Presbytery of North Queensland
PRESBYTERY PROMPTS
29 Wentworth Ave Mundingburra 4812
07 4779 5818 presbnq@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.presbyterynq.net
ISSUE ELEVEN 2007 WEDNESDAY MARCH 28TH 2007
On the Grapevine…
Greetings everyone,
We are now heading towards Jerusalem with Jesus. Next Sunday is Palm/Passion Sunday. The latest issue of Journey is very good and helps me to reflect in a fresh way on the Easter Story that most of us are very familiar with. I am aware of the truth of the saying “familiarity breeds contempt”. We must guard against that as we reflect once again on the Easter story and its central and powerful place in our Christian faith.
Due to my often being away with work commitments early in the week and with UC Info coming out on a Tuesday afternoon, Presbytery Prompts will now normally be distributed on a Wednesday.
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
• Malcolm Bottrill has had a reaction to some medication and is on sick leave for 3 weeks. He believes that they have now identified the offending drug and hopes to be soon on the mend.
• Phillip Hulme – a former minister at Atherton who had an operation this week for cancer and has to have further operations.
• Pray for Carole Young (Tully) as she is in Perth to be with her Mum who is failing rapidly. Corole indicated yesterday that her mum is stable at preset. Pray also for the Tully and district congregations as they organise Easter services with Carole being away.
• Pray for the Weipa community as they come to terms with the suicide of a 12 year old and the death of a 14 month old baby last week. Please also pray for Michelle Cook as she ministers in these situations as well as cares for her own baby Zane who is doing very well.
• Please be aware that Alison, the wife of Gregor Henderson (UCA President) is suffering from an aggressive cancer and the medical prognosis is not very good at all. Please pray for Alison, Gregor and his family at this challenging time.
• Bevan Favelle, minister at Glebe Rd UCA –Ipswich who is seriously ill with cancer.
• Ian Wilson, former minister at Aitkenvale, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Please pray for him and Merlene. Ian has surgery this week.
• Pray for the Korean Christian Faith Community in Townsville which was established at the service in Townsville Central last Sunday night.
• The new Anglican Bishop of North Queensland. Bill Ray was ordained as Bishop last Saturday morning (24th March) in Townsville. Please pray for him and his wife Robyn, and our sisters and brothers in the Anglican Church. Bill is recovering from an operation but hopes to be well and truly on the job after Easter.
Financial Returns: A reminder to fill in and send your Congregation Financial Statistics Returns if you have not done so already. Returns are to be received at Synod no later than 31st March 2007 which is THIS SATURDAY. To date we have received returns from 8 of the 26 congregations. Please be diligent as the information is vital for the budget process for 2008 which really begins in April. PLEASE MARK THIS AS URGENT. Please also remember that a copy is to come to the Presbytery office as well as to Synod.
Synod registrations:
Please remember to get your Synod registration form (green one) to the Synod office no later than Friday 27th April 2007. This green form should be accompanied by payment for meals etc.
We have received 15 registration forms to date from the expected 38 have indicated that they will be attending from North Queensland Presbytery. Keep them coming in.
The registration fee ($195) and form (pink one) should be sent to Presbytery office. Don’t forget that you will have to organise your own accommodation. I know that there were still some spaces available onsite at Alex Park as of Tuesday 20th. There are also other accommodation suggestions in the information that came from the Synod.
Synod meetings:
Last weeks meetings in Brisbane were a little different from the usual.
On the Wednesday the State Heads of Churches met at the Anglican Cathedral (St. Johns) in Brisbane city. The Anglicans were the host this year. Over 30 clergy from 9 denominations were present to engage issues of mutual concern and direction. These were church leaders in equivalent positions to Moderator and Presbytery Minister in the Uniting Church. While nothing was formally resolved the opportunities for networking and hearing reports on joint ecumenical working arrangements in various places, progress regarding revision of the documents “Being Church in Rural Queensland”, progress by the Tertiary Chaplaincy working Group, as well as information regarding Chaplaincy in State Schools and the recent joys and challenges of that.
On Thursday we met as a placements committee and again are challenged by the great needs across the state and the challenges in strategically meeting those needs.
