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
FORTY-
On the Grapevine…
Hi everyone, the information below comes through Bruce Mullan’s Daily Mail this week. I have included it here as a reminder to myself. Maybe it also speaks to you
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)
“Far too many of us live in what some people call "crisis mode living." This lifestyle is when you spend most every waking moment of almost every day trying to figure how to keep all your plates spinning and how to juggle all the balls in the air. In crisis mode you keep running, even on empty; faster and faster, project to project; deadline to deadline, school, jobs, friends, church, lessons, homework; and it just gets faster and faster.
Usually people who live this kind of lifestyle eventually crash. Their plates fall and they have to pick up their lives in pieces. I keep these important words close to my heart. There is a lot of wisdom and prevention in them:
Slow me down, Lord.
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory.
Teach me the art of taking minute vacations -
Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow toward my greater destiny.
Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward to the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.
[Jim Burns posted in HomeWord Devotionals by www.homeword.com] “
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
· Pray for the preparations for Stable on the Strand in Townsville and for other Christmas events in communities across the north. (Please let us know of them so we can pray together for your Christian witness this Christmas)
· Please pray for Richard Stewart, a member of the Frontier Services Board currently undergoing treatment for Mantel Cell Lymphoma.
· Give thanks that cyclone Guba moved away from the Thursday Island and Weipa and that there was no damage apart from some heavy rain.
Mossman 50th Anniversary celebrations
The 50th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for the current church building was celebrated in Mossman on the weekend of 10th & 11th November. There were over 140 people at the celebration dinner on the Saturday evening, many of whom had reminisced and shared in the hall while viewing the historical display in the afternoon and the church was packed on Sunday morning for what was called the main celebration where God was given the glory for God’s faithfulness and love. We were told that the Mossman Methodist Church was founded in 1896 as a preaching place from the main church which was at Cooktown.
A booklet, ‘A Great Cloud of Witnesses’ was produced, tea-
It was a wonderful weekend of celebration of both God’s faithfulness and of the faithfulness of God’s people. Well done Mossman.
Federal Election
President of the National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia Rev. Gregor Henderson today called on Australians to reflect carefully on their vote next Saturday.
“In the lead up to this important occasion for the future of our nation, I urge each Australian to reflect deeply on the policies outlined by each of the parties and candidates at this election,” Mr Henderson said. “Each person’s vote is their voice; just as our elected representatives are accountable to us for their actions, we are accountable to each other for our voting choices. Making an informed choice about our vote is of vital importance.
“The Uniting Church advocates political approaches that take into account the marginalised, broaden and deepen community life and engagement, and nurture respectful relationships with our neighbours and our environment. Our response to the Christian gospel, and the experiences drawn from our involvement with the most vulnerable in the Australian community, will continue to inform our approach to national affairs.
“We have continually called on our elected representatives to show a commitment to the principles of justice, peace and hope in their approach to issues including poverty, Indigenous health and rights, international aid and development, climate change, asylum seekers and refugees, work justice, rural and remote communities, education and health.
“At this important election, I call on all Australians to use their vote to share a vision of hope – the hope that together we can build a society of compassion, justice and peace.”
The National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia has prepared a set of non-
Thursday Island Manse:
I am reliably informed that there are already donations coming in to Synod for the appeal even before the envelopes go out, which they will with the next copy of Journey: thank you to all those who have supported this already. I say a special thanks to Bruce Mullan and the Journey team for their excellent work in all of this.
I have spoken to the builder, Dave Kennedy this week who plans to be working on Thursday Island in early February. This will be weather permitting for the barge to get through with the necessary supplies and equipment.
John (minister at Wulguru and BlueCare Chaplain) and Karen Walker have moved house. Their new address is Unit 22/17 Canterbury Road, Kirwan 4817. Their new ph no. is 07 4723 0870. The mobile number and email address has remained the same. This will be their address until they leave Townsville.
28 DAYS OF PRAYER LEADING INTO THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS
SUNDAY 28TH OCTOBER TILL SATURDAY 24TH NOVEMBER (INCLUSIVE)
The Australian Prayer
Network is pleased to join with all the major National Prayer Networks in Australia
in calling all Christians to a 28 day season of prayer leading into the forthcoming
Federal Election. There are resources available for each day prepared by the Parliamentary
Prayer Network. If you would like to receive them please contact the Presbytery office.
They are developed and published weekly.
