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
THIRTY -
On the Grapevine…
Hi everyone,
A word about the Special Synod on Saturday October 27th:
I am aware that it seems a long distance to travel, and a lot of trouble to go to, for a 2 to 3 hour meeting. I am also aware that some members of the last Synod from North Queensland may be thinking that they will not go.
If you were a member of the last Synod I URGE you to come and be a part of this Special Synod.
The Uniting Church discerns the direction that God has for us as a church as we meet together. This requires full representation from all parts of the church to be effective. I believe that, as difficult and painful as the last Synod meeting was with respect to the issue of a new General Secretary, it was a decision made by us as we sought the will of God together. We made that decision together and this decision too must be made the same way. The person who will be appointed to this key role of General Secretary in Queensland will want to know that all parts of the church have been involved in the discernment process. This is especially important as at the last Synod we agreed to a revised Synod Office structure that gave extra responsibilities to this role in a revised role description for the General Secretary.
Please note that substitute members or proxy voting do not form part of our processes. This is because we firmly believe that through the prayer, conversations and discussion at any gathering of God’s people, God speaks to us and confirms in us our decision on any issue. We may have come to a meeting with one idea but through the process may indeed come to decide something differently to what we originally thought.
The Special Synod meeting has been arranged so that, with the exception of members from Thursday Island and Weipa, and possibly Mt Isa, those of us who need to travel by air will be able to do so on the day and not have to stay overnight. I will also point out that many Synod members who live in the Mary Burnett and the Downs Presbytery will actually be traveling for a longer time than we will as they will not have the option of flying.
Members of the last Synod will have received an email from Ana Mila at the Synod office with travel details etc. You will also be receiving an email from Jane in the next day or so with further details and a time frame and process for information for our Presbytery. As the email from Jane will indicate, we will need confirmation of your attendance and payment by mid October. Actual dates will be on that email.
Once again may I urge you to make yourself available to come to the Special Synod and be a part of this important decision for the life of our church?
Bruce C.
p.s. If you did not receive information this week and you were a member of the last Synod please contact the Synod Office on 1300 822 753 and ask to speak to the General Secretaries office. You will be put through to Ana Mila who will be able to help you.
p.p.s. Lay Pastors and Youth workers will note that the discernment retreat for you regarding the transition process towards ordination is on the 3 days before the Special Synod.
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
· Pray for Russ and Elizabeth Clark (Mareeba) on the death of Russ’s brother last
week-
· Pray for consultation teams and Joint Nominating Committees as they begin their work in seeking new ministry placements.
· Pray for the right personnel to be available for the ministry vacancies in the north.
· Chaplaincy in our schools, hospitals, prisons, aged care facilities and in industry and sport as well.
· Viv and Lyn Chapman on Long Service leave and Peter and Alison Blackburn as they provide supply ministry.
· Special Synod preparations.
Thursday Island Manse – We are celebrating the fact that we have a quote to repair the manse on Thursday Island including the downstairs flat. The quote is from Dave Kennedy Homes, in Cairns for $67,600 of which we have in hand $33,000. In faith we have given the go ahead for the work as it is very necessary. We believe that the finances will become available at the time we need them. The builder can commence work in November and expects to be finished by Christmas. This means that we will need the full amount by then. If there are congregations or individuals who would like to donate to this ministry opportunity please let us know. All the accounts for this project will be managed through the Presbytery Office so please send any donations here rather than direct to Thursday Island. We hope to also be able to have a state wide appeal so look for those details also.
BlueCare Chaplaincy
In accordance with general practice and established processes, there was an advertisement in last Saturdays Townsville Bulletin for the position of part time (50%) BlueCare chaplain in Townsville. This position will become vacant from 31st December 2007 when John Walker leaves so that he and Karen can begin the process of preparing for missionary service in Cambodia. The interview team will include both BlueCare and Presbytery personnel.
