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
FORTIETH EDITION WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 17TH 2007
On the Grapevine…
Hi everyone,
The last thing to share about the Frontier Services Conference 2 weeks ago is some statistics that I had hoped to have received before last Wednesday.
Total attendance at conference was 158 which reflects a significant proportion of the Frontier Services staff across the nation. Of course there were still staff members working in the Frontier Services aged care facilities in the Northern Territory.
At the conference there were 41 from the Northern Territory, 7 from Western Australia, 44 from Qld and South Australia, 21 from the National Office, 29 Patrol Ministers, 9 Board members and 7 guests.
In addition to the actual conference, the following was the programme:
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As said previously I believe that it was a very worthwhile conference.
These sorts of gatherings of staff of a caring organization from across a large geographical area are very important. I know that BlueCare also recognises the value of such gatherings. BlueCare North Queensland will be holding a Regional Service Managers Forum later this month which will I am sure also be a time of encouragement and support as well as education.
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
· Pray for the follow through of the PLT meeting on Monday & planning for the Presbytery meeting
· Pray for the work of Uniting International Mission and for the new Director Kerry Enright.
· Pray for the right personnel to be available for the ministry vacancies in the north.
· 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.
· Pray for peace and justice in Burma. Pray that the Burmese rulers may respect their people, and that the people may be given greatness of spirit in their struggle to live free from fear. (Sunday 21st has been designated by the National Council of Churches in Australia as a National Day of prayer for Burma)
The Presbytery Leadership Team met this week:
The Presbytery Leadership Team (PLT) met Monday this week in a face to face meeting in Townsville. There was a very full agenda of business from across the Presbytery as well as a number of visitors.
The visitors who shared with us included the Director of Finance and Property Services
at Synod, Robert Packer who has been in the role since Bruce Binnie retired 4 months
ago; Scott Guyatt from the Property Services division of the Synod, and Michael Jeffery,
the Director of the Youth and Children’s Ministry Unit (YACMU). We also shared over
lunch with Mr Kerry Enright, the recently appointed Director of Uniting International
Mission (UIM), which is the Agency of our National Assembly that promotes and encourages
our international partnerships and overseas aide.
I encourage you to look at the
UIM website www.uim.uca.org.au/uim/welcome which also includes information about
Uniting Church Overseas Aide (UCOA) to see the great work that the Uniting Church
is involved in. There are also key opportunities for us to be involved in this work.
One such opportunity is “Gifts of Love”. A catalogue detailing how you can give a
practical gift to a family or village in an overseas country this Christmas is available
from the website or from Rowena on 02 8267 4269.
Robert Packer (FAPS Director) shared with us the implications of the changes in the Synod Funds (especially the Mission Development Fund) to come into effect in January 2008 and we were able to dialogue about the possible guidelines for them that Robert is in the process of developing. The Mission Development Fund will be that Fund that holds the proceeds of the sale of Property for the beneficial use of the relevant congregation or agency. It was noted that at the last Synod we approved these changes which included an increase from 10% to 15% of the proceeds of any property sales being placed in the Future Development Fund. This fund is to provide for the purchase of property in new growth areas where the Presbytery and Synod determine that there is a need to purchase land. This is essentially a renamed PDF (Parishes Development Fund).
Some of the other agenda items that were discussed included:
· Consultation processes and the consultations that we need to include on our calendar for 2008
· Meeting dates for next year. These will be confirmed following confirmation of the various Synod meeting dates this week.
· Agenda for the Presbytery Meeting
· Initial Planning for our Trinity NQ Lay Preacher Course for 2008
· Discussion on Youth and Children’s Ministry changes in North Qld with Steve moving to half time in the role. There will be more details at the Presbytery meeting.
Men’s Conference
For men who are not involved in the Presbytery meeting on the weekend of 2nd & 3rd
November there is a Men’s Conference at Mackay that for the last 3 years some men
from Mt Louisa have been attending. There has been very good feedback from those
men who have gone in the past. There are some dynamic speakers and the programme
looks good. Cost is $75 plus costs to get there and accommodation. Further info available
from Joel Macereth -
Synod 1300 number (another reminder)
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.
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.
A book that I am reading at the moment is “You won’t Die Laughing” with the subtitle
of “How to have less stress in your life and more fun” by Patricia Cameron-
Blessings to you all,
Bruce C.
Steve’s Stuff…
Greetings in the name of Christ!
Twelve young adults from across North Queensland met at New Life Pastures last weekend and had a great time together. Thank you for your prayers. It was a great time of worship, spiritual growth, Christian community and time just to relax.
We were blessed to have Steve Turner from FORGE Mission Training as our guest speaker. Steve encouraged us to reflect on the questions, “What is mission?” and “How do we do mission in the 21st century?”. We were sent out with three challenges: (1) Practice being a servant everyday, (2) Listen to people’s ‘real’ needs, and (3) Look for where God is already working in our community.
