Presbytery of North Queensland
PRESBYTERY PROMPTS
29 Wentworth Ave Mundingburra 4812
07 4779 5818 presbnq@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.presbyterynq.net
ISSUE ONE 2007 JANUARY 17TH 2007
On the Grapevine…
Happy New Year everyone!
Bruce returns 23rd January 2007
In the meantime below is a refresher of where things were at before the New Year and new information for 2007.
Just a reminder to everyone that our first Presbytery Meeting for this year will be held in Cairns at YAL Tropicana Lodge from Friday 23rd February through to 25th February. The costings will be approximately the same as for last year (April’s meeting). So I guess that it is time to start thinking who you would like to attend.
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
• Tamara Hardingham as she continues treatment in Brisbane for an eating disorder. So far Tamara has been able to stay out of hospital and attend the clinic as a day patient. The Hardingham’s had a family holiday at Tanum Sands courtesy of Central Queensland Presbytery. Garry is now heading back to Cloncurry with Mark & Vicki and Teresa & Tamara return to Brisbane for a time.
• Please pray for Stephen and Tracie Kersnovske as they continue to work through some issues with the Department of Child Safety surrounding foster care.
• Mrs Vivienne Robson (aged 86 years) who worships at Townsville Central Uniting Church, on 20 Dec fell and broke her femur in 2 places. Her leg now has 2 plates and is taking time to heal. There have been some setbacks but with our prayers hopefully the latest vacuum dressing (Tue 9 Jan) will be sufficient and Mrs Robbie's leg will heal for good.
As of Sunday (14 Jan) Vivienne has recovered somewhat from the last infection, but still has the vacuum dressing, antibiotics and a way to go.
• Congratulations to Ruth and Bob Parker (Kirwan Uniting Church) on the birth of their 5th grandchild – Hayden Robert Parker, born 6th January 2007, 6lb 9oz at North West Private Hospital, Everton Park Brisbane.
• Ruth Parker visited Rob and Ruth Corrie while on a recent trip to Brisbane. Rob and Ruth wish to pass on their greetings to everyone and wanted to tell all that they miss us all terribly!
• Hughenden/Flinders Patrol -
Financial accountability: As all treasurers and church councils will be aware, the church operates on a financial year which concludes on 31st December. May I remind you that it is a requirement of the Uniting church (and of all other not for profit organisations) that the books be audited annually?
This audit can be conducted by a person who is a member of the congregation as long as that person does not have a position on the church council. There is not a requirement to have a person who is a qualified auditor however it is important that where possible the person conducting the audit is an accountant. If this is not possible, and the income of the congregation is less than two and a half times the notional stipend (i.e. less than approx. $105,000), the church regulations allow for the appointment of persons who are, “in the opinion of the appointing body (usually church council), fit and proper persons to undertake the responsibility.”
For the assistance of such auditors there has been an auditor’s check list prepared by the Synod and available on the Treasurers hand book disc that all treasurers should have. If you need a copy let me know. The final audited reports are then to be signed off by 2 office bearers of the church council and form a part of the report to the annual congregational meeting.
On the matter of reports/annual returns, I remind treasurers and church councils that the Annual Financial Return forms that you will be receiving soon are to be sent to the Synod and a copy to Presbytery by no later that 31st March 2007. It is information from these reports that form the basis for the Presbytery allocations for the following year. This year there were delays in this process due to the late return of reports. To date there are still some congregations in the north who have not sent in their returns for last year.
There are from time to time reports in the media of people in churches who have not been careful with their financial accountability processes when dealing with what are, in the eyes of the law, “public funds”. That is not the sort of ‘advertising’ we as individuals or as a church want to receive.
Please be diligent with all of this as we are indeed stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
Assistance with treasurers’ tasks: To assist with this auditing process I wonder if there are any accountants (either currently practicing or retired) in, or known by people in, our North Queensland congregations who may be willing to offer their services as auditors for one or two congregations. I would believe that congregations will be prepared to pay for such a service and I am sure that they would be thankful if those rates were perhaps discounted. If you would like further information on this or any issue to do with finances, financial returns, auditing, etc. please feel free to contact me (Bruce Cornish) or our Presbytery Treasurer, Ian Jessup.
Ian is best contacted through his email address ijessup@jessupandpartners.com.au . Ian has an accounting practice that has offices in both Cairns and Townsville and is often in both areas, (but not usually both cities at the same time).
New Stipend Rates for 2007: By now, congregational treasurers will have received the new stipend and allowances rates for 2007. (I have reprinted them below for your information). There was considerable discussion in the meetings I attended in Brisbane two weeks ago about the need to have these rates available much earlier. The setting of the rates each year is dependent on, and related to, any percentage increases in the Average Adult Weekly Earnings figures as reported through the Australian Bureau of Statistics in August each year.