Friday was a meeting of the Presbytery Ministers and the Moderator. This is always an important time of sharing as colleagues in ministry. I always come away from these meetings encouraged and challenged. Following a time of general sharing we engaged with the process of strategic placements. Ministers in placement will soon be asked help in this process with some information in addition to what appears on their minister’s profile. We also met with the Synod Financial Controller, Jim Barry who in spite of the title of his role is not so much about control as engagement and support. He met with us as we outlined a more effective way of developing the budget figures early this year. It looks promising but the starting point is congregations getting their returns in on time. THEY ARE DUE IN THIS WEEK.
We also looked at the issue of the rural ministry consultant and came up with some possible scenarios. These will need to be further developed.
The Presbytery Leadership Team met via teleconference this morning. I will report on anything relevant from that meeting next week.
Our Presbytery Mission Resourcing Committee should be expanded and the current members were given power to seek people with appropriate gifts and skills, including pastoral gifts, to be included in that team. Please make this a matter of prayer and discernment. If there are people who believe they may see this as part of their ministry or you want to suggest someone, please contact either myself or our treasurer, Ian Jessup. Currently the committee meets monthly early on a Monday evening for about 1½ hours but that time is negotiable with the personnel available.
Townsville Korean: There was a special time of worship and celebration at Townsville
Central Uniting Church last Sunday (25th March) at 6pm. This was when the Presbytery
recognized the Korean worshippers as the Korean Christian Faith Community in the
Townsville Central Uniting Church. The service also recognized Myeong-
From Milk Chocolate to Dark Chocolate
Andy King, who works with Calvary Presbytery, won the 2006 Townsville Council Community and Arts Award for writing a book titled From Milk Chocolate to Dark Chocolate. The book is the story of Andy’s personal journey since a malignant cancer was removed. Congratulations Andy! Copies are available if you would like to have one to read and perhaps pass on to others.
Assembly of Confession Congregations; There was a meeting in Cairns last Sunday at which Max Champion spoke. A working group to establish a steering committee for the NQ Regional movement of the ACC was agreed to. More details are available from Hedley Fihaki.
Presbytery Directories
Presbytery Directories have now been distributed via email and post. If you would like a copy please email the presbytery office.
Blessings to you all,
Bruce C.
Steve’s Stuff…
Greetings in the name of Christ!
Last week the staff from the Youth & Children’s Ministry Unit attended a five day
live-
I was reminded to think about the needs of the participants and work out how I’m going to aim to meet their needs. Our overall needs are:
• Fun
• Love
• Self-
• Freedom (choices)
• Survival (feeling safe both physically & emotionally)
When we are planning any sort of activity, program or event, we need to reflect on how we are meeting each one of the above needs.
I look forward to sharing more about the ‘VITAL’ model in the future. It isn’t a model that you just learn, but one that you experience and live.
Easter Camp
Monday was the official closing date for Easter Camp registrations. Please ask your young people to send them to me as soon as possible. I need them by Friday at the latest.
Please pray for the young people, leaders and our guest speaker Rob Hanks, both leading up to and during Easter Camp. This is a great way that you can support us.
Yours in Christ’s service, Steve.
What’s New…
CONVOCATION OF MINISTRY
The mailing sent to members of the forthcoming Synod may have caused some confusion
regarding the invitation to participate in the Convocation of Ministry. I want to
make it clear that every person in a specified ministry appointment (lay or ordained),
those in full or part-
David Pitman, Moderator
SEEKING FORMER PRESBYTERIAN MINISTERS
In 2001, for the Presbyterian centenary, the Rev Dr Rowland Ward and Dr Malcolm Prentis
published Presbyterian Ministers in Australia: A Biographical Register 1822-
Jenny Tymms, General Secretary
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Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
UPDATES FROM SENIOR PRISON CHAPLAIN
Let’s give thanks for the time the chaplains are having at Riverglenn Conference Centre. We started last Sunday with 100 chaplains from around Queensland including other denominations. Pray for our UC Training Days for chaplains & volunteers which follows on from this conference at the same place at Riverglenn Conference Centre. This starts on Wednesday, 28 March until Thursday, 29 March. Our topics are Crime prevention, Mental illness in prisons, and Pastoral Care. Pray that this will be a time of bringing together and bonding for our Chaplains and Volunteers. Pray that God will touch the hearts of others who God wants to become involved in this ministry. Pray for 21 April which will be a family fun day at Roma Street parklands, 11am – 3pm. This will be run by a number of organizations such as Boystown and other groups. This is an effort to support the families of inmates. Please pray for spouses of inmates who may be abandoned by their own families because they have a loved one in prison, and have no support in times of crisis, such as medical emergencies or procedures. Life is very hard for these families who have to face such situations alone. One spouse is facing having an operation in hospital at the moment without family support. Pray that they will be able to reconcile.