The group of young adults have decided that they would like to meet for dinner on a Saturday evening and then worship together on a Sunday morning twice a year. This will take place once in Townsville and once in Cairns next year. It is our hope that young adults from Townsville would host the young adults from Cairns etc..
In addition one of our young adults has set-
This coming weekend is Kids Camp Out in the northern zone. Please pray for protection, fine weather, the leaders and children who will be attending camp. More importantly, please pray that the children will hear the Gospel and respond and grow in their relationship with Christ.
Yours in Christ’s service, Steve.
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S MINISTRY EVENTS
October 12-
October – 20th – 21st – Kids Camp Out Northern Zone
January 2008 -
What’s New…
WANT TO SHARE A TAXI TO SPECIAL SYNOD
Ruth and Krishna are traveling to the Special Synod by Virgin Blue DJ770 arriving in Brisbane at 8.15 am. on the Saturday morning. Is there anyone else due to arrive about the same time who would be interested in sharing a taxi to Chermside? Ruth suggests meeting in the Qantas Arrivals lounge. Please contact Ruth if you are interested. ruthbeasley@westnet.com.au or phone 4093 0303.
PUPPET WORKSHOP -
I would like to tell you about the newest member of our family. Her name is 'Meg', she is purple, no legs, long arms, bulging eyes and a beautiful smile, still deciding on a nose and she can change her hair on a whim. When I brought her home my boys couldn't wait to play with her. She is of course the puppet I made on Saturday at the workshop run by Paul and Becky in Ayr. It was a great day of fellowship, learning and encouragement. Step by step we saw our piece of material, foam, cardboard and other extras come to life, as a powerful tool for opening doors and sharing the love of God. During the day Paul and Becky shared with us tips and tricks for being a puppeteer. When the opportunity arises for you to participate please take the opportunity, you will be amazed. Thank you Paul, Becky, Margaret, Pim, Miriam, Sarah, Jessie, Sandra, Catherine, and Michelle I really enjoyed my day out in Ayr.
Andrea Chamberlain, Aitkenvale Uniting Church.
The Puppet Making Workshop was run through Trinity NQ, with 9 puppets being made on the day. We would love to know if there would be enough interest in the Northern zone to run another day in Cairns next year. Please let Paul Clark (paul_bec@dovenetq.net.au) or Hedley Fihaki (hedley@cairns.unitingchurch.com ) know.
Paul Clark, Minister Burdekin Uniting Churches
“BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS — A GUIDE TO COVENANT RENEWAL WITH
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA” UPDATE
As reported previously the meeting of the 11th Assembly affirmed the document “Covenant as an expression of the relationship between the UAICC and other parts of the Uniting Church” and commended
it to the church for study and the exploration of what it means for relationships across the church. A new resource has been produced for use in congregations, presbyteries and community service organisations as a way into the conversation and an encouragement to action. The booklet will be sent to all ministers in placement and Church Council Secretaries. Additional copies for group use can be ordered through MediaCom.
Terence Corkin Assembly General Secretary
EV -
How do we in the Uniting Church understand evangelism? How can we best go about doing
it? The Assembly Working Groups on Missiology and Evangelism are working towards
a major report for the Twelfth Assembly in July 2009. Some UCA congregations are
evangelising and growing. Many others are aging and declining. We are great at community
service. NCLS Surveys have consistently shown that Uniting Church people are conspicuous
in our community involvement as part of their commitment to Christ and his church.
We also bat above the average in social service agencies, both through Uniting Care,
as well as congregation-
to justice in public policy. Going wider, in many towns and cities, ecumenical cooperation is glued together by the participation
and wisdom of the Uniting clergy and members. These are great strengths. But boldly stating that our mission was “not about bums on seats”, we now find that it was actually about “hands on deck”. As well as all Synods listing evangelism as the priority task, the last Assembly in 2006 highlighted this among its Key Directions: Key Direction C. in consultation with other councils of the church:
1. Support and nurture the renewal of the passion for evangelism, discipleship formation and leadership development with an emphasis on spiritual development and faith sharing, and;
2. Request Theology and Discipleship and the Evangelism Working Group to develop key strategies including grass roots and inter synod activity.
We each know that we have been empowered to act for Christ — in many beautiful and
risky ways. Those of us who gather regularly in city churches and suburban home groups
and many rural halls all have a story of grace, a cup overflowing, a healing, an
exquisite love, a calling, a storehouse of meanings and a purpose-
So far, the Working Groups have researched motivations, attitudes, strategies and the implied theologies of mission and evangelisation. Our goal at this stage is to provide useful handles towards a larger discussion whose time has well and truly come.
We are working towards some useful proposals to the next Assembly. These will be based on good theological reflection, proven strategies and positive proposals. We suspect that, in the process, some healthy repentance may also be in order.
Then lets put the “angel” back into “evangelism”. And may the Holy Spirit, the Discomforter, continue to disturb us.
Ian Robinson National Working Group on Evangelism
SPECIFIED MINISTRY OF PASTOR RESOURCE
Detailed information on the Specified Ministry of Pastor is now available on the Assembly website.
