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
NINETEENTH EDITION WEDNESDAY MAY 23RD 2007
On the Grapevine…
Greetings everyone,
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
· Pray for Glenn and Collette Louttit and their family as Glenn has been given 2 months off on sick leave. (see more detail below)
· Garry and Theresa Hardingham and family with continued concerns for Tamara
· Please pray for the ministers and their families in the Southern Zone of our Presbytery i.e. in Ingham, Townsville, Charters Towers, Burdekin and Bowen areas.
· Be with Carole and Colin as they conclude their ministry in Tully at the end of this month and support the transition processes.
· The whole Synod as we work through the issues arising from the decisions at Synod meeting.
· The Moderator elect – Bruce Johnson as he prepares for his role.
· The current Moderator, David Pitman as he continues to lead our Synod following this, at times difficult, Synod meeting.
Queensland Synod Meeting
I write this a couple of hours after the Synod meeting concluded at Alex Park Youth and Conference Centre on the Sunshine coast. I am still on the Sunshine coast at the moment. To get a good, professionally written overview of the Synod I encourage you to go to the Journey website. It is excellent.
26th Synod News Available Online Now
News reports from the meeting of the 26th Synod of the Queensland Synod at Alex Park Conference Centre on the Sunshine Coast are now available online at www.journeyonline.com.au. In addition to news and pictures, some sessions and presentations are available as downloadable mp3 files for listening. Go to the Journey website www.journeyonline.com.au and click on the 26th Synod tab to access the stories and downloads which include the Bible Studies, sermons and key presentations of reports. There is also a photo file of the Synod and the Synod Celebration from the Caloundra Civic Centre. Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
I share some dot points from my perspective. These are not in any chronological order, nor are they in any order of importance, simply as I remember them:
· Rev. Bruce Johnson was elected as Moderator-
· The person nominated to the Synod for ratification as the new General Secretary to replace Jenny Tymms did not receive the required majority. This put us all in a difficult position. There is a process in place to address this situation which will mean an early Council of Synod meeting and a special Synod to receive nominations and to appoint the General Secretary. Please continue to pray for the Synod as we work through this issue, and others.
· Jenny Tymms, the current General Secretary, was honoured for her work over the last 5 years which she said were the hardest 5 years of her ministry. Jenny will take up the new Discipleship and Spirituality Mission Consultant position later in the year. She will officially conclude as General Secretary in July.
· 2 members of the North Queensland Presbytery were nominated to the Council of Synod, Ruth Beasley from Mareeba and myself. We were both elected.
· In spite of the extra time taken up with the issue of the election of the General Secretary, there was not a lot of business that we were not able to address and so there are a relatively small number of items that were referred to the Council of Synod.
· The Synod Theme – Dare to Discover, Dream, Design and Deliver pervaded a lot of what was done including the songs, with a new song written, most reports and the bible studies.
· Garry Hardingham did an excellent job of putting together the various things sent to him by many of you. Unfortunately due to time and space not everything was able to be included. I would say that our report was the best but then I know that I am horribly biased. If you would like to see a copy then let us know, and maybe Garry can make it available to you.
· The Synod Funds were reshaped with the view that there will be greater agility in the funds. One decision surrounding this was that the 10% paid to the Synod from the sale of property which went into the Parishes Development fund,(now the Mission Development Fund), towards funding growth areas etc. be increased to 15%. While this will be mandatory, there was reassurance given that there are ways to support congregations and agencies with interest free loans and even grants in some circumstances, if the sale of the property was to rebuild or refurbish other church property.
· As indicated in other places, this was the last Synod for Bruce Binnie, the Director of Finance and Property Services who retires after 16 years in the role. Bruce has been a wonderful servant of the church and we will miss him. His successor, Mr. Robert Packer was introduced to the Synod. Robert is a member of Stafford Uniting Church and has had extensive experience in financial management and accounting. He sees this role very much as a call to ministry.
· The manager of UCIS, Ian Hayes is also retiring and his successor was also announced, Mr Stephen Peake. Stephen has been 2IC to Ian for some time and he is a member of St Andrews, Brisbane congregation. We have, I believe, 2 good people who are committed Christians and active members of the Uniting Church.
· The Norman and Mary Miller Lecture was given by Rev. Rronang Garrawurra, an aboriginal minister from the Northern Synod who gave the lecture both in his own language and in English. It was a very important practical message relating to reconciliation. One phrase I noted down was, “God chose you and called you to do this ministry. How can we walk together in the future as a Pilgrim people?”
· Following from the Theological Education task group, their proposal that a refocused Christian Learning Community incorporating Trinity College and enhancing lay education was agreed on. I will say more about that later as it has the potential to be very beneficial for us in the North.
