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
TWENTIETH EDITION WEDNESDAY MAY 30TH 2007
On the Grapevine…
Greetings everyone,
This week is Reconciliation week. Today I will be attending a special RSL ceremony in honour of Indigenous veterans and ex serving members at the cenotaph in Townsville. It is an important part of the week but it is so easy for the week to slip by as being yet another of those weeks we have from time to time. I want to say however that this week highlights our need as Christians to be at the forefront of reconciliation. After all, through Jesus we are reconciled to God and we, of all people, must be aware of the need for reconciliation.
The Reconciliation Australia website has this as its theme: Building relationships
for change
between Indigenous and non-
Below is a statement prepared by Queensland Churches Together of which the UCA is a part and designed to be read or shared on Pentecost Sunday but can be shared at anytime.
“A Statement of Commitment by the Churches on the Fortieth Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum
Forty years have passed since the referendum in which Australians voted overwhelmingly to recognize Indigenous people as citizens and empowered the Commonwealth to make laws on their behalf. This historic vote was cause for great celebration. It gave rise to new hope that the pain of dispossession and countless acts of prejudice and discrimination by both governments and individuals could begin to be healed.
Yet today, despite many worthwhile initiatives on the part of governments, business, various community organisations and churches, not to mention the tireless efforts of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and individuals, the first peoples of Australia remain highly marginalized.
The health standards of many Indigenous Australians are as poor as those of the poorest
people in the poorest nations on Earth. Indigenous life expectancy is 17 years lower
on average than that of non-
We call upon Christians of all backgrounds to renew their efforts to vigorously challenge this sad reality and work to change it for the better.
On this Pentecost Sunday, we fervently pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire a new commitment to reconciliation in us, the people of God who proclaim Jesus Christ as Good News for the poor and oppressed.
May the Spirit who filled the disciples with the faith and courage to proclaim the mighty acts of God to all the world also give us the faith and courage to walk together to bring justice and healing in our land. “
Pastoral Notes and prayer points:
· Pray for the strengthening of relationships between indigenous and non-
· Give thanks with Malcolm and Judy for his cancer clearance (see below)
· Pray for the 100 year celebrations in Cloncurry
· Pray for Glenn and Collette Louttit and their family as Glenn has been given 2 months off on sick leave. (see more detail below)
· Pray for the Innisfail congregation and for Graham Whybird who is providing supply ministry.
· Garry and Theresa Hardingham and family with continued concerns for Tamara and as they prepare for their holiday.
· Please pray for the ministers and their families in the Cape/Gulf Zone of our Presbytery i.e. in Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Hughenden, Weipa, Thursday Island as well as the patrol areas.
· 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.
MBF – Ministers who are in the health fund MBF will have received a letter from the fund outlining some new payment options that do not include the existing payroll deduction processes. I have spoken to our Uniting Church payroll people and they are aware of the situation. They had been assured by MBF that no letters would be sent out until at least June. Payroll had therefore planned to send something out to all affected ministers and employees in June. This will still be the case so please do not respond to the letter from MBF until you receive the advice from our payroll office as to the process to follow. I understand that there will still be the option to have our MBF contributions made through our Fringe Benefits accounts but that the authorisation will be different. I guess the word is – watch this space.
Baptist Men’s Camp – I am in a dilemma. Early this year I happily agreed to be the speaker at a Men’s Camp, organised by the Baptist Church in Townsville but open to men from other churches as well. The camp is to be held on the weekend 29th June to 2nd July, with the 2nd being the Townsville Show holiday, at Alva Beach near Ayr. Accommodation is at the Surf Lifesaving Club house.
Ian Stephens, who contacted me, gave me the theme of Compassion which is embodied in the camp theme ‘H’ man. This refers to – Heart for God (suggested sermon topic for Sunday)
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The speakers responsibility is for 2 Study sessions on Saturday morning, a brief devotion Saturday evening and to Preach on Sunday morning at the Burdekin Baptist Church.
My dilemma is that the special Council of Synod meeting to work through the processes following the last Synod, especially those relating to the appointment of a General Secretary, has been called for Saturday 30th June. As an elected member of the Council of Synod I am obligated to be a part of this meeting as one of the 2 elected members from North Queensland, (the other person is Ruth Beasley.) I see no way that I can be in both places. I even explored the possibility of teleconference.
My request is that if, as you read through this, God seems to be speaking to you about being the speaker at this camp, ( or perhaps brings someone else to mind) could you please contact me, either through email or my mobile as I am away now until after Ministers retreat.
I have given an undertaking to Ian Stephens to attempt to find someone to be the speaker in my place.
Cloncurry will be celebrating 100 years of the Christian Church in Cloncurry this weekend. This is a particular celebration for the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Uniting Church (through one of our former denominations). It promises to be an exciting weekend. Unfortunately the date was changed and I am not able to be there. The Anglican and Catholic bishops will be there and Garry Hardingham, as Cape Gulf Zone Chairperson will be my representative.
Queensland Synod Meeting
Last week I shared some of my thoughts on the Synod. I would value anyone else sharing their thoughts as well. Simply email them to Jane for inclusion in next week’s prompts.
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
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.
Mossman – Below is information from Mossman on how they contributed to the National Day of Thanksgiving.