It covers questions such as what Pastors do, who can become a Pastor, why there is a need for Pastors, how to become a Pastor, training, and future options for those currently recognised as Lay Pastors, Youth Workers, and Community Ministers.
To view the resource go to: Nat.uca.org.au/pastors
Terence Corkin Assembly General Secretary
EMBEDDING MISSIONAL DNA
Over recent years several congregations have worked hard at discerning their church's
'missional DNA' -
Graham Beattie, Synod Mission Consultant
INDUCTION SERVICE FOR REV SUE ALGATE
Rev Sue Algate will be inducted as Minister of the Word in the Nanango Parish at Nanango Uniting Church on Saturday 20 October at 2.00pm.
Mary Burnett Presbytery
NOVEMBER JOURNEY
The November issue of Journey will be delivered to congregations next week for immediate distribution. The theme for the month is “School’s out – what next?” plus lots of other news and features. Past issues of Journey are also available as a PDF downloads HERE. To change subscription numbers please contact Kristine Bromiley HERE or call (07) 3377 9825.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
FAITH BASED FILMS IN A THEATRE NEAR YOU
Heritage HM Theatrical Promotions have just finishing a very encouraging season with the film Amazing Grace. The film was viewed by over 500,000 Australians in 240 locations. They are now promoting their next release, One Night with the King, based on the story of Esther. Heritage HM believe faith based films are an encouragement to the church, an opportunity for church folk to invite friends to an outreach event, and an opportunity to run an event as a fundraiser. The One Night with the King trailer can be found at www.onenight.com.au. For group bookings and more information call ph: 1300 363 074.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
ITEM ON WEBSITE
The Report of the October 2007 meeting of the Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee is in the ‘Reports’ page – highlighted in purple. Our website address is www.ecumenical.ucaweb.com.au.
Don Whebell, Secretary, Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR BURMA
The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) has declared a national day of prayer for Burma on Sunday, 21 October 2007. NCCA General Secretary Rev John Henderson said the images of tens of thousands of Burmese monks, nuns and civilians marching in the cities of Burma has highlighted the tragic situation facing millions of people in Burma today. Read more HERE. Prayers and other resources that could be used or adapted for use by churches can be found on the NCCA website www.ncca.org.au.
NCCA
Please remember these…
LIVING WORD WORKSHOP
Living Word will be at Mt. Louisa House of Praise from 17th to 21st October. They will be running a workshop to help people find their place in the life of the Church. (pieces of the puzzle) 2 sessions:
Thursday 18th 7.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.
Saturday 20th 8.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
Contact Mt. Louisa for Registration forms. The course covers gifts, passion, talents, availability etc. It will be very practical and not just lectures. Costs are involved. Contact Anne 4774 6089 or anniehaha@dovenetq.net.au for more info
CHRISTMAS CAPERS AT WULGURU UNITING CHURCH
Wulguru invites you to Christmas Capers
Where: Wulguru Uniting Church
Cnr Culgoa & Georgina Streets, WULGURU
(Turn into Culgoa Street off Stuart Drive at the
Shell Wulguru Service Station)
Date: Tuesday, 30 October 2007
Time: Noon to 2.00pm
Cost: Adults -
Christmas Luncheon Lucky Door Competitions Stall – Buy your Christmas gifts
All Welcome
RSVP by Friday, 26 October 2007 to Jean Johnson on 4773 2361
SECONDMENT OF ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY
Rev Carol Bennett of the Toowong/Bardon congregations has been seconded by the General
Secretary to work within the General Secretary’s Office, alongside Rev Alan O'Hara
in a part-
Moderator, Queensland Synod
INDUCTION SERVICE FOR REV DAVID BAKER
Rev David Baker will be inducted as Presbytery Minister for Bremer Brisbane Presbytery at a service at Chapel Hill UCA on Saturday, 3 November at 9:00am. All welcome.
Grahame Tainton, Secretary, Bremer Brisbane Presbytery
PRESBYTERY MINISTER WITHIN PRESBYTERY OF SOUTH MORETON
“Fostering a creative, adventurous & inclusive church, celebrating & sharing life in Christ” The Presbytery of South Moreton is seeking to call to the position of Presbytery Minister a person with vision, energy and a strong team commitment who will provide pastoral oversight, intentional missional leadership and support across the Presbytery. It is envisaged that the role will be one of offering pastoral support and enabling Congregations and Ministers as they explore ways of being the Church. For an Information Pack to apply for this position please contact: Rev Anne Wright, Email: annerw@netspace.net.au or Ph: (07) 5563 3007. Applications close Friday, 23 November 2007.
Anne Wright, Presbytery of South Moreton
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s and Steve’s Diary)
October 17th – 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.
9th – Bruce preaching Mission Beach, Tully
11th – 13th – Steve to Brisbane YACMU
13th – Bruce to Brisbane for Placements
25th – Christmas Day
January 2008 – 9th – 14th – Summer Madness Camp, Sunshine Coast