Presbytery of North Queensland
PRESBYTERY PROMPTS
29 Wentworth Ave Mundingburra 4812
07 4779 5818 presbnq@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.presbyterynq.net
ISSUE TWENTY-SIX 2006 JULY 25TH 2006
On the Grapevine…
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
• Annette and Peter Gill and family (Innisfail elders). Annette’s mother died Tuesday afternoon not long after we had left there following our meeting.
• Bishop John Noble (Anglican) has resigned due to ill health. He is currently on leave. His successor will be chosen before the end of the year.
Dennis Corowa will be commissioned as the Townsville Prison Chaplain at Restoration Inn (West End Church) at 10am this Sunday (30th July). All are welcome to attend.
Michelle Cook (Frontier Services Patrol minister in Weipa) will be ordained in the Ministry of Deacon in Weipa on Wednesday 23rd August at 6pm for 6.30pm start. She will be ordained by the Bremer Brisbane Presbytery (David Baker) and then formally inducted by David Thiem (Frontier Services) and North Qld Presbytery.
This weeks visit with Gregor Henderson has been very well received so far: I am typing this on Tuesday night. So far we have had meetings in Ingham, Tully, and Cairns. I am looking forward to the other meetings on the Tablelands, in Townsville and Charters Towers and Gregor is looking forward to travelling with Garry to Mt. Isa. Gregor has been very honest and open and has been well received on the trip so far. He has certainly been asked the tough questions and responded helpfully. North Queensland congregations have been the first congregations Gregor has visited (apart from his home congregation in Canberra) since his installation as President. It has been an important time.
Details of the other 2 days of meetings:
• 26th – morning in Atherton with an early lunch at the Atherton Uniting Church and meeting with people from Atherton, Malanda and Herberton to leave for Townsville at 1pm.
- evening meeting in Townsville (7.30pm) at Aitkenvale Uniting Church, Ross River Road with people from Townsville, Ayr, Bowen, Lifeline, BlueCare and Wesley Hospital.
• 27th – morning tea meeting (10am) in Charters Towers with congregation and BlueCare staff at the Uniting Church Hall, Church Street.
- afternoon – fly to Mt Isa with Garry Hardingham
- evening meeting at Mt Isa Uniting Church with Mt Isa and Cloncurry folk and BlueCare and Lifeline staff (7pm)
Assembly Reflections: Ruth Beasley and Russel Clark have shared there reflections on Assembly over the last 2 weeks. Hedley Fihaki who was also at Assembly is currently in Korea attending the Conference of the World Methodist Council. Part of my reflections is included in the letter below that I would ask that you distribute this letter to people in your congregations this Sunday. I am aware that not all were able to share this letter last week as we only sent it out on Friday so I reprint it here and ask that you share it with your congregation.
Blessings
Bruce C.
Presbytery Office
Townsville
21st July 2006
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I write this letter with a prayer that it will be an encouragement to you all as we move forward together as the people of God in North Queensland.
The 11th Assembly of the Uniting Church was always going to be a challenging time in the life of our church. So much was expected of the Assembly by many people including many in North Queensland. Since the 10th Assembly in 2003 there had been much anxiety and pain experienced within our Church. Some have struggled with belonging to the Uniting Church and many of us have seen friends and sometimes family members leave our church family. The 11th Assembly in Brisbane lamented that the 10th Assembly decision on sexuality and leadership was “a catalyst for the deep concern and disquiet” and regretted that “faithful ministers and members” had left the Uniting Church.
The Assembly meeting was much more than a “one issue” Assembly. There were significant decisions being made on the specified ministries (establish the ministry of Pastor and phase out lay Pastor, Community minister and Youth Worker), relationships with overseas partner churches and the Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and our covenant together, Assembly key directions, social justice areas and much more. The Assembly worship celebration at City Hall and the Bible Studies by Rev. Dr. Mvume Dandala, General Secretary of the All Africa Council of Churches were significant highlights for me and others.
