Welcome to "Frank's News"  - a community newsletter for our St Francis College friends and supporters.

Contents

• Editorial

• Student Reflection: Walking on Country

• Congratulations to Jonathan Sargeant

• St Francis College Open Day - 23 May

• Seekers Day – 23 May

• Praying the Psalms

• Auditing a Subject at St Francis College

• Lectionary Resources for Children

• Grow Program Update

• Roscoe Library Matters

• innerVIVID and FormEdFaith

• Young Australian Christian Writer Award

• World Labyrinth Day

• Containers for Change – Support AYCF!

• Escape to Tranquility: Pointro Campsite at Boonah

Frank’s News Editorial

Dear readers,

I hope and pray that Holy Week provided an opportunity for prayer and reflection and that this Easter season be a time of renewed hope, in the midst of all that is happening in the world today.  One sign of hope for me in the last week was to attend the Young Adult Burning Questions Thursday Night at St Francis College and hear their thoughtful responses to a variety of questions they asked of each other. Please invite any young adults (18-30 year-olds) you know who might be interested in gathering with others in their age group to find out about upcoming YA social and YA spiritual events on instagram (youngadults.acsq).
The next St Francis College Open Day followed by a Seekers Information Session are on Saturday 23 May - please register for the Open Day and for the Seekers day. The enrolment period for semester 2 units of study has opened, see the timetable and contact the registrar, Linda Burridge if interested in either enrolling or audit.  The Liturgical Assistants Handbook notes that to be licensed as a Lay Preacher it is recommended that the Liturgical Assistant completes a Graduate (or Undergraduate) Certificate in Divinity.  In semester two it will be possible to enrol in an Introduction to Preaching unit as one of the four units in this Certificate.  We are delighted that the Rev’d Dr Matthew Anstey will be offering an intensive in Praying the Psalms in September, and it is possible to apply to audit (which means attend but not do any assessment) this unit as a professional development opportunity.   

On Friday 29 May, the Spiritual Direction Formation team are offering a Professional Development Day for Spiritual Directors and Pastoral Supervisors on the topic: Trauma Awareness in Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Supervision led by Jo-anne Brown. Please note that it is possible to apply now to start the Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction or the one-year Art of Contemplative Listening in Semester Two as there is a midyear intake for the Spiritual Direction Formation Programs.

This year the Brisbane University of Divinity Graduation Ceremony will be at St John’s Cathedral on Saturday 30 May; please come along to support the graduates on this special occasion and hear the Rev’d Dr Elizabeth Smith deliver the graduation address. 

We are delighted that the Rev’d Dr Elizabeth Smith will deliver the Felix Arnott Lecture on Tuesday 9 June and will be the keynote speaker at the Liturgy Winter School (the early bird registration closes on 30 April!).  In between, there are opportunities to participate in speciality workshops such as Smart Planning for Little Liturgies and Big Occasions in Schools (12th June), Preaching Masterclass (16th June) and Hymn Writing Workshop (20th June) all facilitated by Elizabeth Smith.  Upcoming Events — Saint Francis College.

29 April 2026 marks Jonathan Sargeant’s 30th anniversary of working with the Anglican Church Southern Queensland.  Included in this edition are photos from the celebration of Jonathan’s amazing contribution as a lay minister in this Diocese.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 (27 May – 3 June) is All In. This is “a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change. The theme also reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long. Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.”  (National Reconciliation Week - Reconciliation Australia). The Rev’d Loretta Tyler-Moss is deeply reflecting on this work of reconciliation and here is a link to part of the journal she has been keeping in her masters studies while completing the Yarta Wandatha: The land is speaking, the people are speaking unit which draws on the Wisdom of the elders of Adnyamathanha peoples of Ikara-Flinders Ranges and includes immersion on Yarta (Country).

May this Easter season be filled with hope, deep listening, reconciliation and peace-making.

Student Reflection: Walking on Country

In the lead‑up to National Reconciliation Week, we are pleased to share part of Loretta’s assessment from the Walking on Country unit. Her reflection from the Flinders Ranges offers a rich account of encounter, place, and theological learning.