Glenn Louttit and many others in the cyclone affected areas have been under considerable pressure since cyclone Larry struck over 12 months ago. It has been identified that many people are at the moment, 12 months on, experiencing what is called post traumatic stress. It has been identified by his doctor that Glenn needs to have 2 months off in order to more effectively minister into the future. Processes for supply are being put in place as are processes to support Glenn and Collette and their family as well as the congregation. Keep them in our prayers.
Placements Paradigm Sheet: Can I strongly encourage ALL ministry agents, lay and ordained, to fill in Placements Paradigm Response Sheet and return it to David Pitman or to me if you wish by 30th June. Ministers would have received that in a special edition of UC Info as well as being included in last week’s Prompts.
The National Day of Thanksgiving is scheduled for 26th May this year. There is also the encouragement to hold functions etc in the preceding week. I know that many congregations and communities are planning some very special things. It would be great to hear of what you did in your part of North Queensland as an encouragement to us all. Please send a short email to Jane letting us know so that we can include it in next weeks Prompts.
Blessings to you all,
Bruce C.
Steve’s Stuff…
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S MINISTRY EVENTS
August 25th – 26th – Youth Ministry Conference -
September 15-
October 12-
October – 20th – 21st – Kids Camp Out Northern Zone
January -
What’s New…
DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE DIFFICULTIES WITH HANDWRITING?
Occupational Therapist
Donna Emery can help identify the basis of your
Assessments
Individual Therapy
Handwriting Clubs
Group intervention
Children
Adolescents
For Appointments:
139 Boundary St
South Townsville Phone: 47723884
ONE GREAT SUNDAY OF SHARING ON 15 JULY 2007
The theme for 2007 is “The outpouring love and Spirit of God moves hearts” based
around the story of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. One Great Sunday of Sharing provides
an opportunity for Uniting Church congregations and faith communities to celebrate
the richness of our diversity as God’s people, sharing faith and fellowship across
our many cultures. It is also a time to recommit to the vision of actually being
a multicultural church. If Sunday July 15th is not a suitable date – please feel
free to choose a day that best fits your local calendar! Worship resources and the
Appeal Brochure will be available mid June on the Assembly Multicultural and Cross-
Tony Floyd, National Director, Multicultural and Cross-
SUNDAY, 27 MAY 2007 – 40 YEARS SINCE THE REFERENDUM
Read a statement in your churches this Sunday reflecting prayerfully on these 40
years of relations between Indigenous and non-
Queensland Churches Together (QCT) & Churches Together Indigenous Peoples Partnership (CTIPP)
CHRISTMAS BOWL SURVEY
Please help! The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) and Qld Churches Together (QCT) kindly ask you to fill in the Christmas Bowl survey to be found at the following link: http://www.ncca.org.au/cws/christmasbowl. Please encourage your congregations to do the same. The survey will help to make the Christmas Bowl as effective as possible, for the sake of the partners overseas.
A MESSAGE FROM JEAN JOHNSON, CO-
Thanks from the congregation of the Wulguru Uniting Church to all those who supported us with our fundraising afternoon, 'A Tribute to Mothers' on 12 May 2007. Once again our fundraiser was very successful and we appreciate the support that we get from you all.
The fundraising that is done by the Wulguru UC goes towards the Building Fund for a new church at Fairfield Waters.
SHARE YOUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Uniting Church in is turning 30 in June. The Assembly would love to know how congregations and groups are planning to celebrate this milestone. They would like you to advise of any events, parties, morning teas, prayer meetings, etc. They will compile a list on their website and would like to know what is planned, where and when it will be held, contact details for the event – please specify if you want those contact details to published on the website, and whether or not you would be willing to allow the media to cover the event. Please forward all information HERE.
Kathryn Crosby, Senior Communications Officer, Uniting Church National Assembly
Please don’t forget these…
ABOUTFACE
About Face 8 has room for a couple more people. It's soon so you will have to act fast.
About Face 8 faith and cultural exchange with indigenous people will be held from
1st -
Develop friendships with some excellent indigenous people in their communities and reflect on your faith together.
