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The Imagine Project: Shoot and Crop (20)

The Imagine Project website

From the Bishop

Click here to catch up on
Bishop John's blog. Here are some recent posts...

Religion in ‘atheist China’?

‘Faith is…’

Mental health debate ‘piecemeal’

Rural Churches – a snapshot

Action: Community Mental Health

Pollies easy with Pokies dis-ease

A Blessing for Tasmania

Thanking God and exhorting a bishop

Prayer: Ordination of a bishop

From the Bishop's Desk is the bishop's regular email newsletter. Click here to see his recent newsletters or to join the mail list.

Bishop John's recent publications, Addresses, letters, reflections, messages: click here.

Bible Study & Preaching Material

Stressed out with no time to write bible studies? Try ‘Growing Disciples of Jesus’, our new Lectionary-based study outlines for home and church-based study groups and personal study; will also help preachers. To have a look, click here: http://www.anglicantas.org.au/lec_based_study/

Preaching Resources

This resource is provided to help guide, encourage and resource the preachers in our diocese, be they new or experienced. It’s new and evolving, so we recommend that you drop in from time to time.

A PRAYER FOR transformingLIFE

Transforming God,
as we meet together
fill us with your wisdom.
Give us the capacity
to work boldly
and with humility,
embracing the challenge of mission.

Use us to bring transforming life
to our Christian communities and
all Tasmanians

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Download the transformingLIFE document

Will the Imagine Project change your life?

CMS: This study is a gift

While Andrew & Pam Lake visited over 24 parishes in the Diocese before heading to the posting in Damascus, Andrew had been busy on another project. He has released this short book called Christian Mission for Tasmanians. This is a very personal approach from Andrew on this important topic of Mission written for the Missionary Diocese of Tasmania. Andrew says of the book,

"My hope and prayer is that this study will help put mission front and centre of the church’s agenda. I make no claim to infallibility and will have achieved my aim if this has helped start some fruitful conversations about mission."

We offer our thanks to Andrew, having served in the Diocese as an Archdeacon and Mission Support Officer. But now we offer our thanks for this impressive gift to the church in Tasmania.

Of particular interest to you, dear reader, is the freely available nature of this book. In fact, you can click here to read it right now. So is it free? Andrew explains in his Forward:

"This study is a gift to the Tasmanian church. It is freely available on the diocesan website but I invite you when you use it for personal or group study to make a donation of $10 per person to the Church Missionary Society of Tasmania."

The Bishop's Prayer Pilgrimage

Bishop John is travelling across Tasmania praying with all of us on this prayer pilgrimage. Check where he is up to.

This week (Monday 19th July, 2010):

Tuesday he is visiting the parishes of Cressy, and Evandale/The Nile
Wednesday he is visiting the parishes of Quamby, Deloraine and Dorset
Thursday he is visiting the parishes of Break O’Day and Swansea
Friday he is visiting The Hutchins School and St David’s Cathedral

Sunday 25 July will see the conclusion of the Prayer Pilgrimage as well as the celebrating of 10 years of ministry in Tasmania for Bishop John and Gayelene Harrower. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at St David’s Cathedral from 2:30 – 4:00pm, which includes light refreshments. If you are planning to come along and have not RSVP’d, please do so, for catering purposes only, before Thursday 22 July.

Pilgrimage Prayer

Heavenly Father, your word teaches us that we do not have because we do not ask. By your Spirit make us as keen to pray as you are to listen as determined to listen as you have always been to speak that we may be equipped for mission and united as your people, healthy churches transforming our lives and those of all Tasmanians through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Click here for a map showing pilgrimage stops.
Click here for July prayer pilgrimage dates.
Click here to read the purpose for our prayer pilgrimage.

Archive of Home Page: 2010 July

Do Christians need a Christian Prime Minister?

[fri 30.jul.2010 rob] In the current season of Federal election fever, the Rev. Will Briggs posted some great food for thought on his blog yesterday. He raises the question: "Do Christians need a Christian Prime Minister?". He says:

Over at The Drum Unleashed Greg Clarke asks the question "Do Christians need a Christian prime minister?" and I pretty much agree with his answer. An excerpt, but read the whole thing:

Nowhere in the New Testament is there any concept that a Christian 'prophet' might be given word from God on who should govern the land. The arrival of Jesus changes all of that theocratic language, and the role of 'prophecy' changes: it becomes a call to recognise the authority of Jesus, and to follow his teachings and his call to turn back to God.

There are religious or spiritual questions to ask of a prospective political leaders. But these questions recognise the scope of government in Romans 13 and basically ask: "Are you wielding the 'sword' of government well? Are you being just? Are you protecting the vulnerable?" In a Western democracy these are also questions relating to religious freedom. I would not insist on a "Christian" PM. I would be concerned if we had a PM that was not committed to pluralism.

Do you agree with Will? Do you disagree with Will?
Go over to Will's blog at god-s-will.blogspot.com by clicking here and leave your comments.

D.A.Carson in Melbourne in August

[wed 28.jul.2010 rob] A great opportunity for anyone who finds themselves on the mainland next month! (If you find this image hard to read, click the image for a larger, easier to read, version)

How the Word conquerors the world

[wed 28.jul.2010 rob] This morning I received a fresh desire to read the Book of Acts like never before.

I was reading the blog for Mentone Baptist church this morning and a recent post commented on the powerful nature of the book of Acts. Murray (the blog's author) pointed me to another blog by Steve Addison. Steve is a Church Planting guru and author. I know his work on the church, but these comments on the Books of Acts were wonderfullty refreshing. Something special. Here is a taste:

"Jesus is risen and has ascended to the Father as Lord. He rules as king and he employs his word and his Spirit to accomplish his mission through his people. We are not alone. We are not the main game. The risen Lord rules and continues his ministry."

Click here to read read Steve Addison's full blog post
You can then read Steve's summary of the book of Acts - 'how the word conquers the world' by clicking here (it is a two page PDF). The link is also at the bottom of his blog post.

Other links:
Mentone Baptist Church blog, Who is Murray?, Steve Addison, Steve's "Movements" website, Steve's blog.

The Canberra Declaration

[mon 26.jul.2010 rob] Yesterday on Rev. Will Briggs' blog (God's'Will), he posted a comment on 'The Canberra Declaration'. A statement by Christians in the lead up to our Australian Federal Election.

Here is a concluding exert from the declaration:

Religious freedom, marriage and family, and the sacredness of human life have provided the foundations enabling Western democratic societies to flourish. We erode these foundations at our peril.

Click here to read Rev Will's blog post.
Click here to visit 'The Canberra Declaration' website and hear what they have to say about the declaration. There is also a page on who has contributed to the declaration.

Exhorting a Bishop

[mon 26.jul.2010 rob] Yesterday was a special day for the Anglican Church in Tasmania. We celebrated ten years of ministry with Bishop John and his wife Gaylene in Tasmania. It was a wonderful day of rejoicing, thanking God and seeking God for our future. The Dean had us reflect on the beautiful words of the Apostle Paul, and his emphasis on thanking those with whom we minister in partnership in the gospel.

I noticed today that Bishop John has placed a wonderful reflection on this service at the Cathedral on his blog. Bishop John particularly notes the exhortation read by Bill Haas. Rather than purely link to the post, I thought it good to place it here in full:

Just home from a wonderful thanksgiving celebration of God’s faithfulness at the Cathedral. Today was very special in many ways as we gave thanks to God for his call and sustaining Spirit over these 10 years as Bishop of Tasmania.

A strong word from the Dean on thanking God. Expressions of our life and ministry in Tasmania via intriguing symbols: carrots, hay and evangelistic leaflet – donkey outreach ministry; red socks – Pentecost and Holy Spirit; cans and wire – recycling and financing of ministry; beautiful tapestry of life, light and love - A Blessing for Tasmania; and an iron bark carving with script – a healthy church … transforming life.

I also shared some reflections on the prayer pilgrimage.

The words of the Exhortation were read to me by Bill Haas who was the Registrar when I commenced my ministry as Bishop of Tasmania. Bill has supported me wonderfully throughout my episcopate, both as Registrar and ‘Retired’!

Marking 10 Years Led by Bill Haas: +John at your consecration you heard these words,

The Exhortation

A bishop is called to maintain the Church’s witness
to the resurrection of Christ,
to protect the purity of the gospel,
and to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.
As a chief minister and pastor in Christ’s Church,
you are to guard its faith, unity and discipline,
and promote its mission in the world.
You are to ensure that God’s word is faithfully proclaimed,
Christ’s sacraments duly administered,
and Christ’s discipline applied justly, with mercy.
You are to lead and guide the priests and deacons under your care,
and be faithful in the choosing and ordaining of ministers.
You are to watch over, protect and serve the people of God,
to teach and govern them, and to be hospitable.
You must, therefore, know and be known by them,
and be a good example to all.
These are the duties of a bishop, and they are weighty.

How humbling to hear Bill’s words of thanks and continuing commitment in prayer:
We give thanks for the way you have carried out your duties for the past 10 years and we commit ourselves to pray for your ongoing ministry.

The Exhortation concludes with the question: Are you willing to perform them?
I responded at my ordination: I am willing: may God guide and help me.

I thank God for my wife’s unflagging love and support, colleagues such as Bill and all the saints who have walked with me.

God has guided and helped me through them on innumerable occasions. Thank you.

The Exhortation is from ’The Ordination of Bishops’, A Prayer Book for Australia, Broughton Books 1995, page 802.

To see Bishop John's blog post, click here.

Euthanasia is not ‘dying with dignity’

[fri 23.jul.2010 rob] Bishop John has put up a blog post today entitled: Euthanasia is not ‘dying with dignity’. The post reflects on recent articles and recent comments from across the globe on this important subject. Click here to read the Bishop's post.

A very special invitation

[thu 22.jul.2010 rob] Bishop John and Gaylene Harrower would love you to join them in celebrating 10 years if Ministry in Tasmania with a service of Thanksgiving in St.David's Cathedral, Hobart. The service will be followed by light refreshments at the Bishop Hay Centre.

25th July, 2010

2:30pm-4:00pm
RSVP to Colleen Davidson.

A debate at UTAS

The University Fellowship of Christians are holding a debate on the topic:

God of the Old Testament: Jesus or Allah?

On Wednesday 28 July 2010
7-9pm
Stanley Burbury Theatre, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay
Speakers: Abdullah Kunde and Samuel Green
All Welcome!

Islam claims that they believe the prophets and that the prophets testify to Allah and not Jesus. This is an important question for us to consider as Islam is putting itself more firmly forward in the Western World. You are invited to this debate and to advertise it as you feel best for your church. If you would like hard copies of the poster or leaflets please just ask me for them.

To download a PDF for advertising, click here.

This debate brought to you by: www.ufcutas.org (University Fellowship of Christians)

Ordination in August!

Just a reminder that Bishop John will be ordaining Revd JUDITH JACOBSON and Revd SHERRY REES to the Sacred Office of Priest:

On Saturday 7 August 2010 at 2:30 pm

At St.John's Launceston.

Clergy are invited to robe and attend. If you are in the area that day, I am sure both Judith and Sherry would welcome your support on this special day.
Please RSVP to office@stjohns.net.au

RE|FRESH 2010

Come and join us as the Youth Groups of Hobart unite for REFRESH 2010!

6:00-7.30pm Chill time with BBQ, games, hot drinks
7.30pm + Youth Service

When? 6th August
Where? Hutchins Auditorium (71 Nelson Road, Sandy Bay)

Check out the Facebook event page click here!

click on image for more information

The Boathouse, 55a Lindsay St, Invermay Launceston

The Imagine Team (+Ross, Will Briggs, Meredith Campbell, Andy Goodacre and others) will be looking at topics to do with ministry in context desiring to help you in the ministry that you are involved in. It will be a day of training, encouragement, challenge, a chance to hone ministry skills and just think about ministry.