Having said this however, one issue, ‘sexuality and leadership’ predominated, with 5 of the 7 days having at least part of the day focusing on that issue. I am aware that some members of the North Queensland Presbytery were hoping that the “RA” resolution we carried in our Presbytery meeting last year and which was also forwarded to the Assembly from our last Queensland Synod meeting, would be debated and voted on. It and the 7 other resolutions relating to this issue were well presented and then followed the small group process, where all members of the Assembly had their say, which determined the way forward. The final result, after much debate, was the resolution that was presented in last weeks Prompts.
With regard to this and as an encouragement to all people within the Uniting Church in North Queensland to remain within the church and to continue to exercise your leadership and ministry in the communities in which you live, I ask that you note these points.
Following a conversation this week with the Queensland moderator, Rev David Pitman, I can confirm that in the absence of any doctrinal position from the Assembly, the Queensland Synod resolution 96:117 (1996 Synod) is the Queensland Synod position with regard to sexuality.(Email me if you want a copy)
At the Assembly we were blessed and encouraged by the statement made by the Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. They graciously shared their position and their heart with us and through releasing the statement have shared that with the whole church. I for one want to support them and stand with them which I believe that I can only do effectively from within the Uniting Church. (If you have not seen the statement please see last weeks Presbytery Prompts).
While there are aspects of the decisions of the 11th Assembly that I am disappointed about, I do not intend to leave the Uniting Church. There is too much encouraging work and too many exciting local ministry initiatives happening. I thank all those ministers and leaders in the Presbytery who have also made it clear that they will not be leaving the Uniting Church.
Through actions subsequent to the Assembly there is now on the agenda of the Uniting Church the possibility of being a part of an assembly of confessing congregations. What that might be is still to be clarified by those who have proposed it but as I read the statements, the purpose is to find a way for all current members of the Uniting Church to remain within the church. In saying this I am not seeking to make any judgement on the proposal except to ask us all to think, pray and reflect, perhaps using the well used but still valid formula – WWJD (What Would Jesus Do).
Through the 11th Assembly resolution on sexuality and leadership the autonomy of local congregations in matters of leadership in their congregations has been confirmed and is to be respected. No congregation will be compelled to receive into placement a person living in a same gender relationship.
I recognise that many of you share in communities with other Christian denominations with whom you are in fellowship. It has been encouraging to hear stories of leaders and members of other denominations contacting ministers and members in the Uniting Church and assuring them of their prayers. May I encourage you all to pray together as Jesus prayed to His Father in John 17:21 ‘…..that they may be one as we are one’.
I pray that as each person considers their local church and their own position, that you decide to stay as a worshipping member of the Uniting Church for the sake of the mission of your local congregation and the building up of the Kingdom in the area where God has placed you. God has placed you there, in your community, to be a witness to God’s love and grace.
May you each experience the peace of God that passes all understanding and you move forward in sole allegiance to Jesus Christ, the head of the church.
Blessings and Peace
Bruce Cornish
Russ Clark’s Reflections on Assembly
My first Assembly had its highs and lows. The arrangement of the participants in tables during Assembly enabled table discussions at poignant times. In addition, small groups enabled each individual to have a voice.
As was to be expected, the continuing sexuality debate dominated the proceedings. Despite lengthy debate, nothing was said that had not been heard before. It was highly evident that there were firmly entrenched views on both sides of the argument. In spite of this, debate took place in an atmosphere of listening and respect. After many hours, we virtually came back to status quo.
The high points for me were
1. Being able to meet people from other States and realize the States have very different cultures.
2. The Bible Studies and the Worship.
3. Hearing from representatives from overseas churches.
4. The ability to listen to each other.
5. Clarification of specified ministries.
The down side of Assembly was the disproportionate amount of time we spent on being pedantic about the wording of proposals, and also a feeling that, in spite of the time spent at Assembly, we didn't come away with too many concrete decisions. But then, that is the process when we are trying to determine the mood of around 250 people.
Russ Clark, minister Mareeba Congregation
These are Assembly reflections by Ruth Beasley (Mareeba) a lay member to Assembly
‘Think ‘Assembly’, put on a national hat and think nationally, you are a member for three years, not just for a meeting in Brisbane, 2006’! What a challenge and responsibility!