RESOURCES
Heroic Leadership, by Chris Lowney. [Loyola Press 2003].
A book I read recently and found inspiring on leadership was called “Heroic Leadership”
by an ex-
A great book if you like those on leadership but are uneasy about ‘leadership idolatry’.
Not a Christian book, but the gospel is clearly just under the surface, with self-
Paul Clark, Minister Burdekin Uniting Church
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.
I am sure that there are some excellent resources out there you are using for Advent. Why not let the rest of the Presbytery in on the secret?
HUMOUR ME
Today’s offering from “You won’t Die Laughing” by Patricia Cameron-
“Without always being conscious of doing it, many people live their lives waiting to be happy. They are so preoccupied with the future that they lose sight of the here and now. Hand’s up if you’re guilty of ever having one of these thoughts:
‘I can’t wait to finish for the day.’
‘I’ll be happy when the weekend comes.’
‘I’ll be glad when I go on holidays.’
‘I’ll be glad to retire.’
Whenever we think these thoughts, we are sending our brain a clear message that happiness is something which comes later……………..
The mistake we make in waiting to be happy also applies to having fun and laughter in our lives. If we always wait until the work is done before we enjoy ourselves we lose the opportunity of making fun a part of everyday living.”
The quote on this page is “Life is too serious to be taken seriously – Oscar Wilde”
Blessings to you all,
Bruce C.
20/20 Vision
As part of our vision towards the year 2020 as a Presbytery we are looking to be At the Top in all that we do in ministry and mission. To share that vision and begin our thinking we want to promote this throughout the Presbytery. See the letter below for some details. Further information is being sent to your Church Council and ministers. If you do not have access to the logo comp application form, please contact the Presbytery office.
At the Top
Dear Brother or Sister in Christ,
The North Queensland Uniting Church is setting sail for an exciting journey into the future. We are weighing anchor to old habits and comfortable options and looking to sail forward with God. We are grabbing hold of adventure, ingenuity and innovation to find where the Spirit is leading. I am using such impassioned language because I’m excited about the Presbyteries bold new strategic plan. A 2020 vision we are developing to put the North Queensland Uniting Church at the top of it’s game, to bring life, salvation and hope to the people of the North.
We would like you to join us on this journey. In 2008 we hope to launch our new 2020 vision, sparked by the catch cry, At the Top. If you weren’t at the Presbytery meeting in Townsville in November you missed an explanation about how we are already at the top geographically, naturally, climatically, in terms of water, Tourist destinations and a whole host of other ways. We are now asking ourselves the question, as a church what do we have to do to be at the top of outreach, innovative ministry, youth ministry, etc, etc?
The Presbytery Leadership Team is now launching a logo competition, to find a logo
that will go with our dream, ‘At the Top.” We envisage having this logo on hats,
t-
Can you help by promoting this competition in your church? Please ensure that everyone in church the next few weeks hears about this and has access to the information. Perhaps you could encourage every Sunday School child to make an entry, make it a class activity. Maybe Bible study and youth groups, etc, etc can all have a go as well as individual church members.
Someone will win $100 prize money, and our hope is that our people will all begin to talk about this bold new direction. We hope that this provides a catalyst for us all to think about what it will mean to be At The Top in mission and ministry in each place across the Presbytery. Please encourage people to be part of this, however talented or not they think they are. We’ll take any rough idea and turn it into something professional if need be.
The closing date is Friday 14th December. I know it’s a busy time of year, but please don’t let this exciting opportunity be missed!
Yours in Christ
Rev Paul Clark & Rev Bruce Cornish, On behalf of the Presbytery Leadership Team
PS – Imagine the excitement if the winner came from your neck of the woods!
Steve’s Stuff…
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S MINISTRY EVENTS
January 2008 -
March – 20th – 22nd – Easter Camp
October – Young Adults Retreat – dates to be advised
Kid’s Camp Out – Northern & Southern Zones dates to be advised.
What’s New…
CHURCH TREASURERS – THURSDAY ISLAND MANSE APPEAL INSTRUCTIONS
Treasurers, please note that the Thursday Island Manse Appeal envelopes which will
be included with the December issue of Journey may be posted by congregation members
to the Synod Office using the Reply Paid return address. Some may also be deposited
in your Sunday offering plate. Please process donations in this way. Cash – please
bank and add to your monthly cash remittance marked TI MANSE APPEAL 12031 $amount
10501-
Jim Barry, Financial Controller, Financial Services Division
AT THE TOP
Have you told your congregation about the Logo Competition yet? After Compass two weeks ago my congregations were excited to hear about something inspiring the Uniting Church is doing, and began to capture the vision. I already have two logos in.
