Prompts 24 April 2007

Presbytery of North Queensland

PRESBYTERY PROMPTS

29 Wentworth Ave Mundingburra 4812

07 4779 5818 presbnq@bigpond.net.au

Website: www.presbyterynq.net

FIFTEENTH EDITION 2007 WEDNESDAY APRIL 25TH

On the Grapevine…

Greetings everyone,

This week I was in Melbourne (Adekate Forest Lodge near Ballarat to be more precise) attending the National Presbytery Ministers Conference. Below is a report of that conference for those interested.

This is one day earlier this week due to ANZAC day.

It is good for us all to pause on ANZAC day to remember and honour those who have sacrificed much for the freedom we enjoy. I am aware that many of you will be involved in ANZAC services tomorrow. Thank you for being involved in these important community events. They are very important. Blessings

Pastoral Notes and prayer points:

• The people in the Solomon Islands and closer Pacific islands as they cope with the devastation caused by the earthquake and resulting tsunami.

• Those who are providing assistance and making strategic decisions regarding that assistance.

• Pray for Carole & Colin Young (Tully) – Carol and Colin will be back home on later this week. They have been called to Sydney to be with a very good friend (Selwyn) who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, and his Ava. Please pray for them also.

• Ian Wilson, former minister at Aitkenvale, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Please pray for him and Merlene. They are back in Mackay

• Malcolm Bottrill would like to sincerely thank the many members of Presbytery who have supported himself and Judy in prayer while he has worked through the debilitating effects of a drug allergy. Malcolm is now feeling much better and is back at work.

The Synod Report:

North Queensland has been allocated approximately 10 minutes to present our report at Synod in May. This is in addition to the report that is presented in the Report books that those of you who are Synod reps will have received. At our Presbytery leadership Team meeting recently, Garry Hardingham agreed to coordinate that report. He sends the following URGENT request. Please note it and follow it through.

REQUEST FOR SYNOD REPORT FROM GARRY HARDINGHAM

Garry wants at least 2 photographs from every congregation. Not just the parish, but from individual church buildings or gatherings. Even a bible study group with a small thing about how they relate to the theme of this Synod (Dare to Dream, Discover, Design and Deliver) also, if some would like to record a small audio grab as well (15-30 secs) that would help with the report.

I need this stuff really soon please. Rev Garry Hardingham

Synod Reports available:

Please note that the Synod Reports sent to Members of the 26th Synod are now available online on the Synod Website at http://www.ucaqld.com.au/26synod.php. i would encourage all who read this to peruse these reports as it gives us all an overview of the life of our Synod.

Report on Presbytery Ministers Conference – Ballarat area - April 2007.

The National Presbytery Ministers Conference was held at Adekate Forest Lodge, a Uniting Church camp site not far from Ballarat in Victoria from 15th to 20th April 2007. This was organised by the Presbytery Ministers in the Synod of Victoria/Tasmania. The original site in the Yarra ranges became unavailable due to heath issues related to low water levels at that site so an alternative site was found at short notice.

There were 23 Presbytery Ministers in attendance from every state and territory in Australia except South Australia. Terence Corkin and Gregor Henderson also attended for some of the time.

Sister Miriam was our chaplain who led us is very meaningful devotions. She is a member of the Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration, a Baptist Monastery in Breakwater. She is an ordained Uniting Church minister and currently serves at Belmont Uniting Church in Geelong.

That in itself took me a while to get my head around.

The Objectives for the week were:

• To provide spiritual and recreational nourishment for the journey.

• To provide mutual support for ministers in presbytery placements whose role has a significant pastoral component.

• To provide opportunity to learn about and reflect upon the life of the Uniting Church.

• To provide opportunity for sharing skills and other learnings that relate to the roles of ministers in presbytery settings.

Timetable

As you can see from the timetable, we achieved our objectives through times of resource sharing, opening up issues and sharing them as well as the important times in our small groups of 4. The small group times were a highlight for me.

Another highlight was on Wednesday when we visited the Narana Aboriginal cultural centre, spending time with the Chairperson of the UAICC (Congress) Vince Ross. This was a very informative and encouraging time.

We also visited the recently completed , but yet to be officially opened, Centre for Theology and Ministry which combines lay and ministerial training for the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. This new complex also houses their large combined Roman Catholic/Uniting Theological Library. The Dalton McCaughey library is named after the Jesuit priest, Rev. Bill Dalton SJ and his good friend and colleague Rev. Dr Davis McCaughey, the first President of the Uniting Church and former governor of Victoria.