Assembly, described by the new president, Rev Gregor Henderson in his closing remarks as not a ‘great’ Assembly but a ‘pastoral’ Assembly was for me a kaleidoscope………..
A kaleidoscope of worship where we sang many new songs, prayed through the words of our very ancient church forbears and through many languages, joined with 1500 people to sing ‘To God be the Glory’, to the accompaniment of a huge pipe organ in City Hall at the Assembly Celebration and watched a video of children giving us a dramatised version of the story of Zaccheus acted out in a park in Gympie, to name but a few experiences.
A kaleidoscope of studies led by Rev Mvume Dandala from South Africa, General Secretary of the All Africa Council of Churches and a leading evangelist in that great continent. He brought to us images of the shepherd, Jesus the face of the shepherd, “grace upon grace, looking for the lost one”; the image of Peter, grabbed by the truth - ‘You are the Christ’. “It matters who he is, what he says and what he does. ‘Does’ and ‘says’ are important but ‘is’ is critical.”; the image of Zaccheus, Jesus setting no conditions, inviting him, and us, to ‘come down’.
A kaleidoscope of people, members from across all state and territories; from the United Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, whose newly elected Chairman, Vince Ross, last weekend acclaimed Australian Aboriginal Elder of the Year, impressed me greatly; visitors from overseas partner churches such as S India, N. Korea, S. Korea, Mollucas, W.Papua to name but a few, sharing their appreciation of the links with UCA and their concerns for their own countries.
A kaleidoscope of decisions ,on sexuality and leadership in which, after very lengthy deliberation, the decision was made by formal majority, 173 to 48, to continue to give the choice to congregations and presbyteries as to whether or not to ordain or call a minister or pastor living in a committed same-gender relationship; on continuing to explore what it means to be a multicultural church; to take a stand for a just and fair life for everyone be they Australian citizens or asylum seekers; that the UC offer maximum support to the Evangelical Christian Church of Papua through prayer, advocacy with the Australian Government and the people of Australia and in other appropriate ways; to use the one term ‘Pastor’ to embrace the specified ministries of Lay Pastor, Community Minister and Youth Worker and to look at different ways of ‘being church’ as outlined in a document “Being Church Differently”.
Special Moments. Listening to Rev Rronang Gurrawurra a member of the United Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress address the Assembly several times through an interpreter, sensing his confidence and that he felt comfortable ; being one of the 1500 singing in City Hall; experiencing the shared leadership between our President and the Chairman of the Congress in worship and at other times.
A Very Special Moment when, in an act of grace, the Congress advised the Assembly that it would not be withdrawing from the UCA over the Sexuality and Leadership issue.
Having experienced a sharp learning curve I come home amazed at the breadth and depth of the work of our Uniting Church in Australia and am proud to be a member. ‘To God be the glory’.
Steve’s Stuff
Greetings in the name of Christ!
Three significant events take place in the life of our Presbytery over the next few months. In addition planning for both the young adult retreat (October) and NCYC 2007 (January) is well underway. I ask that you read the information carefully and pray for the upcoming events.
QLD State Youth Ministry Conference, 26th-27th August, Brisbane
This two day conference will shape the way we do youth ministry into the future across QLD and beyond. Not only the way we approach youth ministry but the way in which we help people of all ages grow in their relationship with Christ. I encourage you to send one or two people that have a passion for young people coming to know Christ and growing in their relationship with Him. The cost for the two day conference is $60. Presbytery is generously subsidising up to 10 people $100 each. Billeting is available for people who live outside the Brisbane area. This will be a really amazing weekend. For more information please contact me or you can download a registration form and find other information at www.yacmu.com.au Please let me know if you are planning to attend the conference so I can ensure you receive the $100 subsidy. Don’t let your congregation miss out on this wonderful opportunity.
