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
TWENTY SIXTH EDITION THURSDAY JULY 12TH 2007
On the Grapevine…
Hi everyone,
Jane has been off sick for Monday and Tuesday this week so prompts is late this week. I hope that has not inconvenienced anyone too much.
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
· Pray for the strengthening of relationships between indigenous and non-
· For safety on the roads during the holiday period especially for those we know and love who are travelling.
· For those who are battling sickness this winter which seems to be colder than previous years.
· Pray for Malcolm Bottrill with his eye concerns
· Pray for Johan and Lisa Loots in ministry in Brisbane.
Message from Malcolm Bottrill
While on leave I had some eye trouble.
A visit to the Specialist this afternoon reveals that I am at risk of having a detached retina.
I am allowed to fulfil planned responsibilities Thursday morning and Friday morning, but the rest of the time I am required to be horizontal with my eyes shut. Sounds terribly boring, but much better that the alternative. I see the Specialist again on Friday 11.45 am.
If Laser repairs are necessary a Brisbane Specialist will be in Townsville on Monday.
Media Release from Shayne Blackman -
The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) of the Uniting Church has revealed that Government’s statistics on Indigenous child abuse are worse in Victoria than in any other State but yet Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory will still be singled out to endure the Government’s harsh emergency response measures.
National Administrator of the UAICC Rev Shayne Blackman said statistics published by the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission on Indigenous child abuse revealed that Victoria led the nation with the highest number of Indigenous children entering the child protection system with 63 cases per 1000 with the Northern Territory lagging most States with just 13.7 cases per 1000.
“This is suggestive of a Government that ignores its own data on Aboriginal child abuse and would rather enact harsh policy on the residents of the Northern Territory’s visibly high number of Indigenous communities over Victoria’s established towns in the interests of mainstream voter popularity and not on real priority.
“We welcome positive intervention to curb child abuse in any region but in a manner that respects Indigenous rights and responsibilities, but when the Government is willing to ignore its own statistics and use the Northern Territory as an easy scapegoat for addressing Indigenous child abuse in an election year, one must question their real motives.
“Abuse, in particular child abuse, is just one of a series of symptomatic societal crises in Indigenous communities resulting from a legacy of failed policies and I urge the Government to ignore populist policies and temporary solutions to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to address the root causes of what gives rise to abuse in the first place.
“In the interests of equality and justice I call upon the Government to reassess its approach” said Mr Blackman.
NAIDOC Week;
This week is NAIDOC week when we as a nation recognize and celebrate the contribution that Aboriginal and Islander men and women and children make to the life of Australia. This Sunday is a day that our church services could focus on this contribution and celebrate that. Please consider including reference to this in your times of worship this week.
Scripture Union Looking for Chaplains:
I pass on this message from Jeff Thompson, Regional Manager for Scripture Union North Queensland. There may be people in your congregations who have the gifts and willingness for these roles.
“Can you please place a notice in your weekend bulletins that SU Nth Qld are looking for new chaplains to fill about 15 positions vacant across our region? People can apply and find out more information by going o the SU Website www.suqld.org.au there they can fill out all the selection criteria's etc and look through the role description etc.
Thank you for your support in placing God's people in our local schools.
Jeff Thompson, direct 07 4779 6620 | f 07 4725 4262
10/29 Casey Street, PO Box 804,
Aitkenvale Qld 4814, nq@suqld.org.au | www.suqld.org.au
Lifeline Chaplain Cairns:
Krishna Buhler will be inducted as the Lifeline Chaplain in Cairns Lifeline this Friday at 12:30pm at Lifeline Cairns. If there are people from our congregations in the Northern Zone who may be able to attend to support Krishna and continue to strengthen the links with Lifeline as another service arm of the Uniting Church that would be great.
National Church Life Survey (info from Graham Beattie)
Via a separate email to Ministers and Church Council Secretaries last week, you should have received some basic information from the latest National Church Life Survey that may be useful in your planning processes. I am aware that some congregations have purchased their own more detailed information package. A further email with more information will have been received this week.
Request from Bob and Anne Zander
Thank you to the 2 congregations that I know of so far who have contributed something to the ministry that Bob and Anne are providing in Bluewater. If there are others who would like to contribute please contact them direct on 4770 7331.
Blessings to you all,
Bruce C.
Steve’s Stuff…
Greetings!
It is great to be back at work after a refreshing holiday break. This term and the beginning of next term is a very busy and exciting time in the life of our Presbytery and Synod in relation to ministry with children, youth and young adults.
