National Church Life Survey

At the end of 2021, we launched a discernment process that seeks to listen to what God is calling this church to in its mission. We are seeking to be intentional about listening and responding to God; To know Christ, and to make Christ Known. This Mission Action Planning, or MAP, remains important even as we negotiate the challenges of uncertainty for our church in 2022. The basic process we are following is to ask three questions. Where are we now? Where is God calling us to? How do we get there?

One of the main tools we have chosen to help answer the first question is the National Church Life Survey. I am inviting you to complete this survey before the end of this month.

NCLS Research is a joint venture started by Australian church mission agencies in the early 1990s. Their research areas include studying Australian spirituality, church health, effective and sustainable leadership, and the connections between church and community. The most well known five-yearly project is called the National Church Life Survey, which has had millions of participants.

It is clear that the survey will be of most use if we have a response from the majority of our regular members. This survey will form a critical part of our planning process as it provides us with helpful information about our church and community. Therefore, we are seeking as many members of our congregation as possible to complete this 20-minute survey. You can complete a survey on a Sunday morning at church or online using the details provided on request or in the parish focus.

God's Peace
Michael

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A Letter From Charleville

Life is hectic to say the least. I have been coordinator of the community churches and together we were working towards the inaugural Christmas Spectacular.  This was on Saturday Dec 4, and it was a wonderfully successful event. Attended by about 200 people with the Catholic priest, Father Warren, being Angel Gabriel, and the Christian Outreach Centre’s Pastor’s wife being Mary. We had a group of Vietnamese singers presenting songs in their language and the Solomon Islanders singing appropriate Gospel songs.  It was a great night. Of course, very tiring to put together, but together we did it.  This is one of the positive comments that came our way, from a friend who does not go to church: 

 It was a lovely night - weather was beautiful- aero guard worked well - chance to catch up with friends and relax - entertainment was just delightful - great participation from the crowd - generous free BBQ and ice cream that the kids loved - and a lovely re-enactment of the story of Jesus. 

So far this year I have taken 14 funerals, the last one was in the Charleville church, with the graveside service in Mitchell, 200 km away – four hours driving all up.  I was grateful for Lindy Sommerville’s company for that trip, a chance to catch up on church business.  

The Rev’d Cheryl Selvage has made connection with our parish in several ways.  Most particularly providing a caring pastoral contact when people from this district find themselves in hospital.  We look forward to her visiting us in the west again to catch up with those she has provided care. 

We have used your advent videos, hope and peace so far, and they are appreciated.  Bishop Cam will be out on the 19th Dec for the Christmas Eucharist and we’re looking forward to seeing him again. 

Next year I’m hoping to have an English class for a group of the Solomon Islanders, at the request of one of the girls.  Many feel self-conscious about speaking English although most manage quite well. 

Above all, I value your prayer support. That’s about it for now. Thank you for caring for us, and may all at St Bart’s have a wonderful, God-enriching Christmas and a very blessed New Year. 

Many blessings, 

Irene Frances. 

Endings and Beginnings

This time of year often brings endings and beginnings. This is the pattern of our Christian life that we find in the story of Jesus.

We generally find endings difficult because we leave behind the familiar and known. Beginnings are the place in which new hope and surprising possibilities are found.

We are preparing for such a celebration in the story of a Child born among us who brought with him great expectations. Today we have both an ending and a beginning in our church.

Today we farewell The Rev'd Erika Williams. Erika's short appointment to the parish has been a blessing. Erika's generous and welcoming nature has been experienced by many. We have also benefitted from her keen understanding of God's mission and leadership abilities. I am personally grateful for the support and friendship she has shown me during this time. Her contributions to the life of this parish will continue to be felt for some time to come. I encourage you to keep Erika, Adam and their family in your prayers in this time of endings and new beginnings for them.

Today we welcome The Rev'd Gary Tognola as he begins his time as the Assistant Curate in the parish.

Gary was ordained in St John's Cathedral yesterday and appointed by the Archbishop to our parish for the next two years. We are looking forward to getting to know Gary as he takes up his part in the ministry of this place. Would you please uphold Gary, Janelle and their family in this time of endings and new beginnings?

Visit to Charleville

For at least 15 years, a formal covenantal relationship has been established between St Bart's Mt Gravatt and the Parish of Charleville.  In recent times both parishes have had significant changes to the leadership of our communities.  Charleville, at this time, relies on their Bishop, Cameron Venables, and committed lay members for the ongoing life of the Anglican church in this district.  I know that many people within St Bart's have a vital relationship with this western community. As part of my role, I was keen to make a face to face connection with the people of this district myself.  

As it turns out, I made a relatively quick trip west as I joined Bp Cameron on his visit to Roma, Charleville and Augathella.  Although we spent more time in the car than in any one spot, we could share a meal on Saturday night and services on Sunday morning with the people in Charleville and Augathella.  I came away from these gatherings inspired by the faithfulness and commitment of these people to serve one another.  The visit also affirmed for me that such covenant relationships could be transformative for all involved.  

As we consider our mission as a parish, it will be important to invite the people from the Charleville district to be part of the conversation.

God's Peace
Michael

Mission Action Plan Launch

All in our parish are invited to take an active part in shaping the life of our church. We are beginning an intentional process of worship, prayer, storytelling, listening and dreaming as we seek to discern how God is calling our church in the years ahead. We tend to call this process Mission Action Planning as we seek to understand how God wants us

"To be the Anglican Church in Mt Gravatt: To Know Christ and to Make Christ Known."

It will be 125 years since the first "Divine Service" was held in the newly built church in Mt Gravatt in February next year. This parish has a strong history of serving the local area and has responded to God's call in various creative and faithful ways. Our challenge is to be intentional and open to how God is calling us now. Two events in November will kick off the Mission Action Planning process.  
 
On Sunday 21 November, we will be joined by Bp John Roundhill at all three services. These services will be a fantastic opportunity to begin planning with prayer and celebration led by our local Bishop.
 
We will be joined by the Archbishop of Brisbane, Phillip Aspinall, on Saturday morning, 27 November. The Archbishop comes to share the Vision and Mission that the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland has recently developed. It is summarised by the statement

"Flourishing faith communities: proclaiming and serving, worshipping and learning."

It is a great opportunity to be reminded of the distinctive character and history of the Anglican Church. It is also an excellent way to begin wondering how our church lives out this vision in Mt Gravatt.  
 
Also, on this day, leaders from our parish will share more about the process we are undertaking and help you understand how you can play your part. We will finish the day with a lunch where we strengthen and celebrate our connections one with another. This day is open to all and is intended for every member of our church. We are happy for you to participate in as little or as much as you like.
 
We ask that you let us know you are coming and to what by registering through the website or contacting the parish office for catering purposes.

Schedule for Saturday 27 November

9 am - Arrive
9.15 am - Welcome and Intro
9.30 am - Session 1 Vision ACSQ - Flourishing faith communities: proclaiming and serving, worshipping and learning. (Archbishop Phillip Aspinall)
10.30 am - Morning Tea (Provided)
11 am - Session 2 Having a Comprehensive Anglican Identity and Purpose (Archbishop Phillip Aspinall)
12 pm - Session 3 "Being the Anglican Church in Mt Gravatt" - launching an exploration of Vision and Purpose for 2022 
12.30 pm - Lunch (Provided)