Contents
In this edition of Frank's News:
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Frank’s News Editorial – March 2025
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Dear Readers,
I have appreciated having a long epiphany season this year. Praying for the nations and that we might reflect the light of Christ into our world seems especially important as the executive orders signed by President Trump impact so many communities across the world. Now it is time to prepare for Lent and there are three new resources that I would like to suggest in case you have not already decided on your Lenten discipline. There is the Hope25 Lenten Study, Hope25 Lenten Studies Book | Hope25 | Anglican Church of Australia especially prepared by the members of the Anglican Church across Australia for this Hope25 year. The MEC staff enjoyed reading Passions of the Soul by Rowan Williams (2024), which could form the basis of a Lenten study. In this book Williams connects the eight passions of the soul identified by the early Eastern monastic writers with the eight Beatitudes as a path to reversal of what can go wrong in our souls. Restoring the Story: The Good News of Atonement by Anne van Gend (2024) provides an opportunity to explore the meaning of the death of Jesus on the cross through different “stories”; this focus seems very appropriate for Lent.
The Rev’d Dr Anne van Gend, who completed masters studies here with the Brisbane College of Theology, will be consecrated bishop for the see of Dunedin in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia on Saturday 29th of March, 2025. Fiona Hammond will represent St Francis College and will present a gift and greetings on behalf of alumni. We have been given permission to name our prize of excellence in biblical studies by a graduating student in memory of Professor Elaine Wainwright (RSM). A Mercy Sister and New Testament scholar, Elaine Wainwright was a lecturer with the Brisbane College of Theology for many years, and has made a really significant contribution in the development of feminist and ecological hermeneutics, especially with respect to the Gospel of Matthew. Kate Gardiner is the first recipient of this new award. The Brisbane University of Divinity Graduation will be on Friday May 30 at 4 pm and you are all welcome to attend.
In early March, Brother Merric from the Taizé Community will be visiting Brisbane. Taizé is a small village in France where, in 1940, Brother Roger founded an ecumenical community of brothers during the Second World War. The brothers from Catholic and various Protestant traditions initially lived in community centred on prayer in the village church. They were surprised when in the 1960s and 70s large numbers of young people from a large variety of countries started coming to visit the brothers, so they built the much larger church of the reconciliation and wrote chants that could be sung in many different languages with beautiful harmonies. You can learn more about the community here: The Community Today - Taizé. Visiting the Taizé community in France and participating in Taizé prayer has been important in my formation as a Christian. In addition to the events listed in the flyer attached, St Francis College will host a gathering of theological students to meet Brother Merric, the first Australian-born Taizé brother on Sunday March 9 at 2 pm. If you would like to come to be a part of this conversation please register here for catering purposes
Meet Brother Merric Tickets, St Francis College - Old Bishopsbourne, Milton | TryBooking Australia.
In March there will be two fundraisers to support Anglicare Youth Homelessness Project. All the proceeds of the AYCF Trivia Night at 5 pm on Saturday March 22 at St Mark’s Clayfield will go to the Youth Homelessness Project and there will also be a High Tea with string music and fine china at Old Bishopsbourne from 2 pm – 4 pm on March 23. Please see attached flyers for further information and how to purchase tickets and support this important work.
On March 25, there will be the launch of innerVIVID and ASKaround. Find out more about this amazing new resource developed by Jonathan Sargeant and Fiona Hammond to provoke interest in developing spirituality.
This year we will have our inaugural Winter School in the week prior to synod, and the focus will be on liturgy. Please save the dates (June 25-27) and take the opportunity to help shape the programme by following this link - Liturgy Winter School Survey
Bishop Denise Ferguson will celebrate the Eucharist with the opportunity for the imposition of ash at 12:30 pm on Ash Wednesday March 5. You are welcome to join us in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.
With best wishes for your Lenten journey,
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Study Skills Workshop
Date/Time: 3 March 2025 from 3:00 PM
Join us for an informative Study Skills Workshop, designed to help you navigate the practicalities of studying at SFC. This workshop will cover essential topics such as how to effectively use the library, tips for academic writing, and more. Our goal is to ensure you get off to the best possible start in your academic journey.
Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your study skills and set yourself up for success!
Registration Link: https://www.trybooking.com/CZFBA
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innerVIVID and ASKaround Launch
Date/Time: 25 March from 5:00 PM
Location: Old Bishopsbourne, St Francis College
All are invited to attend the official launch of this innovative project. Join Jonathan and Fiona from FormEdFaith as they introduce the video series and conversation cards to the diocese. We are excited to announce that Archbishop Jeremy Greaves will officially launch the project. The decks are $25 each and are available for sale at the launch.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of something transformative! We look forward to seeing you there.
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Good Friday Tenebrae Service
Date/Time: Good Friday April, 4:30pm-7:30pm
St Francis College is hosting the Good Friday Tenebrae Service in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. This event is open to all parishes, faith traditions and backgrounds. We would love to see you there!