We do have the assurance that any changes in rates for 2008 will be available earlier in the year to help facilitate the setting of budgets in congregations and the presbytery.
Effective 1 January 2007
1. Increases in Stipend, Allowances and other related expenses are as follows:
The Travel Allowance rate is to be negotiated between the Minister and the congregation in accordance with the schedule recommended by the Ministerial Support Funds Committee.
What’s New…
EASTER POSTCARDS PLEASE ORDER NOW
Similar to the recent Christmas promotion campaigns in 2005 and 2006 congregations
are invited to express their interest in the provision of similar resources for the
Easter season 2007. The Communication Services Unit is willing to partner again with
congregations to produce high-
This campaign will present the local Uniting Church as a great place to consider life’s important questions during the Easter season: “Which came first? – Explore life’s bigger questions”. As usual some additional materials will be provided including copies of the publicity materials artwork for local congregational use. 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. Samples can be viewed HERE. Please indicate as soon as possible if your congregation is interested in registering for the project by filling in the form on the Synod website HERE.
Enquiries to Bruce Mullan, Manager Communication Services Unit at ph: (07) 3377 9801 or email HERE.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
LENT APPEAL 2007 – PLANTING A FUTURE
Each Sunday during the season of Lent 2007 Uniting Church people in Queensland will have the opportunity to contribute to worthwhile projects submitted by congregations or agencies. In the spirit of the season people are invited to go a 'second mile' to offer gifts to the work of God for justice and mission. In 2006 the Lent Appeal raised over $75,000 and on behalf of the project recipients the Synod would like to say thank you to all who contribute to the Appeal. A different project is selected for each week of Lent and envelopes for contributions, posters and other materials will be posted to secretaries of church council next week. The theme for the 2007 Lent Appeal is "Planting a future". Posters, Appeal envelopes and more detailed information about the individual projects will be posted to Church Council secretaries this month and will soon be available online on the Synod website www.ucaqld.com.au. For more information contact Kristine Bromiley on ph: (07) 3377 9825, email HERE or Bruce Mullan on ph: (07) 3377 9801, email HERE.
Bruce Mullan, Lent Appeal 2007 Coordinator
LENTEN STUDIES
Once again the Queensland Synod's Lenten Studies will be available free in the February issue of Journey. The five studies tie together the theme of the Lent Appeal, "Planting A Future", with the theme of "Renewing Our Call". Each study includes prayer, Biblical reflection and small group discussion questions. The study will be available to download as a PDF document from http://www.ucaqld.com.au/downloads.php by Tuesday, 23 January 2007.
Duncan Macleod, Synod Theology and Worship Committee
NATIONAL CHURCH LIFE SURVEY RESULTS NOW AVAILABLE
The results are now available for those congregations that participated in the 2006
NCLS. Congregations may obtain their results from Kristine Bromiley (email, phone
and address) who can also provide an invoice. Although the Synod subsidised the Survey
congregations are requested to contribute $100 towards costs. On payment of that
sum a copy of your congregation's results together with a resource pack will be forwarded.
NCLS is the most comprehensive congregational survey undertaken in Australia. The
results and accompanying planning resources are valuable tools to equip your congregation
for its on-
Graham Beattie, Mission Consultant
CONVOCATION OF MINISTRY (ADVANCE NOTICE)
The Synod meeting in May next year will once again be preceded by a Convocation of Ministry. All people in specified ministry are invited to attend. The Convocation will commence on Thursday evening, the 17 May at 7:30pm, with a party, and will continue on the Friday morning. The Synod itself commences with worship after lunch on the 18th. We encourage folk to plan to travel on the Thursday in order to be able to share in the whole of the Convocation. The theme of the Convocation will be the same as for the Synod: “Dare to discover, dream, design and deliver!” Further information will be provided in due course. The last Convocation was a special time and we look forward to being together again next year!
David Pitman, Moderator
ALERT REGARDING KEY SYNOD MINISTRY POSITIONS
(Information from the Moderator)
I want to bring to your attention the fact that during 2007 a number of key Synod appointments will be made. These include:
(1) appointments to fill current vacancies (Mission Consultant: Spirituality & Discipleship and Director of Mission: Uniting Care); and
(2) the appointment by the Synod in May of a new General Secretary, as Jenny Tymms has given notice of her intention to resign from that position.
These positions will be advertised in February and the selection process will commence shortly thereafter.
Both Bruce Binnie, Director of FAPS, and Graeme Adsett, Synod Chaplaincy Coordinator, have indicated their intention to retire. As the Synod will receive major reports that bear upon these areas of our work, no action will be taken in relation to filling these positions until after that.