Some of the issues we explored were:

• The oversight of congregations without specified ministry – here we shared what other Presbyteries were doing in this regard.

• Internship – this discussion centered around doing this more effectively and on the time in this process when ordination should occur.

• Ministry Supervision – The group shared their experiences of how this was done and most of us came away with some different models for various settings. It was a useful discussion

• Part-time Placements – The number of part time placements seems to be increasing across the whole church for a variety of reasons including lifestyle and work choice as well as financial pressure. Effective ways of ministry in this environment were shared.

• Presbytery Minister training was discussed. It was noted that such events as this conference as well as state gatherings were very important in this regard.

Some other issues were raised but we did not get time to adequately discuss them as a whole group although there were many informal conversations that focused on many issues throughout the week.

The Resource Sharing time was a particular highlight with many Presbytery Ministers sharing some interesting and innovative resources. Some of the areas where resources were shared were Joint Nominating Committee resourcing, Congregational consultation processes, Leader education, Code of Ethics training as well as a sharing of different books read recently and found helpful. I will share more of these as time goes on.

Our Assembly President, Gregor Henderson spent some time sharing his hopes for the next period of time. They include processes to reassert our Uniting Church Identity, valuing the crucial role of our ministers (lay and ordained), as well as proposing some national conferences to be encouraging and learning times. Gregor also shared how his wife, Alison who is battling cancer, is going and how the family is coping with the situation.

The Assembly General Secretary, Terence Corkin shared a couple of days with us. As well as general sharing, Terence shared where the Assembly Standing Committee was up to in relation to the new Specified Ministry of Pastor. The core competencies are still being worked out. It was clear from the discussion that it would be important not to tightly regulate this ministry but to give some clear direction to the Presbyteries as this is implemented. There may be value in linking these competencies to an “industry’ standard such as certificate 4 in workplace training or something similar. It is a case of ‘watch this space’.

Terence also shared something of the journey being embarked upon on the renewal of the covenant with the UAICC as well as the changes in Cooloman College, the UC distance education provider whereby Presbyteries can purchase any course material on a licensing basis and then are free to modify that material for their own context. That is currently being done by Moreton Rivers Presbytery in Brisbane with respect to lay preacher training.

Another important time was the sharing of the reports from the different Synods as to how things are organised there and some of the challenges and achievements. As with the whole week, this was characterised by honesty and truthfulness. Unfortunately South Australia was not represented this time.

Western Australia – This is now one Synod which includes one Presbytery. Marion and Ian shared the possibilities and the challenges associated with this new structure in the geographically vast, and personnel small, Synod/Presbytery of Western Australia.

Victoria/Tasmania – This has been one Synod for a little with Tasmania being a Presbytery in the Synod. The Vic/Tas Synod now made the decision to move from 14 Presbyteries to 8. It is hoped that each of the new Presbyteries will have 3 fulltime people. The final form of this proposal will be presented to their Synod meeting later this year. Much of Victoria continues in drought.

Queensland – We shared about the experiences and ministry challenges following cyclone Larry’s visit to Far North Queensland in April 2006 and expressed appreciation for the significant support from the wider church, including Synod, Assembly and individual congregations throughout Australia. We also shared about the changes in the Synod office with the retirement of a number of leaders across the Synod. These will be presented to our Synod in May as part of the Synod Role and Function Review Report.

Northern Synod – Felicity shared an overview of the Synod which is made up of two Presbyteries, an indigenous Presbytery and a European Presbytery. This seems to be working well. There is still the challenge of the shortage of lay and ordained leadership in the Synod.

New South Wales – The NSW Presbytery Ministers shared about the changes in personnel across the Presbyteries. They also reminded us that 90% of NSW has been in severe drought for at least the last 3 years. This has had a significant impact on rural Presbyteries. They plan to appoint 2 Rural Chaplains who will help support rural communities and strategise ways to increase resilience in those communities. There was recognition that even if the drought breaks soon there will always be crises and concerns in rural Australia that need to be faced. The Synod is planning to think about strategic and specialist placements not just “GP” and priority placements.

