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 SEVENTH EDITION WEDNESDAY JULY 18TH 2007
On the Grapevine…
Hi everyone, the quote below was included by Bruce Mullan in his Daily Mail last week.
“This is an extract from a speech by South African Bishop Desmond Tutu directed at the G8 leaders meeting recently in Germany. It was made at the meeting of the Kirchentag on 7 June 2007
‘I want to say to the G8 leaders: I am an African. I am a man. I am a human being.
I laugh, I cry. If you cut me, then I bleed and my blood-
I am not an object of pity. I am a man. I was created in the image of God. I am precious with a preciousness that cannot be measured. I am a temple of the Holy Spirit. I am redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ my Saviour.
Yes, I may lie at your gate, covered in the soil of poverty, in the sores of HIV and AIDS, in the sores of hunger, in the sores of ignorance. Remember Lazarus and the rich man and what happened afterwards.
You leaders ask me, what I need, what I want. Well, I am asking you the same: What do you need? What do you want? I want the same.
I am a child of God. I am not a step-
Alongside that we also need to remember our Aboriginal sisters and brothers.
I am reading an excellent, insightful and very important book at the moment. It is called “Why Warriors lie down and die” by Richard Trudgen. The subtitle gives an overview of the content. It reads, “Towards an understanding of why the Aboriginal people of Arnhem Land face the greatest crisis in health and education since European contact”. It was first published in October 2000.
It is a book that I believe every politician, bureaucrat and person working in the health and welfare area in aboriginal communities should read, particularly in the light of recent decisions.
Frontier Services provides the book to its staff. I am happy to loan my copy when I am finished but also encourage you to get your own copy.
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
· For the family of Rev Bevan Favelle, minister serving at Glebe Rd Uniting Church, who died from cancer last Friday night. His funeral was held on Tuesday.
· Give thanks with Malcolm Bottrill who had laser surgery on a perforated retina in his eye on Monday evening and has now been told by the surgeon to “Take the eye patch off some time tomorrow morning and get on with your normal life.”
· Pray for Johan and Lisa Loots in ministry in Brisbane.
· Pray for the planning of State Youth ministry conference and that there will be a good attendance.
Synod info re General Secretary appointment:
Those in our Presbytery who were members of the last Synod will have received correspondence
from the current General Secretary, Jenny Tymms regarding the process for appointment
of a new General Secretary. In the interested of open communication I share the basic
outline here:-
On Saturday 30th June the Council of Synod:
1. appointed the following people to the Search Committee which will be chaired y
the Moderator -
Those with an asterisk (*) were considered to have HR skills.
2. Approved a revised Position Description for the General Secretary that included
the essential ability “to live and work within the theological diversity of the
Queensland Synod”. The Selection Criteria were also amended so that the first
requirement now reads: “Membership of the Uniting Church in Australia and a
commitment to, and understanding of, the mission and ethos of the Uniting
Church and of the Queensland Synod.”
The Position Description is available on the Synod web-
3. Requested the Search Committee to address specifically both the Selection
Criteria and the overall ‘fit’ of their two nominees for the role of General Secretary
in its report to the Special Synod.
4. Approved the following date for the Special Synod: Saturday, 24th November
2007. Chermside Kedron Uniting Church in Brisbane has kindly agreed to
host the special meeting.
5. Expressed its thanks to the General Secretary, Rev Jenny Tymms, for her
willingness to defer her leave and continue in the role of General Secretary until
the end of January 2008, noting that there would be a consequent delay in her
taking up her new placement.
GTIM – (Growing Together in Marriage):
Marriages are all different and each needs fine tuning
A Growing Together in marriage Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for enriching,
fine tuning and re-
The tune-
At Bramston Beach Motor Inn, 1-
On 17th to 19th August 2007.
Spaces for 10 Couples, 4 spaces already taken.
Cost: $200 per couple (accommodation & meals provided)
Further info from: Richard & Karen Hosking, 13 Jefferson Crescent, Kirwan. 4817.
07 4723 1690 or mob 0407 231 690 Email: rsklhosking@bigpond.com
New Secretary – International Rural Church Association:
At the recent International Rural Church Association Conference in Canada, Rev Garry Hardingham was appointed as the new secretary. This is the third ICRA conference to be held. The first was in Durham England in 1998 and the second was in Chennai India in 2002. I am not exactly sure what being secretary will mean except that Garry will have a significant part to play in putting the Australian perspective on rural ministry and will be able to glean ideas and processes from other countries.
“The theme of the conference in Canada “Cry of the Heart: Harvest of Hope in the Rural Landscape” speaks of the pain being sustained by rural communities and rural congregations, and of the powerful hope and convictions that sustain us as we hear God's word to us.”
On their website www.irca-
What is International Rural Church Association (IRCA)?
IRCA is a network of people with a passion for rural communities based on their passion
for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We seek to be an international community of rural
Christians. We share our stories of struggle and our stories of hope, joined by our
reliance on the land for our livelihood and by determination and hope because we
have faith in God.
Our vision is to be a voice for Rural community worldwide.
