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
THIRTY -
On the Grapevine…
Hi everyone,
This week I will be travelling to Adelaide as a member of the Frontier Services Board to attend the Frontier Services Annual Conference which will include the Board meeting. At that conference all Frontier Services staff from across Australia, including Patrol Ministers, will be in attendance.
In North Queensland we have many Frontier Services staff working as part of the ministry of the Uniting Church in the north. In addition to the Patrol Ministry in Weipa (Michelle Cook) and Hughenden (Peter Harvey) there are Student Group home parents in Atherton, RAFS teams in Mareeba and Mt Isa, Children’s Services and Counselling teams in Hughenden, and North West Isolated Care in Mt Isa. This is in addition to our own Qld Synod Patrol Minister, Garry Hardingham in the McKay Patrol who receives some support from Frontier Services. I know that congregations in the towns where they are based are conscious of their presence and support the ministry they provide in the name of the Uniting Church.
Please keep Frontier Services, which is an Agency of our National Assembly, in your prayers this week as they gather for training and support in Adelaide. Most of these people work in physical isolation from their colleagues and mostly in remote parts of Australia. Such gatherings as these are vital for networking and for encouragement. The longer I am on the board the more I recognize the tremendous dedication and commitment of the Frontier Services staff to the people in remote Australia.
Frontier Services continues the important ministry to remote Australia begun by Rev John Flynn and continued by Rev Fred McKay and others. It was known then as the AIM (Australian Inland Mission).
The current Vision Statement and Purpose Statement of Frontier Services which were developed in consultation with all staff are:
Vision Statement –
In the Remote areas of Australia –
Reconciliation will become a reality,
Hope will replace anxiety and despair,
Justice and equity will build community,
Everyone will have access to the services they need
As we journey together
The Purpose of Frontier Services is – To offer service and ministry in the name of Christ to the people of remote Australia through compassionate care, justice and nurture of the spirit.
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
· Pray for the Frontier Services Annual conference in Adelaide this week.
· Pray for safety on the roads and in the homes and properties during the school holidays.
· Pray for the right personnel to be available for the ministry vacancies in the north.
· Chaplaincy in our schools, hospitals, prisons, aged care facilities and in industry and sport as well.
· Pray for our Synod FAPS department as they adjust to necessary changes following the retirement of some key people, the moving on of others and the reallocation of roles.
John Flynn College: This is a Uniting Church and Lutheran Church residential college at James Cook University that is under the management of the College Council. Under the constitution, this Council consists of –
“Eight (8) members appointed by the Uniting Church, of whom no fewer than two (2) shall be ministers and no fewer than two (2) shall be women, …”
Currently these 8 people are : Malcolm Bottrill (retiring May 2008), Bruce Cornish, Jean McCubben (retiring Nov 2007), Annette Ireland (Kirwan), Ray Valdeter (not currently active), Geoff Whebell, Peter Phillips (Atikenvale), Fred Annersley (Aitkenvale).
There is an urgent need for a Uniting Church lay woman to be available to come onto
the board from November, a Uniting Church minister to be available from May 2008,
and also for another Uniting Church lay person to be available early in 2008.
If
you see that this may be a ministry opportunity for you as you join with us to provide
a Christian, wholesome environment on the JCU campus I would invite your expressions
of interest to be nominated as members of the College Council.
As the college web site states:
“The John Flynn College is affiliated with the Uniting and Lutheran Churches and has its foundations firmly based on Christian values. Our mission to promote enduring knowledge and a strong sense of community has made The John Flynn College the Residential College of First Choice amongst students.”
Gary Doyle and his team have, and are, doing a wonderful job in their provision of this Residential College of First Choice. Please pray about whether God is calling you to be a part of this ministry in Townsville.
Message from Bruce Mullan re Christmas postcard campaign:
We are on a tight timeline to make the 2007 Christmas postcard campaign happen for congregations.
