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
FORTY-
On the Grapevine…
Hi everyone,
As you will note, Presbytery Prompts is a day later than usual this week so that I could include some information from a meeting in it.
I would like to remind you that Presbytery Prompts is a communication tool for the entire Presbytery, not just from me to you. Please continue to share events, thoughts, ideas with us all. I look forward to hearing from you what is happening in ministry and mission in your area and what exciting plans you have for 2008.
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
· Pray for Joshua Afu, son of Sione and Onaita, (minister at Bowen). Joshua is unwell at the moment in Brisbane and Onaita has travelled to Brisbane to be with him.
· Give thanks for the donations that continue to come in for the TI manse appeal as well as the many offers of volunteer work party support.
· Pray for Melanie Smith, our Synod Payroll supervisor who had a sporting accident over 3 weeks ago and is still in pain and not able to work. She has asked for the prayers of the church for her healing. Pray also for Carola as she “holds the fort”.
· Pray for congregations and ministers seeking placements at the moment.
· Pray for the damage and devastation in parts of Oro province of PNG following cyclone Guba and for the relief effort.
· Pray for Mosese and Witness Fangupo as they begin packing to come to Tully in the New Year.
Ministers Fringe Benefits 2008
This is an important aspect of the remuneration package allowed for us as ministers
in the Uniting Church. The Australian Tax Office has clear guidelines and protocols
that must be followed. In the past few years the procedures have become a bit slack
both from the Synod processes and also the way ministers have sought to access the
funds in their fringe accounts. In order to comply with tax office guidelines our
Synod department has re-
PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES CAREFULLY as there are some changes that may affect you. As the letter from Jim Barry states, if you have any questions give Carola, Melanie or Jim a call.
Don’t forget to use the Synod 1300 822 753 (local call cost) number and ask to be transferred to the person you wish to speak to.
REMEMBER also that the form MUST be returned to the Synod office by the 5th January otherwise your total stipend will be paid into your normal account and you will be taxed accordingly.
Changes to the White Pages directory:
Changes to the telephone directory are in the process of being made. The process is that the Synod Office, through Jackqueline Hargreaves, coordinates the changes with Sensis. Jacqueline sends information to the Presbytery office to be confirmed and we send it back by the due date. Jane contacts the relevant people to check changes needed. We are also aware that often Jackqueline sends emails directly to congregations and ministers. This has caused some confusion as there is information coming to Jacqueline from different sources sometimes with conflicting information. The PLT decided yesterday that ALL information regarding the telephone listings would be generated from the Presbytery office to avoid confusion. Would congregations and ministers please send any changes to phone listings to the Presbytery office? Hopefully it will take less than 3 years to change, as has been the case in some places.
AdMinistry
This publication from Finance and Property Services was distributed to congregational treasurers and ministers this week. It included official notification of the Stipend figures for 2008. There was also mention that the stipend would continue to increase at the same rate (6%) for the next few years. This continued increase was discussed at length in the meetings I was a part of in Brisbane last week and that continuing increase in the coming years is certainly NOT definite.
Stay tuned.
Tully Manse: The Tully congregation are hard at work preparing the manse for when Mosese and Witness Fangupo and their family will come in January. There is a refurbished kitchen, new floor covering, internal repainting, new screens and much more. The Tully folk have really appreciated the support of members from the Ingham congregation who have also come to help them with some of the repairs.
The following is part of the letter sent to ministers from the President of the Assembly, Rev Gregor Henderson as an invitation to those in ministry.
Invitation to National Ministers Conferences
“CREATIVE ADVENTUROUS MINISTRY 2008”
Warm greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I write with information about the
National Ministers Conferences which will take place in 2008, and to invite you immediately to
reserve your place by registering your intention to participate in one of the three conferences.
Places and dates
· Bali, Indonesia, at the Dhyana Pura Beach Resort Hotel, from Tuesday 1st July to Friday 4th
July (arrive no later than Monday evening 30th June and depart no earlier than Friday
evening 4th July);
· Darwin, Charles Darwin University, Tuesday 15th July to Friday 18th July (arrive no later than
Monday night 14th July and leave no earlier than Friday late afternoon 18th July);
· Sunshine Coast, Queensland, the Alexandra Park Conference Centre, Monday 27th to
Thursday 30th October.