Make sure your congregation hears about 'At the Top' and the Logo Competition!
Paul Clark, Minister Burdekin Uniting Church
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Russ Clark (minister at Mareeba) attended a Leadership Summit in Sydney and this is what he has to say…
I attended a Leadership Summit organized by Willow Creek Ministries recently in Sydney. There was a number of speakers of excellent quality and I found the Summit to be a rewarding experience… so much so that I have already booked to go next year. All the speakers were viewed on the big screen.
Bill Hybells spoke of the need for total commitment to a church’s vision by the whole
church, and how to go about involving people. Carly Fiorina former CEO of Hewlett-
Some of the Sydney based churches took their leadership team to the conference and are making these talks the foundation of their church’s future development.
Quotes from the conference that were meaningful for me were :
· Learn the “inspirational” language of people on your team> (Hybells)
· Don’t be burdened by other peoples prejudices. Find common ground and work on that (Fiorina)
· Learn more from your strengths than from your weaknesses. (Buckingham)
· Don’t get too emotional with failure. (Curtis)
· A leader’s great challenge is to find truth tellers, not people who tell yu what you want to hear. (Ortberg)
· Plans don’t accomplish things, only people do. (Powell)
· Surround yourself with people who know more than you do. (Carter)
Russ Clark, Minister, Mareeba Uniting Church
GLOBAL WALKING BALI EXPOSURE TRIP
Tour includes -
Tanya Richards
ODE TO JOY CD
The Bundaberg Uniting Church has published a CD titled Ode to Joy of music played by organist Doug Killer on the Bundaberg Uniting Church organ, just in time for Christmas! While a major purpose in producing the 20 track CD was to honour the service of Joy Killer who died last year, it was also a way of recording history. Pipe organs are fast becoming museum pieces and are fighting for their place as the "monarchs of musical instruments". CDs are $10 each plus minimum of $2 postage and handling. To order call Bundaberg Uniting Church on ph: (07) 4153 2201 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 12noon or email: robevans@dovenetq.net.au
Bundaberg UCA
COMPASS: THE UNITING CHURCH ABC TV NOT GREAT JOURNALISM
The ABC Compass program last Sunday night examining what they called “the unfolding
story of a modern and dis-
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
MODERATOR’S SERMON TEXT AVAILABLE
Praying with open hands was the title of the a sermon given at the special meeting
of the Queensland Synod on 27th October 2007 by the Moderator Rev Dr David Pitman.
Many people have asked for the text and Journey is pleased to publish Dr Pitman’s
sermon online at http://www.journeyonline.com.au/showArticle.php?categoryId=1&articleId=1287.
The texts for the sermon were Psalm 65: 1-
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
U.C.I.S CONTACT LIST
We’ve recently welcomed some new faces to the U.C.I.S team. Below is an updated list
of names so you know who to contact when you talk with us: Loans: Stephen Peake (General
Manager), Rob Cowan, Ian Harding, Lorraine Devonshire Customer Service: Lynne Spratt,
Judy Douglas, Eliana Sanchez, Leo Tapara, Lynda Wright. Just a reminder that our
call centre opening hours are Monday-
Uniting Church Investment Services
BEYONDBLUE
beyondblue is a national, independent not-
Leonie Swainston, Seniors Peer Education Officer, COTA Queensland
NEW DISABILITY LOBBY
A new disability lobby group has emerged in the lead-
Cameron Gledhill, Communications Officer, National Disability Services
Please remember these…
AN INVITATION TO BE PART OF WHITE RIBBON DAY
White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for men around the world, working in partnership with women, to show their commitment to stopping violence against women. On Sunday November 25, thousands of men in Australia and across the globe will be wearing white ribbons to encourage all men to condemn violence against women. In Queensland, White Ribbon Day is coordinated by Australia’s CEO Challenge, with funding provided by the Queensland Government. Find out more about White Ribbon Day at www.whiteribbonday.org.au. As White Ribbon Day falls on a Sunday this year, the organisers are keen for churches to be involved. Churches are encouraged to: have a message in the service on November 25 about violence against women; hold a White Ribbon Day event for their community or making a statement to their local media; purchase White Ribbons to give to their parishioners or local community members to wear on the day; order free promotional and educational materials through visiting www.ceochallengeaustralia.org. For more information about becoming involved in White Ribbon Day, please contact the State Coordinator, Ben Pennings, on ph: (07) 3119 6347 or mob: 0418 164 014.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
