Contents
In this edition of Frank's News:
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Letter from the Principal
Dear Readers,
I would like to begin by inviting you to our celebration of St Francis Day on Friday 4 October. This will begin with a celebration of the Eucharist in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at 2 pm at which Bishop Cam Venables will be the celebrant and preacher, followed by refreshments on the lawns of Old Bishopsbourne. It will be a good opportunity for past and present students and staff to gather. Please RSVP for catering purposes - St Francis Day Tickets, St Francis College, Milton | TryBooking Australia.
When you next visit or ring St Francis College you are likely to meet Tim Coates our new Administration Assistant based in the reception area. It is great to have someone in this role again, as it is some months since Linda Burridge took up the responsibilities of Registrar.
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Linda has prepared the academic calendar for 2025, and the timetable for semester one next year is also now available. There are some new units that alumni may be interested in auditing. In addition to our current courses, including a full-length Bachelor of Theology or Master of Divinity which meet ordination requirements, and shorter courses such as the Diploma of Theology or Graduate Certificate in Divinity, we will now have approval to offer the Graduate Diploma in Pastoral and Spiritual Care. This is a great course for anyone interested in working in pastoral care or lay chaplaincy. If anyone is interested in doing research, especially PhD or Doctor of Professional Practice, please meet with Associate Professor Peter Kline our Research Coordinator. Applications for the Ivor Church Bursary for postgraduate higher degree research awards will open soon.
In October last year the Anglican Theology and Practice Certificate (ATP) was launched, and several people have now completed this course and will receive their certificates in the parishes and communities where they are based.
The Spiritual Direction Formation Intensive is next week, and on 2 October three students will graduate with a St Francis College Certificate in Spiritual Direction having completed the rigorous and reflective four-year process. For more information about this program see Spiritual Direction Formation Program — Saint Francis College (stfran.qld.edu.au).
The end of the Academic Year celebration on Sunday 17 November, will begin with a Eucharist at 2:30 pm. Bishop John Roundhill will be the celebrant and preacher and formally commission Dr Adam Couchman as Academic Dean and Linda Burridge as Registrar. Please save the date for this celebration.
There are a couple of conferences being held in Brisbane that may be of interest to some of you:
In closing, if you have not already looked at the Season of Creation resources developed by Queensland Churches Together, I highly recommend downloading the app - New Season of Creation App Available Now (qct.org.au)
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St Francis Day - 4 October 2024 starting at 2 pm
Join us in celebrating over a century of theological education, from 1897 to 2024, at our St Francis Day Celebration on Friday, 4 October 2024. The event will begin with a Eucharist at 2 pm, followed by refreshments on the Old Bishopsbourne lawn. We warmly invite alumni, current students, and staff to attend. Please RSVP by Friday, 27 September 2024.
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Anglican Theology and Practice Certificate
2024 is a great year for questions! St Francis College’s newest offering for lay people – the Anglican Theology and Practice Certificate – provides a structured journey through the SFC Short Course material. This challenge involves committing to four of the courses, watching each session and reflecting in a way that suits YOU, then meeting with a Conversation Partner to discuss your ideas about the material.
Congratulations to the interesting and energetic people who gave this a go in 2024. There are 20 people almost ready to receive their certificates, and more people are enrolling each day.
We’ve heard news of creative conversation pieces, deep and meaningful connections, intellectual enquiry and really creative conversation starters.
It is a joy to know that each person brings their unique gifts, perspective and passion to this Certificate. Keep an eye on the website to see examples of their work!
Check out Fiona’s creative response (below) to the Exploring the Bible Short Course: she got a bit carried away!
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Units on Offer to Study in 2025
An exciting and diverse range of new look units are on offer for you to study at SFC in Semester 1 2025!
All units are available to be audited or can form part of a degree, diploma or certificate through the University of Divinity. Flexible Study Modes are available.