“There’s more than one man behind Christmas” is the theme of the 2007 Christmas promotion
campaign The Communication Services Unit is again partnering with congregations
to produce high-
These will be available as web downloads which congregations can personalise and be used in PowerPoint Presentations, local newsletters, other letters and mailings. A special section on the home page of the Synod website (www.ucaqld.com.au) will list Christmas service times around the state and provide information about church locations and additional materials provided will include copies of the publicity materials artwork for local congregational use.
The prices remain the same as in 2006 with a Starter Pack: 3000 postcards and 30 A3 full colour posters – $165 (Includes packing and postage to your congregation). Additional postcards are available at $130 for 3000 (minimum lot) and posters at $10 for a packs of 10.
Postcards will have the full colour “There’s more than one man behind Christmas” theme and illustration on one side. The other side will display the invitation “Revisit the Jesus story with us this Christmas”, plus the congregation’s individual contact information, Christmas service times and events in black and white.
A3 Posters in full colour gloss will have the same theme and matching artwork and will have blank space for you to include your local service times. These are designed for placement in shopping centres and community notice boards. Postcards can be distributed by contract letterbox delivery services, by Australia Post or can be hand delivered by congregation members.
To register for the campaign go the Synod Website or call the Communication Services unit through the synod number 1300 822 753. Please note that the deadline is Wednesday, 18 October 2007. LATE APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED as we need to make print deadlines.
Postcards and posters will be delivered in the third week of November. Enquiries to 07 3377 9910 or journey@ucaqld.com.au. Bruce Mullan
Synod 1300 number:
It has come to my attention that not everyone in the north is aware that the Queensland Synod has a 1300 number for the convenience of those of us from outside of the Brisbane metropolitan area. This number is 1300 UCAQLD (1300 822 753). Using that number means that any call to Synod will be the cost of a local call. Please make use of that number as it is provided for our benefit.
Changes in FAPS
There have been some recent changes in the Synod FAPS department with 2 people moving on to other positions. Mark Lee who was the comparatively recently appointed Property Services Manager was offered and accepted a position in another organisation that he applied for some time ago. Charlotte Tyrrell the Workplace Health & Safety Resource Advisor has also decided to pursue career opportunities outside of the Church.
Social Justice Sunday was officially last Sunday with the theme of “In Whose Interest? – Australia as a global citizen”. If you did not have a chance to use the excellent resources last Sunday you are invited to use them on another Sunday that would better suit the schedule in your congregation.
The Marriage Manifesto – strength and support for Australian Marriages (repeated from Last week)–
The 'Marriage Manifesto' was launched on Tuesday 18th September 2007 at the 'National
Strategic Summit on Marriage, Family and Fatherhood' in Parliament House Canberra.
The conference was sponsored on a bi-
The 'Marriage Manifesto' presents an analysis of the current perspective and attitudes to marriage in Australia and promotes the benefits of marriage.
I have an electronic copy of this available if you would like to view it. I have looked at it briefly and it certainly warrants a detailed read.
It is a fairly large document (333KB) so be prepared for a slightly longer download time, especially if you have dial up.
Please contact Jane or me and we can send you a copy of the Marriage Manifesto.
Thursday Island Manse (repeated from last week) – As mentioned last week we have a quote to repair the manse on Thursday Island including the downstairs flat. The quote is from Dave Kennedy Homes, in Cairns for $67,600 of which we have in hand $34,000. The quote includes the basic building work as well as getting the materials to the site etc. It will be our responsibility as a Presbytery to support that building team through doing, or organising, the electrical, plumbing and painting work. This is a call for any individuals who may be willing and available to go to Thursday Island around the same time as the builders are there to help out with that work. I particularly want to hear from any electricians or plumbers who would be available. Transport and accommodation costs will be met for any volunteers. Please contact me (Bruce), ASAP if you may be available.
The builder can commence work in November and expects to be finished by Christmas. This will be dependant on the Synod Property processes flowing smoothly. Please pray for that.