MAKE SURE PEOPLE CAN FIND YOUR CHURCH THIS CHRISTMAS AND EVERY WEEK
All congregations are invited to list their Christmas services and activities on the There’s more than one man behind Christmas promotion campaign section of the Synod website. Congregations which registered to have postcards are automatically listed. Other Queensland congregation may list without charge. To register go to http://www.ucaqld.com.au/christmas2007/registerOnly2.php and fill in your congregations Christmas activity details. Registrations close on Friday, 30 November. On Monday, 3 December congregations’ Christmas activities will be listed and also linked to their “Find a Church” listing with map, photo and church details. Congregations not registered for the “Find a Church” listing should do so at http://www.journeyonline.com.au/register/ or update their congregation’s details and map listing at http://www.journeyonline.com.au/register/login.php. For help call Osker Lau on ph: (07) 3377 9912 or email osker.lau@ucaqld.com.au
GUIDELINES FOR USE OF THE UNITING CHURCH LOGO
The Uniting Church logo is a source of pride and inspiration for all members of the Uniting Church in Australia. The Assembly has provided a logo library and accompanying guidelines where members can download the approved versions of the logo for both print use in black and white and colour and for web use. Please take time to read the new guidelines and download the approved copies of the UCA logo from the library for your records. The guidelines and logos can be found on the assembly website at http://nat.uca.org.au/logos/.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
FUTURE NEEDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHAPLAINCY
The group looking at the future needs for mental health chaplaincy are wanting to make contact with each congregation within the Qld Synod in order to be better able to inform the wider church of resources and training events pertinent to mental health. In doing we hope to raise the awareness of mental health issues, and to better equip congregations to care for people who either have a mental illness, or who care for someone who has. We would appreciate it if each congregation would provide us with the name(s) and contact details of one or two interested people. This information can be sent to Helen Prior at helen.prior@health.qld.gov.au or phone Helen on ph: (07) 3240 2111 pager 325.
Helen Prior, Convenor, Mental Health Chaplaincy Group
GIFTS OF LOVE – UCA STYLE
This Christmas, Uniting International Mission is urging members of the Uniting Church to support the Partner Churches of the Uniting Church in Australia by giving from the Gifts of Love catalogue. It is gratifying to see so many charities offering gifts for Christmas that reduce our materialistic world and support those who are really in need. With a wide range of charities to support and gifts to choose from let’s let ‘charity begin at home’ this Christmas. Call 1800 000 331, email infouim@nat.uca.org.au or visit www.uim.uca.org.au/gol to view the catalogue.
Rosemary Cottrell,Communications and Fund Raising Manager, Uniting International Mission
“BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS — A GUIDE TO COVENANT RENEWAL WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA” AVAILABLE
It is now over 21 years since a covenant relationship was formally established between the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and the wider UCA. The UAICC has been the expressed desire that the covenant relationship with Congress be invigorated at its most foundational level.
One part of a broad plan for reinvigorating the Covenant has been the development of a short study/discussion resource alled “Building Partnerships”. The Assembly has produced enough of these booklets for one to be sent to every Minister in placement and every Church Council Secretary free of charge. If needed, additional copies can be purchased from mediaCom. The aim of this material is to provide conversation starters in a variety of contexts, for example schools,
congregations, agencies, etc with the hope that it will lead to particular action steps that give expression to the covenant relationship with Congress.
Please watch for your copy coming in the mail.
Terence Corkin, Assembly General Secretary
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s and Steve’s Diary)
November
20th – 23rd – Steve to Brisbane YACMU
21st – 24th -
30th & 1st Dec. – The John Flynn College Strategic Planning weekend.
December – 4th – Bruce to Brisbane for meetings re The John Flynn College.
5th – PLT – full meeting presbytery office.
7th -
11th – 13th – Steve to Brisbane YACMU
13th – Bruce to Brisbane for Placements
23rd Dec – 7th Jan. – Bruce & Margie to Brisbane (holidays)
-
25th – Christmas Day
January 2008 – 9th – 14th – Summer Madness Camp, Sunshine Coast