Please submit your best image for consideration in our monthly albums to focus@anglicanchurchsq.org.au, along with a one sentence image caption stating who is in the image, when and where the image was taken, and what is happening in the image. Please ensure you have ‘permission to publish’ from those pictured in the image.
Killara Respite Centre, Cleveland clients enjoying an afternoon of art and craft on Thursday 8 August when they created some stunning works of art!
The St Luke's Parish, Toowoomba community celebrating a confirmation in the All Saints' Church on Sunday 18 August. (Image courtesy of Bishop Cam)
St John's Anglican Cathedral: "We are delighted to be hosting the Deans for Australian Cathedrals during their annual conference. We have been exploring the role of irony in understanding and proclamation of the faith, the intentional community movement including The Community of the Way, the life of Archbishop Strong, The Beatitudes as away of following The Way of Jesus, Anglican Identity, the Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad, and spending time reflecting on the ministry of Cathedrals and their communities. Today we will be holding a Compassion Cafe. All this interspersed with prayer, worship and fellowship over meals."
Earlier this month, St John’s Cathedral hosted the Annual Dean’s Conference. Some of the Dean’s spouses enjoyed sightseeing around Brisbane, including (L-R): Penny MacDonald (Townsville), Shanti Harris (Riverina), Eve James (Grafton), Judy Fay (St John’s Cathedral Community Coordinator), Peter Dyke (Bendigo). Seated L-R: David Harvey (Perth), David Bowyer (Newcastle), George Humphrey (Hobart). (Photo by Richard Fay)
On Tuesday 20 August Vanessa Gamack from the Anglican Schools Commission (pictured with Paul Blom from the Brisbane Catholic Education Commission) attended a professional development course, which was organised by Brisbane Catholic Education Commission: “Yesterday was a brilliant day of learning together and we are so thankful to Brisbane Catholic Education for including us in their outstanding Professional Learning Program. We joined our Catholic colleagues at the O’Shea Centre in Wilston for a day learning about Islam. The Heads of Religious Education from three Anglican Schools attended the day – Mrs Catherine Syms from St Hilda’s, Mrs Maria Thompson from Cannon Hill Anglican College and Father Iain Furby from St Luke’s in Bundaberg. Miss Gabby Venables, teacher of Studies of Religion at CHAC, also joined us. It was an excellent day of learning and the presenters provided us with a wealth of information and resources. We feel truly blessed to be able to join Brisbane Catholic Education for these inspirational learning experiences.” (Image courtesy of Margaret Naylon from the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane)
The St Alban’s, Gatton community after a confirmation service on Sunday 18 August. (Image courtesy of Bishop Cam)
Congratulations to #TAS Students on their weekend of competition at the Regional Gymnastics Championships on 17-18 August. James finished second in Level 6, Nick was the U9DD Champion, with Connor third, and Mac finished first in Level 6. Well done, team.
Metro North clients visited Devon Pixies Tea House which is nestled in serene bushland near Logan Village. The house had a quirky, warm environment where they were made to feel very welcome with a traditional Devonshire tea, freshly-baked scones, thick cream and jam. Everyone got involved by trying on the hats that were hanging up and there was lots of enjoyment had by all!
Western Region Ministry Conference participants with Bishop Cam Venables at St Bart's, Toowoomba on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 August.
(L-R): Karen Frewin, Helen Briffa and Sheryl Arnold at the Western Region Ministry Conference at St Bart's, Toowoomba on Saturday 17 August.
Yeronga Anglican Church parishioners at a planning meeting for the Sudanese Anglican Women's Conference on Sunday 11 August.
Bishop Jo Wells with The Rev’d Jamee Lee Callard and St Gabriel’s Church, Carindale parishioners after the morning service on Sunday 11 August. Bishop Jo Wells is the Bishop of Dorking from the Diocese of Guildford.
The Rev’d Rebecca King with Bishop Jo Wells and parishioners at The Parish of Yeronga after the 11am service on 18 August 2019.
Anglicare SQ's Sunshine Coast Social Group saw new heights on Friday 16 August as they visited the #RACQ LifeFlight Hanger and got to inspect one of the working helicopters! They learned about the amazing work the team do when they're sent to serious accidents, where early medical intervention can often be the difference between life and death.
Bishop Jo Wells, Bishop John Roundhill and The Rev’d Jeremy Gehrmann with the St Stephen's, Coorparoo community after the 6.30pm service on Sunday 11 August.
Robina Respite Centre clients enjoying painting activities and showing considerable talent on Monday 19 August.