Who may attend
· Ministers of the Word and Deacons in active service,
· people serving in their intern year, prior to ordination,
· people serving in the specified ministries of Lay Pastor, Youth Worker or Community
Minister’
· lay-
as placements if filled by someone serving in a specified ministry,
· in effect, all those under the particular discipline and placement of the Uniting Church.
………………………………….
Costs
Registration costs include your accommodation and most meals for four days and four nights and
all conference costs. They are:
Bali -
Darwin -
Queensland -
Each participant is responsible for making his/her own travel arrangements……….
Letters are also being sent to Church Councils about this Creative, Adventurous Ministry 2008.
At the Top
A reminder of the logo competition, details are below and you should also have them by email. I am excited about the possibilities as we explore what it means to be “At the Top”.
RESOURCES
Don’t forget this section of Prompts. It is for you to share with the Presbytery any books/cds /websites or other resources that you have found useful in your personal or congregational life.
HUMOUR ME
Today’s offering from “You won’t Die Laughing” by Patricia Cameron-
Sorry I have not had time to do this section this week
Blessings to you all,
Bruce C.
20/20 Vision
As part of our vision towards the year 2020 as a Presbytery we are looking to be At the Top in all that we do in ministry and mission. To share that vision and begin our thinking we want to promote this throughout the Presbytery. See the letter below for some details. Further information is being sent to your Church Council and ministers. If you do not have access to the logo comp application form, please contact the Presbytery office and we will send you one.
At the Top
Dear Brother or Sister in Christ,
The North Queensland Uniting Church is setting sail for an exciting journey into the future. We are weighing anchor to old habits and comfortable options and looking to sail forward with God. We are grabbing hold of adventure, ingenuity and innovation to find where the Spirit is leading. I am using such impassioned language because I’m excited about the Presbyteries bold new strategic plan. A 2020 vision we are developing to put the North Queensland Uniting Church at the top of it’s game, to bring life, salvation and hope to the people of the North.
We would like you to join us on this journey. In 2008 we hope to launch our new 2020 vision, sparked by the catch cry, At the Top. If you weren’t at the Presbytery meeting in Townsville in November you missed an explanation about how we are already at the top geographically, naturally, climatically, in terms of water, Tourist destinations and a whole host of other ways. We are now asking ourselves the question, as a church what do we have to do to be at the top of outreach, innovative ministry, youth ministry, etc, etc?
The Presbytery Leadership Team is now launching a logo competition, to find a logo
that will go with our dream, ‘At the Top.” We envisage having this logo on hats,
t-
Can you help by promoting this competition in your church? Please ensure that everyone in church the next few weeks hears about this and has access to the information. Perhaps you could encourage every Sunday School child to make an entry, make it a class activity. Maybe Bible study and youth groups, etc, etc can all have a go as well as individual church members.
Someone will win $100 prize money, and our hope is that our people will all begin to talk about this bold new direction. We hope that this provides a catalyst for us all to think about what it will mean to be At The Top in mission and ministry in each place across the Presbytery. Please encourage people to be part of this, however talented or not they think they are. We’ll take any rough idea and turn it into something professional if need be.
The closing date is Friday 14th December. I know it’s a busy time of year, but please don’t let this exciting opportunity be missed!
Yours in Christ
Rev Paul Clark & Rev Bruce Cornish, On behalf of the Presbytery Leadership Team
PS – Imagine the excitement if the winner came from your neck of the woods!
Steve’s Stuff…
Dave Andrews who spoke at NCYC 2007 and is also a well known Christian activist commented that in both the past and present, when Christians are confronted with an issue or situation they either ‘fight’ or ‘flight’. At present I see this taking place regarding the soon to be realised move, ‘The Golden Compass’.
I have received emails warning people of the anti-
I personally believe that there is middle ground, that we don’t have to take either extreme, fight or flight! After reading about the plot and story line, I totally disagree with some of the concepts that are put forth. However is it an option for Christian parents to view the movie with their child/ren and afterwards have a discussion regarding what our Christian faith has to say about the ideas presented throughout the film??