Beatriz Skippen
BOOKS NEEDED FOR COLLEGE LIBRARY AND STUDENTS
For a number of years we have been able for sends theological books to the United
Church Theological College at Seghe, Solomon Islands. There are 44 theological students
this year with a staff of 5. Our Lent appeal over the last few years has made it
possible to purchase some books, re-
Doug Jones
FOR SALE – 40 DAYS OF PURPOSE MATERIALS
11 Packs of 40 Days of Purpose materials surplus to needs are available. For details contact Trevor and Ann Huth on ph: (07) 5491 6632 or email: HERE.
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communication Services Unit
REGISTRATION FORM 2007 PRESBYTERY BUS TRIP
For those of you who will be going on this trip please fill out the form below and send with your payment to the presbytery office at 29 Wentworth Avenue Mundingburra, 4812, no later than the 31st March 2007.
Churches please make copies of this registration form and make available to your people.
The Uniting Church in Australia Presbytery of North Queensland
2007 Bus Trip Registration Form
(1 form per person)
Your Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Address ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Phone No……………………………………………………………………
Email Address:………………………………………………………………
Date of Birth …………………………………………....Shirt Size: ……………………………
Next of Kin Name:……………………………………………………………………….
Phone number: ……………………................................
Mobile Phone No. ……………………………………..
Email ……………………………………………………………………………………..
Emergency Contact Person :……………………………………………………………
Relationship to yourself …………………………………………………………………..
Phone No……………………………………………….
MEDICAL DETAILS:
Medicare Number: ………………………. ……………………………………………….
Private Health Insurance Number:………………………………………………………….
Your Doctor’s Name, Address and Phone No.: ……………………………………………………………….
Do you have a medical condition or take any medication? (If so, please specify): ………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………............................................
Do you have any food or other allergies? (If so, please specify) ……………………………………………..
Please indicate any other information it may be helpful for us to know in caring for
you on the trip eg deafness, disability, sleeping difficulties …………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Payment to NQ Uniting Church Presbytery Office, 29 Wentworth Ave, Mundingburra QLD 4812
Cash or Cheque (payable to North Queensland Uniting Church Presbytery)
Deposit (due by 31 March 2007 $50:
Balance (due by 30 April 2007) $
INDEMNITY
I, the undersigned, am willing that I should participate in the specified program. I understand that the
nature of the activities at the program will include, but may not be limited to bus travel, games, devotions, craft, communal eating and that risks may arise during these activities.
I hereby authorise the leader in charge of the trip, where it is impracticable to communicate with me, that I may receive such medical or surgical treatment as the leader and qualified medical practitioner may deem
necessary at any time. I further authorise the use of Ambulance and/or anaesthetic by a qualified medical
practitioner if in his/her judgement it is necessary. I accept responsibility for payment of all expenses associated
with such treatment.
I understand that every effort will be made by the leader to contact my next of kin in the event of any illness or accident.
Your name: …………………………………………………………………………………
Parent/Carer’s Name if you are under18:…………………………………………………..
Your signature or Parent/Carer’s signature: ……………………………………………….
Date: ………………………………………
PRIVACY STATEMENT
***** Uniting Church is collecting the information on this form to ensure that your participation is as
enjoyable and safe as possible. Failure to supply the information will limit our ability to care for you
appropriately and provide an environment that is safe and enjoyable. If you wish to find out more about the Church’s privacy policy, please phone the synod Privacy contact on 07 3377 9837.
CANTATA 2007 "HOLY SPIRIT, BREATH OF GOD"
The Cantata, "Holy Spirit, Breath of God", will be performed by seventy voices from the Tablelands during this coming weekend. It traces the movement of the Holy Spirit throughout time as depicted in the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.
Kuranda: Seventh Day Adventist Church 8pm March 30th
Cairns: Emmanuel Uniting Church 8pm March 31st
Atherton: Uniting Church 4pm April 1st
Mareeba: St Thomas' Catholic Church 7.45pm April 1st
Peter Axford, baritone, fresh from three years with Opera Australia, features as a key soloist along with Maree Henricksen, mezzo soprano, and Ben Stock, tenor, both from Cairns. Kuranda soprano, Julia Brant and Mareeba bass, Richard Holt, complete the compliment of soloists. The narrator is Glyn Davies from Yungaburra. The choir, directed by Ruth Beasley, is accompanied by piano, 2 flutes, clarinet and bongos.