Here are the units we've got on the way:
Biblical Studies
Church History
Mission & Ministry
Systematic Theology
Enrolments open on Friday 1 November; however, it is not too early to arrange a pre-admission interview and begin the enrolment process. For more information, please contact our Registrar, Linda Burridge on (07) 3514 7403 or registrar@ministryeducation.org.au
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Roscoe Library new items … September
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Use this link to take you to items added to the Roscoe Library during September. Click on the title to reveal more information. Move to the next 20 items by using the arrow in the centre top. Sort results by publication date or title etc. Note that some of these items are electronic resources; remember to log in to borrow these.
Just a reminder: any member of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland (ACSQ), whether that be as a parishioner or employed in some capacity, may become a member of the Roscoe Library at St Francis College. Click on register in the top right-hand corner.
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Significant discounts on Feasting on the Word Series (Accordance Bible Software)
Many who preach appreciate the Feasting on the Word commentaries, with theological, pastoral, exegetical, and homiletical perspectives on each of the lectionary readings; the Roscoe Library has held a print copy for many years. For those with their own Accordance Bible Software, you may wish to take advantage of significant discounts that are available until 30 September. This includes Feasting on the Word Commentaries, Feasting on the Gospels, Worship Companions and more! All the details can be found on this site.
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Reading With Spiritual Eyes Book Club
The Roscoe Library has a book club, Reading with Spiritual Eyes, based on works of fiction. All are welcome, but please register for set-up purposes or to receive the zoom link. Our Term 4 book chat is on 12 November from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm and we’ll be discussing Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens by Shankari Chandran. The Roscoe Library has two copies, and it is also held at public libraries (if you place a hold, you will get to read it in time).
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About Geoffrey Thomas Roscoe
Mr Geoffrey Thomas Roscoe was a remarkable person and we are delighted that the library at St Francis College (SFC) is named in his honour. Over the years we have learned much about him. We are conscious, however, that the timeline for collecting information about Mr Roscoe from those who knew him, particularly during the time that he served at SFC (1975-1985), is finite. The purpose of this form is to capture those stories that we've not yet heard. We are asking you to contribute your favourite anecdotes, memories or photos of Mr Roscoe.
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The final format for sharing the gathered information is not yet decided. We do commit, however, to seeking permission from Mr Roscoe's close relatives prior to publishing anything. This form will remain open until 4 October 2024; please share it with others who may be able to contribute. In 2025 it will be 50 years since Mr Roscoe started at SFC, so this seems like a good date to publish our tribute!
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Escape to Tranquility: Pointro Campsite at Maroon
Need a break from the daily grind of city life? Try out our Diocese’s Pointro Campsite at Maroon.
Pointro Campsite offers affordable accommodation, spectacular views, lots of water activity options, hot showers, a friendly onsite manager and a tranquil place to relax.
- There is a roomy bunkhouse, which has been fitted with a new gas stove and has free satellite TV, a huge kitchen, plenty of hot water, a games room and more.
- There are also eight well-spaced-out campsites with stunning outlooks.
- You can enjoy the open-air chapel where you can see the water from different directions from the pews. It is a peaceful spot to sit and contemplate, to pray or to worship with others.
- Experience the beautiful waterhole, complete with waterfall, which is large enough for swimming.
Because of the peacefulness, the campsite is the perfect place for parishes and ministries to enjoy fellowship time or go on retreat or pilgrimage.
Want to know more? Read the anglican focus article 'How's the serenity?'
For bunkhouse bookings, please email pointro@anglicanchurchsq.org.au.
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Old Bishopsbourne
Are you planning a corporate or private function such as a family reunion, workshop, wedding or community event in 2024/2025? Have you considered using the gracious Old Bishopsbourne? This heritage-listed building is equipped with WiFi and lecture facilities, has a fully functional kitchen and is surrounded by beautiful spacious grounds. It has flexible seating for 60; and features a number of breakout configurations. For more information, please contact Rod.
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Contact
Please use the email addresses below to contact SFC Staff:
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