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The Archbishop of Brisbane The Most Rev’d Dr Phillip Aspinall, The Very Rev'd Dr Peter Catt and The Ven. Mark Carlyon with the priests and deacons ordained on Saturday 7 December in St John's Cathedral. Congratulations to The Rev'd Susan Barker, The Rev'd Danielle Clark, The Rev'd Richard Gummow, The Rev'd Kate Ross, The Rev'd Erika Williams and The Rev'd Scott Windred who were ordained priests. And, congratulations to The Rev'd Juliana Bate, The Rev'd Michael Calder, The Rev'd Ann Edwards, The Rev'd Richard James, The Rev'd Jonathan Kemp and The Rev'd Kathrin Koning who were ordained deacons.
Archbishop Phillip Aspinall presenting The Rev'd Rick Gummow with symbols (a Bible, chalice and paten) of a priest’s sacramental role to preach the Word of God and to administer the holy sacraments on Saturday 7 December. Supporting The Rev'd Rick are ACSQ GM Tim Reid and Bishops Cam Venables, John Roundhill and Jeremy Greaves, with The Rev'd Dr Ann Solari assisting.
On Sunday 1 December the deacons of 1999 celebrated their 20th anniversary at The Chapel of the Holy Spirit at St Francis College. Pictured: The Rev'd Ken Hansen, The Rev'd Gerry Bahre, The Rev'd Elsie Clack, The Rv'd Canon Linda McWilliam, The Rev'd Jan Crombie, The Rev'd Michael and Catherine Stalley, The Rev'd Canon Nicki Colledge, The Rev'd Marilyn and Rod Cullen, The Rev'd Diana Ware and The Rev'd Allan and Jill Goodwin.
Anglicare SQ Facebook on Wednesday 4 December: "Our Brisbane South Community Aged and Disability team welcomed the Archbishop of Brisbane, The Most Rev'd Dr Phillip Aspinall, members of our Executive Leadership Team, and Cr Jonathan Sri to celebrate the official opening and blessing of their new office at Woolloongabba this morning. The Brisbane South team is a busy one, looking after thousands of clients across the south side with nursing care, social support, personal care, respite care and home modifications."
The Rev'd Scott Gunthorpe, Rector of The Parish of Waterloo Bay, opening the Advent Festival at St James’ Church, Wellington Point. Behind Scott is the Redland City Band, conducted by Peter Francis, one of the community groups who provided free musical entertainment all afternoon and evening. Over 35 local artisans ran stalls at the event. Santa popped in for a visit, transported by a vintage car rather than in his sleigh. Over 2000 people attended the event, which was supported by The Wellington Point Rotary group and The Wellington Point Girl Guides.
On Sunday 15 December, St Mary's, Kangaroo Point parishioner Irene celebrated her 100th birthday with cake and cards from the Queen, the Governor General of Australia, the Governor of Queensland and her St Mary's friends. Irene is pictured with her daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter.
General Manager Office staff welcomed new Reconciliation Action Plan Coordinator Aunty Sandra King with a morning tea on Tuesday 3 December. Sandra is a Quandamooka, Bundjalung woman who, for the last 30 years, has focused on communicating with local, state and Federal governments and business managers and owners in changing perceptions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and breaking down barriers in employment, history and cultural protocols. Sandra has worked closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, founding and managing 10 annual Black, Bold and Beautiful Indigenous Women’s lunches and publishing five calendars which celebrate Indigenous women who are achievers in their personal or professional lives. Sandra’s main focus as RAP Coordinator will be to raise awareness of, and support the engagement of, our whole Diocese in the implementation of the ACSQ Reconciliation Action Plan.
Resource Churches Pilot Project leaders gathered for a meal in a Morningside cafe on Wednesday 4 December to discuss the project and get to know one another better. (L-R) The Rev'd Canon Gary Harch from The Parish of Kangaroo Point; The Rev'd Steve McMahon from The Parish of Ipswich; The Rev'd Avriel Green from The Parish of Caboolture; The Rev'd Charlie Lacey from The Parish of Springfield; The Rev'd Stewart Perry from The Parish of Robina; The Rev'd Adam Lowe from The Parish of St Bart's, Toowoomba; and, Executive Director of PMC Stephen Harrison.