Kids Camp Out (KCO), 9th-10th September, Southern Zone & 16th-17th September, Northern Zone
I sent each congregation an invitation and other information to KCO Thursday of last week. Hopefully someone from your church received it last Friday or Monday. Kids Camp Out is a significant children’s ministry event across the life of our Presbytery. I hope all congregations are able to attend either the southern or northern zone KCO as the dates were distributed towards the end of last year.
Please read the information that you receive as it provides a basic outline of what KCO is and involves. Please send me the r.s.v.p. as soon as possible. When I receive this and you have indicated that you are bringing a group, I will send you the next lot of information. You can bring a group of any size. If you have any questions please contact me on 4036 4440 or via email, stevek@yacmu.com.au
Other Events & Dates
• 24th-29th September, ‘Camp Wild’ for grades 7-10, run by SU. Please contact Chris & Sarah James on 0429 351 527 for more info.
• 13-15th October, Young Adult Retreat @ New Life Pastures, Kennedy.
• 3rd-9th January 2007, NCYC, Perth.
Steve.
What’s New…
URGENT NEEDS FOR IMPACT WORLD TOUR
We have some urgent needs for Impact World Tour. Could you please distribute these needs within your churches and also ask if they can help with them during the announcements at your church!
• Vehicles – URGENTLY NEEDED!
o 10 each – 2-5 passenger vehicles
o 3 each – 12 passenger vehicles (alternatively, could have a few more Tarago type vehicles)
If people in your church have a vehicle available, please have them ring 0411 128 508 ON SUNDAY as the teams arrive on Monday 24 July and we are short on vehicles for them to get around! The vehicles are needed 24 July – 13 August.
• Meals*
o If your church is not yet helping with a meal, we still need 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners during the weeks of 24 July – 13 August. Ring Melissa Davies on (07) 4772 7491 if you can help!
• Arrangements**
o Below is a list of when help is needed. Please ring Tyson or Niki on (07) 4772 7491 if you can roster on. Alternatively, you could pass around a sign up sheet with peoples’ names and numbers and send it through to PO Box 6224, Townsville 4810.
Rebekah Brittan, Reef to Outback
* Meal Times
Thursday July 27th
Lunch 90 people
Dinner 90 people
Saturday July 29th
Lunch 68 people
Monday July 31st
Lunch 90 people
Dinner 20 – 90 people
Friday August 4th
Dinner 10 – 30 people
Monday August 7th
Lunch 90 people
Tuesday August 8th
Dinner 112 people
Thursday August 10th
Dinner 104 people
Sunday August 13th
Lunch 89 people
Dinner 47 people
Alternatively, you can donate food to a group of people who are available to cook it for you.
** Arrangements Assistance
Tuesday, 8 August (Curly Bells, Star Picketing)
3pm – 7pm – 7 people
Wednesday, 9 August (Chairs, Star Picketing, Marquees, Signage)
9am – 12pm – 7 people
3pm – 7pm – 7 people
Thursday, 10 August
9am – 12pm – 7 people – (Road paint, signage, chairs, wheelie bins, parking)
1pm – 5pm – 7 people – (Check-in tables, parking, etc)
7pm – 9pm – 5 people – (Stage clean-up assistance)
9pm – 11pm – 5 people – (Venue cleanup)
Friday, 11 August
3pm – 6pm – 5 People – (Venue setup – tables, check-ins, road barriers)
9pm – 11pm – 5 people (Venue cleanup)
Saturday, 12 August
4am – 8am – 8 people – (Ramps setup)
3pm – 6pm – 5 People (Venue setup – tables, check-ins, road barriers)
9pm – 11pm – 5 People – (Venue Cleanup)
9pm – 1am – 8 people – (Ramps Teardown)
Sunday, 13 August
3pm – 6pm – 5 People – (Venue setup)
9pm – 11pm – 5 People - (Venue Cleanup)
9pm – late – 8 people – (Stage bump-out)
9pm – late – 5 People (Venue Cleanup – chairs, marquees, etc)
Monday, 14 August
8am – Venue Cleanup – 10 people - (Return items, etc)
Please don’t forget these…
NOMINATIONS FOR MODERATOR – ELECT
It is that time in the 18-month Synod meetings' cycle for Presbyteries to consider who should be nominated for election as Moderator-Elect. Presbyteries may nominate up to three persons.