Blessings to you all,
Bruce C.
Steve’s Stuff…
Greetings in the name of Christ!
Over the last two weeks I have attended several important events in the life of our church.
Children and Youth National Coalition Meeting – Sydney
This is an annual gathering of people who work in similar Synod roles from across Australia. It is an important time to focus on national issues relating to children, youth, young adult and family ministry. In addition it is a great opportunity to network and support each other. Below is an overview of each day.
2007 Timetable
Monday
AM Flights arrive, travel to Centre for Ministry
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Opening Gather, welcome & Worship
14:30 National Church Life Survey – Ruth Powell
15:00 Afternoon Tea
15:30 National Church Life Survey -
16:30 Update on National In-
Transitional Arrangements for Ministry of Youth Work
Ncyc 07 Report
19:00 Dinner – BBQ at Nic’s place
Tuesday
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Worship
09:00 NCYC 09 Overview & Report
10:30 Morning Tea
11:00 Second Generation Multicultural Youth Report
12:30 Lunch
13:30 WA Report
15:00 Duty of Care Discussion
15:30 Afternoon tea
16:00 About Face
17:00 Assembly Matters – Children’s Ministry Nationally
18:30 Dinner
19.30 -
-
Wednesday
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Worship
09:00 Vic/Tas Report
10:30 Morning Tea
11:00 Vic/Tas report Cont
11.30 National Children’s Ministry workshops – Update
12.00 Ministry of Pastor Update
12:30 Lunch
13:30 NSW Report
15:30 Afternoon Tea
16:00 SA Report
18:00 End Session
Dinner
Thursday
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Worship
09:00 QLD Report
10:30 Morning Tea
11:00 Next year – Conveners/E group Moderators/Agenda Items
11:30 Items we haven’t got to on agenda so far
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Close
14:00 Depart
Ruth Powell provided some thought provoking input from the latest findings from the National Church Life Survey. I will share some of the latest data relating to youth and children’s ministry in the near future.
Out of the Valley Youth & Young Adult Leadership Conference, Adelaide
This annual conference is organised by Hope Valley Uniting Church and held at the Adelaide showgrounds. Approximately 150 to 300 young people attended the two day conference. Both days were thought provoking.
The first guest speaker was Bo Boshers from Willow Creek. Bo explored with us the need to move away from ‘Youth Group 1.0’ to ‘Youth Ministry 2.0’. In a nutshell, this means a move away from entertainment based youth ministry to ministering to and with young people – discipleship. It was affirming to hear that Willow Creek is headed in the same direction as YACMU (Growing Apostles). Bo also explored the importance of mentoring.
The second guest speaker was Louie Giglio who is the founder of Passion Conferences, a movement calling people around the world to lives that make much of God through national conferences, campus tours and gatherings across the USA. Louie explored ministry with young adults in the context of campus ministry across the States. Louie also explored ‘what is worship’ with us.
I would recommend this training event to people who minister with youth and young adults. Jeff Savage and myself were nearly the two oldest people there. It was a sign of hope to see so many young people passionate about Christ and in most cases their voluntary ministry within the Uniting Church.
Synod, Sunshine Coast
One of my highlights was the presbytery reports. It was great being able to hear
and see what is happening in different parts of our diverse State. My second highlight
would be having the opportunity to catch-
It is good to be home.
Yours in Christ’s service
Steve.
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S MINISTRY EVENTS
August 25th – 26th – Youth Ministry Conference -
September 15-
October 12-
October – 20th – 21st – Kids Camp Out Northern Zone
January 2008 -
What’s New…
NATIONAL DAY OF THANKSGIVING IN MOSSMAN
Through the Minister’s Fraternal we arranged for the Churches to prepared biscuits and cakes. On Friday 25th we arranged for the distribution of these gifts of appreciation and ‘Thank You’ cards to many groups in the community. Those people who were thanked included:
Indigenous Groups
Volunteer Groups such as Meals on Wheels, Rural Fire Brigade, SES, Coastguard, Volunteers working with youth,
Primary and High Schools, Kindergartens, Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade, Hospital and Respite, Blue Care, Lollipop people on School Crossings, Library Workers, Community Centre, etc.
Distributions were made in Mossman, Port Douglas and Julatten.
We had planned for Churches to meet together for a Thanksgiving Picnic in Mossman on Sunday afternoon. However, because of rain, the picnic was cancelled.
THANK YOU
“The Rev Malcolm Bottrill was given the wonderful news last week that his cancer has been defeated.
Malcolm and Judy are deeply grateful to the many people throughout the Presbytery who have prayerfully supported them over the last 20 months.
Thanks be to God!”
A STATEMENT FROM THE MODERATOR ON PENTECOST SUNDAY
Last weekend the Moderator of the Queensland Synod, Rev Dr David Pitman participated
in various church and community-
Bruce Mullan, Manager, Communications Services Unit
Please don’t forget these…
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-
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.
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
Presbytery Calendar (including Bruce’s and Steve’s Diary)
May 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
September – 1st – Southern Zone Meeting – Wulguru UC
6th – 9th – Emmaus Mens Walk
13th – 16th – Emmaus Womens Walk
18th – 21st – Bruce meetings in Brisbane
Steve K’s Calendar
June 4th -
19th -
July 15th -