Bishop's Bulletin
Dear Members of the Diocesan Family
Prayer for those who are suffering:
Ravenshoe:
Yesterday we learnt of another death following the gas explosion in Ravenshoe a week ago. Seven others remain in a critical condition in hospital. It has been reported that for some of the patients they may require up to thirty hours of surgery to assist the healing process. Please continue to pray for the patients, their families who are keeping vigil or feeling the separation, as well as the medical and nursing staff who are caring for each patient.
We continue to assure the clergy and parishioners of St. Barnabas of our love and prayers at this time of challenge. Once again I thank the clergy and parishioners for their loving ministry.
Rail Accident Draper Street Cairns:
Last evening many of us were shocked to learn of the accident at the Draper Street rail crossing. Please pray for the train and the bus driver, the bus passengers from the Endeavour Foundation and for those who cared for the injured at the scene, along with staff at the Cairns Base Hospital as they care for the injured and those suffering shock.
Let us not take for granted:
Over this past week we have been reminded of the wonderful work of the Police, the Ambulance staff, the SES as well as those who provide counselling and support.
In one of my former parishes I appointed an ambulance officer as Churchwarden. We chatted on many occasions and I still recall him saying that we need the prayers of the people, often we are prayed for at the time of an accident or disaster but not after when the incidents are still fairly raw. Yes, these wonderful folk have families and when they go home they need to relate to their loved ones in a positive way.
Fire Regulations:
As reported in an earlier Bulletin, the Diocesan Council and Executive have been updating the Diocesan Information Document (DID). There has been some confusion as to the building and fire safety code concerning which way doors should open.
If the building was constructed some time ago the building standard of the time is the standard until there are alterations.
However, the fire code is another matter and I attach the current fire code regulations for your information. I urge all Churchwardens and Parish Councillors to read carefully and if needed make the necessary alterations.
Business Activity Statement (BAS):
All parishes that have an ABN are required to lodge a quarterly BAS statement with the Australian Taxation Office. There are fines if the parish fails to lodge their quarterly BAS statement.
If parishes are unclear about the BAS, please contact the Registry and we will provide assistance. We do not want parishes paying hefty fines.
Synod:
As of last evening there were forty three (43) people who had not responded to the Synod mailing. Would you please attend to this matter as soon as possible.
Yarrabah:
The Reverend Vincent Sands is on leave at the moment and Bishop Arthur Malcolm is the locum of the Parish.
Tomorrow the 17th June is the 123rd Anniversary of the founding of Yarrabah. It was on the 17th June, 1892, that John Gribble landed on the beach and Yarrabah developed. We assure the people of Yarrabah of our prayers and we pray that this next year will be one of many blessings.
Wontulp-Bi-Buya College:
Tomorrow the Annual General Meeting for Wontulp will be held. I ask for your prayers, as the meeting is likely to elect a Board of Directors and there will be changes in the composition of the Board. These changes are coming about due to changes in arrangements for those who receive Government funding over $500,000.
Please keep praying for Wontulp-Bi-Buya College, the Principal and others who are guiding the College through this period of change.
The Reverend Lillian Noah:
This coming Sunday is the last Sunday for The Reverend Lillian as Priest in the Parish of Pormpuraaw. We give thanks for Lillian's ministry at Pormpuraaw for nearly a decade now and as she moves back to Murray Island.
July 1st - The Coming of the Light:
Each year the Church gives thanks to God for those who brought the Gospel to the Torres Strait. For the Torres Straight Island people it is a significant celebration. I was asked recently can the white community celebrate the Coming of the Light. The answer is yes and on pages 630/631 of the APBA we have the Sentence, the Prayer for the Day and the Readings for the Coming of the Light.
The late Mrs Cecily Schirmer:
We give thanks to God for Cecily's faith and earthly life. Cecily was an active parishioner of St. Margaret's West Cairns. Cecily, even though she suffered ill health was a cheerful and caring person.
Rain:
I was in Cairns last week and there was a considerable amount of rain. I am conscious that rain fell along the coast but there was very little rain in the West. In fact some places did not receive any rain at all. We continue to pray that rain for domestic use will fall.
The Mining Industry:
There are many people who are suffering because of the loss of employment in the mining industry at the moment within the Diocese. We also pray for the inquiry that is underway in regard to the "Fly In Fly Out" (FIFO) method of staffing mines.
Wishing you every blessing.
Yours in Christ,
The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray
Bishop of North Queensland
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