Read Loretta’s reflection >

Congratulations to Jonathan Sargeant

Below is a selection of images from yesterday’s celebration (29 April). A tribute marking Jonathan Sargeant’s 30 years of service to the Anglican Church can be read here: Celebrating Jonathan Sargeant's 30 years serving the Church

St Francis College Open Day - 23 May

Have you ever wondered whether theological study might be part of your next chapter? St Francis College invites clergy, lay leaders, and those exploring faith, ministry, or study to its Open Day on the morning of Saturday 23 May. It is a welcoming opportunity to discover what learning and community at the College are really like.

Open Day offers the chance to meet staff and students, hear about programs in theology, ministry, liturgy, and spirituality, and experience the prayerful and collegial life that shapes the College. You’ll be able to ask practical questions about pathways into study, flexible learning options, and how people balance study with work, ministry, and family life.

This day is especially valuable for anyone discerning their next steps, whether towards ordination, lay ministry, professional development, or deeper personal formation. Even if you’re uncertain about formal study, Open Day provides a supportive space to explore possibilities, gain clarity, and listen for what God might be calling you towards.

If you know someone who might benefit from this kind of exploration, consider letting them know about Open Day—or come together.

All are warmly welcome.
Find dates and registration details at Open Day - 23 May 2026 — Saint Francis College, and consider coming along to see whether St Francis College might be part of your journey.

Seekers Day – 23 May

After the Open Day, on Saturday 23 May, St Francis College will be hosting a Seekers Day (starting at 1pm), a quiet and welcoming opportunity for those beginning to ask questions about vocation and calling. Seekers Day is designed for anyone who senses that God may be stirring something new, whether towards deeper lay ministry, ordained ministry, or simply a desire to listen more attentively.

The day offers space for prayer, conversation, reflection, and shared stories, without pressure or expectation. It is part of the Church’s wider formation and discernment pathway and is suitable for those at an early, curious stage of wondering “what might this mean?”.

If you know someone who may be sensing a call, or beginning to ask vocational questions, please let them know about Seekers Day and encourage them to consider attending.

Further details can be found here Seekers Day 2026 — Saint Francis College

If you would like to begin this journey, you are warmly invited to contact the Vocations Team: cdtw@anglicanchurchsq.org.au

Praying the Psalms

21–24 September Intensive | with two accompanying webinars

This September, St Francis College is offering Praying the Psalms, an intensive unit inviting students into deeper engagement with the Psalms as texts of prayer, theology, and worship at the heart of Jewish and Christian faith. The unit explores the literary and poetic forms of the Psalms, their theological themes, and the historical shaping of the Psalter, alongside close exegetical work with selected psalms and their use in contemporary faith and liturgical contexts.

The intensive will be led by The Rev’d Dr Matthew Anstey, biblical scholar, priest, and psalmist, widely known for his work on the Psalms and their place in worship and song. The unit is well suited to clergy, worship leaders, and anyone seeking to pray the Psalms with greater depth and confidence. Students may enrol for credit or choose to audit the subject, making it accessible to those wishing to participate without assessment.

Links:

• Subjects in Semester 2: Upcoming units — Saint Francis College

• Praying the Psalms: Praying the Psalms: Theology, Poetry, and Liturgy — Saint Francis College

Auditing a Subject at St Francis College

Not everyone who studies theology wants—or needs—to complete assessments. At St Francis College, auditing a subject provides a flexible and accessible way to participate in theological learning without the pressure of exams or written work.

Auditing allows students to attend lectures, intensives, and webinars, engage with course material, and be part of the learning community, while focusing on formation, curiosity, and enrichment rather than accreditation. It is a popular option for clergy seeking ongoing professional development, lay leaders engaged in ministry, or anyone wanting to explore theology for personal or spiritual growth.

Many auditors value the freedom to listen deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and take part in discussion at a pace that suits their life and commitments. Whether you are returning to study after time away, testing the waters before enrolling for credit, or simply wishing to learn for the joy of it, auditing can be an ideal pathway.