See www.aboutface.unitingchurch.org.au
or email Sandy Boyce at aboutface8@sa.uca.org.au
BASIS OF UNION 30TH ANNIVERSARY RESOURCES
From: Assembly Wednesday 22nd June 1977 was an auspicious day. The inaugural service of the Uniting Church in Australia was held at Sydney Town Hall and broadcast live on ABC television. The upcoming 30th anniversary of this historic occasion offers an opportunity to refl ect on the journey and to consider the unity that continues to be the backbone of the life of the Church. To that end a new set of resources titled “God’s Word, God’s World, God’s Church: Resources for the 30th Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia” is available to members, congregations, presbyteries, synods and agencies. The resources include prayers, songs, suggested themes and gospel readings and are designed to be adjusted and adapted to local situations as well as to inspire other ways of acknowledging and commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Church. Also getting into the birthday spirit the Queensland Synod has posted a “Hitchhikers Trip Through The Basis of Union” on their website as a resource for the 30th Anniversary refl ections on the character and mission of the UCA. This can be found at: http://www.ucaqld.com. au/downloads/hitchhiker.pdf “God’s Word, God’s World, God’s Church: Resources for the 30th Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia” is available at: http://assembly.uca.org.au/30th/
200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ABOLITION OF THE SLAVE TRADE IN THE BRITISH EMPIRE
Pre-
Reading Cinemas Wednesday 6th June 6pm
Drinks, nibblies & movie Ticket $20 (Student / Concession $18.00)
Movie Ticket Only $14 (Student / Concession $12)
JCU Student Assn Office in the student Mall
Or Chaplaincy Or Amazing Grace Table on Campus
Wayne R Crockford, James Cook University Chaplain
APPOINTMENT OF SYNOD CONSULTANT FOR DISCIPLESHIP FORMATION & SPIRITUALITY
At its most recent meeting the Synod Leadership Team approved the appointment of the Rev Jenny Tymms as the new Synod Consultant for Discipleship Formation & Spirituality. The appointment was recommended to the SLT by the Synod Search Committee following a process established by the Council of Synod. The role of the Consultant is:
1. To proactively equip Church leaders (lay and ordained) to develop and enhance discipleship, Christian spiritual formation and theologically reflective practices within their local contexts
2. To resource ministry leaders in relation to their own ongoing spiritual and vocational development
3. In collaboration with the other Mission Consultants and Synod Support Staff, provide consultancy services which will enhance the vitality of the Church across the Synod
4. As appropriate, work collaboratively within a team context at Synod and Presbytery level on Church initiatives and projects
Jenny will take up her appointment later this year.
Rev Dr David Pitman, Moderator and Chair of the Synod Search Committee
HANDBOOK FOR MINISTERIAL STIPEND AND BENEFITS
The Handbook for Ministerial Stipend and Benefits is now available in PDF format on the Synod website. Some amendments have been made to Appendices A and C to update to 2007 information. To access the Handbook please use the following link: http://www.ucaqld.com.au/MSF%20Handbook%20v2_Jan%2007.pdf. For those individuals and churches who indicated at the time of the original release of the hardcopy version of the Handbook in 2005 that they would like to receive any amendments in hardcopy, please note that these amendments will be in the mail to you shortly.
Bruce Binnie, Director, Department for Financial & Property Services, on behalf of the Ministerial Support Funds Committee
MINISTRY SUNDAY DATE CLAIMER
Please mark 21 October in your diaries as date set aside for Ministry Sunday for 2007. Future of Ministries Project Team plan to have resources for this year will be found on Synod Website early August.
Lynne Davis for Future of Ministries Project Team
LIST YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAMS ONLINE
Two new websites, www.goldcoastkids.com.au and www.brisbanekids.com.au, will be launched in the next month. These sites aim to be the most comprehensive information resources for families with children up to 12 years living on the Gold Coast (encompassing Gold Coast City and Beaudesert Shire) and in Brisbane (encompassing Brisbane City, Logan City, Beaudesert, Redcliffe, Pine Rivers and Redlands Shire). Both sites are offering free listings for Churches that provide Sunday Schools, Creche facilities and family or Youth groups. Listings may include the Church name, times and dates these services are available (please mention if they are not available during school holidays), and a contact telephone number. At this stage listings will be included on the 'Education' page. For more information please contact Keer Moriarty at Footprints on the Net on mob: 0407 671 286, email: HERE OR HERE.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s and Steve’s Diary)
May – 24th – Bruce returns from Brisbane
26th – National Day of Thanksgiving
28th – Mission Resourcing Committee meeting – presbytery office from 5pm
30th to June – 3rd -
4th – 7th – Minister and Spouses Retreat – Sister’s of Mercy Centre, Cairns
14th – 15th – Bruce to Brisbane for meetings
18th – Mission Resourcing Committee meeting – presbytery office
29th June – 2nd July – speaking at a mens’ camp – Burdekin
July -
11th – Placements -
18th – Presbytery Leadership Team meeting – face to face Presbytery office
29th – 1st August – Meeting – Tully
August 11th – Northern Zone meeting – venue TBA
13th – Mission Resourcing Committee meeting – presbytery office
15th – 20th – Bruce to Brisbane for meetings
Steve K’s Calendar
June 4th -
19th -
July 15th -