Bishop Cam carrying the current Bush Ministry Fund fundraising prize, which was kindly donated by The Parish of Redcliffe.
The Rev'd Kay Hart and the Goondiwindi Parish community, with visitors from the Diocesan Cursillo Movement visitors, after church on Sunday 4 August. (Image courtesy of Bishop Cam)
Year 9 Churchie students working hard in a toy-making activity run by Mr James Moloney in the Design Technology department on Monday afternoons as part of the Pastoral Development and Leadership Program. These toys are built and painted by the students and will be sent to children in Papua New Guinea.
Northern Region Clergy Conference participants in Noosa on 13 August. The theme for the conference was 'Speaking in the Marketplace', with Bishop Jeremy Greaves saying: “In a world of increasing polarity, where it is ever-more challenging to find ways of speaking from any ‘middle place’, we need to take any opportunity we can to explore how we are called to be the church and proclaim the gospel in this new space. Rather than retreating to the edges and building ever higher walls around our positions, how do we engage in real and respectful conversation in ‘the marketplace’?” Our hope is that by bringing together such high-calibre thinkers and speakers for our clergy conference this year, we will provide a space to think through what it might mean to speak anew into the marketplace and equip us for this task in new ways."
Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane Mark Coleridge, Dr Marie-Louise Craig from St Francis College, The Rev'd Dr Robert Derrenbacker from Melbourne's Trinity College, The Rev'd Dr Michael Trainor AM from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and Archbishop Phillip Aspinall at the annual Anglican-Roman Catholic Clergy Day at St Columb's Ministry Centre, Clayfield. (Photo courtesy of Margaret Naylon)
Seven Years 10 and 11 CHAC students entered the Wearable Art section at the Ekka. This is a state-wide competition that involves students manipulating recycled materials to create a wearable item that they then parade. All contestants worked hard to create unique works that made connections to climate change. Congratulations to those involved!
Bishop Jeremy Greaves with The Rev'd Dan Berris and The Lakes Anglican Church parishioners on Sunday 18 August after the morning service.
Anglicare SQ's Good Grub Club crew were a well-oiled machine on Wednesday 21 August feeding emergency services personnel at Bunnings in Bethania. The event was an appreciation breakfast for our emergency services personnel in the Logan area with the crew providing free delicious bacon, egg and hash brown rolls. It was our little way of showing our gratitude for the sacrifices they make in keeping our community safe.
Bishop John Roundhill, The Rev'd Stewart Perry and the Robina Anglican community on Sunday 18 August. Congratulations to Madeleine, Zoe and Kiami who were confirmed.
Bishop John Roundhill and the St Peter's, Wynnum community on Sunday 4 August
It was a stunning day on 22 August in Maryborough for the start of the Fraser Coast Interschool Equestrian. Our St Luke's Bundaberg students were up before dawn, preparing their horses for the Grand Parade. The team has worked extremely hard; both riders and horses looked spectacular! It was a busy day with dressage and hacking events.
As part of Senior’s Week celebrations, our residents at Symes Grove got a treat on Tuesday 20 August with a visit from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services – QFES Taigum Fire Station firefighters. They came bearing gifts, which had fire safety messaging on them, an absolute hit with the staff and residents. Thank you firefighters, Geoff Antony, Peter Morgan, Alan Bartholomew, and Sherie Tracey-Youngs. You are legends!
On 21 August Glennie School Year 6 students visited the Middle and Senior Years campus for a unique cooking experience. Monsieur Morere briefly introduced the students to French terms for ingredients, utensils and the method they would use to create their 'Gateau Au Yaourt' (Yoghurt Cake). After Mrs Johns outlined the importance of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen, students created their own cakes. Bon Appétit!
St Francis College's recent Formation Intensive was lively and varied, especially in its worship. Bishop John Roundhill presided over a U2charist – one participant remarked that they had not realised how many U2 lyrics they actually knew! From the silent spaces of Lectio Divina with The Ven. Valerie Hoare to the hilarity engendered by some of the role playing of pastoral scenarios, there was opportunity for learning and community building, all within the embrace of God. The insights of The Rev'd Ann Solari into the role of Deacon were particularly valued by many participants, for whom her clarity of expression and her ability to relate theology to practice provided much food for thought. It was wonderful to receive sermons from a number of students who displayed their increasing confidence in communicating the gospel. Our time together was rounded out by instruction in the singing of Evensong from The Ven. Michael Faragher and participation in that liturgy – a beautiful way to conclude our proceedings on 8 August.
Confirmation 2019 with Bishop Jeremy Greaves, who said: "Congratulations Brockton and Naomi! A lovely celebration of life and faith, considering 'What difference does all this make?' Thank you to all who helped with service and hospitality."
Executive Director of AYCF Jonathan Kemp and Dr Andy Root, who gave the Felix Arnott 2019 Lecture at St Francis College, Milton on Friday 16 August.
The Blessing of the Plough has been happening at the Ekka’s Royal Queensland Show on and off over the years and is an old English tradition. It was instigated as a part of 'Farm Sunday' activities at Brisbane Royal Show in 1950. At the Official Opening of the Royal Queensland Show, every second year, Archbishop Phillip is asked to Bless the Plough, which has become tradition for our Archbishop. Catholic Archbishop Mark Coleridge blesses the plough every other year. Our Archbishop prayed: "Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation: in your abundant care you have given us fertile land, rich soil and the seasons in their courses. You provide seed for sowing, water, light and warmth to bring forth the miracle of growth. You give us skill to work the land, to prepare and nourish it, that it may be fruitful. By your blessing, let this plough be a sign of all that you promise us. Prosper the work of our hands, and provide abundant crops for your people to share. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God for ever. God speed the plough. God speed the plough." The phrase “God speed the plough” is traditional and integral to the rite. The photograph of Archbishop Phillip blessing the plough was taken at the 2019 Official Opening Ceremony on 10 August this year. The horses in the photographs are Duneske Clydesdales.
Bishop Jeremy Greaves and The Rev'd David with St Laurence's Anglican Church, Caboolture Sudanese Congregation parishioners on Sunday 11 August
In an incredible display of generosity, over 80 St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School students and teachers cut off their ponytails on 1 August for the school’s annual Ponytail Project, donating their ponytails to those who have lost their hair due to a medical condition, whilst also raising more than $97,000 for Queenslanders affected by cancer. The event is now in its fifth consecutive year and has raised more than $294,000 since its inception. Donations will be accepted until December this year for anyone wishing to contribute to the cause.
Hazel and Parish Nominator Deb Stanley at St Gabriel’s Church, Carindale, making treasure bags during the morning service on Sunday 11 August. Luke 12.34: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
The Rev'd Paul Mitchell of St Luke's, Toowoomba pictured with Mothers Union members Joan Smith and Cynthia Moran and some of the handmade comfort teddies they donated on 15 August. The teddies were blessed and passed on to children's service providers to be distributed.
Every August St Anne’s, Highfields gather for a performance of favourite hymns and revisit some of the classic music of the faith. On Sunday 25 August, they were assisted by the Choir of St James with Ars Cantorum and High Country Community Brass Ensemble, and enjoyed songs by Helen Morris and Bishop Cam Venables.
Bishop John Roundhill and St John's Anglican College Principal, Mrs Maria McIvor, giving communion at the College's Foundation Day service on Thursday 1 August.
On 21 August, Coomera Anglican College students won the Gold Coast Debating 2019 Grand Final at Bond University. L-R: Andre Urech, Jada Melhem, Eli Beckton and Shaye Bardsley, with Shaye saying: “With tough competition throughout the entire season, it was a hard-working journey to eventually reach the finals. On the night, the nerves were high, yet we were all so excited to start preparation. The topic ‘Fake News is a real problem’ was a highly controversial topic, with both teams in the final presenting powerful cases. It wasn’t until the moment standing in front of the audience, waiting in anticipation to find out the results, that the nerves kicked back in. However, hearing our school called out as the winning team was the most amazing feeling. After winning all our debates throughout the entire season, our team was so happy to take home the final debate! It was a perfect season of debating that truly brought out the best in our team!"
Fraser Coast Anglican College Junior School staff, along with Year 12 Prefects, celebrated Book Week and dressed up as their favourite book characters to the delight of the Junior School students.
Archbishop Phillip Aspinall helps members of the Community of The Way, Amy Stalley and Thomas Hammer, clean up after dinner on 13 August. During the dinner, the Archbishop commissioned Nenny Nnaobi and new member, Thomas Hammer.
Some very special guests (joey wallabies rescued by parish member Tania Fitzsimons), eagerly wanting to be part of the WHS support visit at the Parish of Nanango on 29 August. L-R: Michael Kucera (WHS Advisor), The Rev'd Robert Chippendale (PinC Nanango Parish) and Tania Fitzsimons (Safety Officer – Nanango Parish).