Most subjects at St Francis College are available to audit, including intensive and online options, making participation possible for students both local and further afield. Learning can be for formation as much as for qualification.

Considering auditing a subject? Contact the Registrar to explore your options and find out how to enrol.

SFC Spiritual Direction Program Information Evening 

On Wednesday 3 June, starting at 6:00pm, the Spiritual Direction team is offering an Information Evening.

Have you ever felt called to:

• deepen your awareness, faith, and inner life through contemplative learning and practice?

• deepen your listening to others with attentiveness, humility, and care?

• learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment, grounded in trust and respect?

The St Francis Spiritual Direction Program offers opportunities for formation through:

• a one-year Contemplative Learning Certificate

• a two-year Graduate Certificate in Spirituality

• a four-year Internal or Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction (through the University of Divinity)

Join us on Zoom to find out more about these rich and transformative pathways. (Registered participants will receive the Zoom link and joining details via email the day prior to the event.)

For further information or to express interest, please contact contact Wendy Dann or email enquiries@anglicanchurchsq.org.au.

Lectionary Resources for Children

AYCF is slowly but steadily building a collection of lectionary‑based resources for use with children for Sunday ministry. These resources are designed to support engagement with the Sunday readings in age‑appropriate and thoughtful ways.

If you are involved in ministry with children, or know someone who is looking for fresh, accessible resources, please let them know that these materials are available online: https://aycf.org.au/aycf-lectionary-resources

If you want to find out more about the work of AYCF and/or support the ministry of AYCF please do not hesitate to contact Juliet Briner, AYCF Parish Support Officer.

Grow Program Update

Last weekend, students in the Grow Program (formerly known as Formation) travelled to the Sunshine Coast for a rich and reflective experience. The group visited the historic church in Montville (St Mary's Anglican Church), taking time to appreciate its beautiful stained-glass windows, before heading to Maleny to attend a commissioning service.

The local parishes of Montville and Maleny extended generous hospitality, providing morning tea and lunch, which added to the sense of welcome and community. Alongside these meaningful moments, there was also space to relax, connect, and enjoy a little fun together.

Roscoe Library Matters

 The Roscoe Library has a book club, Reading with Spiritual Eyes, based on works of fiction.

On 16 June 2026, from 5:30pm — 7:00pm, we are gathering (in person and online) to discuss The Correspondent: A Novel by Virginia Evans. In her letters to family and friends we come to know the life of Sybil Van Antwerp: stubborn, cantankerous, opinionated, always steadfast in her belief in the power of the written word. But as the clock begins to tick for Sybil, the need for a few post-scripts to the life she’s led becomes apparent. Fixing her difficult relationship with her children. Taking a final chance at romance. Atoning for an old legal case which has come back to haunt her. And finally, reckoning with a devastating loss that she has spent the last thirty years holding close to her chest. All welcome, but please register for catering and set-up purposes.

New books!

The Love of Nature and the Nature of Love / edited by Thomas Jay Oord. The love of nature has been a neglected subject in love studies. This book seeks to help remedy that by featuring leading voices in science and spirituality. Essayists focus on the other-than-human domain of life, drawing from various sources of wisdom. Some essays are profoundly personal; others draw from scientific or religious sources. The beautiful diversity illustrates well the book’s endeavour to explore what it means to love nature and what love itself entails.

 How to Read the Gospels: An Introduction / Yung Suk Kim. This accessible introduction to the Gospels explores a close reading of each Gospel and encourages students to approach texts from their own perspectives, from postcolonialism to environmentalism to womanist and many more.

The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings / Amy-Jill Levine. Jesus provided his disciples teachings for how to follow Torah, God’s word; he told them parables to help them discern questions of ethics and of human nature; he offered them beatitudes for comfort and encouragement. But sometimes Jesus spoke words that followers then and now have found difficult. He instructs disciples to hate members of their own families, to act as if they were slaves, and to sell their belongings and give to the poor. He restricts his mission; he speaks of damnation; he calls Jews the devil’s children. Amy-Jill Levine shows how these difficult teachings would have sounded to the people who first heard them, how have they been understood over time, and how we might interpret them in the context of the Gospel of love and reconciliation.