From doing further research, it seems that people are more concerned with the three
books, The Golden Compass being one that Phillip Pullman has written. Critics say
that the anti-
When Phillip Pullman was asked about his religious beliefs, he stated:
I don't know whether there's a God or not. Nobody does, no matter what they say. I think it's perfectly possible to explain how the universe came about without bringing God into it, but I don't know everything, and there may well be a God somewhere, hiding away.
Actually, if he is keeping out of sight, it's because he's ashamed of his followers and all the cruelty and ignorance they're responsible for promoting in his name. If I were him, I'd want nothing to do with them. (Daily Telegraph)
Phillip’s comments makes me think whether the ‘fight’ or ‘flight’ mentality is helpful. As Christians if we are against this movie, what are we for? Instead of fight or flight, maybe we are called to shine the light of Christ?
Groups such as Focus on the Family are saying regarding the movie, let’s wait and see. However they are quite clearly against the books.
So where you stand is up to you. However can we comment on a film that we have not seen? In addition if we choose to watch the movie with our children, does it present us with the opportunity to have a great faith discussion?
Yours in Christ’s service, Steve.
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S MINISTRY EVENTS
January 2008 -
March – 20th – 22nd – Easter Camp
October – Young Adults Retreat – dates to be advised
Kid’s Camp Out – Northern & Southern Zones dates to be advised.
What’s New…
STABLE ON THE STRAND
“Stable on the Strand” is presented by the Combined Churches of Townsville (over
60) with 1000 volunteers and will be held from 19-
Stable on the Strand 2007 will be:-
'The Stable Story' – a dramatic, walk through interactive display depicting the historical culture surrounding the Christmas Story spread right over Strand Park
'Kidsfest’ for Children -
'The Inn' Youth Tent’ for Teenagers -
‘Hospitality area for Adults’ -
'Live at the Strand’ – on the big stage on the beach featuring first class artists
Colin Buchanan (19th) & James Morrison (20-
For more information visit: www.stableonthestrand.com.au or contact Richard Hosking on Ph: (07) 4723 1690 or mob: 0407 231 690.
A PRAYER FOR MINISTRY IN THE TORRES STRAIGHT ISLANDS
Ministers and worship leaders are encouraged to use this prayer over the next two Sundays as part of the Thursday Island Manse Appeal.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for the faithful ministers and lay people of many cultures
who have shared your gospel in the Torres Straits region
for over a hundred years.
Thank you that over that time
many people of all cultures have celebrated the "coming of the light"**
and acknowledged Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Thank you for the important partnerships we currently share
with the United Church of Papua Guinea
in the provision of ministry in the Torres Straits.
Lord, today we pray for the preparations
for the renovation of the Thursday Island manse.
We pray Lord for smooth preparations and for calm weather
so that the materials can be shipped to Thursday Island.
We pray for volunteer workers
to support the builder in the initial construction phase
and for others to follow and complete the work.
We pray for the release of the finances necessary to complete the job
and to provide a sound financial future
for the ongoing maintenance and ministry needs
on Thursday Island, Horn Island and other Torres Strait islands.
Above all Lord we pray that through all of this your name will be glorified.
We pray that the work itself and the people who do that work
would by their example and actions,
testify to the love and grace of God in Jesus Christ.
This we pray through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
**Each year a “Coming of the Light” festival marks the day (1 July 1871) the London Missionary Society first arrived bringing the Gospel to the Torres Strait Islands.
Bruce Cornish, Presbytery Minister, North Queensland
DROPPING OF THE EDGE
Craig Mischewski, the minister at Townsville Central UC attended a seminar entitled Dropping off the Edge – the distribution of disadvantage in Australia. Here is what Craig has to say…
Recently I attended a seminar on disadvantage offered by the Catholic Diocese of Townsville. Professor Tony Vinson presented his report titled Dropping off the edge: the distribution of disadvantage in Australia. This report identified key areas of disadvantage across Australia and the major consequences of disadvantage on the individual. The report shows the correlation of low birth weight to poor psychomotor development, emotional wellbeing, conduct disorders and reduced school performance. It identifies the relationship between low education and incarceration rates. Some very interesting results emerged that I would not have identified; the report showed that those students who did not have access to a computer in the home were less likely to graduate year 12. Following on from this, the report identified that there was a direct link between not finishing year 12 and underemployment, underemployment and low income, low income and mental health issues, mental health issues and child maltreatment, child maltreatment and poor school performance and so the cycle went on.