Ruth, the composer of the music, together with her sister Audrey Francis from Perth, who compiles and writes the words, have composed four cantatas, the first one being written specially to mark the turn of the century. These have all been performed in Cairns, Atherton, Mareeba and Kuranda. The first one was performed twice in Western Australia and is now to be performed by the Warwick Choral Society, which plans to ultimately present all four cantatas.
Those who make up the choir come from Mareeba and surrounding districts and come together to sing through their shared love of singing. There are never any auditions for the choir. Ages this year range from 10 years old to early nineties. You are guaranteed a special experience when you come to hear this cantata. For further information contact 4093 0303
Please don’t forget these…
INFO RE SYNOD: The newly extended conference facilities at Alexandra Headlands on the Sunshine Coast will be the venue for the 26th meeting of the Queensland Synod in May.
The gathering will make some key decisions about the future of Synod including the appointment of a new General Secretary and election of the next Moderator who will commence duties when Dr Pitman’s term finishes in the second half of 2008.
Dr Pitman says he has observed “a new spirit alive in our church. It is most apparent in the determination of ministers and congregations to be focussed and intentional about those things that declare the reign of God,” he said.
Synod decisions to be made will include the appointment of members to a newly established
Synod Multi-
A report from the Council of Synod recommends greater separation, realignment and
enhancement of the functions of the Finance, Investment and Property Board (oversight
function) and the Department for Financial and Property Services (service function).
It proposes greater emphasis and co-
A report from the Theological Education Task Group first established by the 23rd Synod in 2002 will be proposing one new integrated institution to incorporate both Trinity Theological College and a new learning community to provide educational opportunities including continuing education for lay and specified ministries.
Bruce Mullan
WORKING WITH CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Synod Children's worker Paul Yarrow will be running
a workshop in conjunction with the Southern Zone meeting in Ayr, on Saturday 28th
April for all those interested in enhancing their church's children and family ministry.
Final details will come out very soon, but please promote this event in your church.
Mark the date in your diary and encourage your Sunday School, Kids Club, and other
leaders to come along..
Paul Clark, Minister Burdekin Uniting Church
A MESSAGE TO MINISTERS / DEACONS / LAY PASTORS / YOUTH WORKERS and others who are approved UCA Marriage Celebrants
The Synod Office has received information concerning names on a marriage documents. This is an important and fairly detailed explanation into the names which may be used on marriage documents such as Notice of Intended Marriage and Marriage Certificates.
It is vitally important that each Marriage Celebrant have a clear working knowledge of the information, for the document itself stresses that wrongly used names could greatly affect the person should they at some future time apply for a passport in their married name.
It also warns against using “common usage” names, “also known as” names and the like. Be very careful if the name being offered is different to the one on their birth certificate or a previous Marriage Certificate. There are major changes for the lawful changing of a name, and use of “Deed Poll” will no longer be accepted.
Should you have difficulty getting a hard copy for yourself, of if you have questions concerning the information in the document, please phone me (Rev. Alan O’Hara) on (07) 3377 9721 (Mon – Thurs). It may be that your question and its answer may be of help to others. Whatever else you do, please read this document.
Alan O’Hara (Assistant General Secretary)
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s and Steve’s Diary)
March -
30th – 31st – Leadership Training Course – Townsville
April – 5th – 9th Easter Camp – New Life Pastures
15th – 20th -
23rd – Mission Resourcing Committee meeting – presbytery office from 5pm
28th Northern & Southern Zone Meetings –
Northern Zone venue TBA, Southern Zone venue in Ayr
29th – Bruce to preach in Atherton
May – 1st – Bruce to Placements meeting Brisbane
4th – Commissioning of Krishna Buhler as Lifeline Chaplain Cairns
14th – 15th Bruce to Frontier Services Board meeting
17th – Convocation of Ministries Alex Park Brisbane
18th – 22nd – Queensland Synod Meeting
25th – National Day of Thanksgiving
28th – Mission Resourcing Committee meeting – presbytery office from 5pm
June – 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
Steve K’s Calendar
April 5th – 9th -
17th – 19th -
September – 8-
15-