Power and the Pulpit: Recovering a Theology of Preaching / Gerald Hiestand and Joel Lawrence, editors. “The present condition of much preaching in our time compels us to ask: What is our theology of preaching? Is our vision of the sermon rooted in the miracle of God’s word proclaimed or in the desire to entertain? Is our preaching a function of a theology of glory or a theology of the cross? Reflecting on such questions, the essays in this volume seek to chart a path forward for word-centered, God-glorifying preaching.”

@ Worship: Liturgical Practices in Digital Worlds / Teresa Berger. A host of both very old and entirely new liturgical practices have arisen in digital mediation, from the live-streaming of worship services and "pray-as-you-go" apps, to digital prayer chapels, virtual choirs and online pilgrimages. Cyberspace now even hosts communities of faith that exist entirely online. These digitally mediated liturgical practices raise challenging questions: Are worshippers in an online chapel really a community at prayer? Do avatars that receive digital bread and wine receive communion? @ Worship proposes a nuanced response to these sometimes contentious issues, rooted in familiarity with, and sustained attention to, actual online practices.

The Cross and the Olive Tree: Cultivating Palestinian Theology Amid Gaza / John S. Munayer, Samuel S. Munayer, editors. From the lived theology of grandmothers to traditions of scholarship, from ancient liturgies to contemporary resistance, eight Palestinian Christian theologians offer a crucial and vibrant perspective on liberation, reconciliation, and divine imagination. Written within the heart of suffering, the cross and the olive tree interpret each other in an unwavering hope, symbols of faith and homeland.

The Wisdom Years: A Spirituality of Aging :Reflection and Ripening, Harvest and Homecoming / Margaret Silf. This book explores the invitations that await us in these wisdom years and the joyful surprises, as our perspective changes and we glimpse more clearly the possibilities that the longer view reveals. It invites the reader to discover, and celebrate, their own wisdom years.

My Psalm, My Context / edited by Athalya Brenner-Idan and Gale A. Yee. This volume presents a unique engagement with the book of Psalms from a highly diverse range of scholars. My Psalm, My Context gathers almost 50 essays written by biblical scholars from all over the world and from different walks of life, bringing together their experiences, interests, ages, genders, locations, and groups. The Psalm chosen by each contributor may be their favourite, or one that has had a great influence on their life.

A Valiant Woman: Words of Wisdom for the Sake of Transformative Action / by Elaine Wainwright RSM ; edited by Elizabeth Dowling RSM, Anne Elvey, Veronica Lawson RSM and Robert Myles. This book is a collection of essays by Elaine Wainwright written between 1988 and 2017. They range across various subject areas in feminist theology, eco-theology and hermeneutics.

Shaping a Church of Ethical Integrity: Groundwork for a Church Rebuilt / Paul Avis. The author offers a bold and incisive critique of the current state and future trajectory of the Church of England under its national and (in some cases) diocesan leadership. While demolishing some prevailing assumptions, he reinforces the enduring values and salutary practices that are still present, especially in many parishes and their hard-working clergy and laity. Through a scholarly, yet clear and accessible analysis, Avis brings to bear some key ethical-theological concepts such as institutional authenticity, subsidiarity, solidarity, locality as the source of what makes the Church viable, sacramental communion, and an establishment that is defensible.

Love Means Love: Same-sex Relationships and the Bible / David Runcorn. Does the Bible really condemn same-sex relationships? Many Christians wrestle with this question. Here, in his compassionate, cogent book, David Runcorn outlines how someone can support same-sex relationships on the basis of the Bible, not in spite of it. The Church, in every time and place, finds itself working out the shock and surprise of God's unfolding ways - often scandalized by where holiness, goodness and the life of God are to be found. Covering sexual abstinence and celibacy, sexuality and the sacred, he leads us to one powerful conclusion: love means love.

