Anglican Diocese of North Queensland

Dear Members of the Diocesan Family,

The Coop family:
We congratulate Brianna (Jeff and Christine's eldest daughter) on being selected for the Para Athletics World Championships. The Games will be held in Doha, in Qatar from 21 October to 31 October. Brianna will be competing in the 100 and 200 metres and we wish Brianna well and pray it is a wonderful experience for her. Jeff will be going over to Doha to be with Brianna.

Also please pray for Lysandra (Jeff and Christine's younger daughter) who will be in Brisbane undergoing a double hip replacement. Lysandra is going into this surgery with a very positive attitude, as she knowns it will greatly improve her quality of life. The surgery is scheduled for 21 October. Christine will be Lysandra, not only for the surgery but also for her rehabilitation.
We pray for the Coop family as well as for the grandparents.

Those who are unwell or ill:
Please continue to pray for:
The Reverend Chris Yule as he undergoes further treatment.
Mrs Jill McAlister as she undergoes surgery this coming Monday.
The Bishop of Western Region of Sydney, Ivan Lee who is facing major surgery, later this month.
We give thanks for the improvement that The Reverend Annette Woods is making.

Blue Card Policy:
You will recall that in my last Bulletin, I quoted from the Blue Card Policy. Certain matters were raised with me and as result the Ministry Council referred the policy back to the Diocesan Council (DC). DC met on Wednesday evening and the policy will be reviewed at the next face-to-face meeting of DC scheduled for November.

Drought and Fires:
The North has had a number of fires in the past week. Fires have also flared in other parts of the State. Many of the fires at the time of writing have been driven by strong winds. Some people have lost property. Losing a home in a fire is very devastating and as a Church it is important that we help where we can, as well as praying for these people as they seek to re-establish themselves. Also, please pray for the Queensland Fire & Emergency Service as they attend to the fires.
On Wednesday there was a small fire between the Cathedral and the The Registry. I thank all who called the Fire Brigade and used buckets of water to dampen the fire. It is a reminder about how careful we must be at this time of the year.

We also pray for those in the southern States who have suffered because of fires. I could not believe it when I heard on the news the other evening that there were 150 fires in Victoria alone.
The drought still continues to bite. There have been a number of reports in the press about graziers who have de-stocked. This can be a challenging time because the usual routines of feeding fodder to stock or making sure there is supply of water for livestock are no longer
keeping graziers busy. Having to de-stock raises other issues including a low selling price. Graziers will have to buy stoc, often at higher prices and it will be another twelve to eighteen months before there is an income stream. The longer the drought, the harder it becomes on many fronts.
Rain is badly needed. Some say it may be a little early, but some rain would give hope and let people know that it can still rain!
Please keep praying for rain and a wonderful wet season.

Bishop of London:
Quote from the Bishop Richard Chartres, of London, in the third of the Lambeth Lectures series during his Lambeth Address helps to focus us as Christians:
The Church must be “vision-led not problem-led”.

Good Shepherd Home - Townsville:
On Thursday, 8 October, the sod was turned to commence the expansion of the Good Shepherd Home by another sixty-plus beds. The oldest resident, a very active Amy who is one hundred years old, turned the sod. I read the parable of the Wiseman who built his house on the rock and foolish man who built his house on the sand. As Amy was digging the shovel into the ground, she quipped, "If I keep going I will hit that rock!".

On behalf of the Diocese I thank the members of the Home’s Council under the leadership of Mr David Sibley, the Board under the leadership of Mr Paul Askern, the CEO Mr Brian Matthews and all the staff for all their work and efforts.

The North Queensland Cowboys:
We congratulate the Cowboys on their win over the weekend. This win has brought much joy to the communities in the North. As a civic leader said yesterday in Townsville, "Yes there is much sadness in our community and we must help where we can; but also let us celebrate the joys".

Defence Sunday - 8 November, 2015:
I made mention of liturgical resources for Defence Force Sunday. They can be found attached or by going to: http://www.defenceanglicans.org.au/about-us/defence-sunday/

If you do not have access to the internet, please phone the Registry and we will print the resources for you and post them to you.

Attachments:
 Defence Sunday Poster
 Letter from the Bishop tot eh Defence Force, to Parishes re: Defence Sunday
 Wontulp-Bi-Buya College End of Year Appeal

I ask that parishes pray for the ministry of our Defence Force Chaplains and to give generously to the Wontulp Appeal.

Wishing you very blessing and be assured of my prayers.
Yours in Christ,

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