Anglican Diocese of North Queensland - Christmas Week (33/2014)

Dear Members of the Diocesan Family,

Christmas Greetings:

Robin and I, along with the staff of the Diocesan Registry assure each member of the Diocesan family of our love and prayers for a blessed and holy Christmas.

Please find attached a copy of my article for the Townsville Bulletin, the local radio in Townsville and my article for The Good Shepherd Home.

To those who are travelling please travel safely.

Insurance:

We pray that during the Christmas/New year period there will be no adverse weather events or other incidences that cause damage to any buildings. However, if there is damage please phone me on my mobile 0429 489 935 in the first instance and I will put you in touch with the right person. I have a range of people to contact subject to the nature of the claim.

Prayers:

I ask that you continue to pray for those who continue to mourn in Cairns, in Sydney, in Pakistan, as well as for the many others for whom this Christmas will be a challenging time because of the loss of loved ones.

Yesterday I received the following message from the Primate, who is currently in New Zealand:

Please assure all in NQ of my condolences and assurance of prayer for all who mourn the tragic loss of life in Cairns. I'm sure that there will be many in the Anglican TSI community who have links of family and affection with those poor children and their mother. If there is any support that we can offer with counselling please let me know.

If any people require counselling please contact me on 0429 489 935. My office is willing to make any arrangements required and I am able to offer some assistance with cost along with the National Church offer.

Pilgrimage to Jerusalem:

The Australian and New Zealand Regional Committee for St George’s College, Jerusalem, invite interested persons to undertake a two week pilgrimage to Jerusalem in May 2015. Entitled “Palestine of Jesus”, this pilgrimage will provide an opportunity to visit, experience and reflect upon the holy sites. Contact Rev'd Elisabeth Daniels danielsnek@bigpond.com for further details. http://sgcjerusalem.org/ https://www.facebook.com/sgcjerusalem

The use of language:

On Wednesday and Thursday we will be hearing, reading or singing the following words:

"Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased". (Luke 2:14)

In living the Christian life we are to be people who seek to bring peace and reconciliation.

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives." (John 14:27)

During this past year I have been made aware that some of our people have been deeply hurt and offended because other members of the Body of Christ have been racially insensitive in the use of their language. In this country we do not refer to congregations or Churches as Black congregations or Churches. It is not appropriate to refer to people in terms of their racial origins, s/he is only a ……….. (describing race). We are all created equal in the sight of God and we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Our nation, our diocese is multicultural. We are blessed with the various nationalities that make up our nation and diocese and we give thanks for the contribution that all people make to the life of our nation. Let us count our blessings and give thanks for our diversity as we seek to serve our Lord.

The Diocese of Gippsland:

The Right Reverend Kay Goldsworthy will be the next Bishop of Gippsland. Kay will be installed on Saturday 21 May, 2015 in St. Paul's Cathedral Sale. Please pray for Kay and the Diocese of Gippsland.

The Right Reverend Genieve Blackwell:

Genieve, who is currently an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn will be an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Melbourne as from a date to be announced.

New General Secretary to General Synod:

We have received the following announcement from The Primate:

I am happy to announce that following consultation with Standing Committee the Executive has resolved to appoint Ms Anne Hywood as the next General Secretary of the General Synod. Many of you will know her. Anne comes with a background of experience in both Anglican and corporate environments. Her time as Registrar of Adelaide, Registrar of Grafton and member of General Synod, together with other career experiences, will stand her in good stead in preparing to take up this role. In announcing this, I pay tribute to Martin Drevikovsy for his distinguished service in the role. We have been fortunate to have had Martin’s leadership and management of General Synod and all its associated affairs and we wish him well for the future.

Common Cup:

Please find enclosed an article that the Primate forwarded to the Diocese.

The Diocese of Bathurst:

Please pray for the Diocese of Bathurst. Yesterday it was announced, that to address cost issues:-

* four staff have had their employment terminated.

* the Bishop, Bishop Ian Palmer can no longer remain a full time Bishop and will become the Rector of Dubbo as well.

Bishop Palmer concluded his announcement with these words: "These are huge changes, but they are to ensure not only the survival of our Diocese, but to advance the worship, mission and ministry of the work of our Lord here. I ask for your goodwill, prayers and patience."

I have written to Bishop Ian stating that we admire his leadership and assure all in the Diocese of Bathurst of my prayers.

Office Closure:

I repeat the office closure for the Christmas/New Year period for your information:

Close: Tuesday 23 December at 4pm

Open: Monday 5 January at 8.30am

Once again, wishing you a holy and blessed Christmas.

Yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray

Bishop of North Queensland

Sexual Abuse contact line: 1800 839 839 or 07 3835 2266

33 Townsville Bulletin Christmas Message 2014

33 4TT Christmas Message