Please note the following:
Nominees for the position of Moderator-Elect will be required to provide the nominating presbytery the following information:
• A Personal profile covering aspects as outlined in By-Law Q1.4.7 (d) (ii)
• The profile is to be concise, no more than one double sided A4 sheet including a head and shoulders photograph and is to provide evidence of ability to meet the Key Characteristics Criteria (attached). It would be expected that each of the criteria as outlined will be addressed.
Presbyteries are requested to forward their nominations, including the profile prepared by the nominee and photograph by 31 October 2006. Please forward these c/- Office of the General Secretary, Queensland Synod.
To assist you in this process, the following information can be obtained from Jane at the Presbytery office :
• an outline of the responsibilities of the Synod's Moderatorial Task Group,
• the key characteristics of a person suitable for election as Moderator
• the relevant regulations relating to the Moderator
• the relevant Qld Synod by-laws relating to the Moderator.
Rev. Jenny Tymms, General Secretary, UCA Queensland Synod
REFUGEE AND MIGRANT SUNDAY ON 27 AUGUST 2007
Order resources NOW from: Queensland Churches Together, P.O. Box 2045, Milton BC, Qld 4064. Ph: (07) 3369 6792, Fax: (07) 3369 8573 or email: HERE.
** Kit for parishes and other groups (educational, liturgical and parish resources)
** Kit on CD for Schools Education (educational resources)
** Schools media competition (design a poster!).
Entries close 11 September or download the resources at: www.ncca.org.au/cws/rdp/rms. The focus this year is on refugees in and from Burma. The materials are designed to help churchgoers and school students gain a deeper understanding of war and peace, refugee camp life and resettlement in Australia.
QCT
QUEENSLAND CHURCHES TOGETHER- CWS
The Christian World Service (CWS) program of QCT has a new coordinator. We welcome Revd Dr Greg Jenks to QCT. Greg is the one to contact about: Christmas Bowl, Partners4Peace, Refugee and Migrant Sunday and other programmes of QCT.
Tel.: (07) 3369 6792, Fax: (07) 3369 8573, email: HERE, address: PO Box 2045, Milton BC QLD 4064.
QCT
UNITING CHURCH MEMBERS NAMED IN 2006 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST
The work of the Uniting Church in a variety of fields has been publicly acknowledged in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Frances Seen, the community Minister of the Uniting Church in Beaconsfield, was awarded the Medal in the General Division (OAM) for her tireless work in the community during the recent mine rescue.
The National Director of Frontier Services, Rosemary Young and former President, Rev Prof. James Haire were both awarded with membership in the General Division (AM). Rosemary was recognised for service to the community, particularly in rural, regional and remote areas, through Frontier Services and Rev. Haire for service to religion and to the community through the promotion of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, the Uniting Church in Australia and theological education.
The Rev. Alan Galt, mental health chaplain at Rozelle Hospital, was awarded an OAM for his service to the community through providing chaplaincy services to people with a mental illness and providing pastoral education programs.
For the full Queen's Birthday Honours list, click here.
THE CHALLENGE:
THE CHILDREN’S CANCER INSTITUTE AUSTRALIA, (CCIA)
TOWNSVILLE TO CAIRNS 350 KM BIKE RIDE
27-29TH July 2006
THE CCIA BIKE RIDE IS COMMITTED TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE RESEARCH INTO CHILDHOOD CANCER TO HELP ENHANCE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AND THE FAMILIES THAT ARE, OR HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS DREADED DISEASE.
THE RIDER: DETLEF HAFENSTEIN (of Townsville Central Uniting Church)
(The mean lean German riding machine is at it again!!!)
