Bishop's Bulletin
Dear Members of the Diocesan Family
The Next Bulletin:
Some people have asked when the next Bulletin is being sent out. I do apologise for the lateness of this Bulletin as it is nearly a month since the last Bulletin. I realise that there is quite a deal of information to pass on and I ask for your prayers. There will be another Bulletin early next week.
Clergy updates:
The Reverend Ann Dittmar McCollim retired as Rector of Holy Trinity Mackay on 01 May. The service of farewell to Ann and Keith was uplifting. Additional work on the organ had just been completed. There was a meal to follow and that was a great time of fellowship. It was a fitting tribute to Ann and Keith as they concluded their ministry at Holy Trinity. At the service I bestowed the title Canon Emeritus on Ann, not only for her ministry in this Diocese but also for her ministry nationally and worldwide with Education for Ministry (EfM).
The Reverend Keith McCollim has been very much involved the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) for many years including this Diocese. For his commitment to CPE and acknowledging that many people, both laity and clergy, were helped in their ministry I awarded Keith a Bishop's Medal. Anne and Keith will be living at Kerrisdale, the new development of Good Shepherd Lodge at Mackay. Ann will be the chaplain to this facility. Please pray for Ann and Keith in this time of transition. I am in the process of appointing a locum to Holy Trinity at the moment. It will be announced in the next Bulletin.
The Reverend Lillian Noah will conclude her ministry at Pormpuraaw on Sunday 21 June. We give thanks to God for Lillian's ministry at Pormpuraaw for nearly a decade now. Lillian will be moving back to Murray Island, her home. We wish her well for the future. Please pray for the Parish as we explore future ministry possibilities.
The Reverend Trevor Smith is the locum in the Atherton Tablelands Parish for a month, while The Reverend Robyn Boyd is on annual leave. We welcome Trevor and Ros back to the Diocese. Trevor was the Youth Leader Educator in the Diocese from 1978 to 1980. Many people will know Trevor as the Director of the General Board of Religious Education in the Australian Church, a position he held for 1986 to 1999. Trevor was also heavily involved with EfM.
The Reverend Chris Yule is still on sick leave. He is making good progress and we assure Chris of our prayers.
The Reverend Dr Wayne Melrose is recovering well and we give thanks to God for the healing blessings.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
Last Sunday was the start of the week for prayer for Christian Unity. Please pray for our unity in Christ. There are a number of resources. I invite you to explore the following web address, faithandunity@ncca.org.au I have been asked which is the correct week. The Church in England and Europe keep the Week of Christian Unity form the 18 to 25 January. In this country we have holidays, Australia Day and school starting we keep the week from the Sunday after the Ascension to Pentecost. This this year it is from 17 to 24 May. The week changes each year, because the date of Easter changes each year. This year the worship and studies come from Brazil with the theme, "Give me to drink" and are based on John 4. I urge us all to read this chapter of John's Gospel and meditate upon the passage.
Last Sunday, here in Townsville, we held the Walk of Witness. It was great to be with people from other denominations, as well as with some of the Councillors walking in unity.
27 May – 03 June is National Reconciliation Week:
ABM and NATSIAC have produced a number of resources to help Anglican churches participate in Reconciliation Week. The following resources are all available on ABM’s website
http://www.abmission.org/resources.php?action=list-items&catId=14 .
Intercessions and a liturgy for Sunday 31 May;
Prayer points for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglicans;
Activities and a 7 day ‘prayer challenge’.
I encourage you to share this e-mail with your parishes and other contacts. More information about Reconciliation Week can be found at www.abmission.org/rec2015
Drought and Rain:
Many of our people out West are really feeling the bite of this protracted drought. While it may not be the time of the year for seasonable rain, I ask each Parish to pray for rain, particularly for domestic purposes and for livestock. Many of the people must be coming very demoralised. Some of buying water to survive and that comes at a great cost. I am grateful that some on the land from down south
are still providing fodder rolls. But please pray for rain. I am sure some rain will lift the spirits.
Insurance:
Please find attached two documents. It is my prayer that these documents will be helpful to Parish Councils in their ministry.
Nepal:
Please continue to pray for this nation. It will take a long time to rebuild and for society to get back to a level of normality. We continue to pray for the Nepali Family Project conducted by Anne and Digby Hoyal. People can donate to this project or the AOA on www.anglicanoverseasaid.org.au or ABM-A.
I pray that each Parish will have an uplifting and inspiring worship as we celebrate Pentecost. May we be open to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Wishing you every blessing,
Yours in Christ,
The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray
Bishop of North Queensland
Sexual Abuse contact line: 1800 242 544 or 07 3835 2266
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