RAFS big day out
I have had a request for help from the Frontier Services Patrol ministers wife at Charleville who is organising a RAFS big day out at Greenvale. John and Robin have been friends of ours for over 25 years. I wonder if there are people in Townsville or Charters Towers who may have some connections in this regard and can contact me or John and Robin Case (bwp.fs@bigpond.com ). Below is the content of Robin’s email to me.
“Hi there Bruce & Marg.
I am after some help. I have taken on a project with Frontier Services to organise some Big Family Day Out events and one is to be in Greenvale on the 27th October. I am having a great deal of difficulty in finding suitable people that will go to Greenvale. I thought there may be people in the Townsville churches that may be willing to help out.
The purpose of these events is to provide an opportunity for families in rural and remote areas (particularly on properties) to come together for a day of information, entertainment and activity. We hope to have stalls, workshops and entertainment for all members of the family.
So far I have some people from a Natural Resources perspective and a GPS demonstration, someone who will do something in the exercise field, someone to do free massage and a van with children’s books for sale. Our RAFS girls will do a program for the children. We will need a lot more than that to make it a worthwhile day for the families.
One of the requests from families has been for a mobile hairdresser and I have tried several but so far no luck. Do you know of anyone who may be willing to come to Greenvale if we pay the cost of petrol? Other areas are craft stalls and workshops eg. Scrap booking, beauty products eg nutrimetics, gardening, a speech pathologist ( the one who services that area will be away), men’s health, comedian and I am trying to contact a dietician at the moment. You may even come up with some other things that you think might be relevant.
I do hope that you can help me with some contacts.
Hope you are both well, Regards, Robin Case ”
Blessings to you all, Bruce C.
Steve’s Stuff…
Greetings in the name of Christ!
Twenty seven children and nine adults enjoyed a twenty four hour action-
The groups arrived at the Girl Guides campsite around 12pm on Saturday and set-
We then ventured to the beach to fly the kites. The children had fun playing football and building sand sculptures. Following dinner Paul Clark introduced the children to our theme and led the children in a few songs. After playing the famous chocolate game we cooked marsh mellows around the campfire. Children in grades three and four went to bed and children in grades five to seven enjoyed playing spotlight. Finally time for bed!
After a quick sleep and breakfast on Sunday morning the children prepared our worship
service. After worship, great input from Paul Clark and morning tea we enjoyed
playing a few more games, pulling-
I would like to thank everyone that made KCO (southern zone) 2007 possible. It was a great 24 hours and God blessed us with great weather, an accident free camp and twenty seven wonderful children.
I now look forward to the northern zone KCO in October.
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…
NATIONAL MINISTERS CONFERENCES IN 2008
Assembly President, Gregor Henderson, is convening the planning group for three national
ministers conferences to be held mid-
The planning group wants to ensure that ministers from more than one synod participate in each of the three conferences. Accordingly, planning is underway to hold these conferences in slightly unusual locations. With the assistance of Uniting International Mission and our partner church the Protestant Christian Church in Bali, one conference will meet in Bali. This will provide opportunity to all participants for significant mission exposure (and possibly a family holiday to follow?). Other locations are expected to be Alice Springs and the Sunshine Coast. Every minister in active service will be invited to attend one of these conferences – in
the venue of their choice.
Further information about dates and venues will be available in a few weeks. Full details will be available in December. In the meantime all ministers are asked to take note of this opportunity and to plan to attend one of the 2008 conferences.
Members of the planning group are Robert Watson (WA), Roger Brook (SA), Sharon Hollis (Vic), Liva Tukutama (ACT), Rob McFarlane (NSW), Murray Fysh (Qld), Andrew Gunton (Qld) and Gregor Henderson.
Meera Atkinson, Assembly Communications Unit
ANTI POVERTY WEEK
Start planning your event for 14 to 20 October -
Join in this world-
Many people in Australia and around the world are severely
disadvantaged by poverty. Just think about issues such as housing affordability,
homelessness, non self-
We are asking that individuals, communities, government and organisations hold an
event or conduct research -
We will send you further information including a resource kit showing the types of
events you could hold and/or research you could conduct, together with details about organising
and promoting your activities.