State Youth Ministry Conference -
I strongly encourage you to send at least one person from your congregation regardless of whether you have one, five or twenty young people. It would be fantastic if one person was the Minister. As we continue to focus on ‘Growing Apostles, Changing 1 Life at a Time’, it is critical that we explore and become equipped in how we help young people grow as disciples of Christ.
It is time to act! The latest National Church Life Survey indicates that 91% of 10 to 14 year olds still attend church with their parent/s. However there then is a dramatic drop off. Three per cent of our church attendees nation wide are between the ages of 15 to 19. I hope this concerns you! As a church we need to discover what helps a young person grow in their faith and become passionate about their relationship with Christ. This is what our guest speaker Dr Roland Martinson will explore with us over this weekend.
Presbytery is funding 10 people to the value of $100 per person to assist them with travel. Make sure you get in quick!
For more information visit www.yacmu.com.au and click ‘State Youth Ministry Conference’
on the left-
Kids Camp Out Southern Zone, 15th – 16th September
A small group of people have been planning the second KCO for the southern zone. Kids Camp Out or ‘KCO’ is for children in grades 3 to 7. This year it is being held at the Girl Guides campsite at Bluewater. So this year we are truly camping….
Kids Camp Out is a great opportunity for your church to connect with children from your community. In addition it is great opportunity for your children to connect with children from other congregations. Over the 24 hours we will play games, do great crafts, visit the beach, sing and explore our theme – Step, Skip & Stomp! Step into love, Skip with joy & Stomp in faith.
Your congregation will receive an information pack in the next week. This has all the information you need to start planning for your group to be there. No group is too small or large for Kids Camp Out.
Next week I will share some information about the young adult retreat and summer madness.
Yours in Christ’s service, Steve.
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S MINISTRY EVENTS
August 25th – 26th – Youth Ministry Conference -
September 15-
October 12-
October – 20th – 21st – Kids Camp Out Northern Zone
January 2008 -
What’s New…
NEW SYNOD CHILD SAFE CHURCH OFFICER
Please join us in welcoming Ms Renae Domagala who has been appointed as the Child
Safe Church Officer for Queensland Synod effective from Tuesday 10 July 2007. Renae
has previously worked with YACMU in developing the current Child Safe Church Manual
and is actively involved in the Church. As this is a part-
David Munro, Risk & Insurance Man
GO GREEN CHURCH NETWORK
Following the decisions of the 27th Synod relating to the environment and climate change (Click Here to read more) there has been a lot of interest in from various congregations, faith communities, schools, UnitingCare and the Synod. To facilitiate the sharing of this information and to connect together people interested in these issues the Justice and International Mission Advocate has created an email network. To subscribe to the email network Click Here or email the Justice and International Mission Advocate HERE.
Andrew Johnson, Justice and International Mission Advocate (JIMA)
INTERNATIONAL MISSION ENTHUSIASTS
Following some recent work in developing the Synod's International Mission Plan the
Justice and International Mission Advocate has created an email network for International
Mission Enthusiasts. The aim of the network is to share the work that is being done
in international mission right across Queensland, Australia and around the world.
If you are interested in being involved in international mission or you've been involved
in the past and would like to reconnect Click Here to join the network or email the
Justice and International Mission Advocate HERE. If you are interested in more general
information about events and current issues join JIMA-
Andrew Johnson, Justice and International Mission Advocate (JIMA)
NEW AT WWW.JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU
PEACE AMBASSADOR CROSSED 43 RIVERS ON THE WAY TO WORK Getting to work in June took Uniting International Mission’s Joy Balazo three days. Her journey to the ‘No Go’ zone of the Meekamui group in southern Bougainville involved travelling in an open back ‘cargo style’ 4 wheeled drive traversing no less than 43 rivers.
MIXED RECEPTION FOR PAPAL LATIN MASS ANNOUNCEMENT The decision by Pope Benedict XVI to authorise a wider use of the old Latin Mass has been welcomed as offering a possibility of healing a rift with traditionalists, but has also faced criticism that it might open up new divisions within the church.
MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL 'NOT SATISFIED' WITH SONY APOLOGY The dean of Manchester Cathedral says he is not satisfied with an apology issued by the Sony Corporation for using a representation of the interior of the cathedral as a backdrop for a violent video game.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN AUSTRALIA MEETS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST “Life Together”
is the theme for the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) 6th National
Forum to be held at the Uniting Church’s Alexandra Park Conference on Queensland’s
Sunshine Coast Centre from 13-
FAST NEWS Melbourne school opens gates to Hell. Episcopal priest suspended after saying she also is Muslim.