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.
At the Minister’s Retreat last month Greg and Mereym Brown presented a video clip called “Stop It”. Some Ministers expressed interest in obtaining a copy. If you would like a copy please contact Hedley Fihaki at hedley@cairns.unitingchurch.com or Jane at the presbytery office on presbnq@bigpond.net.au
Presbytery Leadership Team is meeting this week. I will share more information in next weeks Prompts.
Blessings to you all,
Bruce C.
Steve’s Stuff…
Greetings!
Summer Madness – 11th-
Summer Madness is a state youth camp taking place next year. It is being organised by a variety of youth workers and hosted by YACMU. Summer Madness is being held at Alex Park Conference Centre. The camp is for young people who are in grades 8 to 12 in 2008.
The guest speaker is Julian Hamilton from Ireland. Julian has spoken at many events in Australia including NCYC’s, Easter Camps, Presbytery camps around Australia and more… He connects well with young people.
Initially I was planning on hiring a coach for young people and their leaders to travel to the Sunshine Coast. However due to the price and the risk associated with not filling the bus with 48 people, I have decided not hire a bus for our Presbytery. It will now be up to each individual congregation to how they transport their young people to camp.
I will be organising a space where we can stay before Summer Madness. I will be heading down on the 9th of January. It would be great if you could bring your group down one or two days before camp not only to see Brisbane and surrounding areas, but spend time with other young people from across our Presbytery.
What you need to do:
· Look through the information pack that was sent to your church earlier this year. If you can’t find the pack, then please contact me.
· Talk with your young people and parents about Summer Madness. Tell them how awesome it is going to be and what a wonderful growth opportunity for their child.
· Brainstorm ways that your congregation can support your young people to get to Summer Madness.
· Get in early and book your flights etc..
· Let me know if you are intending on taking a group down.
· Send the response form from your pack to the organising team.
Summer Madness is the biggest youth event in Queensland for a long time. It will be a real time of growth for young people. Please pass this information onto the relevant person in your congregation. If you have any questions, please contact me.
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 to small or large for Kids Camp Out.
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…
ALPHA COURSE IN TOWNSVILLE
Anne Harley (Uniting Church Mt Louisa) and Trevor Adams (Anglican Priest Ascension)
are pioneering a co-
Wednesday 15th August 7pm @ University Hall – Introduction evening – Week 3 Semester II
ALPHA – First Contact Course and Retreat on who JESUS is, the Meaning of Life
(Comes from the Anglican parish of Holy Spirit Brompton England)
For more information please contact Wayne Crockford on (w) 07 4781 5447 (m) 0412 385 477 or Mount Louisa House of Praise on 4774 5800
TOWNSVILLE JCU -
Organised by the Multifaith Chaplaincy Service
WHEN -
WHO CAN ATTEND -
university colleges etc.
· Cultural & Faith Groups make sure you book a table @ F3 with food, literature etc to share. Contact Chaplaincy
· Drama groups, street theatre / clowns etc, musical groups, choirs, solos, talks by students, speakers
· ‘hot’ topics e.g. social issues, global warming… what topics are important to your culture or group? You may have a speaker, literature or a course students or staff may be interested in
· Sign up students or staff to courses of interest, weekend away or a retreat
· Your suggestions and what fun things we can do to create an atmosphere of celebration? fun, interest?
· What give aways, freebies can be distributed to students?
· How about a market or ‘bazaar?’
· ALL STAFF please note ‘Sponsor a child’ programme with World Vision – Come along to their table on the day to sponsor a child.
Each cultural group or faith is asked to send someone to the next F3 Operational meeting, THIS Thursday 21st June, 2007 @ 11am in the Chaplaincy.
What cultural foods are you prepared to supply? Also you may wish to sell your cultural
food rather than provide it free as in previous F3. Book your table by contacting
the Chaplaincy and filling out the REGISTRATION FORM
This F3 we want to move from merely centering in on food and cultural aspects to more on faith. This means more literature and/or students who would like to share their faith and what their beliefs mean to them etc.............
For further information please contact Wayne R Crockford University Chaplain
Direct
Line: 07 4781 5447 Mob: 0427 793 455 Email: chaplain@jcu.edu.au MultiFaith
Chaplaincy Centre
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY IN HUGHENDEN
Here is a unique opportunity to minister to the small faithful congregation in Hughenden.
We are seeking someone to lead us in a service of Communion on Sunday 2 September at 9:30 am whilst our normal ministry agent is absent on leave.
Accommodation (in the Manse) and travelling allowance will be provided.
Please contact Peter Harvey on 4771 1865 or flinderspatrol@bigpond.com to explore this opportunity further.
All offers of assistance will be greatly appreciated, and if that particular date is not suitable for you but you would like to come out at some other time, please talk to us about that as well.
Pastor Peter Harvey, Hughenden Uniting Church and Flinders Patrol
100 YEARS CLELBRATION ST ANDREW’S UNITING CHURCH HUGHENDEN
As part of the celebrations for 2008 we are planning to put together a potted history of the church in Hughenden and district. We would like to hear from anyone who may have photos, documents, anecdotes or other information about the people and events of the church over the last 100 years.
