations will be welcoming back Carole and Colin this week. Carole will be continuing as minister until the end of this month. Please continue to pray for them and the congregations as they discern and move towards the future.
Michelle Cook is back from maternity leave. She is currently on her first patrol since Zane was born. With her husband James as support in the car, they have ventured out on the only recently opened roads. Please pray for them.
The Northern Zone ladies met in Innisfail on the Monday of this week. Due to my travel from Mossman I was able to share with them for some of their gathering. They shared a lot about putting on different hats and the effects of these. It was a great time.
Blessings to you all,
Bruce C.
Steve’s Stuff…
Christopher Bantick, a social commentator has written an article titled ‘More than
a Jingle’. This article explores the marketing ideas and strategies behind Vegemites
new television advertisement blending the old and new. The article makes reference
to a book ‘Brandchild’ by Martin Lindstrom. After doing a ‘Google’ search I discovered
the following statistics which are presented in this amazing book. The findings
relate to an age-
• 67% of all products and brands purchased by parents are heavily influenced by their kids. This even includes luxury car purchase or purchase of mobile phones.
• Close to 50% of all kids are heavily concerned about the consequences of September 11 and this, for the first time ever, will change the way marketers has to market to kids in the future
• 35% of all kids represents several different identities which all are dramatically different. The result of this will be that marketers in the future will have to change the way they communicate to kids simply because they represent several identities.
• 59% of all kids are extremely concerned about privacy -
• 50% of all tweens across the globe are daily online and 25% of these are in daily contact with other peers in other countries.
• 50% of all tweens would prefer to throw out their television instead of the computer with Internet access. BRANDchild talks about the new wireless branding and what kids love and hate with this new trend.
• 53% of all kids worldwide are stressed and are looking towards brands, which can
help them enjoy their lives better. BRANDchild explores how brand are at the brink
of changing style -
• 84% of all kids would never consider purchasing brands, which are not officially supporting the environment. BRANDchild tells you about a new environmental wave just about to begin.
• 34% of all kids worldwide are about to develop a new global language via SMS and chat rooms. BRANDchild explores the new language called TweenSpeak.
• 91% states that being safe is essential for them. BRANDchild talks about how safe values; due to September 11 is more hip than ever.
• 56% of all kids worldwide are looking for a religion, which can make them happy. BRANDchild explores how religious issues are going to become part of future brand building techniques.
Some of my initial reflections include:
• Parents will often attend a church service if their child is happy, even though it may not be their first preference.
• Tweens are seeking a sense of security.
• We need to grapple with how we communicate with kids online.
• Children are stressed. This was pointed out in a book authored in the 60’s titled, ‘The Hurried Child’. How do we do ministry with children that doesn’t add another event that they have to be rushed to? How do we help children experience the peace of God?
• Commitment to the environment.
• We need to understand their new language.
• 56% of tweens are looking for a religion that will make them happy. What a fantastic opportunity to present the ‘Good News’ but at the same time not selling Christianity as an item that will bring you happiness 100% all the time.
I intend to purchase the book to help me understand the thoughts, feelings and language of tweens. Let’s continue to reflect on the implications for ministry to God’s precious children.
Yours in Christ’s service, Steve.
What’s New…
PRESENTATION SERVICE FOR PASTOR VIV CHAPMAN
Viv Chapman, Pastor at Charters Towers Uniting Church, 8 Church Street, will be presented with his Lay Pastor’s Certificate at a service on Sunday, 6 May 2007 starting at 9am. All welcome.
STILL LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION FOR SYNOD??
Peter Harvey, Patrol Minister at Hughenden, has managed to locate a 2 bedroom beachfront
apartment a few blocks from Alex Park at a reasonable price, and was thinking that
there may be someone still looking for a place to stay – the apartment is available
from 17-
REFUGEE AND MIGRANT SUNDAY
This year 26th August. Topic: The Responsibility to Protect. Please tell us NOW (by May 2) how many RMS kits (incl. poster) you would like, and how many extra unfolded posters.
Estimates are needed early for production. Email us on qctadmin@tpg.com.au or phone 07 3369 6792. For more information see http://www.ncca.org.au/cws/rdp/refugee_and_migrant_sunday .
