Dear Members of the Diocesan Family

 Diocesan Council and Synod:

Last week the Diocesan Council met.  It was an important meeting and the Council approved two major documents for use in the Diocese (see below).   This was also the last meeting of the Diocesan Council before Synod.  At this coming Synod, all the elected positions for the Diocesan Council are declared vacant and there will be an election.  I thank the current members of the Diocesan Council for their ministry over the past year in particular.  As I said at the conclusion of the last meeting the current Council has worked hard, work well together and achieved much on behalf of the Diocese.

 The first document was "Future Direction 2015 to 2019".  Those who were at Synod last year will recall that the Synod broke up into small groups to explore various areas outlined in the past document.  The feedback was collated.  Several people worked on the document and further feedback was sought.  I think we have come up with a very workable document.  The five main areas of direction are:

• Proclaiming the Gospel
• Focussing on Mission and Outreach
• Strengthening the Body of Christ
• Ministering to Children and Youth
• Enhancing Diocesan Strictures

I will be launching this booklet during my Presidential Address at Synod.  In fact I am basing my Presidential Address on this document.  Once again each Parish will be encouraged to consider the above goals and the various actions in the planning of future ministry activities in their parishes.

I thank most sincerely everyone who made a contribution to this document. 

The second document that the Diocesan Council approved was the "Diocesan Information Document" (DID).  

This document will be distributed at Synod.  Each Parish will receive a hard copy.  It is acknowledged that the document will go out of date very quickly, but it is the responsibility of each parish to keep their copy updated.  The document will go on the Diocesan webpage and will be updated as required.  The plan is to let people who visit the website know that there is new information available.

The DID itself is about 55 pages and it covers such areas as:

• Parish Government
• Diocesan Policies, Principles and Procedures
• Diocesan Regulations
• Insurance
• Taxation
• Workplace Health and Safety

There are about 27 Appendices that support the above policies and processes. 

Synod (3-5 July) - Arrangements: 

There are a couple of minor changes this year. Robin and I will supply a meal again on the Friday evening at 5.30 – 6.15pm at the Cathedral.  My Presidential Address will be on Saturday morning at the Cathedral School.  You may recall that historically the Presidential Address was on Friday evening.  The feedback was that people found the address too much when they were tired from a week's work and/or travelling.

Last year the Synod moved and passed that the Standing Orders not be a part of the Synod Canon (Canon No. 1).  So this year we will be using the new Standing orders and they can be changed without proposing a Bill to amend the Canon.  

Also this year there will be a Bible Study on the Saturday and Sunday of Synod.  The study will be based around the Parable of the Prodigal Son and His Brother.  (Luke 15:11-32).

Clergy Conference 6 – 9 July 2015:

The Registration Form will be mailed out this week. Please note the dates.  I remind all active clergy of their responsibility to attend. 

Careful use of Language:

I have been made aware that some people have been hurt because others have not thought carefully enough about how they have expressed themselves. Please be sensitive to the needs of others when speaking, particularly in the area of race and gender.

Rosters and participation in worship:

I have been made aware that some of our people have been upset because other parishioners have read or prayed when they were on roster.  In most cases people were asked to read or pray just before the start of the service because the rostered person had not arrived by the commencement of the worship.  I have been asked my thoughts on this matter.  My response is, if the person rostered is not present at the start, it is fair enough to ask another person.  As I travel around I am aware that certain people know that rosters have been changed but not the celebrant.  The celebrant is responsible for worship and it is important that he/she knows that the various people are available for their respective ministry. 

Ideally, those reading and those praying and reading should have prepared.  I was delighted the other day to go into the Church quite early and one of the readers for the day was practising their reading. 

Wontulp-Bi-Buya College:

Please find attached a leaflet to assist people who may wish to help Wontulp-Bi-Buya College at this time.  The College is facing a number of financial challenges.  Whether you are able to give or not, please pray for the College, the staff and the students. 

The Parish of Bowen and The Reverend Howard Smith:

Please pray for Parish of Bowen and The Reverend Howard and Mrs Karen Smith.  It was announced this past Sunday that the Parish of Bowen was not able to pay a full time Rector.  Possible Ministry arrangements for the future are being explored at present for both the Parish and The Reverend Howard.  Your prayers are deeply appreciated.

The Reverend Chris Yule:

Please continue your prayers for The Reverend Chris as he continues to recover at this time.  Chris will be visiting the specialist again this coming Wednesday. 

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

17 Attachment Wontulp-Bi-Buya College Appeal