The report also clearly showed that disadvantage occurs in condensed geographical pockets. Entire towns or suburbs experienced disadvantage and therefore generated disadvantaged people who produced more disadvantaged people, therefore creating generations of disadvantage. Professor Vinson had been about this work since 1972 and he showed from his early work in Newcastle that disadvantage left unaddressed will continue and spread. The disadvantaged communities he worked in, in 1972 were as or even more disadvantaged today.
Many of you will be thinking this is not new information, we knew this stuff already, but I want to offer this. Reports like this that prove the effects of disadvantage are critically important in that they put pressure on the governments to shape policies that provide quality intervention programs. They are just as critical to the Church in reminding us of our primary call to care for “the least of these” (Mtt 25:45). The report states that to bring real change in these communities long term high quality intervention is required, particularly in early childhood development. Professor Vinson argues that these communities are not the places to send first year graduates, rather there should be strong incentives to recruit highly skilled people who will give a commitment of 10 years, which he shows, is the minimal amount of time it takes to make a real impact. Added to this is the importance of advantaged peoples building strong relationships with these communities and entering into long term meaningful engagement with them.
There are opportunities for us to do just this, we have several disadvantaged young mum’s groups operating out of our church hall, they would love to have your support.
Mount View Haven Gardens seeks to build relationship with disadvantaged youth and Townsville Living Waters needs people to build friendship with their disadvantaged clients. Professional skills aren’t a prerequisite, sometimes these folk just need someone to talk to on the phone, and we can all do that.
Earlier this year I offered this statement to our church council as a possible name and vision for our future, Townsville Central City Mission: Creating Communities of Blessing
I believe our congregation has a mandate to work with families and to create healthy communities, if you believe this then write on a Care Card that you are willing to be involved in helping where ever you can and give it to one of the stewards or elders and we will follow you up.
Peace. Rev. Craig
ADMINISTRY ISSUE 2 – 2007
By now you will have received the second issue of AdMinistry for 2007. This publication was emailed to all Ministers in Placement (including supply), Presbytery Secretaries & Treasurers, Church Council Secretaries and Treasurers, and Schools and Colleges. If you did not receive this publication, please click here to download the pdf version: http://www.ucaqld.com.au/inc.aspx?content=Resources. Please note that if you do fit one of the categories above and did not receive the publication, it may be that we do not have a correct email address for you in the Directory database. Please contact reception on (07) 3377 9777 to check your email address or have a look via UC Connect. If you are not included in one of the above categories and wish to receive the publication, please contact Pauline Smith on (07) 3377 9711 or finprop@ucaqld.com.au to be added to the list.
Pauline Smith
SCHOOLS’ COMMISSION EXECUTIVE OFFICER (0.5 POSITION)
The Synod Schools’ Commission is the Uniting Church in Queensland’s key contact point
within the primary and secondary education sector, and acts as conduit for the Church
scoping the educational environment and providing information about possible strategic
direction and challenges which face Uniting Church schools. As part of the Synod’s
vision to create stronger strategic linkages with church-
Ann Warren, Synod HRA
ECO-
Rev Clive Ayre is currently engaged in the PhD in Pastoral Work program at the University
of Queensland and researching “an approach to ecological mission in and through the
Christian community in Australia.” As part of that process, he has recently returned
from a trip to the UK, where he visited a number of peak organisations and eco-
Clive Ayre
UPDATED EMAIL – ODE TO JOY CD
The Bundaberg Uniting Church has published a CD titled Ode to Joy of music played by organist Doug Killer on the Bundaberg Uniting Church organ, just in time for Christmas! While a major purpose in producing the 20 track CD was to honour the service of Joy Killer who died last year, it was also a way of recording history. Pipe organs are fast becoming museum pieces and are fighting for their place as the "monarchs of musical instruments". CDs are $10 each plus minimum of $2 postage and handling. To order call Bundaberg Uniting Church on ph: (07) 4153 2201 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 12noon or email: city@bundyunitingchurch.com.au
Bundaberg UCA
PROPERTY SHARING TASK GROUP SURVEY
The 11th Assembly identified property sharing in cross-
Jenny Tymms, General Secretary
LENT EVENT 2008 – FIND YOURSELF A COORDINATOR NOW!