August Journey deadline
The deadline for copy and advertising for the August issue of Journey is this Friday, 13 August. To change subscription numbers please contact Kristine Bromiley HERE or call (07) 3377 9825.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
ONE GREAT SUNDAY OF SHARING – 15 JULY 2007
· A couple of weeks ago the UCA Assembly, Multicultural and Cross Cultural Ministry informed congregations around Australia about Sunday, 15 July 2007 as “One Great Sunday of Sharing” or other suitable Sunday most favourable to your congregation.
· We understand that this day is about the creating of genuinely warm relationships
and understanding amongst all, living out God’s hospitality and building a new community
based on God’s love and purpose. And also a time to commit ourselves to the vision
of being a Multi-
· Furthermore, to provide an opportunity for people with varied language and cultural backgrounds to “cross over” and experience in their hearts the beauty of sharing as ONE PEOPLE OF GOD under the Lordship of Christ.
· We invite all congregations across Queensland synod to observe this day or any other Sunday favourable to your congregation. Worship resources for this day can be located on Assembly website: http://assembly.uca.org.au/multi/
Rev Dr Apichart Brandjerporn, Convenor MCC Qld Synod Committee
BLUE CARE SUNDAY -
Each year Blue Care Sunday is held in Uniting Churches across Queensland to celebrate the Church’s establishment of and commitment to community services. 9,500 Blue Care staff provide care for over 11,000 Queenslanders each day in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote communities. You are invited to support Blue Care by incorporating some aspects of thanksgiving and prayer support into your Worship services for Blue Care on Sunday, 19 August. Resources such as prayers, PowerPoint presentations, media releases, suggestions for incorporating Blue Care into your Sunday and an order of service are available from the Blue Care website at http://www.bluecare.org.au/NewsAndEvents/whatsOn.aspx. More information is also available at http://www.journeyonline.com.au/showArticle.php?categoryId=2&articleId=1116.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
ANCIENT PATHS SEMINAR
9th, 10th & 11th August At Central UC
What? An intensive time of teaching from God’s Word followed by sharing, prayer and ministry in small groups.
Who Should Come? Anyone desirous of lasting change in your life, marriage or family.
Topics Include
Communication, Purpose and Plan, Identity and Destiny, Battle for the Soul, Blessing and Cursing.
Registration Fee $60 per person, $115 couple
Early Bird Registration Fee $50 per person, $95 couple (Register by 29th July for Early Bird Eligibility)
For more info and registration, ring Olive at the TCUC office (4771 2584).
A NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION
Saturday 14 July – has been called to give Australians an opportunity to express their solidarity with the Indigenous communities of the Northern Territory following the Federal Government's decision to take emergency action, and to call on all levels of government to move forward with Indigenous peoples in partnership. In Brisbane the rally starts at 11.00am at Queen’s Park, Cnr Elizabeth and George Streets. For more information, contact Sam Watson on 0401 227 443.
COLLECTION OF DONATED GOODS FOR PNG
Townsville Central Uniting Church is organising a collection of donated goods to send to Pastor Barry and Mrs Dorcas Kupo for the poor people of the remote parts in the Highlands in PNG. Barry and his family live in Kundiawa (an old Lutheran mission site), the capital of Simbu province which is at 5,000 ft. This colder than usual weather has been felt in PNG too and Barry sees this need for warm goods as a good opportunity to reach out to further villagers. A website shows an aerial photo, which is quite amazing and illustrates the remoteness of the town. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Kundiawa.jpg. The collection run for a month to Fri 17 August 2007.
Pastor Kupo attended Bible College in Townsville for 4 years, returning to PNG in January 2007. We collected goods when they returned to PNG but now they have nothing left to give and have asked if we could collect the following articles:
· warm clothes for adults, children and babies
· blankets
· shoes, including waterproof shoes
· first aid kits
· anything you think may help the people up there
· I have added Bibles, socks, hot water bottles, bunny rugs for babies and raincoats to this list, Merilyn
The donated goods can be left at Central Church office in the mornings.
Merilyn Thomas, Townsville Central Uniting Church
SENIORS LEGAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Free assistance for seniors concerned about elder abuse, mistreatment or financial exploitation. The Seniors Legal and Support Service can help if you are experiencing, witnessing or concerned about elder abuse. For information or assistance contact your local service centre.