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Pointro Campsite is now on Hipcamp!
Hipcamp is an online booking platform similar to Airbnb but for camping. The booking system is user-friendly, and we've noticed an increase in visitors over the past month. We’ve even been made a Star Host because all have had a great time and enjoyed their stay.
To book or just check out the sites at Pointro, click on this link: Pointro Campsite on Hipcamp
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A Tribute to Bill Toolan
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Bill Toolan, the long-time caretaker of Pointro. He is survived by his six children. Our thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time.
We expect a memorial service to be held in the near future in Adelaide.
Bill's love for Pointro was evident in everything he did, and his commitment to the care and maintenance of the campground was exemplary. Those who knew him can attest to his friendly demeanour, genuine concern for others, and his quirky sense of humour.
In honour of Bill's memory, we are collecting donations to be put towards a gift or given directly to his family. If you would like to contribute, please use the following BPOINT link:
https://www.bpoint.com.au/pay/TIM/?BillerCode=1745421
and enter “IN MEMORY OF BILL” as the customer name to identify the transactions. Thank you for your support.
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Apology
In the last issue of Frank’s News an incorrect photo was used for The Right Reverend Dr Keith Rayner AO; I apologize for this error.
Reading with Spiritual Eyes Book Chat
The Reading with Spiritual Eyes book club is open to all. On 25 March we are gathering to discuss Angela O’Keeffe’s The Sitter (this is also available as an eBook from the Roscoe Library). Please note that we will be meeting from 6:00pm - 7:30pm as this will allow people to also attend the innerVIVID and ASKaround launch. Register here for the book chat.
The next book chat will be on 17 June when we'll be discussing James by Percival Everett.
Passions of the Soul: set of 10 books
The Roscoe Library has 10 print copies and 1 electronic copy of Rowan Williams’ Passions of the Soul. One parish has already borrowed this set to use as the basis for a study group during Lent. Another parish is ready to use these upon their return. Is this something that might be of interest in your parish or work setting? Please let us know!
ebooks + audiobooks @ Roscoe
Have you searched our collection of ebooks and audiobooks recently? These are part of your Roscoe Library membership. You've not yet joined? Click on register in the top right-hand corner.
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AYCF Trivia Night
When: 22 March from 5:00 PM
Location: St Mark's Anglican Church Hall
Gather your friends and family for a fun-filled evening of trivia! Register your team at https://www.aycf.org.au and join us for a night of excitement and friendly competition.
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Godly Play
Godly Play has two exciting events coming up:
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Taster Event (April 5): This event offers participants a glimpse into Godly Play with one or two stories and an introduction to the underlying principles and basics.
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Core Training Event (July 7-9): Participants will immerse themselves in an intense three-day course designed to deepen their understanding and practice of Godly Play. Led by two accredited trainers, this training covers the three genres of stories, the roles of storyteller and doorperson, the Godly Play space, materials, and much more.
For more information on either of the above events, contact Rev'd Kathrin Koning at kathrinkoning62@gmail.com or 0423 698 925.
To register from the Core Training Event - https://godlyplay.com.au/training/queensland/
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Host Your Next Event at Old Bishopsbourne
Looking for a unique and elegant venue for your corporate meetings or private functions? Old Bishopsbourne offers a historic and charming setting that is perfect for any occasion.
Why Choose Old Bishopsbourne?
- Historic charm: Immerse your guests in the rich history, beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings of Old Bishopsbourne.
- Versatile spaces: Whether it's a corporate meeting, a private party, or a special celebration, our spaces can be tailored to meet your needs.
- Modern amenities: Enjoy the perfect blend of historic ambience and modern facilities.
- Professional support: Our dedicated team is here to ensure your event runs smoothly from start to finish.
Book Your Event Today!
Contact us at (07) 3514 7400 or email enquiries@ministryeducation.org.au for more information and to schedule a tour of our facilities.
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Contact
Please use the email addresses below to contact SFC Staff:
Ruth Mathieson - Executive Director/Principal
✉️ ruth.mathieson@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Rod Mengel - Property & Finance Manager
✉️ rod.mengel@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Linda Burridge - Registrar
✉️ registrar@ministryeducation.org.au
Adam Couchman - Academic Dean
✉️ adam.couchman@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Peter Kline - Research Co-ordinator
✉️ pkline@ministryeducation.org.au
Eve James - Library Manager
✉️ ejames@ministryeducation.org.au
Jonathan Sargeant - FormEdFaith
✉️ jonathans@ministryeducation.org.au
Dale Keenan - Spiritual Direction
✉️ dkeenan@ministryeducation.org.au
Elissa Cotroneo - AYCF (Anglican Youth, Children and Families)
✉️ elissa.cotroneo@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Tim Coates - Administration/Reception
✉️ enquiries@ministryeducation.org.au
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