The ACT is a part of the NSW Synod. Wendy spoke about the great impact that the ‘Jesus, all about us’ TV campaign had been on the community. There were 165 congregations, 4 TV channels and hundreds of Christian volunteers involved in the largest ecumenical endeavour attempts in the Canberra region. It was a wonderful success and the flow on effect in the churches and community have been evidence of that.

This was my second National Presbytery Ministers Conference. The first one I attended was organised by us in Queensland and so it was great to be a part of this and not having to organise it. As with the last one, the most value for me was the sharing time and networking with the other Presbytery ministers. The small group times were especially important and encouraging. As previously mentioned, the open and honest sharing, feedback and support from colleagues involved in similar ministries across the breadth of the uniting Church was invaluable.

The next Conference will be organised by the NSW Presbytery Ministers and will probably be held towards the end of 2008.

My thanks to the Presbytery for enabling, and encouraging me to attend.

Blessings to you all,

Bruce C.

Steve’s Stuff…

Greetings in the name of Christ!

I have just returned to Cairns after a busy but exciting week in Brisbane at the Youth & Children’s Ministry Unit. It is great as a team to have a face-to-face staff meeting and hear what other regional workers are doing around the State. It was great to share about our first Easter Camp. One issue we grappled with was how do we continue to roll out the ‘Growing Apostles Approach’ to youth ministry and continue to excite people about helping young people grow as disciples of Christ. One strategy is in the planning of the up and coming State Youth Ministry Conference.

An important value of our team is reflecting on our individual practice as practitioners in the field with children, youth, young adults and families. Thus when we work with congregations we are not just working with theories from text books, but current practice.

During the week a group of various Synod staff met to focus on issues that have been raised at child safe church training events across the State.

Southern Zone Meeting

I encourage you to bring people from your church to the meeting this coming Saturday. Paul Yarrow from YACMU who is our ‘family ministry coordinator’ will be sharing with the whole group but also running separate workshops on family faith practices. As a church we need to equip families with ways to help form faith with their children so it becomes a natural part of family life. In addition Paul will explore with us how we can form positive working relationships with families. Paul shared with the northern zone last year and people found this time very useful. For more information please contact Paul Clarke on 4783 2251.

Qld State Youth Ministry Conference

I encourage you to send at least one member from your congregation to this years State Youth Ministry Conference being held from Saturday the 25th to Sunday the 26th of August. This year the conference will take place at the Uniting Church Centre at Auchenflower, Brisbane.

Our guest speaker this year is Professor Roland Martinson from Luther Seminary, USA. Over the last five years Roland has been the Project Director of a National Study into Exemplary Youth Ministry. The findings have significant implications for the way we do youth ministry. In addition a significant amount of time will also be spent walking conference delegates through various youth ministry resources.

So come and gain new insights, practical skills, discover new resources, network with other youth leaders from across Queensland and be inspired. A brochure will be available soon. If you would like further information please contact me on 4036 4440 or at stevek@yacmu.com.au

Child Safe Church

I will ask zone reps from your congregation to take the certificates back and pass them onto the people who attended child safe church training. At both training events earlier this year a variety of questions were raised. I have attached to each certificate answers to the questions which were asked. If you have anymore questions please contact me.

Yours in Christ’s service, Steve.

What’s New…

PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY AND RECONCILIATION

Greetings from QCT

Prayer for Christian Unity and Reconciliation, 20th May - 3rd June, 2007: Breaking the Silence

"He even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak" (Mark 7:37)

Order posters ($5 each) and Prayer Cards ($7 for 20) NOW from Queensland Churches Together. Phone : 07 3369 6792 or email: qctadmin@tpg.com.au

Download the Order of Service and Daily Scripture and Prayer Guide from : www.ncca.org.au/departments/faith_and_unity/weekofprayer

Jela Virzi, , Administration Officer, Queensland Churches Together

Ph: 07 3369 6792 Fax: 07 3369 8573 Email: qctadmin@tpg.com.au

CHANGE OF PHONE NUMBERS

Please note the following changes to the Presbytery Directory :

Dennis Corowa – Presbytery of Calvary (page 9) - (W & H) 07 4772 6840

No mobile number.