Biblical Themes in Science Fiction / edited by Nicole L. Tilford and Kelly J. Murphy. Contributors examine the relationship between ancient and modern depictions of Adam and Eve, the tower of Babel, Noah's ark, handmaids, utopian cities, the promised land, the city of Babylon, messiahs, resurrection, and the apocalypse. Essays are supplemented by images and key science fiction sources for diving deeper into how the Bible influenced authors of not only literature but of films and video games as well.

The No-state Solution: A Jewish Manifesto / Daniel Boyarin. "Today there are two seemingly mutually exclusive notions of what "the Jews" are: either a religion or a nation/ethnicity. The widespread conception is that the Jews were formerly either a religious community in exile or a nation based on Jewish ethnicity. The latter position is commonly known as Zionism, and all articulations of a political theory of Zionism are taken to be variations of that view. In this provocative book, based on his decades of study of the history of the Jews, Daniel Boyarin lays out the problematic aspects of this binary opposition and offers the outlines of a different--and very old--answer to the question of the identity of a diaspora nation. He aims to drive a wedge between the "nation" and the "state," only very recently conjoined, and recover a robust sense of nationalism that does not involve sovereignty."

These are some of the resources that have been added over the past few weeks, but this link will take you to all the items that have been added to the Roscoe Library during 2026. Please remember that if you’re a parishioner, a member of the clergy, or you work in an Anglican school or agency, you’re invited to become a member at no cost. Do join … you’ll be so glad that you did!

innerVIVID and FormEdFaith

So, innerVIVID is a passion project for us at FormEdFaith – we love it when people talk about their potential as humans, including the idea that spirituality is key to life itself.

In case you’re new here, innerVIVID is a cool video project designed to lead people through conversations that connect them to their own spirituality. We asked a team of people to answer a bunch of questions about human stuff…and they gave the most intriguing answers. Luckily, we had the cameras rolling, so you can see them thinking about life, the universe and being human. Working through themes 1 – 8 can be a way to reveal or awaken your own spiritual life.

Theme one asks the question, so “I’m a spiritual person?” and this is a great place to start if you have never really thought of yourself as a spiritual person before.

The other themes include questions about “Beginnings?”, “Purpose?”, “Tomorrow?”, “Endings” right up to the nuts and bolts of “So, what now?” where we look at tools for building and growing our very own spirituality.

Find them here and take a look for yourself. the actual videos | Discover Authentic Video Content — innerVIVID

Some people like to scroll through the videos and choose one that appeals. They often use journals to record ideas and challenges.

Others like to watch from Theme One, Episode One and work through to the end! Groups can provide company and chatting along the way.

They are designed for anyone to dip into…no experience of Church or religion is needed to find yourself thinking about being a spiritual person.

The ASKaround cards are a ‘play at home’ version of innerVIVID…with 80 different questions for families, friends and thinking time alone. Take a look here: ASKaround Conversation Cards.

Let us know how you use them. We’d love to know!

Young Australian Christian Writer Award

Do you know a young writer who has something to say?

A $2500 prize is given annually for the best unpublished manuscript by an Australian citizen under 30 years of age. Supplementary awards may be given. The winning work will explore a Christian perspective or theme and incorporate, explain or encourage Christian life and values. The deadline for entries is 31 May.

Visit Young Australian Christian Writer Award – SparkLit for more information.

World Labyrinth Day

On 2 May 2026 at 1pm, join with thousands across the globe to walk the labyrinth at 1pm local time to create a rolling wave of peace across the earth. This is a FREE event and everyone is welcome. Contact office@kenbrookang.org.au for any questions.

Location: The Old Friary, 139 Brookfield Road, Kenmore Hills

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!

Escape to Tranquility:

Pointro Campsite at Boonah

Just 90 minutes from Brisbane, Pointro Campsite offers a back to basics camping experience on the banks of Maroon Dam in Queensland. Enjoy spacious sites, firepits, hot showers, and clean toilets — great for fishing, hiking, water sports and much more.

Ideal for families, friends, and group retreats. Our bunkhouse sleeps up to 36 and is great for youth camps.

Book now on Hipcamp or email pointro@anglicanchurchsq.org.au for bunkhouse bookings.