anglican focus

The news site of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland: nourishing and connecting our faith community

Mission to Seafarers Brisbane

Dates & Seasons Heather and Caroline at MTS Brisbane Dates & Seasons

Anchored in faith: Mission to Seafarers navigates calmer seas post-COVID as it rebuilds and reinvigorates

“Seafarers are now returning to the Brisbane Seafarers Centre after a challenging period of COVID restrictions, and it brings joy to our hearts to provide a warm welcome to those who desperately need a smiling face and a comforting connection to the outside world as they visit the Port of Brisbane,” says Mission to Seafarers President, Captain Ross Nicholls 

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Seafarer reunions, COVID-19 vaxing, a new partnership and centre and the passing of a beloved chaplain

“In late January, seafarer shore leave restrictions were lifted after 18 months. So our doors reopened, and a welcoming message was sent out to all agents and ships inviting seafarers back to visit, play pool, connect with families via Wi-Fi or just enjoy the gardens, the birds and the local shops. In conjunction with this, we have teamed up with a local pharmacy in Wynnum and Queensland Health COVID-19 Vaccination Program providers to facilitate vaccinations for seafarers,” says Mission To Seafarers President, Captain Ross Nicholls

News

Flood response: message from the Archbishop

“The community’s overwhelming response to the 2011 floods showed how south-east Queenslanders pull together at times such as this. So I again encourage members of our Diocesan family to offer a helping hand in the massive clean-up. Our faith communities are already showing the resilience and generosity that we have come to rely upon in such weather events,” says Archbishop Phillip Aspinall

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Redcliffe parishioners knitting rugs for vulnerable women and kids

“We are blessed to have a regular team of Branch members and parishioners who all contribute to our rug-knitting project. Some prefer to knit individual squares, with others lovingly sewing together the squares or crocheting matching borders. Other volunteers handmake complete rugs. Patterns and helpful hints are available for anglican focus readers who wish to assist,” say Parish of Redcliffe Mothers Union Branch members, Robyn Francis and Alison Dunstan

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“No shipping, no shopping”

“Through the work of all involved in this informal alliance between MTS, various parishes, Mothers Union and the Lions Club, over 460 beanies, 59 scarves, a throw rug, toiletries and other personal items were recently donated for seafarers who are confined to their ships due to COVID-19,” says the Parish of Goodna’s Eve Pengilley

Reflections

Beating the Bounds

“The ‘Church’ is not God’s primary project – the world is. So, it might do us all good to get out of our church buildings more when the current lockdown ends, bamboo canes in hand or not,” says Bishop John Roundhill, as he shares about a peculiar ancient parish practice

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Sea Sunday 2021

“Sea Sunday is more than a day to recognise and celebrate the role of the seafarer. It is an opportunity for us to recognise the significant dislocation seafarers have chosen to accept and acknowledge their sacrifices that enable us to live the life we do,” says Captain Ross Nicholls, as Sea Sunday approaches on Sunday 11 July