Dear Members of the Diocesan Family,

Thank you:

Robin and I thank you very much for your condolences, love and prayers on the occasion of my mother’s death.  Last Friday was a wonderful celebration of her life.

I have been reflecting on my upbringing, especially in terms of my faith formation.  I have mentioned before that my sister and I had the joy of Mum and Dad teaching us the Scriptures through the Church Mail Bag on Saturday afternoons.  When I hear certain Biblical stories my mind goes back to sitting around the kitchen table, where I heard certain Biblical accounts for the first time.

Some years ago I realized that we worshipped as a family for the whole service.  Sunday School was not an option of worship for me.  Since the First World War there has been the development that adults went to Church and children to Sunday School.   As a former Christian Educator I have come to the view that we all need to worship, as well as have opportunities to learn about the Scriptures and our faith at another time.

Clergy Retreat:

The Clergy Retreat commences on Monday 26 January, and concludes on Thursday 29^th January.  The venue is St Mark’s College, James Cook University.  The Reverend Canon Ian McAlister is the retreat leader this year.  If you plan to attend and have not already registered, please do so asap.

I have been asked “Why was the first week of the school year chosen?”  I understand that many parish ministry activities get underway during this week.  I also realize the date is not ideal, but it has been a case of juggling various factors such as the venue and other commitments.

Vale – Mr. Robin Kent:

Robin was a former Vice Chair of ABM, and died last Friday. In this role he had a great passion for the former Dioceses of Carpentaria and North Queensland and we value his contribution to ministry in the North.

Robin was also a parishioner in my last parish.  Robin was a gentle and caring person who had a great desire to see the Kingdom of God extended.  He was a very faithful Christian soul. 

We assure his daughter Ro and son Andrew and their families of our love and prayers at this time. 

Licence for those over seventy years of age:

I remind clergy over seventy years of age of Section 19 of Canon 2, “The Parishes Regulation Canon 2009”. 

“All licences shall terminate no later than the seventieth birthday of the holder of a licence but may be renewed on an annual basis by the Bishop at his discretion and pleasure.”

I have developed the practice of renewing licences at the start of each year.  I thank the clergy who have written or made contact in regard to this matter already, and look forward to hearing from others who may also wish to apply to have their licence extended.

The late Mr. George Vivian Roberts:

I thank the people of the Cathedral who assisted with the preparations for Mr. Robert’s funeral, as well as those who tidied up the Cathedral following the service.  Your efforts were greatly appreciated.

Some people have asked about the book that was authored by Mrs. Judy Newman and titled “George Roberts CBE – A Life in Townsville”.  This book was published by Mr. Roberts and had a limited run, it is not available in bookshops. 

Mrs. Nikki Miller – from our Finance Department:

We rejoice with Nikki and her husband Luke, as Nikki is nineteen weeks pregnant.  We assure Nikki of our prayers and we also pray for little Haylee as she welcomes a new brother or sister. 

1 Samuel 3:1-20:

For those who use the lectionary, this is the Old Testament reading for this coming Sunday.  As a Church we are called to make disciples.  This reading has much for us to prayerfully consider as we make disciples. 

In verse one it states that the voice of the Lord was rare at that time. From time to time some people make similar comments about today.   In verse three we learn that the lamp of God has not gone out.  The light of the Gospel still shines today. 

Now the Lord called Samuel.  In fact he called him four times.  Samuel thought it was Eli, but Eli became aware after the third time that it was the voice of the Lord, and told Samuel when he heard the voice next to respond and say, “Speak Lord your servant is listening”.  (verse 9)  It is important that we listen to the Lord.  Sometimes we can be so busy telling God what we think should happen that we do not really listen to God.  I attended a retreat in the US when I was studying over there and the retreat conductor said that listening to the Lord is hard work.  It is something we need to work at, at all times. 

In being a disciple of Christ, God calls us to undertake certain tasks, and that can be challenging.  Samuel had to tell Eli that God will punish his household because of the wickedness and blaspheming by Eli’s sons. 

Samuel discovered the voice of the Lord.  Samuel proclaimed the Lord’s message.  Samuel went on to continue to serve the lord.  

The same is true for us.  We need to listen to the voice of the Lord.  We need to proclaim the message of the Lord and at times this will not be easy.  Eli did not correct is sons.  There are times when we fail to speak up when things are not according to the Gospel standards.  Being a disciple of Christ, we must state the teachings of our Lord.  Also, the Lord will guide and lead us.   We may not know where that will lead us, but we go forth in faith. 

May you continue to be enriched in your ministry in the Sundays After the Epiphany. 

Yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray

Bishop of North Queensland

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