23rd October Bulletin
The Anglican Parish of Tamborine Mountain
23rd October 2022
Join us this Sunday at:
St. George’s, Tamborine Mountain St. Luke’s
10.00am Eucharist 8.00am Eucharist
4.00pm Informal all-age service
CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION
On January 1st 2023, Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) becomes legal in the state of Queensland. This week I attended a diocesan course on how best to provide pastoral care for patients and the families of those considering VAD. I attended because, whether first-hand or from some distance, all of us in a church community are likely to be affected by this in some way.
The day was really useful and informative, but there was one thing that really did not sit right with me:
There was a lot of conversation about how somebody might conscientiously object if they felt morally compelled to do so. I simply do not think that is an option if you are a Christian! This was not a conversation amongst medical professionals, nobody there was going to be asked to practically facilitate VAD - Had that been the conversation then it would have been important to establish when and how one could abstain from involvement if one felt uncomfortable. Instead, this was a course for priests and chaplains and the emphasis was on how we provide pastoral support.
We have a tendency to think the church needs to take a moral stance on every ethical issue in the 21st century. Personally, I’m not comfortable with that. There are a range of views amongst Christians and essentially if the Bible does not mention the subject, then I don’t think I really have a mandate to preach about it.
What all Christians do have a mandate to do, and in fact are commanded to do by Jesus, is to love their neighbour as themselves. Which kind of rules out conscientious objection when it comes to pastoral care, showing love to others and simply walking alongside others.
I think we need to be less worried about talking the talk, and more concerned about walking the walk alongside those who need us.
Tom
NOTICES…
Tamborine Mountain Carol Service – Friday 25th November
Last year the churches together in Tamborine Mountain put on a carol service at the conference centre, it was a great success and it’s happening again! On the afternoon/evening of Friday November 25th (Time TBC)
As well as the carol service there is a meal and we have been asked to provide cookies for everyone. We essentially need to bake 500 cookies for that Friday, so we need a few bakers! There will be a sign-up sheet at the back of church over the next couple of weeks, please volunteer if you can.
This week’s intercessions: Prepared by Peta
Almighty God, your son Jesus Christ promised that you will hear us when we ask in faith; receive our prayers.
We give thanks for the beauty and abundance of the earth. Give us and all peoples grace to live in harmony with your creation, and wisdom and generosity in our use of its bounty.
God of grace, hear our prayer.
We pray for peace and shared prosperity in our world. Help leaders of all nations put aside selfish ambition and seek to be the instruments of your will for humanity, so that all people can live free from despair, poverty and exclusion. We pray for those around us in need, especially for ..... and for those known to us whom we name aloud or in the silence of our hearts….
God of grace, hear our prayer.
We give thanks for your church; strengthen us for your work in the world. We pray for Archbishop Phillip, Bp John, Tom, and our retired clergy as they minister among us. Bless those who lead us in Bible studies and in Christian meditation, and bless the leaders of our children's ministries.
God of grace, hear our prayer.
We give thanks for the faithful departed, all those who have gone before, and who are now with you. We remember the apostles Simon and Jude and all those whose anniversary falls at this time.
God of grace, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers. Grant that what we have asked in faith, we may by your grace receive.
Year’s Mind Anniversaries this month
Phil Oldenburg, Dawn Page
Quiet Day - Saturday 26th November
The Christian Meditation Group invites all to a Quiet Day, a time for reflection, away from the everyday routines. Plus, time with eyes off screens of any kind. Time for reflection and sharing, between times of silent prayer. All are welcome.
Please contact Barbara for more info and to let her know of you plan to attend. 0497 016 178.
Lions Working Bee for St George’s Gardens–Saturday 5th November 9.00am
The Lions Mountain Mates have offered to do some gardening at St George’s to say thank you for the use of our facilities for their program. This will take place on Saturday 5th November to tidy the grounds prior to our Christmas Markets. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Peta or Sonya (in the office).
October Retiring Collection: Turning Canungra Pink
Turning Canungra Pink in October is an annual event to raise awareness and funds for all types of cancer. And I’m sure we all know someone who might inspire us to support this cause.
Offertory Income
September Year-to-date
Actual $8,750 $58,066
Budget $6,320 $56,880
Christmas Markets – Decorations
Let’s go all out with decorations for the markets. The organising committee are looking for donations of tinsel to decorate the stalls at the Christmas markets. Please place whatever of the shiny stuff you can in the box at the back of the church by the end of November or see Gisela for more info.
Vases ready for Collection
The vases used for Springtime at St George’s are available for collection in the Flower Vestry. Please collect yours this Sunday before it gets lost in deep storage.
WEEKLY EVENTS:
Little Lukies Mon 3:00pm @ St Luke’s
Meditation Tue 9.30am @ St George’s
Toddler Time Wed 9.30am @ St Georges
Bible Study Wed 11.00am@ St Luke’s
Friday Bible Study 1st/3rd Fri 10:00am
PARISH DIRECTORY
Priest-in-Charge Rev Tom Hunton 04 0177 3012
tom.hunton@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Churchwarden Delma McCrea
07 5545 1856 delma.mccrea@live.com
Churchwarden Peta Tierney
04 1325 8332 peta.tierney@hotmail.com
Parish Office
Phone: 5545 2919 Monday to Friday 9.30-2.30
Email: tamborinemountain@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Website: https://tamborinemtandcanungraanglican.com
Parish Bank Details: BSB 704-901 Account No. 00000450
This week’ readings:
Joel 2.23-32; Ps 65; 2 Timothy 4.6-8,16-18; Luke 18.9-14
…And Next Week:
Habakkuk1:1-4,2:1-4;Ps119:137-144;2Thessalonians1:1-4,11-12; Luke 19:1-10
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Wanggeriburra people of the Yugambeh Nation, the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the land on which we gather, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people worshipping with us today.