Dear Members of the Diocesan Family

Prayers:
Please pray for Mrs Ailsa Morton and the people of Hughenden. It is twelve months on Friday that Mrs Morton's adult son Charlie went missing. He has not been found. Anniversaries such as this are difficult and painful. We certainly pray for the Morton family and the people of the area at this time.
The Reverend Betty Handley OAM, who has moved to Hervey Bay is to undergo surgery today in the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. We assure Betty of our love and prayers as she undergoes the surgery and for a speedy recovery.
The Reverend Valmai Connolly underwent surgery on Tuesday in Cairns. We pray for Val in her recovery and for Wayne and the family at this time.

Provincial Clergy Conference:
There have been a number of clergy from the Diocese attending the conference at Sea World on the Gold Coast. The theme of the Conference has been "Leading your Church into Growth". Archdeacon Bob Jackson and The Reverend Canon Robin Gamble from England were the leaders and the facilitators. Those who attended agreed that the Conference was a positive learning experience.
The Conference Prayer could be used by parishes:

God of mission,
who brings growth to your Church,
send your Holy Spirit to give vision to our planning,
wisdom to our actions,
and power to our witness.
Help our Church to grow in numbers,
in spiritual commitment to you,
and in service to our local community.
We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Conference Dinner was held on Tuesday evening with Professor Peter Little who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Corporate Programmes and Partnership) at the University of Technology (QUT) as the guest speaker. Peter is also a well respected Futurist.

Peter made many stimulating points about living in a digital age and the place and the role of the Church in a digital age.

The Professor highlighted that a number of parishes have web pages but many of them are out of date. He went on to say that younger people gain their knowledge from the web and it is important that we seek to keep our web pages updated and inviting if we are to reach out to people. Up to date web pages are one, and I stress one, avenue of Church Growth.
Our conference speakers made several excellent points. Some of them are:

"Today people come to faith over time, not at an event".

Evangelistic events occurred in the past but today it is walking with, being with people over the long haul. We heard how people come to faith, were involved in the life of the Church and then after a while may reduce their involvement. That is why it is important we companion or walk with people over time, to help them to the next stage of their faith journey.

An interesting statistic from the United Kingdom is that only 12% who visit our Churches, as "church shoppers" will stay. This highlights the importance of making sure we are welcoming and we can assure people of what we have to offer in terms of ministry.

"The Church is God's and our role is to make sure we pass on the faith to the next generation".

Eight approaches that can lead to Church Growth:

1. Plant a new congregation.
2. Worship that is less formal and more relaxed.
3. Better provision for children and young people.
4. Improve your welcoming and integration.
5. Seek to provide ministry of a better quality and have variety.
6. Increase lay involvement.
7. Have small groups with quality pastoral care.
8. Continue to improve your buildings/facilities.

How do you invite people to Church?

Just ask this question, "Would you like to come to Church with me?"
Make sure to set a date and time.
Make sure the person you are asking has transport.

All we have to do is be prepared to ask.

Seven Circles of Christian Discipleship.

That is bringing people to faith and helping people to grow in their faith and become disciples of Christ.

1. Share your faith with others.
2. Be hungry and receptive for the Holy Spirit.
3. Become an active member of a Church.
4. Participate in weekly worship.
5. Develop your daily time with God, prayer and Bible reading.
6. Give of your time, money and prayerful concerns to God.
7. Continue to develop and grow a Christian lifestyle.

Natural Church Development (NCD) Australia:

In the last Bulletin I made mention that the Diocesan Council is exploring another option rather than the National Church Life Survey (NCLS) for 2016. Please note that the correct title is the ‘Natural’ Church Development Australia. I am negotiating a cost for the whole of the Diocese and should have the information by mid-late September.

The next Bulletin will be in four weeks as I am on leave.
Robin and I along with the others we are travelling with assure you that we will be praying for each of you.

Yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray
Bishop of North Queensland

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