Anglicare SQ Facebook on 3 December: "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Abri Residential Aged Care Home. Our friends at Bunnings Warehouse Australia took us through a wreath making class in time for the beginning of the festive season. Everyone got involved in the class, including our residents, lifestyle staff, care staff and even our chef. Thank you, Bunnings, for always putting a huge smile on our residents' faces."
Bishop Cam Venables Commissioned The Rev'd Lizzie Gaitskell as Rector of The Parish of Warwick at St Mark's Anglican Church on Saturday 14 December. Over 150 people filled St Mark's in support of The Rev'd Lizzie.
Clergy from across the Western Region were among the more than 150 people who attended the Saturday 14 December Commissioning service for The Rev'd Lizzie Gaitskell as the new Rector of The Parish of Warwick.
The Rev'd Chris Bate, newly ordained deacon The Rev'd Juliana Bate and The Rev'd Zoe Browne joined their clergy peers, along with their gorgeous kids, at St Mark's Anglican Church on Saturday 14 December for the Commissioning of The Rev'd Lizzie Gaitskell as the Rector of The Parish of Warwick.
Archbishop Phillip Aspinall walked into his Ann St office on Tuesday 17 December to find Ann Joseph and Joanne Rose surprising him with birthday decorations and a card signed by ACSQ staff and clergy. Happy 60th birthday, Archbishop Phillip.
Beloved Cathedral staff member Jan Reid was farewelled on Tuesday 17 December after 25 years of service. Jan is pictured with The Very Rev'd Dr Peter Catt, who especially thanked Jan for the TLC she puts into all her encounters with people, including the many cups of tea she has made for people sleeping rough over the years. You broke the mould, Jan, and we will miss you!
Jason and Mark from the Anglicare ICT team enjoying the festivities at the 17 December 'Precinct Staff Christmass' lunch, which was held after a lovely service, featuring carols, scripture and a homily.
An organising force to be reckoned with: Cathedral Events Manager Gerard Finn and Executive Assistant to the GM Yi-Ching Huang at the 'Precinct Staff Christmass' luncheon on Tuesday 17 December. Highlights included an ice-cream cart, which was wheeled in to everyone's delight.
Primary students in Years 5 and 6 at St Andrew’s Anglican College, Peregian Springs finished up the school year in a unique way. Their final days were spent setting up, showcasing and celebrating a semester of work in the school’s new, innovative programs - IGNITE. IGNITE is a program based on the School Wide Enrichment Model, offering enrichment for all students through high levels of engagement and the use of enjoyable and challenging learning experiences that are constructed around students’ interests, learning styles, and preferred modes of expression.
The Rev'd Steve McMahon, The Rev'd Steve Monsiegneur, The Rev'd Shelly Knight, Des and Thea Steinhardt and Julie Lee from St Paul's, Ipswich welcomed Resource Churches Pilot Project Communications and Community Engagement Specialist Michelle McDonald to their 7 am service on Friday 13 December, which was followed by this lovely breakfast gathering at a local cafe. St Paul's, Ipswich is one of the eight churches across our Diocese who are participating in the Pilot Project.
St Andrew's Anglican College Facebook on Tuesday 17 December: "The annual UNSW ICAS tests were held at the end of Term 3 at St Andrew’s Anglican College. Our College had 84 students from Years 2 to 11 completing the various online assessments in the areas of Digital Technology, English, Mathematics, Science, Spelling and Writing. The top score in each test and year level in the country are awarded medals for their high performance. This year, one very talented St Andrew’s Year 8 student has won the ICAS Medal in both Year 8 Digital Technologies and Writing. Congratulations to Daniel on this great accolade. Daniel received his medals at the UNSW ICAS Medal Winners Ceremony at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Monday 2 December. This stellar performance is even more incredible when it is considered that across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, over 980,000 students participated in the ICAS tests, with only 614 students achieving medals."
The students at The Glennie School held a fundraiser for Symes Thorpe. The students thought that since the residents had to give up their pets when moving into aged care, they would furnish the walls with animal prints. It was a lovely gesture that saw them raise $821 to purchase the prints, which they donated to Symes Thorpe. This photo, taken in early December, is of three residents with some of the prints donated.
Bishop John Roundhill on Facebook on Sunday 8 December: "It was a delight to be with the folk at the most southerly of the parishes in the region; St Peter and St Paul's, Gold Coast South. Thank you for your warm welcome. It was a pleasure to be finally with you."