Please don’t forget these…

KEEP THOSE CLOTHING DONATIONS FOR TORRES COMING IN

Lawes wishes to thank everyone for the clothes that have been donated so far. As these clothing stocks have been depleted Lawes is in need of more donations so…….. keep those clothing donations coming in. (Due to time constraints in the presbytery office please have clothes packed in boxes) Also needed are school packs (exercise books, pencils, pens, rulers, erasers, library books). Please have donations from the Townsville area to the presbytery office (contact Jane- 9am – 3pm Monday to Friday on 4779 5818) or from the Cairns area to Northern Cairns Uniting Church (contact Doug Foster 0412 583 536)

Due to the cost of getting the boxes from Cairns to Thursday Island, Presbytery is asking that a $10.00 donation accompany each box of clothes that you bring in.

Thanks for your support. Lawes Waia Minister Thursday Island

CEM OPPORTUNITIES 2007 – TRINITY THEOLOGICAL COLLECE

CEM week will be held from Tuesday 4th to Thursday 6th September 2007. This is a week dedicated to Continuing Education for Ministries for Ministers planning and preparation for further studies. All Ministry agents in the Queensland Synod are invited to participate in this week. All members of Faculty will be available that week for consultation by ministers about their particular CEM ideas.

There will be some day and half day workshops offered. You may also visit the library browsing through the collection or simply sitting and reading a book. You may learn how to maximise your use of the on-line resources accessible through the library. There is also a good opportunity for you to catch up with other ministry agents.

Intensives on offer :

Heirs of St Augustine – 16th to 20th July

This course aims at the exploration of the legacy which Augustine of Hippo has left the church.

Visions of Life Beyond Exile – 27th – 28th September and 1st – 3rd October

This unit seeks to identify, analyse and assess major visions for the life of Israel after the Babylonian Exile, particularly as presented in the Major Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

For further information or to enrol please contact the Academic Office on (07) 3377 9824 or email ttc@ucaqld.com.au. Closing date for enrolment is 1st June 2007

A TRIBUTE TO MOTHERS

Wulguru Uniting Church Townsville invites you to A Tribute to Mothers

Where: Wulguru Uniting Church

Cnr Culgoa & Georgina Streets, WULGURU

(Turn into Culgoa Street off Stuart Drive at the

Shell Wulguru Service Station)

When: Saturday, 12 May 2007 at 2.00pm

Cost: Adults - $10.00 Children - Free

Sing-a-long Competitions Stall Prizes Delicious Afternoon Tea Fun and Fellowship

Grandmothers, Mothers, Daughters, Granddaughters and Friend’s Mothers – All Welcome

RSVP by Tuesday, 8th May 2007 to Jean Johnson - Phone 4773 2361

NATIONAL IN-SERVICE FOR WORKERS WITH CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE & FAMILIES

Every second year the Uniting Church holds a National In-service for workers with children, young people and families. This year’s In-Service will be held in Queensland on the Sunshine Coast at Alexandra Headlands and will be hosted by the Qld Synod Youth and Children’s Ministry Unit. The conference will run from 26 -31 August 2007 and is open to anyone who is training or works with Children, Young people or Families in a ministry setting.

This year’s In-service will challenge participants to explore theology, models and best practices in ministry with children, young people and families. This will be achieved in many different ways including input from our internationally respected guest speaker Professor Roland Martinson who will present his findings and tools into exemplary practices in these areas. A wide variety of Workshops for professional development will also be on offer including the opportunity to hear the latest information about the transition to the ministry of pastor or ordination. Registration forms are available from the Youth and Children’s Ministry Unit by emailing: HERE, ph: (07) 3377 9782 or going to the YACMU Website at www.yacmu.com.au.

Michael Jeffrey, Director, Youth and Children’s Ministry Unit

CANON SPECIAL

Canon has a number of specials for Uniting Church for March and April 2007. For all new leases / rental there is a free Canon digital camera give away. Details are the following link: http://www.canon.com.au/ftp/Free%20Camera%20-%20Canon%20March_April%20Specials%202007.pdf.

Benny Lam Sam, Synod FSD

A HITCHHIKER’S TRIP THROUGH THE BASIS OF UNION

A study of The Uniting Church’s founding document ‘The Basis of Union’ by Duncan Harrison and Don Whebell is available for group study as we approach the 30th anniversary of Church Union. A Hitchhiker’s trip through the Basis of Union enables people in groups to get a ‘feel’ for the document and its biblical contexts by giving them material to read and explore together. Each chapter has a worksheet for groups use. The document is available as a PDF download from the synod website HERE.

Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit