No. 25/2014

Dear Members of the Diocesan Family

During our time away, Robin, Kirsti and I visited Duke University in Durham North Carolina, where I studied thirty years ago.  We saw the unit where we lived and it is still there and in use.  We saw the new extensions, including the new Chapel at the Divinity School. 

While we were walking around the campus, I picked up the latest Duke Divinity School journal.  The focus of the summer edition is how Divinity Schools serve the Church and serves students for future Parish Ministry.  While I was at the Divinity School a constant refrain was, "You are being equipped to minister in a Parish".  In my last Presidential Address, I addressed some aspects of Parish ministry.  I am very aware of the need to focus on Parish Ministry that will bring nurture to the faithful and brings people to faith.  In the Diocese we have 55 parishes and in about one third of these the only ministry is worship.  While worship is the primary duty of the Christian, parish ministry is much more than just worship.  A couple of years ago in my Presidential Address, I referred to the Ministry Square: Worship; Pastoral Care; Outreach and Nurture or Education.  Note - it is ‘square’ and a square has equal sides.

I am very much aware that in some of our parishes where there are no clergy present, the laity are providing a valuable ministry. 

I acknowledge that in the Diocese we have lively vibrant parishes.  May each of our parishes go form strength to strength.  As the Diocesan family, we need to continue to explore how we can make our parishes powerhouses for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Also, my visit to Duke brought me back to comments I have heard recently in regard to Wontulp-Bi- Buya College (WBB).  There have been a number of comments that WBB does not fully equip students for ministry within the Anglican tradition.  This is something that is not well understood.   Wontulp (and also Nungalinya College) is an ecumenical college and provides in broad terms biblical, theological and community education.  Denominational teaching is the responsibility of each denomination.  This is a matter I am asking the Ministry Council to place on its agenda.

While the congregations in the so called mainline Churches in the US are ageing and there is concern for the future, there are many Churches in the US that are growing.  In fact there are two churches nearby to our daughter here in Dallas who have the police present every Sunday morning to control the traffic as people arrive at and depart from the Church property.

Robin and I return to Australia on Friday.  I conclude my annual leave on Friday. 

The Middle East:

Please keep praying for a peaceful solution to the awful crisis in the Middle East.  The number of people murdered continues to increase at an alarming rate.  I join the Archbishop of York, Archbishop John Sentamu in urging people to fast and pray for seven days for peace.  Also pray for those who are in need of care, and that those seeking to care for them will be allowed access to provide that care and attend to the various needs.

Upcoming dates and prayer points:

September 2 – 7pm.  The consecration of The Reverend David Robinson as the Twelfth Bishop of Rockhampton.  (I will be travelling to Rockhampton to lead David's retreat Saturday 30th August. The retreat will commence late Saturday afternoon.)

September 3 - The induction of The Reverend Kenneth Lay as Rector of Mossman/Port Douglas.  The service commences at 6.00pm at St. David's Mossman and the liturgical colour is red.  All clergy are invited to robe. 

Also, a gathering will held at the Cathedral in regard to a Prison Ministry Information session on this evening at 7pm. 

September 4 - Members of the Third Order of the SSF will renew their vows at the Chapel of St. Nicholas, the Mission to Seafarers, Port of Townsville at 7pm. 

September 7 – 6pm.  Sea Sunday and Installation of Mr Samuel Blanch and Mrs Mary Gallagher as Lay Canons of St James’ Cathedral, all welcome.

September 10 – Diocesan Council meets during the evening.

September 11 - A celebration to give thanks to God for Good Shepherd Lodge Mackay.  

There have been a number of people who have undergone surgery and other medical treatment during the past three weeks.  I acknowledge I am not in touch at the moment, and there will be people I am not aware of at present, but I ask for your prayers for:

Mr Bob Bowd as he faces treatment.
The Reverend Alan Buckingham as he recovers from surgery.
Miss Susan Lewis and her family during Susan's hospitalisation.
The Morton family in their distress at this most difficult time. 
We assure Ailsa and the family along with the people of Hughenden of our prayers.

As well as for any people you know who may be unwell and in need of our prayers.

We give thanks to God that all is proceeding well with the sale of St. Andrew's Garden Settlement, Cloncurry.  We also pray for the future ministry of Cloncurry.

I also ask for your prayers as the St Mark's College Council and the Diocesan Executive consider future developments at the College.

Wishing you every blessing.

Yours in Christ,

                       

The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray

Bishop of North Queensland

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