Topics will be around the areas of:

Getting new ideas off the ground
Connecting with Baptism Families
How to do Pastoral Care when you aren’t the Rector
Encouraging Seniors back to church
Connecting with Young Adults
Preaching
Connecting with Professionals who are now young mums
How can churches compliment school chaplaincy
Connecting with your community
“Its all about context”

More information will appear over the coming weeks so stay tuned and register early. Advertising and registration details are in the attachment
For more information about The Imagine Projects go to http://theimagineproject.com.au/
Feel free to forward this to anyone you think would be interested, ministry teams, congregations your next door neighbour. All are invited and we hope to see you all there

For the Clergy of the Tasmanian Diocese

Clergy Conference 3, 4, 5 of November, 2010... it's less than 4 months away!

Recent Diocesan releases

Click here to view Bishop John's From The Bishop's Desk 18.10 (for July 2010).
...(Click here for the CMN Training document which is mentioned in FTBD#18)
Click here to view the Registrar's latest Administrative Circular 07/2010 (for July 2010).

Position Vacant

Principal, NUNGALINYA COLLEGE, Darwin NT. We are looking for a Principal who will work collaboratively across the College and with the three church partners to implement training programs and develop student outcomes and the College community.

Nungalinya College is a partnership of the Anglican, Catholic and Uniting Churches to inspire and equip Indigenous Australians through training in theology and community services areas. The College values traditional Indigenous cultures and languages and has adopted a new Constitution and Strategic Plan.

Click here for the 'Nungalinya College - Advertisement (July 2010)'
Click here for the 'Nungalinya College Principal Vacancy Notice (July 2010)'
Click here for the 'Nungalinya College Principal Job Description (July 2010)'

Where is the bishop up to on the Prayer Pilgrimage?

Please continue to pray for Bishop John and his "Pilgrimage Barnabas" Chris as they serve us in this powerful and wonderful way.

This week (Monday 19th July, 2010):

Sunday 25 July will see the conclusion of the Prayer Pilgrimage as well as the celebrating of 10 years of ministry in Tasmania for Bishop John and Gayelene Harrower. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at St David’s Cathedral from 2:30 – 400pm, which includes light refreshments. If you are planning to come along and have not RSVP’d, please do so, for catering purposes only, before Thursday 22 July.

More...
Click here for July prayer pilgrimage dates.
Click here to read the purpose for our prayer pilgrimage.

Recent Diocesan releases

Click here to view Bishop John's From The Bishop's Desk 16.10 (for June 2010).
Click here to view Bishop John's From The Bishop's Desk 17.10 (for July 2010).
Click here to view the Registrar's latest Administrative Circular 06/2010 (for June 2010).

Positions Vacant

Pastoral Care Worker at Holy Trinity Launceston.

Click here to see the Job Description.

The best of last month

2010 Australian Christian Book of the Year

[sun 13.jun.2010 rob] 2010 Australian Christian Book of the Year SHORT LIST was announced on Tuesday 8 June 2010. The 2010 Australian Christian Book of the Year Award short-listed books are:

A century of influence: Australian Student Christian Movement 1896-1996 by Renate Howe (University of New South Wales Press)
Desolate beauty by Trudy Adams (Ark House Press)
Hebrews: A New Covenant commentary by William Dumbrell (Redeemer Baptist Press)
Losing my religion: Unbelief in Australia by Tom Frame (University of New South Wales Press)
Montgomery of Tasmania: Henry and Maud Montgomery in Australasia by Robert Withycombe (Acorn Press)
The third choice: Islam, dhimmitude and freedom by Mark Durie (Deror Books)
The trellis and the vine: The ministry mind-shift that changes everything by Colin Marshall & Tony Payne (Matthias Media)

To view archives of front page news, click here.

AnglicanTas frontpage editor: Rob Stanley