Reports to the Synod may well include recommendations for some additional appointments,
including an Associate General Secretary and persons to resource the work of the
Schools Commission, Multi-
The Council of Synod has appointed a Search Committee to give oversight to the process required. I will chair that Committee. While formal applications must wait until the positions have been advertised, people who may be interested in one or more of the above positions should feel free to contact me at this stage if they would like to do so.
David Pitman, Moderator
LIFESTYLE WATER WISE GRANTS
The Department of Finance and Property Services is now receiving applications from
congregations and agencies for the Queensland Government Lifestyle Water Wise Grants
Program. The $10 million dollar program is encouraging not-
• Improving sports ground or park watering systems
• Replacing existing water use devices (such as single-
• Providing alternative water sources
• Installing swimming pool covers and rollers
Lifestyle Water Wise application kits and supporting information are available from www.nrw.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 243 585. Applications are to be sent directly to the Property Services Division for collating and close on Friday, 16 March 2006.
Mark Lee, Manager, Mission Support Enterpr
SYNOD SELECTION PANEL DATES FOR 2007
The Synod Selection will process applications in two groups. The dates for the panel meetings are:
• 1st Round: 17th March and 12th May 2007
• 2nd Round: 18th August and 13th October 2007
Please send applications to: Synod Selection Panel Secretariat, GPO Box 674, Brisbane Qld 4001, before 23rd February 1997 if you wish applicant to be interviewed on 17th March and 12th May 2007 OR before 27th July if you wish applicant to be interviewed on 18th August and 13th October 2007.
Sue Page, Synod Selection Panel Secretariat
INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY TRAINING -
The Transitional Ministries Association of Australia is once again offering specialised
training in intentional interim ministry. The following dates are scheduled for training
in Queensland this year: Interim Ministry for Today's Church -
Graham Beattie, Mission Consultant
BREMER BRISBANE CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The Bremer Brisbane Presbytery has a new secretary. Mr Grahame Tainton can be contacted at PO Box 901 Sumner Park BC 4074, phone: (07) 3279 0185 or email: HERE with the subject line BB Presbytery.
RURAL MUSTER 2007
The next Rural Muster will be held on 27 April 2007 at the historical Jondaryan Woolshed on the Darling Downs, and will focus on lay ministry in congregations without fulltime Ministers. Contact: Julie Savage on ph: (07) 3870 2621 or email: HERE.
Julie Savage
VISIT THE TRANSIT LOUNGE
A new publication, aimed at fostering faith development and faith sharing will share
a positive message about the Uniting Church and Christianity in general. A joint
venture between the Synod of Western Australia and the National Assembly, the Transit
Lounge, a fortnightly zine (electronic magazine) which will offer stories in wide
range of news and feature categories; from culture and arts to news and current affairs
as well as regular blogs (opinion pieces) and an internet-
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
CHILD SAFE CHURCH RESOURCES
Please be advised that I have established a link on the Synod Website that specifically relates to the Child Safe Church Program. You can access this link by:
• Logging onto www.ucaqld.com.au
• Select the “Synod” link
• Select the “Financial & Property Services” link
• Select “Child Safe Church”
The website includes documents such as an electronic copy of the Child Safe Church Manual, the Risk Management Strategy Template and example Risk Management Plans for child activities. Members are able to download these documents for their information. Should you have any queries or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Charlotte Tyrrell – Workplace Health and Safety Resources Advisor
NEW ON www.journeyonline.com.au
SUPER-
NEW POLICIES TIGHTEN UP RE AND CHAPLAINCY IN STATE SCHOOLS Changes to Education Queensland policies for both Religious Instruction and Chaplaincy in state schools will have significant consequences for schools, parents, ministers, church councils and RE volunteers. HERE
VALE ELIZABETH CRAIGIE MCCHESNEY-
More news at www.journeyonline.com.au
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s Diary)
23rd December – 23rd January 2007 – Bruce and Margie on holidays
February 2nd – Presbytery Leadership Team Meeting – face to face (office)
13th – Bruce to Brisbane for Placements meeting
15th – CEM Forum – Brisbane
16th – Moderator & Presbytery Ministers meeting – Brisbane
17th – Council of Synod meet – Brisbane
23rd – 25th – Presbytery meeting – Cairns
25th – Marcia Cowen’s Induction – Edmonton
March 5th – Peter Harvey Induction – Hughenden
8th – 9th – Bruce to Brisbane for Coach Net Training
11th – Bruce to Ingham – Preach and Worship
22nd – Bruce to Placements Brisbane
23rd – Moderator & Presbytery Ministers meeting – Brisbane
23rd – 25th – Leadership Training Course – Townsville
29th – Presbytery Leadership Team meeting – Teleconference
