Bishop's Bulletin
Dear Members of the Diocesan Family,
The Late Reverend Walter Nai:
The Reverend Walter Nai entered his eternal rest early Wednesday morning. Walter has not enjoyed good health for some time. As well as being a priest of the Diocese, Walter exercised ministry with Anglicare. In your prayers on Sunday, I ask that you give thanks to God for Walter's ministry and please pray for Beverley and the family at this time.
I also thank The Reverend Annette Woods for her ministry to Walter and his family.
Dates for 2016:
Synod
Synod will now be held on Friday, 08 through to Sunday, 10 July, 2016. Both the Cathedral School and St. Mark's College are available. The dates have been changed because on Friday, 01 July, our Torres Strait Island sisters and brothers will be celebrating the Coming of the Light. The Primate is also planning to join the people on the Torres Strait for this occasion.
Clergy Conference
The Clergy Conference will be held from midday Tuesday, 05 July through to the closing worship on Friday, 08 July. As yet, there is no resolution to the type of worship for the opening service of Synod, so following breakfast, the Clergy Conference will close with a Prayer and Praise service. I have invited the Primate to be with us on the Tuesday afternoon and evening of the Conference. I have invited several people to lead sessions at the Clergy Conference and following their confirmation further details will follow.
Clergy Retreat
The Clergy Retreat will commence at lunchtime Monday, 01 February and will conclude after breakfast on Sunday, 07 February. The final Eucharist will be held before breakfast on the Thursday. I am still waiting for an acceptance from the person I have invited to lead the Retreat. More details later.
It is important that all active clergy are present at all the above gatherings. It is not only an opportunity for further learning, it is an opportunity to network, to share and get to know our other colleagues in ministry better.
Prayers:
Please continue to pray for Mrs Jill McAlister as she recovers from surgery and prepares for the next stage of her treatment.
I am delighted to report that as from this Sunday, The Reverend Chris Yule will be returning to active ministry. It has been a long hard road for Chris, but we thank God for the progress made to date and for a complete recovery.
I am also aware that a number of our people are suffering from various coughs and cold and other ailments that make people feel less than 100%.
Advent:
This year Advent commences on the Sunday, 29 November (four Sundays before Christmas Eve). The commercial world is keen for us to see the season of Advent as the part of the Christmas celebrations, and it is very easy for other activities to crowd out Advent. Advent is a season in itself. Let us resolve to use Advent wisely and plan now so we have a meaningful Advent.
An Advent Reflection:
Last Bulletin I referred people to the Diocese of Perth Advent Study.
Anglican Overseas Aid (AOA) have also released a small reflection that can be used privately or in a group. There is a very short reflection for each of the four Sundays of Advent followed by three questions each week.
Copies can be obtained from http://anglicanoverseasaid.org.au/donate/gifts/free-advent-reflections-booklet or in booklet form from the Registry.
Diocesan Ministry Council:
The Ministry Council has met twice this month. Earlier in the month we met for about six hours followed by a telephone hookup this past Wednesday. We are forwarding to Diocesan Ministry Council for their approval the following:
- Clergy Study Leave Policy
- Guidelines for non-stipendiary clergy and lay ministers
The Diocesan Ministry Council is in the process of producing the study on Same Sex Marriage (SSM) that was requested by Synod. A good start has been made, but we still have some distance to go. The plan is for the Ministry Council to meet early in December to finalise the work, after we have examined other studies and articles.
Diploma of Anglican Orders:
Please pray for The Reverend Doctor Andrew Cameron as he facilities the sessions this weekend. Andrew is the Director of St. Mark's College Canberra. We also pray for Helen Haughton, Anslie Flavery and Frances Maltby as they continue their studies. I thank the Dean for the work he has put into the preparation for this weekend.
Recruitment of Royal Commission Officer:
The General Synod Office is seeking a person to assist with the preparation of materials for the Royal Commission. The details are attached and are also available on our website. You may be interested but if you know of someone who may be interested please make the web address known to them.
Bibles for P.N.G.:
The Churches of Townsville and YWAM have been distributing Bibles for some time in P.N.G. The people and Church of P.N.G. have been blessed with the distribution of the Scriptures in the past.
The YWAM ship will be sailing early next year. If you or your Parish are able to help, please see the details on the attachment.
Wishing you very blessing and be assured of my prayers.
Yours in Christ,
The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray
Bishop of North Queensland
Sexual Abuse contact line: 1800 242 544 or 07 3835 2266
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