Visit www.antipovertyweek.org.au for more information
A CHURCH OF PASSIONATE DISCIPLES
A final reminder that responses to the Assembly discussion paper on church membership — known as “A Church of Passionate Disciples” — are due to Rev. Rob Bos by 30th October, after which date the Assembly Standing Committee will prepare a report for the 12th Assembly in July 2009. So if your presbytery or congregation has not held a discussion on this important matter referred from the Assembly then please arrange a discussion soon! Personal responses are also welcome. Copies of the document may be downloaded from the Assembly website: http://assembly.uca.org.au. Send responses to Rev. Rob Bos by email: robb@nat.uca.org.au or post:
PO Box 483 Redbank QLD 4301
Terence Corkin Assembly General Secretary
COVENANTING — STRENGTHENING CONGRESS DELIVERY OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
The July meeting of the Assembly Standing Committee requested that a meeting be convened as a matter of urgency to progress a decision of the 11th Assembly that UnitingCare Australia and Congress should meet to find ways of establishing a community services arm for Congress. That meeting took place in Brisbane on August 21 and 22.
By sharing our experience and expertise it became clear that the vehicle that best suited Congress’ situation at present is a strengthened network. Congress, though a variety of means, is already involved in providing support services and community development programs within their communities. However due to time restraints it is difficult to share lessons learned and to support each other, as well as to effectively connect with the wider UnitingCare network and agencies that are willing and able to assist in providing mentoring and various kinds of “back office” support for applications.
The group agreed on the strategy of appointing a network facilitator for three years who will strengthen the capacity of the network to engage in issues that impact on indigenous people and facilitate the development of local community services delivered through Congress. The task now is to develop the “business plan” including the position description, ways of working and the budget. The Assembly, synod and UnitingCare representatives are committed to finding the ways of making this partnership work once the invitation formally comes from the Congress.
Terence Corkin Assembly General Secretary
THANK YOU
To the Uniting Church, a big thank you from the Henderson family. Over the seven months of Alison’s struggle with cancer, at the time of her death on 26 June, and in the weeks since, the care, support and prayers of many, many Uniting Church people have been simply marvellous. Thank you.
Our sense of being cared for by God and by God’s church has been very strong, and certainly helped Alison, me and the family to maintain courage, love and hope. We find enormous comfort in the promise of eternal life and in the experience of God’s love and peace. Thank you for your understanding and care during the past months.
Gregor Henderson President of the Uniting Church in Australia
FRONTIER SERVICES IS NORTHERN TERRITORY WINNER OF NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP AWARD
Frontier Services has been chosen as the Northern Territory winner of the Federal “Minister’s Awards for Excellence” in apprenticeship training.
The award, which recognizes Frontier Services’ training achievements in its aged care programs across the NT, was announced in Melbourne today by the Minister for Vocational and Further Education, Andrew Robb. As part of the selection process, Frontier Services had to provide detailed information on its apprenticeship induction process, training and mentoring programs, provision of resources such as libraries, and opportunities for apprentice feedback. “We are absolutely delighted to win the NT award,” Sharon Davis, Frontier Services’ NT Manager in Darwin, said.
“We are very proactive in taking on trainee carers because we want to build a solid
local base of Indigenous and non-
Accepting the award in Melbourne were NT Manager Sharon Davis, NT Training Manager Rosemary Jeffery, and trainee carers Talya Johnston, who works at “Juninga” aged care service in Darwin, and Diane Weare from “Rocky Ridge” in Katherine. Frontier Services, which is the largest provider of aged care services in Outback Australia, currently has 26 trainee carers working across the NT.
