Dear Members of the Diocesan Family

Diocesan Council:
Recently the Diocesan Council held its November face to face meeting. The meeting had a full agenda and did not conclude until 5 pm on the Saturday.

Clergy Stipend:
At this November meeting the rate of clergy remuneration is set for the following year. Attached is a sheet outlining the clergy stipends for the next three years.

Regional Consultations:
Canon One, section 14 states that there are to be Regional Consultations before and after each Synod. Twelve months ago, we tried a new format. Instead of the three consultations, one each in Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, we had thirteen gatherings, most where two or three parishes could come together. The number who attended was double the ‘usual three’ sessions. As there are a number of matters the Diocese needs to hear your views on, I am proposing to hold gatherings in the parish groupings again, as it makes it easier for more people to travel and attend. I have heard the comment that people would rather meet during the day because they do not like to travel of an evening. Also I am aware that if we hold the meetings on weekdays, people who work are excluded. Also I will be bringing various members of the Diocesan Council or Executive with me so we will aim for a balance. In fact it was agreed subject to planning, to hold more than one session in each area before the 2016 Synod. Diocesan Council has recommended that each session commences with a Bible Study with a focus on forgiveness.

At the moment, my PA and I are working on possible dates for next year and will let you know shortly.

Our Country and the World:
We pray for the Fire Services of our States across the nation as they continue to fight blazes that have been so devastating. There were the damaging fires in Esperance earlier in the month and now two families grieve the lost loved ones in the South Australian fires. We also pray for those who have lost homes and livelihoods as well as livestock, plant and equipment. There were thirty other fires across the country yesterday as well. From all the reports, we face a severe fire season this summer, in part due to the very dry conditions and drought.

It is important that we keep our Church properties clean and tidy to reduce any fire risk. North Queensland is in the Cyclone Season as well, so it is doubly important to attend to our properties.

Yesterday seven more local government areas were drought declared, including a number in the Diocese of North Queensland. It is important that we keep praying for rain.

Also we continue to pray for the peace of the world, especially as planes have been shot down. It is important that we pray for the peace of the world.

This weekend Anglicans worldwide are being asked to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The Archbishop of Jerusalem has written the attached litany. If you are not able to use the Litany this weekend, other times would be more than appropriate. We certainly need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Lady Day or the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary:
The usual date is the 25th March each year. However in 2016, the 25th March falls on Good Friday. Lady Day has been transferred to the 4th April, 2016. I point out that this applies across the Anglican Communion. It is not just a local arrangement.

The date of Lady Day was transferred a couple of years back as well.

Climate Change:
This weekend across the nation there are marches being held in regard to Climate Change. I attach information and prayers that can be used over the weekend.

Updates:
The proposed development of St. Mark's College is still being resolved. I ask for your prayers in regard to this matter.

Wontulp-Bi-Buya College is undergoing a number of changes in how it will be administered and incorporated. Please pray for the College and the current Committee of Management, along with the Principal and staff. I acknowledge the sterling efforts of The Reverend Dr David Thompson who is facilitating this process. Thank you David.

Ministry Council will meet next month, in a face to face meeting, to work on a number of issues before the Council.

Advent Sunday:
This Sunday is Advent Sunday and the start of a new liturgical year, Year C or the Year of Luke. Life can be so busy at times that we do not give the attention to the season of Advent that really allows us to prepare for Christmas and reflect on the Scripture passages that focus on Christ's return. AOA have a little reflection booklet on the four themes of the Sundays of Advent. If you would like a copy please contact my office.

Diocesan End of Year Gathering:

The Annual Diocesan End of Year Gathering will be held on
Thursday 17 December commencing at 6pm
at the Lodge, 39 Water Street, Mundinbgurra. All are welcome.
For catering purposes, please let my PA know if you are planning to attend.

Synod 2016:
The date for the 2016 Synod is: 8, 9 & 10 July
This is also the date of the V8 Supercars weekend in Townsville, so accommodation will be at a premium. Please ensure you make your accommodation arrangements early if you are not planning to stay at St Mark’s College.
In 2016 the Clergy Conference will be held before Synod: Tuesday 5 July to Friday 8 July.

Please be assured of my prayers.
Wising you a holy and blessed Advent.