If there are congregations or individuals who would like to donate to this ministry opportunity please let us know. All the accounts for this project will be managed through the Presbytery Office so please send any donations here rather than direct to Thursday Island. We hope to also be able to have a state wide appeal so look for those details also.
Blessings to you all,
Bruce C.
Steve’s Stuff…
Steve is on currently on holidays and will be back at his desk on Monday 8th October.
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S MINISTRY EVENTS
October 12-
October – 20th – 21st – Kids Camp Out Northern Zone
January 2008 -
What’s New…
NATIONAL LAY LEADERS CONFERENCE
The conference will be held in NSW from 28th April to May 2nd 2008.
The Conference program will include :
· Daily Bible study led by Rev Prof Bill Loader
· Electives including –
o Culture and Worship
o The Art of Preaching
o How to : Dialogical sermons
o Multiple Media in Worship
o Music, music, music
o Exploring the Basis of Union
o Introducing the Code of Ethics for Lay Preachers
Expressions of interest to elm@nsw.uca.org.au or call Natasha on 02 8838 8910
Karyl Davison, Associate Director, ELM
IMPACT SUMMER – 18TH TO 23RD DECEMBER – REEF TO OUTBACK (YWAM) TOWNSVILLE
We have received information here at the Presbytery Office about this training and fun programme that also supports the Stable on the Strand in Townsville.
Krystal Cochran is the Impact Summer Coordinator and her contact details are 4771 2123 or 04 0688 6322 or email (krystalc@reeftooutback.com). There is also a brochure available from the Presbytery Office. Cost for the week is $160.
MALICIOUS EMAIL
As the volume of ‘spam’, virus and trojan email continues to increase I’m sure that
most of you already have anti virus and anti spam software keeping your computer
‘clean’. But just in case I guess another warning can’t hurt. There's another round
of bogus Microsoft security bulletins appearing in inboxes -
Ken Griggs, Information Technology Services
SUBSCRIBE TO QCT NEWS
Queensland Churches Together has a new weekly bulletin -
Glenine Hamlyn, General Secretary, QCT
QUEENSLAND SYNOD'S ECUMENICAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
New Items on Website
The website has a new ‘Feature Article’: An Address titled ‘Still a Pilgrim People’ by the Moderator, Revd Dr David Pitman, to the churches in Mackay on the 30th Anniversary of the Inauguration of the Uniting Church.
The current ‘Feature Article’, the sermon, ‘What are the Children Hearing?’ preached at the Forum of the National Council of Churches in Australia in July, is now in the ‘Bible Studies’ page. The title is ‘What are the Children Hearing?’
In response to several requests from people for clarification of the Statement in July from the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, we have placed that document on the website and the response made to by the Assembly in August. We have also included a an extract from an article by Bishop Michael Putney of Townsville, in which he helpfully comments on some aspects that feature in the Vatican statement. They are in the 'Documents' and 'Dialogue' pages in the website.
Our website address is www.ecumenical.ucaweb.com.au
Don Whebell, Secretary, Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee
HEALTHY CHURCH -
If you have not recently looked at the Healthy Church site, there are some new additions.
To assist in the orientation and induction of new members to the Church, resources
are now available. The first is a number of information sheets under the heading
of "Introduction to the Uniting Church". The information sheets cover topics such
as the governance structure of the church to an overview of the UC Centre. The resources
have a Queensland Synod focus and include information about Heart & Soul, Vision
for Mission,Network for Christain Formation, FAPS and UnitingCare. The second lot
of new resources is designed to assist people to develop Induction programmes at
a local level for new employees and volunteers. A handbook is accompanied by a series
of practical checklists and useful websites to develop an induction programme that
is informative and interesting. To access Healthy Church site, the login is "healthy"
and the password is "ucaqld". Any queries about the new resources can be directed
to Ann Warren -
Ann Warren, Synod HRA
COMMISSIONING SERVICE FOR MS COLLEEN GEYER
The Commissioning Service for Ms Colleen Geyer as Director of Mission, Blue Care will be held on Friday, 19 October 3pm at BlueCare head office, 55 Sylvan Road, Toowong. Afternoon tea to follow. Please RSVP Julie Gallwey on ph: (07) 33773302. All welcome.
