Bishop's Bulletin
Dear Members of the Diocesan Family
Bishop James Leftwich:
After meeting with the Churchwardens of St. Luke's Cairns over the weekend, I have appointed Bishop James as the clergy person in charge of St. Luke's Cairns.
We give thanks to God for the good health that Bishop James now enjoys and we give thanks for his ministry. From time to time various people will assist in the ministry at St. Luke's.
The Reverend Chris Yule:
It is with sadness that I report that the Reverend Chris Yule is back in hospital for another three weeks. Chris is making good progress at present, but needs to be in hospital for ongoing treatment. Please continue to pray for Chris and the Parish of Whitsunday at this time.
Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology (ADCMT):
The Diploma course is administered and taught by St. Mark's College Canberra. St. Mark's is affiliated with Charles Sturt University. This past weekend eight students met for an intensive held at St. Charles, West MacKay. There were five students from North Queensland and three students from the Diocese of Rockhampton. I thank The Reverend Ian Coutts and The Reverend Dr Andrew Cameron from St. Mark's College for their leadership of the intensive.
Also I thank The Reverend John McKim for his organisation at the last minute. This intensive was to be held in the Diocese of Rockhampton, but the facility that was to be the venue, is still awaiting repair following Cyclone Marcia.
To the parishioners in Mackay who provided billets and the meals, a very big thank you. Your efforts were greatly appreciated.
Sea Sunday:
The official day for the celebration of Sea Sunday is the 12th July. Here in Townsville Sea Sunday will be celebrated at the Cathedral on the 19th July at 9.30am. Please find attached some information concerning Sea Sunday.
While there is only one Mission to Seafarers station in the Diocese, there are about nine ports in the Diocese. Please pray for the Mission to Seafarers in their vital ministry. Being a seafarer can be a very lonely life, and if you watched the ABC programme "Four Corners" the other week, at times it is a life that has its particular stresses.
The Mission to Seafarers provides a very valuable ministry. Dr Peter de Jersey is the Chair of the Townsville Mission to Seafarers and he chairs a lively and active Committee. We also pray and give thanks for the Manager, Graham Miller, the Dean who is the chaplain, as well as giving thanks for the work and ministry of the many volunteers.
Diocesan Dinner:
Each year we have taken a different approach. Last year the focus was on the ministry of our military chaplains. This year The Reverend Dr Digby Hoyal, of the ‘Nepali Family Project’ will focus on serving our Lord in reaching out to those in particular need, as well as providing an update on the situation and ministry in Nepal following the disastrous earthquake.
Continue to pray for:
i) the people of Ravenshoe and in particular for the clergy and the Church family in that town. Some people have a long road ahead of them in terms of healing. After any tragedy such as this, questions are raised and there can be tensions. However, we pray for the town as it works together to reach out to each other and to accept the various services that are offered.
ii) the Mackay region as we continue to explore a way forward in terms of future ministry.
iii) the many people who are preparing for Synod, the Registry Staff, the Dean and Cathedral staff, the staff of the Cathedral School, whose who are organising the Diocesan Dinner and those who currently hold an office of Synod and are preparing for Synod.
iv) the folk of the Diocese of Rockhampton who are still adjusting following Cyclone Marcia. We also pray for our brothers and sisters in Vanuatu following Cyclone Pam.
v) those who are continuing to support the people of Nepal following the earthquake.
vi) the aid and other agencies in the Middle East who care for those in need.
vii) refugees and asylum seekers.
There are many other areas that require our prayers. Please continue to pray for the peace of the world.
Two Red Letter Days:
On Wednesday (24/06) the church celebrates the Birth of John the Baptist. John the Baptist (quoting from Isaiah 40:3 - "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight"), prepared the way of the Lord. In bringing people to faith it is important to "prepare" the way. In the Church we often expect people "to come". Following the Second World War, it could be assumed that people were aware of the Christian faith. However, times have changed and today we cannot assume such knowledge. So it is important that we prepare the way. It is important that we pray for people to come to faith in Christ and that we answer their questions, not the questions we think they
should be asking.
Next Monday (29/06) the Church gives thanks for St. Peter and St. Paul. Historically, the 29th was St. Peter's Day.
I often reflect on the ministry of St. Peter. It is easy to look at St. Peter's life and say that he was inconsistent. Yes, it was Peter who answered our Lord's question, "But who do you say I am?" with, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:15&16) It was Peter who said that he would not deny our Lord, but did. It was Peter who became a little testy when our Lord asked him three times, "Do you love me?" Peter replied, "Lord you know everything, you know that I love you." (John 21:17)20. Attachment Sea Sunday 2015 When we reach out to people in the Name of our Lord it is important to remember that others along with ourselves can be like Peter. However, even though Peter was inconsistent he served our Lord, and so too must we.
Wising you every blessing in your ministry.
Yours in Christ,
The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray
Bishop of North Queensland
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