The Rev’d Samuel Dow, St John's Cathedral Climate Advocate Gillian King, The Very Rev’d Dr Peter Catt, The Rev’d Jasmine Dow and Justice Unit Coordinator Jen Basham sang Carols For The Earth with members of The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change on Friday 6 December at 145 Ann St, encouraging workers and companies to walk away from fossil fuel projects.
Seafarers and Mission to Seafarers (MTS) staff, dressed as helpful elves, got into the Christmas spirit at the MTS Christmas Party at the Port of Brisbane recently. The Mission's annual Christmas gift bag appeal has set a new record, with 800 seafarers given gift bags to open on Christmas Day while they are away from their families and loved ones.
On Sunday 15 December, Bishop Cam Venables confirmed Lucy Norman and Pete Rathie at St Bart's, Toowoomba. Congratulations, Lucy and Pete.
The Rev'd Andrew Schmidt from Good Shepherd Anglican Church, Bundaberg West challenged his congregation to raise $1,000 for the Archbishop's November Appeal. He said if they did, he would dye his hair. Looks like the challenge was accepted and met!
Anglicare SQ Facebook on Monday 16 December: "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! What better way to get into the festive spirit than our Nambour Christmas party! Our clients, staff, friends and families all rocked around the Christmas tree. We were even lucky enough to have a visit from Mr and Mrs Claus who were very generous with gifts and cheer!"
Anglican Parish of Caboolture Facebook on Sunday 8 December: "A wonderful baptism this morning. Young Koen was baptised surrounded by a very happy family. May he shine as a light of God's love, hope, peace and joy in this dark world. God bless him always. Amen!"
Hillbrook Anglican School Facebook on Tuesday 17 December: "Our intrepid travellers are on their way home after achieving so much in Cambodia with RAWimpactOrg. They built a home for a family, planted bamboo crops, brought joy to the lives of others and had experiences so different from life here in Brisbane."
Bishop John Roundhill on Facebook on Tuesday 17 December: "It was exciting to be at Christ Church, Yeronga this morning for a combined confirmation and baptism service. Four baptisms and 17 confirmations. Something of a record for me as a bishop! Thank you for the wonderful warm welcome. Normal Sunday services are at 8.00am and 11.00am."
Bishop Jeremy Greaves on Facebook on Thursday 12 December 2019: "The Bolilau tribe was one group of people who cared for my grandfather in the Solomon Islands during WWII" (Bishop Jeremy is currently in the Solomons with Josie and their children)
Bishop Jeremy Greaves on Facebook on Sunday 22 December while in the Solomons: "It's not only Bishop John Roundhill who takes a good selfie!"
Cannon Hill Anglican College on Facebook on Tuesday 17 December: "Australian Volleyball Schools Cup Success. Congratulations to our Year 7 boys and Year 11 boys for taking out gold. Congratulations, also, to the Year 9 girls who won silver and Year 11 girls for taking home bronze. A fantastic achievement by all teams."
Congratulations to Jinani (from Anglicare's Children and Families Underwood office) the winner of the anglican focus 'Chance to Win an iPad for You and Your Priest or Chaplain' competition. Jinani chose The Ven. Geoff Hoyte from The Anglican Parish of Logan as the recipient of the second iPad voucher. Thanks to all those who supported the competition, which was held to celebrate the one-year anniversary of anglican focus going online. Jinani (left) and Geoff are pictured with anglican focus Editor Michelle McDonald (centre) on Friday 20 December at Anglicare's Underwood office, where committed staff do critical work supporting local kids and families.
The Parish of Freshwater on Facebook on Sunday 22 December: "We had such a great time this morning at the Freshwater Nativity play. The kids and youth of the parish did an excellent job sharing the joy of Christmas!"
The Parish of Springfield on Sunday 22 December: "(Luke 2:1) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world."
Parish of Caboolture on Facebook on Sunday 22 December: "What a wonderful night for Carols on the Lawn. Hundreds of people sang in the early evening as the sun set. Thanks to all our faithful volunteers and our wonderful musicians – Vic and Angela. Many thanks also to GFS for helping us fund this wonderful community event."
Farewell from The Rev’d Donna Petersen to her student Gary Tognola, The Parish of Wynnum’s formation student in 2019. He moved to East Redland Anglican Parish to continue his formation journey. Image taken on Sunday 28/12/19.