Yours in Christ,

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

Sexual Abuse contact line: 1800 242 544 or 07 3835 2266

Litany for Peace in the Holy Land
O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Grant us your peace.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the birth in Bethlehem of the Word made flesh, your Son, Jesus Christ; who dwelt among us full of grace and truth.
For your love and your goodness We give you thanks, O God

We thank you for his life; his death here in Jerusalem as he carried our sins and suffering, and for his glorious Resurrection in which he gave us new life with him.
For your love and your goodness We give you thanks, O God

We thank you for entrusting to us the ministry of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making for the healing of your creation.
For your love and your goodness We give you thanks, O God

We pray for all victims of bloodshed, violence, and persecution. We especially pray for all in danger and those fleeing persecution in the Holy Land, and throughout the Middle East.
Lord, hear our prayer And let our cry come unto you

We pray for all who grieve for those they have loved and lost as a result of violence, particularly those grieving in Palestine and Israel.
Lord, hear our prayer And let our cry come unto you

We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide all leaders, especially on those who lead the peoples in the Land of the Holy One, the United Nations and upon all in authority, so Your people may seek ways of peace and justice.
Lord, hear our prayer And let our cry come unto you

Heavenly Father, we praise and glorify you. You are our only refuge in a troubled world.
Lord, hear our prayer And let our cry come unto you

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to us and the people of all the nations a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that all of your people may use their liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Diocese of North Queensland

Stipends Increase 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The Diocese of Brisbane has set the Minimum Stipends for the next three years in consultation with North Queensland and Rockhampton.

Stipend rates for the Diocese of North Queensland, Brisbane and Rockhampton are uniform. When in 2011 it was found that North Queensland Stipends were the lowest in the Province of Queensland the Diocesan Council resolved to participate in a scheme to bring a uniform standard stipend into effect from the 1st January 2015.

The rates translated into North Queensland Terminology are:-
2016 Stipend
Minimum Stipend Rector                                                       Annual $63,381    Weekly $1,218.87
Minimum Stipend Priest in Charge                                        Annual $57,617    Weekly $1,108.06
Minimum Stipend Assistant Clergy                                        Annual $56,338    Weekly $1,083.42

 
2017 Stipend
Minimum Stipend Rector                                                      Annual $64,839     Weekly $1,246.90
Minimum Stipend Priest in Charge                                       Annual $58,945     Weekly $1,133.55
Minimum Stipend Assistant Clergy                                       Annual $57,634     Weekly $1,108.35

2018 Stipend
Minimum Stipend Rector                                                      Annual $65,999     Weekly $1.269.21
Minimum Stipend Priest in Charge                                       Annual $59,600     Weekly $1,153.83
Minimum Stipend Assistant Clergy                                       Annual $59,075     Weekly $1,136.06

Note Minimum Stipend Priest in Charge is 90% of a Rectors Stipend.

Superannuation 2016 14.5%, 2017 onward 15%
Housing Allowance 25% of Stipend
Long Service Leave Annual contribution $1500.00 effective from 1 January 2016.

Public Affairs Commission
Anglican Church of Australia
c/- Convenor
St Peter’s Cathedral,
27 King William Rd,
North Adelaide, SA 5006
24 November 2015

To Diocesan Bishops

re: People’s Climate Change Marches in Australia

At our teleconference meeting held yesterday, members of the Public Affairs Commission noted that this weekend, the time of Advent Sunday, is also to be the time of People’s Climate Change Marches in every capital city in Australia and forty-five other locations around the country. Most will be held on Advent Sunday, with the majority of the others on Saturday and a few on Friday. The website for information about these events is

http://www.peoplesclimate.org.au/about

In the light of the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Paris November 30- December 11, we felt called to draw these Marches to your attention and hope that you might encourage participation by members of your diocese in them.

In making this request, we had drawn to our attention two South African prayers circulated by the Anglican Community Environment Network. These prayers both hold before God the climate change negotiators who will be meeting in Paris. These are the prayers:
Creator God,

You have called us to be keepers of your Earth; through greed, we have established an economy that destroys the web of life. We have changed our climate and drown in despair. Let oceans of justice flow, May we learn to sustain and renew the life of our Mother, Earth. We pray for our leaders, custodians of Mother Earth; as they gather in Paris at the climate talks May they negotiate with wisdom and fairness, May they act with compassion and courage, and lead us in the path of justice for the sake of our children and our children’s children.

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

And:

Spirit of God, You established the dance of Creation; bring life out of death bring order out of chaos. Call us to radical action: to care for the web of Creation to share our resources justly and to work for the renewal of our Mother, Earth.
We light this candle as we commit ourselves to fast and pray for climate justice.

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Cape Town

With Advent once more before us, with the spirit of lasting hope that it offers, the members of the PAC feel that it would be an affirming act of faith for Christians to participate in these marches. We hope that you may feel likewise and feel encouraged to promote the marches within your diocese.

Blessings,
Rev Dr Lynn Arnold AO
Chairperson,
Public Affairs Commission
Anglican Church of Australia