Next Lent we will all be benefiting from the wonderful Lent Event program. Lent Event
is much more than just a Lenten appeal. Lent Event provides an amazing array of resources
and now is the time to have a look at it, if you haven’t already. Lent Event Educational
Resources were sent to Church Council Secretaries last month. A box of Promotional
Resources will be arriving soon. To get the best out of Lent Event, it is vital for
you to find yourself a Coordinator to run Lent Event in your church. The first job
for the Coordinator will be to make sure that the resources are distributed to the
person in charge of the relevant area – worship, adult bible study, Sunday School,
youth bible study etc. It is very disappointing for churches when they realise too
late that they had this wealth of material available to them, but it was sitting
unopened in a box. The Promotional Resources box contains a Coordinator’s Guide which
provides step-
Sarah White, Lent event Co-
FEBRUARY JOURNEY
The deadline for copy and advertising for the next issue of Journey is Friday, 11 January. To change subscription numbers please contact Kristine Bromiley kristine.bromily@ucaqld.com.au or call (07) 3377 9825.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
COMMUNICATION SERVICES UNIT CHRISTMAS CONTACT
Communication Services Unit Staff will be on leave for parts of the remainder of the year. Please use the email address journey@ucaqld.com.au to contact Bruce Mullan or Mardi Lumsden and osker.lau@ucaqld.com.au for Osker Lau. Telephone enquiries over the December period should be directed to ph: (07) 3377 9910.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
Please remember these…
CHRISTMAS EVENTS AT ST LUKE’S IN WEIPA
7 Dec Christmas KidsClub
25 Dec Christmas Worship
9-
Michelle Cook, Deacon, Frontier Services Cape York Patrol and St Luke's Weipa
ATHERTON TABLELANDS CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Atherton Tablelands Carols by Candlelight on December 8th at the Atherton Showgrounds from 6.30 pm.
Leo Newell, minister Atherton
LECTIONARY YEAR A FOR 2007 -
Peter Blackburn has just completed the Lectionary Year A for 2007-
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s and Steve’s Diary)
December – 4th – Bruce to Brisbane for meetings re The John Flynn College.
5th – PLT – full meeting presbytery office.
7th -
9th – Farewell function for John & Karen Walker at Wulguru UC
10th – MRC meeting – presbytery office
11th – 13th – Steve to Brisbane YACMU
13th – Bruce to Brisbane for Placements
14th – 15th – Bruce in Cairns for Irinale Tadulala’s induction and meetings
19th – 23nd – Stable on the Strand
19th – 11th Jan – Jane on holidays
23rd Dec – 7th Jan. – Bruce & Margie to Brisbane (holidays)
-
25th – Christmas Day
January 2008 – 9th – 14th – Summer Madness Camp, Sunshine Coast
27th – Bruce to preach and lead Communion at MT Louisa House of Praise
February – 7th – PLT – face to face
11th – MRC – presbytery office
13th – 16th – Bruce to Brisbane for placements etc
23rd – Northern Zone meeting
March – 1st – Southern Zone meeting
4th – PLT Executive meeting – teleconference
10th – MRC meeting presbytery office
12th – 13th – Bruce to Brisbane for placement meeting etc
21st – Good Friday
23RD – Easter Sunday
24th – Easter Monday
April – 11th – Full PLT meeting – face to face in Cairns
14th – MRC meeting – presbytery office
16th – 17th – Bruce to Brisbane for Placements meeting etc
25th – Anzac Day
28th – 2nd May – National Lay Preachers Conference – NSW
May – 5th – Labour Day
6th – PLT Executive meeting – teleconference
12th – MRC Meeting – presbytery office
16th – 18th – Presbytery Meeting – Tropicana Lodge Cairns
19th – 22nd – Ministers Retreat – Mercy Centre Cairns