HOW TO SUPPORT AND SPONSOR THIS WORTHWHILE CAUSE:
Please contact Detlef or Olive for your donations/sponsorships
Home: 4773-6609 Mobile: 0437 499488 (Detlef); 0419 717 768 (Olive); Email:ohafyday@bigpond.net.au
All money goes to The Children's Cancer Institute of Australia
Cheques should be made payable to CCIA or Children's Cancer Institute of Australia
Official Receipts will be provided for all sponsorships
BLUE CARDS FOR PEOPLE IN PAID MINISTRY POSITIONS OF THE UNITING CHURCH IN QUEENSLAND
The form is called a Person Carrying on a business blue card application form. Blue Card application forms for persons carrying on a business (Ministers, youth workers etc) have recently changed. In question 6 on the form, please mark the last box - religious representatives. It then says to fill out question 24 on page 4. In question 24, please fill out the name of the entity/group as the Uniting Church in Australia – Qld Synod and the name of your Presbytery. The contact person is the Presbytery Secretary and the postal address and phone number refers to the Presbytery Office. For more information, email: HERE or phone the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian on ph: 1800 113 611.
Renae Domagala
MAKING WAVES: DREAMING JUSTICE TODAY
The book Making Waves: Dreaming Justice Today is now available. It is published by the Office of the Social Responsibility Advocate and includes stories of local congregations, small groups and individuals from the Uniting Church in Queensland who are involved in social justice. A companion study guide and worship resources are also available. The study guide includes six sessions which explore different aspects of social justice. The worship resources include prayers, liturgies, music suggestions, children's story suggestions and sermon ideas. The aim of these resources is to encourage local congregations and groups to engage in social justice in their local community. The worship resources are FREE, the book is $7.15, the study guide is $4.95 and a pack of the book and study guide is $11. For more information contact the Office of the Social Responsibility Advocate (click HERE) or check out the website (click HERE). Copies are now available from Vision Books at Broadwater Road Uniting Church (481 Broadwater Road, Wishart or Ph: (07) 3849 8548) who will be at Assembly or from the Office of the Social Responsibility Advocate (click HERE or (07) 3377 9911).
Andrew Johnson, Office of the Social Responsibility Advocate
VISION FOR MISSION STORIES
The Vision for Mission Facilitation team is looking for stories of local mission, big and small. Your experience may be what others need to hear as they develop their mission project. Contact Duncan Macleod on mob: 0439828718 or ph: (07) 3377 9809. See the website: www.visionformission.unitingchurch.org.au
Duncan Macleod, Vision for Mission Advocate
UC FOUNDATION GRANTS FROM CLONCURRY TO NORFOLK ISLAND
From Mossman in the north to Logan in the south, and from Cloncurry in the west, all the way to Norfolk Island in the east, UC Foundation grants have been made in the greatest geographic spread ever. In the first round of grants for 2006, the Foundation received 19 applications, totaling over $120,000. After deliberation by the Foundation’s Board, eight applications for $29,375 were successful. This brings the total number of general grants to over 170, amounting to over $800,000. The successful applicants in this round were:
APPLICANT PROJECT AMOUNT
Logan UC Auslife @ Springwood High seminar for Y10 students 800
McKay Patrol Creation of aircraft engine replacement fund 10,000
Mary Valley UC Community Lifekeys resources for family courses 3,875
Mossman UC How to Drug Proof Your Kids 2,400
Norfolk Island UC Foundation Day community breakfast 1,000
St David’s UCA Neighbourhood Centre Coopers Plains Pilot ten month trial of one day per month of respite for young survivors of strokes 5,300
St Paul’s UC Stafford Some of Life’s Answers Revisited (SOLAR) 3,000
The Lakes UC Ditto
3,000
TOTAL $29,375
It is thanks mainly to the dedicated people whose Will has resulted in an unrestricted bequest being received by the Church, that the Foundation has been able to disburse its tax-free interest earnings on such funds, in the form of these general grants. Their special gift to future generations, from their accumulation of a lifetime of God’s blessings, is a true reflection of the values and principles they treasured. The closing date for the next round of general grants is 30 September, for disbursement during December. For more information about bequests to the Church and for grant application forms, why not visit the Foundation right now at website: www.foundation.ucaqld.com.au or phone the Development Manager on ph: (07) 3377 9777.