Rosemary Young National Director, Frontier Services
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE
21st September is the day set aside this year by the World Council of Churches as a day to pray for peace, an initiative of the Decade to Overcome Violence. Uniting International Mission’s major program for peace building is Young Ambassador for Peace (YAP). YAP is lead by Joy Balazo who this year celebrates 25 years of work in international peace building. Since their first workshop in 2001 a network has been created of more than eight YAP centres in six countries in Asia Pacific. To help churches engage fully in the International Day of Prayer for Peace, Uniting International Mission is preparing a set of prayer resources which will be emailed to churches and YAP supporters and available to download from the website: www.uim.uca.org.au/yap
Rosemary Cottrell Communications and Fundraising Manger, Uniting International Mission
NEW SYNOD WEBSITE GOES LIVE
The all new Uniting Church Queensland Synod is now live at www.ucaqld.com.au. The site has been completely redesigned using the latest technologies and includes fully searchable links to 135 congregations, with contact details, map and times of worship services. As well as being a gateway to the Uniting Church in Queensland, the site has a deliberate focus on faith information and presents more of the church than just its administrative structure. You are invited to log on, have a look around, check out your own church information, and offer feedback and comment HERE.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
HELP PEOPLE FIND YOUR CHURCH
The new Synod website is now online with an exceptional new “Find you local Uniting Church” section. People can search for your church by map, postcode or name or browse alphabetically. There is space in your individual church entry for your church address, contact details, worship times, photograph and a detailed map is provided to help people find your worship centre. Please log on to the new website www.ucaqld.com.au and have a look at your church’s home page. If the details are incorrect or incomplete please correct these by logging on to your corrections page and making the changes. You can also include a photograph of the front of your church. The correction page can be accessed at http://www.journeyonline.com.au/register/login.php. Please note that these changes do not change your information on the Synod UConnect database only for the Synod website entry. If you have forgotten your username and password please email HERE with your name and position in the congregation to receive a reminder email. It is important to have a look at the map function. If you are showing a Queensland map you will need to adjust your street address. The map will work well if you can enter a street number and full name (e.g 6 Mills Parade). Avoid abbreviations (e.g. St. Crt. Rd. etc) and avoid partial numbers (e.g. 5/64 or 17a). Don’t describe the address as being on a corner (e.g. Corner or Cnr.) as it may not work. Instead use the number and full street address. If you want to highlight a street corner do so at the end of your church description section.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
NEW SYNOD WEBSITE “FAITH WINDOWS”
In the centre of the home page of the New Synod Website there are three windows which rotate giving different content every each time a user logs on. The sharing in the “faith windows” has been written by a range of people under the headings “About Faith” and “About a life of faith”. Each is 100 to 150 words so it can be quickly read. People are invited to contribute their own stories for inclusion as “faith windows”. Please email Bruce Mullan HERE.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
ARE YOU RECEIVING US? ARE YOU RECEIVING US AGAIN?
A changeover in the Synod database which allocates ministry agents and church council
office holders to automatically receive UC Information has been made. Church Council
Chairpersons, Secretaries and Treasurers should receive this mailing automatically
as they are placed on List A because of the position they hold in the Uniting Church.
All ministry agents, presbytery office bearers and retired ministers should also
receive it through List A. If you are receiving two copies of UC Information please
check in the “To” box to see if one is List B. You can unsubscribe to List B here
https://secure.uca.net.au/mail-
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
NCLS CONGREGATIONAL REPORTS
Has you congregation collected its 2006 National Church Life Survey Report but hasn't got around to doing much with it yet? Or perhaps you've had an initial look but are not sure where to go from here? As Synod Mission Consultant I'm available to talk with your church council, minister, or other leaders (face to face or over the phone) to explore with you some of the emerging insights and possibilities from your report. Simply phone me on ph: (07) 3377 9818 or email: HERE to discuss options. (By the way, if your congregation participated in the 2006 NCLS but still hasn't received its report they are available from the Synod Office. Just contact Kristine Bromiley on ph: (07) 3377 9825 or email HERE.)
