Dear Members of the Diocesan Family,

Christmas:
I pray the Christmas worship in each Parish was uplifting and fed people spiritually. We continue to pray for the peace of the world.

2015:
I pray that 2015 will be a year of many blessings for you.

I write this Bulletin on the day the Church can celebrate the Epiphany, the visit of the Wise men to the Christ child. Jesus was made known to the Wise Men. The Magi followed the star and after they had visited Jesus they obeyed the voice of the angel and went home via another route.

As we enter a new calendar year, may we make sure we listen to the voice of the Lord and may we make Christ known with those we meet in our daily life. It is important that we continue to explore the making of disciples. People often ask me, "Is our parish going to survive?" or "What will happen to our Parish?" The task of the Church is to make the Gospel message known, invite people to respond to the message, and live according to the teachings and way of Christ. We are to share our faith. As a church and as individual Christians we are to be intentional in reaching out to others. It will not just happen. In past decades, I think many in the Church believed that people would come to faith by osmosis. That is, we provide the environment and the rest will happen. Not as many young people attend Children's ministry activities at Church. Fewer children are receiving RI in Schools. Many parents today are seeking answers in regard to the Christian faith. I find it interesting that people outside the church do not have an interest in the operation of the Church. We have to make a conscious decision to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Like the Wise Men who hung in there, we too must hang in there with our Lord.

The start of 2015 - Climate and Environment:
The fires in South Australia have been devastating. Please pray for those who have lost homes, property and livestock as well as for the fire fighters and all involved in fighting the fires, such as the Police, the SES and the Ambulance. When Robin and I were returning from Victoria, it was 29 degrees at Melbourne Airport with a hot breeze, at 5.30am on Saturday morning.

We returned to Townsville to rain. In fact, to 115 mls! It is very welcome indeed. Please pray for those in the west and in the gulf who still need rain. My father often said, it is not the first fall of rain that counts, but what follows. Our farmers and graziers need rain and good follow up rain.
We need a decent wet season.

Innisfail/Tully:
On Christmas day it was announced that The Reverend Paul Beasley will be the part time Rector of Innisfail/Tully. The Reverend Paul has been assisting as a locum over the past few months. Please pray for Paul and Christine as they continue their ministry in the Parish.

We also pray for the Parish. This part time ministry arrangement allows for ministry to continue and we pray that the Parish will be able to support a full time priest in the near future.

The Reverend Dr Geoff Holt:
It was announced yesterday that The Reverend Dr Geoff Holt will be returning to New Zealand at the end of next month. We thank Geoff and Jane for their ministry over the past two and half years and we assure them of our prayers for the future.

We also rejoice and give thanks to God for the healing of Geoff's right arm.
Funeral - Saturday 10th January, 2015:
Please pray for Fr Walter Nai and others who will be conducting the funeral for the eight young people who lost their lives in Cairns last month. Many people are still grieving and we pray that they may know God's love and peace at this time.

Family:
On the Fourth Sunday of Advent (21 December) my mother's health deteriorated and she was admitted to hospital. Between Christmas and the New Year, Robin and I visited Mum in Victoria. Early yesterday morning Mum entered her eternal rest. It is planned to celebrate Mum's life at the end of the week. As many of you are aware, Mum was a very important part of my faith formation. She was a wonderful mother and mother in law; as well as a much loved Nana to her six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Mr George Vivian Roberts CBE:
Also, early yesterday Mr George Roberts died, exactly one week before his 100th birthday. It was planned that next Sunday family and friends would gather, not only to celebrate one hundred years of earthly life but also to honour one who greatly influenced the development of Townsville. I was to be involved in the launch of the book that has been written about his life. I was honoured to write the Foreword.

Mr Roberts was Chancellor of the Diocese for nineteen years and when he died he was the patron of the Cathedral Restoration Appeal. His contribution to the life of the Diocese was considerable and multi- faceted.

At this stage, it looks as though we will be celebrating Mr Robert's life on Thursday at 11am at the Cathedral. Please check the time if you plan to attend the service.

We assure the Roberts family of our love and prayers at this time.

Robin:
On Christmas Eve Robin was playing tiggy with the grandsons and unfortunately broke her collar bone. Robin and I thank people for their prayers.

Radio Microphones:
I thank the parishes who have attended to the matter of making sure their radio microphone meets the current legislative standards. If your parish has not attended to this important matter, please do so now. I remind people that portable PA systems with radio microphones are also included as radio microphones. While keeping a bedside vigil with Mum I was reading the Melbourne papers. I was shocked to read the fines that could be imposed (about $3,000). I was also shocked to read in ‘The Age’ on New Year's Eve, that Churches and charities were the two groups in the Victorian community who have failed to address this matter.

If you need further information about the requirements please see Bulletin No. 26 and attachment from last year. If you are unsure, the Reverend Jeff Coop is able to assist with advice. You can contact Jeff on 0412 152 773.

The Christmas Telephone Ring Around:
There were a number of things that happened just before Christmas and I did not reach every clergy person before Christmas. For this I apologize. However, there are a number of clergy who have changed their mobile numbers. If you have recently changed your number or if you do change your phone number please contact the Diocesan Registry.

Updates re Marriage Celebrants:
Please find attached some updated information for Marriage Celebrants. I remind all clergy it is their responsibility to make sure they’re up to date. If you do not have an email address please contact the Registry and we will forward paper copies of the updated information. To those who receive the Bulletin by mail, a paper copy will be forwarded.

Please be assured of my prayers as we move into another calendar year and as we seek to make our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ known.

Yours in Christ

The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray
Bishop of North Queensland

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

Attachment - Legislative Amendments Marriage Act