Ken Edwards, UC Foundation
FRONTIER SERVICES CHRISTMAS CARDS 2006
The 2006 Christmas Cards will be available shortly. You can order the cards by contacting Frontier Services National Office on ph: (02) 8270 1300, or by downloading an order form and posting. The five cards feature these magnificent photographs by Ken Duncan. The verses on three cards have been especially written by Linda Sutton who writes prayers for Frontier News. These images reflecting the spirit of the Outback are available only through Frontier Services. This is a wonderful opportunity to share Christmas greetings with families and friends around Australia and overseas and support the work of Frontier Services. Also available is a card featuring Three Kings is the work of Aboriginal artist Lavene Ngatokorua of Port Augusta, SA. Lavene's art reflects her knowledge and commitment to her culture and also her community involvement. Packs of 5 contain one design each of the Ken Duncan images or you can order five of the same design. The cost is $4.40, which includes postage within Australia. To order online go HERE.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
JUNE JOURNEY CORRECTION
The June issue of Journey contained a series of Winter Studies prepared by the Queensland Synod Theology and Worship Committee. The studies are copyright free for use in congregations. Journey would be grateful if you would advise people of an error in the Week 3 study Extravagant Community. The Bible reading section should say "Read Ephesians 3: 14-19". An online downloadable version of the studies as a photocopiable A4 PDF file has been corrected. This can be downloaded HERE.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR TULLY UC
Please be advised that the new PO Box for Tully & District Uniting Church is P.O. Box 220 Tully QLD 4854.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
A day of worry is more exhausting than a day of work. (John Lubbock)
JOKE OF THE WEEK
The poorly paid local minister grew watermelons to supplement his meagre income. He was doing pretty well, but he was disturbed by some local kids who would sneak into his watermelon patch at night and eat his watermelons. After some careful thought, he came up with a clever idea that he thought would scare the kids away for sure.
He made up a sign and posted it in the field. The next day, the kids show up and they saw the sign which read, "Warning! One of the watermelons in this field has been injected with cyanide."
The kids ran off, made up their own sign and posted it next to the minister’s sign. When the minister returned, he surveyed the field. He noticed that no watermelons were missing, but the sign next to his read, "Now there are two!"
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s Diary)
July 24th – 28th – Gregor Henderson, President, National Assembly, visit to Nth Qld
July 30th –Commissioning of Dennis Corowa as Townsville Prison Chaplain at Restoration Inn (West End Church)
August 2nd – Presbytery Property and Finance Committee Meeting - office
3rd – 6th - 2006 Emmaus Walk – Men’s
10th-13th - 2006 Emmaus Walk - Women’s
17th - 20th - Synod Meetings (Placements & Council of Synod) - Brisbane
23rd – Ordination and Induction of Michelle Cook in the Ministry of Deacon in Weipa.
26th - Northern Zone Meeting
26th – 27th Qld State Youth Ministry Conference – Brisbane
30th – Property & Finance Committee Meeting - office
September 2nd - Southern Zone Meeting
5th - Cape Gulf teleconference
6th – Synod Leadership Team Meeting - Brisbane
9th – 10th – KIDS CAMPOUT – Southern Zone
15th - Presbytery Leadership team
16th - 17th – KIDS CAMPOUT – Northern Zone
20th – Placements Meeting - Brisbane
27th – Property & Finance Committee meeting – office
October 4th – Synod Leadership Team Meeting – Brisbane
18th – Placements Meeting – Brisbane
25th – Property & Finance Committee Meeting - office
November 1st – Synod Leadership Team Meeting - Brisbane
10th – 12th - Presbytery Meeting (Townsville area)
22nd – Placements Meeting - Brisbane
23rd – Moderator/Presbytery Ministers’ Meeting – Brisbane
25th – Council of Synod – Brisbane
December 1st – Property & Finance Committee Meeting - office
14th – Placements Meeting – Brisbane
27th – Property & Finance Committee Meeting - office