Dear Members of the Diocesan Family,

The Thomson Family:
We give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Susan Thomson, daughter of The Reverend Ian and The Reverend Shirley Thomson.  Susan was a very active and faithful Christian lady.  She was on the Board of AnglicareNQ for the last few years, making a very valuable contribution.  She will be greatly missed.   We assure the Thomson family of our love and prayers as they grieve for Susan, but will also rejoice that Susan is with the Lord and in His loving embrace.  

AnglicareNQ:
Please pray for AnglicareNQ as their Annual General Meeting will be held next Friday.  The Board is seeking new directors. 

Mr Craig Fraser:
Craig and his wife Linda have moved to New South Wales in retirement.  Craig has been a director of AnglicareNQ as well as its Treasurer and Deputy Chair.  Prior to Craig's involvement with AnglicareNQ, Craig was the Chair of Mackay/Whitsunday before its amalgamated with AnglicareNQ. 

Craig served on the Board of Whitsunday School (WAS) for many years, as well as being the Chair.  The front office of WAS is named after Craig in thanksgiving for his rich contribution to the School.

Craig was also very involved with the Parish of St. Ambrose, North Mackay.
We assure Craig and Linda of a long and happy retirement.

Reef and Beef:
The current edition of Reef and Beef is available this weekend.  I thank The Reverend Dr Kenneth Lay for his ministry as editor.

It has been brought to my attention that some people feel that Reef and Beef has too much northern region focus.  Kenneth relies on the Diocesan Family to submit articles and snippets.  I urge all Parishes to supply articles and information.  Yes, it is a Diocesan publication but it needs the support of the Diocese family.

Dates for 2016:
Clergy Retreat:
I apologise that the date for the Clergy retreat next year was incorrect in the last Bulletin.  The dates are 01 February to 04 February

Synod:
2016 Synod will be 08 July to 10 July.  Yes, this is the weekend of the V8 Supercars but the journey from St. Mark's College to The Cathedral School will not be interrupted. Travel to the Cathedral via the north side of Castle Hill will also be uninterrupted. 

St. Mark's College:
Last evening was the Valedictory Dinner.  It was a wonderful evening and we wish the valedictorians every blessing for the future.

The Valedictory Dinner is the first of the end of the year activities for me.  Each year I realise how quickly the year has progressed.

We assure all the students of our prayers as they study for final exams or complete final assessment tasks.

Several people have asked if the development at St. Mark's is proceeding.  It is still my hope but there are a couple of legal matters that have to be resolved before we can proceed.  Please keep the proposed development in your prayers.

Care for the Earth:
As a result of His Holiness, The Pope, statements about the care of the earth, I attach to this Bulletin some information from the Roman Catholic Church via the Anglican Environment Network for your information.

Please be assured of my prayers especially as we celebrate All Saints.

Yours in Christ

The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray

Bishop of North Queensland

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