SYNOD INFORMATION ONLINE
Please note that all the information sent to Members of the 26th Synod is also available online on the Synod Website at http://www.ucaqld.com.au/26synod.php. Available as PDF files are the reports and recommendations, maps, information letters, etc.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
YOU’RE INVITED …
Please accept our invitation to the 2007 SU Celebration of School Chaplaincy and Children’s Ministry
Come and share in prayer and worship and hear of the impact the new National School
Chaplaincy Funding Program will have in the North Queensland Region. You will also
learn of the work of chaplains in schools and the great times had on SU’s holiday
adventure based camps. We are fortunate to be entertained by stand-
We will also be launching our NEW LOOK – one that will help us to be identified with the young people. It’s very modern and funky and we can’t wait to ‘expose’ this new look to everyone.
Date: Saturday 19 May 2007
Time: 7:00pm
Venue: Calvary AOG, Bayswater Road, Mt Louisa
Please come along. We would love to tell you about the great things happening in SU’s ministry with the young people.
Barbara Hemerik, Administration & Promotions SU North Queensland
phone 07 4779 6620 fax 07 4725 4262 29 Casey Street (PO Box 804) Aitkenvale Q 4814
nq@suqueensland.org.au www.suqueensland.org.au
CAN YOU PLEASE HELP?
Just wondering if you could please take the time to complete a survey. This is my personal research project is investigating the Nuclear Fuel Cycle and the Uniting Church in Australia and should take about two minutes to complete. The online survey is available at http://hc.ucaqld.com.au/nfc/. Research participants will be Queensland employees and members of the Uniting Church in Australia and this research will investigate the extent to which people are aware of the Uniting Church in Australia’s policies the nuclear fuel cycle. The primary goal is to collect information that might help the church improve its ongoing communication efforts. There are no undue risks for people participating in this study. All information collected is confidential. Should you have any questions or require more information concerning your participation in the project please contact Bruce Mullan HERE. Please note that this study adheres to the Guidelines of the ethical review process of The University of Queensland. You are free to discuss your participation in this study with the researchers at the address above or if you would like to speak to an officer of the University not involved in the study, you may contact the Ethics Officer on ph: (07) 3365 3924.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
BUILDING SURVEY FOR ALL PROPERTIES AND DWELLINGS OWNED BY THE PROPERTY TRUST
The Queensland Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia periodically undertakes a building survey of all properties and dwellings owned by the Property Trust. The purpose of the survey is to determine the current replacement value for each building / property improvement and to assess each property for physical hazards and risks. The next survey is due to commence on 1 June 2007. The survey is being conducted by Australian Pacific Valuers and is expected to be completed within two years from the commencement date. The review is being administered by the Department for Financial and Property Services and the Project Officer is Mr Peter Brighton. His contact details are:
Mr Peter Brighton
Project Officer
Mission Support Enterprises
Department for Financial and Property Services
GPO Box 674
BRISBANE Q 4001
Ph: (07) 3377 9737
Fx: 07 3377 9716
Email: HERE
At least three (3) months prior to a survey of any property beneficially used by
your Congregation / Service / Activity, Peter will establish contact to obtain the
details of the appropriate contact person of each property. This can be pre-
Mark Lee, Mission Support Enterprises
FEDERAL ELECTIONS – ONLINE OPINION POLL
Online Opinion http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/ is conducting a number of surveys
leading up to the election. They are inviting people to tell them what they think
about the leaders and the issues at http://www.whatthepeoplewant.net/. This poll
is asking how religious affiliation -
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
LATEST NEWS AT WWW.JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU
The delusions of Richard Dawkins Unfortunately, Dawkins has blundered into a field
he knows very little about. He misunderstands the logic of the arguments and how
they function in a religious context. His own naïve and plodding counter-
Youthworker wins over Temptation “I’M NOT that smart I’m just quick,” Youth Worker Andrew Fox told Journey after his winning cleanup of television’s Temptation game show. HERE.