Graham Beattie, Synod Mission Consultant
CHARLOTTE TYRRELL IS LEAVING
Charlotte Tyrrell our Workplace Health & Safety Resource Advisor has decided to pursue career opportunities outside of the Church. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Charlotte for her commitment to and assistance with Workplace Health & Safety along with Child Safe Church initiatives over the past year whilst working for the Queensland Synod, she will be missed. From Monday, 17 September 2007 Workplace Health & Safety queries can be sent to the following email address for assistance and advice: health.safety@ucaqld.com.au
David Munro, Risk & Insurance Manager
DIRECTOR OF THE PILGRAM LEARNING COMMUNITY (PLC) – (FULL TIME; 5 YEAR INITIAL CONTRACT)
Applicants are now being sought to fill the position of Director of the new Pilgrim Learning Community, which, along with Trinity Theological College, will form part of the Queensland Synod’s Network for Christian Formation (NCF). The Network will provide a highly respected centre of excellence in theological education that will equip both lay and ordained leaders for ministry in the Church. Working with the other key leaders of the Church, the Director will create a learning community which will facilitate the equipping of God’s people with knowledge and skills to fulfill the Gospel imperative in a 21st century. The individual (lay or ordained) sought to fill the role will have a passion for Christian adult education and formation. He or she will have exceptional leadership, service delivery, management and educational skills. Applicants must have:
· Membership of the Uniting Church in Australia, and commitment to and understanding of the mission and ethos of the Uniting Church.
· Thorough knowledge of the Uniting Church and its polity.
· Demonstrated capacity to implement strategic plans in complex organizations within fluid and changing environments.
· Experience in providing educational resources, delivered through a variety of methods.
· Demonstrated effective communications skills.
· Qualifications / experience in Christian Adult Education
The full application pack is available via the website (http://www.ucaqld.com.au/career.php) or by contacting Ana Mila (07) 3377 9709 or ana.mila@ucaqld.com.au. Applications will close Friday, 26 October 2007.
General Secretary, UCA Qld Synod
Please remember these…
AUSTRALIA GEARS UP FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008
Almost 2000 groups representing more than 120,000 people have registered to attend
the world's largest youth event in Sydney next year.
Although still many months away,
overseas group registrations for World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) have been coming
in strongly, suggesting the target of 125,000 international pilgrims may be exceeded,
organisers say.
"Almost 100,000 international pilgrims are expected at this point
in time, and nearly 23,000 Australians," Chief Operating Officer Danny Casey said.
"We expect the numbers of Australian pilgrims to grow much stronger as we get closer
to the event," Mr Casey said.
WYD08 will be held from 15-
The top 12 source countries, with
current expected pilgrim numbers, are:
United States 30,400
Australia 22,900
Italy 15,400
Germany 8,000
New Zealand 4,200
France 3,700
Spain 2,900
India 2,600
Venezuela 2,400
Fiji 2,000
Nigeria 2,000
Mexico 1,800
More than 500,000 people are expected to take part in
WYD08. Individual registrations are now open. Registration and all WYD08 information
can be found at www.wyd2008.org .
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s and Steve’s Diary)
September –18th – 20th – Steve to Brisbane YACMU
18th – 21st – Bruce meetings in Brisbane
23rd – Bruce to preach at Ayr
30th – Bruce to Preach at Malanda
October – 3rd – 6th – Bruce to Frontier Services Board meeting -
8th -
10th – Bruce to Ingham
12th – 14th – Young Adults Camp
13th – Bruce to Brisbane for Synod Selection Panel
15th – full PLT face to face – presbytery office
16th – 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
28th – Bruce to preach at Wulguru
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.
11th – 13th – Steve to Brisbane YACMU
13th – Bruce to Brisbane for Placements
25th – Christmas Day
January 2008 – 9th – 14th – Summer Madness Camp, Sunshine Coast