Robyn Kidd, Director of Mission, UnitingCare Health
COMMISSIONING SERVICE FOR MRS SHARON KIRK
All are invited to attend the Commissioning Service for Mrs Sharon Kirk as Presbytery Minister of The Downs Presbytery, to be held at Middle Ridge Uniting Church Stenner Street, Toowoomba on Friday, 12 October at 7.30pm.
Jean Dodd, Secretary, Presbytery of The Downs
COMMISSIONING SERVICE FOR MR PETER GAVEL (YW INTERN)
Mr Peter Gavel (YW Intern) will be commissioned as a Youth Worker at a Service at Albany Creek Uniting Church, Albany Creek, commencing at 7.00pm on Sunday, 7th October. All welcome.
Presbyteries of South Moreton and Moreton Rivers
CALLING ALL TECH HEADS
At YACMU we managed to create an online web conferencing program that works really
well with kids in rural and remote areas do Christian Education. A leader with a
group of up to 5 kids can talk to each other, see each other, text each other, do
activities together, watch stories, video clips, flash games and activities together
– anything really -
Michael Jeffrey, Director, YACMU
SUMMER MADNESS BUILDS MOMENTUM
Has your church signed up for Summer Madness yet? Over 32 Uniting churches and 200
young people in Queensland have signed up to come to Summer Madness in January 11th-
Michael Jeffrey, Director, YACMU
MINISTRY SUNDAY RESOURCE
Congregations are reminded that Sunday, 21 October 2007 is Ministry Sunday and congregations are urged to focus their worship and prayer on the need to encourage people to listen for the call of God to ministry in the church. Ministry Sunday resources will be available for congregations and ministers at www.ucaqld.com.au and click on resources tomorrow and contain resources for worship around the lectionary for that Sunday. These resources include: liturgy resources, lectionary notes, music resources, stories and illustrations, computer animations and an item for your newsletter bulletin. The Future of Ministry Project Team encourages preachers and worship leaders to place the call to ministry before their congregations as they gather for worship and prayer on that Sunday.
John Mavor, Future of Ministry Project Team
Please remember these…
PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP
It's not to late to sign up for the Puppet Making Workshop to be held in the Burdekin as part of Trinity NQ's training program. During the day you will make a 'muppet' style puppet as well as learn how to begin puppeteering. Running on Sat 13th Oct, the cost is an amazingly low $45 considering you'll go home with a cool puppet!
Contact Paul Clark for more information burdekinuc@bigpond.com.au or for a registration form you can contact the presbytery office on 4779 5818 or email presbnq@bigpond.net.au
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s and Steve’s Diary)
October – 3rd – 6th – Bruce to Frontier Services Board meeting -
8th -
10th – Bruce to Ingham
12th – 14th – Young Adults Camp
13th – Bruce and Rod Fisher to Brisbane for Synod Selection Panel
15th – full PLT face to face – presbytery office
16th – 25th – Bruce to Brisbane for meetings – Placements etc, CoachNet training
20th – 21st – Kids Camp Out, Northern Zone
21st – Ministry Sunday
23rd – 27th – Bruce to Brisbane for meetings
24th – 26th – Steve to Brisbane for Discernment Retreat
27th October – Special Synod Brisbane
November 2nd – 4th – Presbytery meeting – Townsville – Mt Louisa House of Praise
11th – 50th church Anniversary Mossman
12th – MRC meeting – presbytery office
20th – 23rd – Steve to Brisbane YACMU
21st – 24th -
December – 4th – Bruce to Brisbane for meetings
5th – PLT – full meeting presbytery office.
11th – 13th – Steve to Brisbane YACMU
13th – Bruce to Brisbane for Placements
25th – Christmas Day
January 2008 – 9th – 14th – Summer Madness Camp, Sunshine Coast