Welcome to the July edition of the AYCF newsletter
I hope all is well in your part of Queensland or wherever you are!

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Philippines as student representative for St Francis College attending the Anglican Seminary Deans Network - Seminar on Leadership and Management in the Age of Technology.

Sunshine Dulnuan was one of the speakers from the Philippine’s, based at St Andrews Theological Seminary in Manila. Her talk was called ‘Youth as our Future: Memory and Hope in the age of AI’. She talked about remembering as a command in Scripture not so we can recall the past as facts, rather to inform our future. For example, think of Jesus sharing communion with the disciples for the first time, ‘Do this in remembrance of me’- Jesus shows them and us a way of being community, gathering around the table, and through his life, a presence in the world that is profoundly different and gives hope.

Sunshine said that in this present era of AI the church needs to ask the question what memories make us more human to bring shape to our present communities so that we will continue to provide hope.

I was thinking about children’s and youth ministry in our diocese. I don’t know how many times I have heard stories about thriving children’s and youth ministries from the past. Recalling this fact doesn’t give me hope for the future. However, what gives me hope is remembering the scriptural account of Jesus and the children in Mark 10:13-16. Jesus rebukes the disciples for stopping the children coming forward to him, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” If we can remember the posture of Jesus from this scripture it informs our reception of children into our parishes each week and into the future! We want to be like Jesus and be ready to welcome anyone who comes through the door of our church, especially the young people. We can do this by being ready to welcome, “Hello! We are so glad you are here!’ Providing a colouring in sheet with pencils, a basket of toys, fidget toys and maybe the odd snack and see where it goes from there!

My prayer for all of us is, ‘Let the little children come tomorrow, next week or next year so that our church communities can show them Jesus, bless them and give them a future of hope in the Gospel!

Juliet Briner, AYCF.

AYCF Online Community for People Engaged in Ministry to Youth and Children

Join us for ‘Pass It On’ July 30 with guest speaker

Rev’d Micheal Stalley - Intergenerational ministry

A little about Michael…

My work in intergenerational ministry has been shaped by several deeply held convictions about worship, community and faith formation. At the heart of this work is the belief that Christian community is not simply strengthened by good relationships; rather, the quality of our relationships is itself central to the proclamation of the Gospel.

I am also convinced that God is often encountered most powerfully when people of difference (including ages), experiences and perspectives are brought into genuine relationship with one another. In those encounters, the whole community has the opportunity to be shaped, challenged and transformed.

These convictions have led to a long-standing commitment to intergenerational ministry in both local and wider church contexts. I have attended the Intergenerate Conference in the United States, served for more than five years on the Intergenerate Australia and New Zealand planning team, and contributed to the Engage All Ages podcast, which encourages churches to bring the generations closer together.

Alongside this wider involvement, I bring 26 years of professional and faithful practice across diverse ministry contexts within the Anglican Church Southern Queensland. This experience includes the practical work of parish leadership, worship planning, faith formation, community engagement and change leadership. I have both experience of successful initiatives and things that did not work.

I approach intergenerational ministry not as a program to be added to church life, but as a way of reimagining how the whole community worships, learns, serves and grows together in Christ.

2026 Season of Creation Art and photography Exhibition

Calling all young people! Queensland Churches Environmental Network (QCEN) would love to have submissions from children and young people as well as adults for the 2026 Season of Creation art and photography exhibition. Each year QCEN asks for submissions of artworks to celebrate Season of Creation. The artworks can be photos, paintings, poetry or other writing, anything creative and will be displayed on a special Season of Creation page on the QCT website and most will also be exhibited at St John’s cathedral throughout September. If you are wondering what the season of creation is - read on...

What is Season of Creation?

Season of Creation is a global movement that invites Christians to celebrate, pray and act to protect creation.

It is an opportunity for Christians throughout the world to renew their relationship with God’s creation.

When is Season of Creation?

Every year from 1st September - 4th October

Season of Creation starts on the World Day of Prayer for Creation (1st September) and ends on the feast day for St Francis of Assisi.

Each year Season of Creation takes a different theme based on a verse from the bible.

Season of Creation theme for 2026: LIVING WATER based on Ezekiel 47:1-12

The passage portrays God’s life-giving water flowing from the temple of God. The river grows deeper and deeper restoring barren land, reviving waters, and sustaining flourishing ecosystems. The vision invites human responsibility: recognising ecological damage, embracing interconnectedness, we are called to immerse ourselves in the water, and actively safeguarding and working for the renewal of creation so that environmental healing and human well-being may flourish together.

Calling for Submissions - Season of Creation - Art & Photography Display

Containers for Change – Support AYCF!

When you drop off your eligible cans, bottles, and other recyclables through Containers for Change, you can choose to have the proceeds donated to the Anglican Youth Children and Families (AYCF) ministry. It’s a simple way to support meaningful work while caring for the environment. Just use AYCF’s scheme ID (C11657749) when you return your containers!