The Seniors Legal and Support Service can –
· Provide information, advice and support regarding elder abuse, mistreatment or financial exploitation
· Provide information on your legal rights
· Provide short term counselling
· Refer you to other legal, consumer and support services
· Represent you in court or before tribunals (in certain circumstances)
· Provide community education
Support Service Centres are located at –
Cairns – 4031 7179
Townsville – 4721 5511
Hervey Bay – 4124 6863
Brisbane – 3254 1811
Toowoomba – 4616 9700
Please don’t forget these…
SYNOD CHAPLAINCY CO-
Applications are invited from interested and qualified persons, ordained or lay members
of the Uniting Church, for the position of Synod Chaplaincy Co-
Don Whebell, Acting Synod Chaplaincy Coordinator
TEAM LEADER – PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
The Synod office is seeking the services of an energetic and organised individual to undertake the role of Team Leader – Property Administration Services. The role is part of the Property Operations Division and is responsible for the coordination of a team of four that administers the processes and procedures of the following four key areas:
· Property transactions
· Funding submissions and agreements
· A broad range of administrative responsibilities including historical archiving, land tax and Synod directory.
· Property legal transactions
An attractive salary commensurate with prevailing market rates will be negotiated with the successful candidate. The position is located at Auchenflower. If you are passionate about customer service, have excellent interpersonal and initiative skills, and are in sympathy with the ethos of The Uniting Church, send your application and resume to: Property Operations Manager, Department for Financial and Property Services, G.P.O. Box 674, Brisbane Qld 4001. Applications close Monday, 16 July 2007. For further information regarding the role, please contact Mark Lee on ph: (07) 3377 9823.
HOWARD V RUDD -
The Australian Prayer Network is proud to join with the Australian Christian Lobby
to promote this historic event.
It is a unique opportunity to weigh up the major political
parties policies on issues of interest and concern to Christians and to pray as the
church in Australia for the election.
This is a ‘not to be missed’ event on the Christian
calendar which gives us the opportunity to help shape how our nation is governed.
On the evening of Thursday 9th August, for the first time ever, the leaders of Australia’s
two major political parties (and therefore the only realistic contenders to form
our next Government) have agreed to speak live to Christians across the nation. The
Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader will address church and denominational leaders
at the National Press Club in Canberra, with the event to be web-
It’s most important that
we honour Mr Howard and Mr Rudd’s time and commitment to the Christian constituency
by listening to their addresses and praying for the upcoming Federal election. Let’s
make the Christian vote count!
The registration system for ‘Federal Election 2007: Make it Count’ is up
and running at www.acl.org.au and we’re asking you to get your church to register
for the event as soon as possible. Whilst registrations have been open for only a
couple of days, already more than 70 Churches have indicated their intention to open
their buildings and take the web-
To register your Church or organisation to
receive the web-
The church
or Christian organisation you are a part of will be able to register and receive
a user name and password to take part in the August 9 event.
This is a unique chance
for Christians to hear first-
Source: Compiled by APN (Australian Prayer Network) from information supplied by ACL
STARTING MISSION-
We are writing to let you know about the release of an exciting new Australian manual
for planting new congregations and churches -
* Front & Back Cover www.gospeloutreach.com.au/resources/SMSCCover.pdf
* Table of Contents www.gospeloutreach.com.au/resources/SMSCContents.pdf
* Chapter 3 -
* Reality Check: Maroubra Surfers Church -
About the Author -
Starting Mission-
Mission Action Planning Kit $70.00
Special Pack Price: Starting Mission-
Ordering: To order the manuals (and any of our other evangelism and church planting
resources) you can either: -
Gospel Outreach Ministries
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s and Steve’s Diary)
July -
13th – Krishna Buhler induction as LifeLine Chaplain – Cairns
13th – 14th – Emmaus Training day 1
18th – Presbytery Leadership Team meeting – face to face Presbytery office
22nd – Bruce to preach at Wulguru
30th – Meeting – Tully
August 3rd – 4th – Emmaus Training Day 2
11th – Northern Zone meeting – venue Edmonton UC
13th – Mission Resourcing Committee meeting – presbytery office
17th – 18th – Emmaus Training Day 3 & commissioning teams
15th – 20th – Bruce to Brisbane for meetings
25th – 26th – Youth Ministry Conference -
September – 1st – Southern Zone Meeting – Wulguru UC
6th – 9th – Emmaus Mens Walk
10th – Mission Resourcing Committee Meeting – presbytery office
13th – 16th – Emmaus Women’s Walk
18th – 21st – Bruce meetings in Brisbane
30th – Bruce to Preach at Malanda
October – 3rd – 6th – Bruce to Frontier Services Board meeting -
8th -
9th – Presbytery Leadership Team teleconference
12th – 14th – Young Adults Camp
16th – 25th – Bruce to Brisbane for meetings – Placements etc, CoahNet training
21st – Ministry Sunday
28th – Bruce to preach at Wulguru
Steve K’s Calendar
July 15th -