Please contact Heather Anderson on 4741 1282 or Peter Harvey on 4741 1865
or contributions can be mailed to 51 Stansfield St or emailed to flinderspatrol@bigpond.com
MARKET DAY -
Cnr Culgoa & Georgina Streets, Wulguru (Turn into Culgoa Street off Stuart Drive at the Shell Wulguru Service Station)
WHEN : Saturday, 11 August 2007
TIME : 11.00am – 3.00pm
WHAT’S ON : Sausage Sizzle Devonshire Teas Kid’s Corner Crafts Cakes and Sweets Jams and Preserves Plants Tombola White Elephant Stall and much more
ALL PROCEEDS FROM OUR FUNDRAISING GO TOWARDS ESTABLISHING A CHURCH IN FAIRFIELD WATERS.
DEATH OF ALISON HENDERSON & DEATH OF MR CORKIN
Alison (wife of the Uniting Church Assembly President, Rev Gregor Henderson), passed away in Hobart on Tuesday, 26 June after a long illness and Mr Corkin (father of the Uniting Church Assembly General Secretary, Rev Terence Corkin) also passed away recently. Your prayerful support for our President and our General Secretary and both their families in their time of great loss is appreciated.
General Secretary
TOP FOUNDATION GRANT GOES WEST
Wide geographic spread through five presbyteries has again been a feature of the successful applicants for the first round of UC Foundation grants in 2007, with the top grant of $10,500 going to Burke and Wills Patrol’s Rev. John Case in Charleville. After receiving 15 applications which totalled over $75,000, the Foundation Board’s deliberations resulted in 12 applications for $46,506 being successful. This brings the total number of general grants to over 190, amounting to over $890,000. The successful applicants in this round were:
APPLICANT PROJECT AMOUNT
Ashgrove West UC Christmas Tree and Craft Fair 1,000
Aspley UC Developing Young Families Ministry through commencement of Child Care Centre 3,500
Bayside UC Team training camp for Watoto building project 4,000
Burdekin UC Craft Spectacular Outreach 1,000
Burdekin UC IT Religious Instruction Course 4,000
Edmonton UC Family Festival Days 5,000
Frontier Services, Burke and Wills Patrol Drought Morale-
Glebe Rd UC “Mainly Music” Program for parents and young children 1,050
Maranoa Congregations Maranoa Reconnect 2,456
St George UC Day Camp 6,500
Sunnybank UC Mentoring Initiative 3,500
Tingalpa UC Welcome, neighbour! 4,000
TOTAL $46,506
Thanks mainly to the dedicated people whose Will has resulted in the Church receiving
an unrestricted bequest, the Foundation has been able to disburse its tax-
Ken Edwards, UC Foundation
GIPPSLAND FLOOD RECOVERY APPEAL
You are no doubt aware of the devastation caused by the recent flooding in Gippsland.
This latest disaster comes after prolonged drought, and more recently, bushfire and
so leaves many in the community particularly vulnerable. The Synod of Victoria and
Tasmania has launched a special appeal to help the Gippsland community during the
recovery phase. Funds will be directed to Kilmany UnitingCare, which has an excellent
reputation in the local community for its careful and compassionate support of those
in need. Funds raised will be used to re-
Jason Kioa, Moderator, Synod of VIC & TAS
Please don’t forget these…
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
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).
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
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s and Steve’s Diary)
July – 15th – 18th -
18th – Presbytery Leadership Team meeting – face to face Presbytery office
22nd – Bruce to preach at Wulguru
29th – Steve in Tully & Mission Beach
30th – Meeting – Tully
August 3rd – 4th – Emmaus Training Day 2
7th – 8th – Steve in Brisbane YACMU
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
21st – 26th – Steve at YACMU & Youth Ministry Conference
25th – 26th – Youth Ministry Conference – Brisbane
27th – 31st – Steve to Sunshine Coast for National Youth Worker Inservice
September – 1st – Southern Zone Meeting – Wulguru UC
3rd – 6th – Steve to Brisbane for Triple P Training
6th – 9th – Emmaus Mens Walk
10th – Mission Resourcing Committee Meeting – presbytery office
13th – 16th – Emmaus Women’s Walk
18th – 20th – Steve to Brisbane YACMU
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, CoachNet training
20th – 21st – Kids Camp Out, Southern Zone
21st – Ministry Sunday
24th – 26th – Steve to Brisbane for Discernment Retreat
28th – Bruce to preach at Wulguru
November 2nd – 4th – Presbytery meeting – Townsville area Venue to be advised
11th – 50th church Anniversary Mossman
12th – MRC meeting – presbytery offfice
20th – 23rd – Steve to Brisbane YACMU
21st – 24th -
24th – Special Synod Brisbane
26th – PLT teleconference
December – 11th – 13th – Steve to Brisbane YACMU
13th – Bruce to Brisbane for Placements
January 2008 – 9th – 14th – Summer Madness Camp, Sunshine Coast