Fast news: Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opens The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was thrown open in the Netherlands on Saturday drawing a crowd of curious pilgrims and townsfolk to behold the wonder. HERE.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
KIMBERLEY HORIZONS
Kimberley Horizons describes why and how the first four years of ministry of a Methodist
Minister – following his ordination in 1966 – became the foundational experience
on which Rev. Trevor A. Foote’s subsequent wholistic and successful ministry was
built. In achieving this purpose, the book gives a detailed insight into the unique
character of the little town of Broome in particular, and the ethos of the Kimberley
region. It outlines the effective contribution of Trevor and his wife to the development
of various aspects of Kimberley community and Church life. Sourced from the author’s
personal journal and records, the book provides an accurate historical record of
the Broome Uniting Church and the West Kimberley Patrol of the Federal Methodist
Inland Mission during the years 1967 to 1970. Kimberley Horizons will be interesting
reading for a wide range of people in the general populace, but especially those
who also enjoy the fabulous scenery, the special people, and the fantastic experience
of living in – or traveling through – Broome and the Kimberley. Published by Ark
House Press at $19.95 this book is available through Word, Koorong and the independent
Christian bookshops throughout Australia and New Zealand. Broome Uniting Church
will receive all the profits from those sales ($7 a copy). However, to help Trevor
recoup his co-
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
CODE OF ETHICS FOR LAY PREACHERS
The Assembly has released “A Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice for Lay Preachers in The Uniting Church in Australia.” It is imperative that all persons exercising ministry within the life of the Church take seriously their role as a leader of worship and appropriate behaviour within the pastoral realm. This includes the development of relationships with others involved in ministry. It is also imperative that all Lay Preachers who have contact with children avail themselves of a Positive Notice Blue Card which is available through their congregation.
Copies of this Code are available from the Synod Office.
Jenny Tymms, General Secretary
Please don’t forget these…
PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY AND RECONCILIATION
Greetings from QCT
Prayer for Christian Unity and Reconciliation, 20th May -
"He even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak" (Mark 7:37)
Order posters ($5 each) and Prayer Cards ($7 for 20) NOW from Queensland Churches Together. Phone : 07 3369 6792 or email: qctadmin@tpg.com.au
Download the Order of Service and Daily Scripture and Prayer Guide from : www.ncca.org.au/departments/faith_and_unity/weekofprayer
Jela Virzi, , Administration Officer, Queensland Churches Together
Ph: 07 3369 6792 Fax: 07 3369 8573 Email: qctadmin@tpg.com.au
CHANGE OF PHONE NUMBERS
Please note the following changes to the Presbytery Directory :
Dennis Corowa – Presbytery of Calvary (page 9) -
No mobile number.
Craig Mischewski – mobile number – 0409 777 840
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s and Steve’s Diary)
May – 3rd – Bruce to Placements etc meetings Brisbane
6th – Service of Recognition as Lay Pastor for Viv Chapman – Charters Towers
11th – 15th Bruce to Frontier Services Board meeting
17th – Convocation of Ministries Alex Park , Alexandra Headlands, Sunshine Coast.
18th – 22nd – Queensland Synod Meeting – Alex Park Youth and Conference Centre
24th – Bruce returns from Brisbane
26th – National Day of Thanksgiving
28th – Mission Resourcing Committee meeting – presbytery office from 5pm
30th to June – 3rd -
4th – 7th – Minister and Spouses Retreat – Sister’s of Mercy Centre, Cairns
14th – 15th – Bruce to Brisbane for meetings
18th – Mission Resourcing Committee meeting – presbytery office
29th June – 2nd July – speaking at a mens’ camp – Burdekin
9th – Mission Resourcing Committee meeting – presbytery office
11th – Placements -
18th – Presbytery Leadership Team meeting – face to face Presbytery office
29th – 1st August – Meeting – Tully
August 11th – Northern Zone meeting – venue TBA
13th – Mission Resourcing Committee meeting – presbytery office
15th – 20th – Bruce to Brisbane for meetings
Steve K’s Calendar
May Children and Youth National Coalition meeting in Sydney
18th – 22nd – Synod
August 25th – 26th – Youth Ministry Conference -
September 15-
October – 20th – 21st – Kids Camp Out Northern Zone