Contents
In this edition of Frank's News:
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This month marks my third anniversary of moving to Queensland to take up the role of Principal at St Francis College. Facebook recently reminded me of my farewell from the Adelaide Clergy Conference in May 2022, just after General Synod. One of my first responsibilities was appointing a new AYCF Director. Elissa Cotroneo, who had already served as an Ichthus Camp Co-ordinator and brought valuable experience from her work in Child Protection, stepped into the role. Elissa successfully organised five Ichthus camps—coordinating leadership teams, venues, themes, and logistics—before it was determined that this ministry was no longer viable. This year, our focus has shifted to resourcing and supporting parishes in children’s and youth ministry, including the launch of a regular newsletter. While the broader role is under review, we’ve developed and advertised an interim part-time AYCF parish support position and hope to make an appointment soon.
I warmly invite you to register for the Liturgy Winter School (25–27 June) at St Francis College, this is a rich opportunity to deepen worship leadership practice across the Diocese, liturgical assistants and lay ministers are very welcome. LINK Also on liturgical resources, the Rev’d Associate Professor Matthew Anstey, who is producing a new psalter that blends faithful Hebrew translation with contemporary language and musicality, is making some new translations and music settings available as a Psalms Trial, for seven Sundays from 15 June to 27 July. There is more information about the project here: www.ansteypsalter.com, and for queries please email trial@ansteypsalter.com. Resources have also been prepared for a Season of Holy Women (20 July – 15 August) offers prayers, readings, and reflections celebrating the lives and witness of women in the church, with a focus on justice, leadership, and faith. These can be found here - Season-of-Holy-Women-expanded.pdf.
In this National Reconciliation Week, please note the Truth telling and Healing event being held on Thursday May 29, starting at 12:30 pm and see attached poster for registration details. Looking ahead, we’re also excited to welcome Bishop Chris McLeod to teach an intensive on Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality from 21–24 July, open to audit students. If interested in enrolling or auditing, please send an email to ACSQ St Francis College Registrar.
You are all warmly invited to attend the University of Divinity Graduation Ceremony will be held at St John’s Cathedral on Friday 30 May at 4 pm. The Rev’d Canon Dr Gregory Jenks is the guest speaker and will be awarded a Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa). Our first M.Div. graduate with the University of Divinity, the Rev’d Lydia Fairhall will give the valedictory student speak and the first awarding of the Elaine Wainwright prize for Biblical Studies will be acknowledged. Then on Saturday 31 May, join us at St Francis College for our Open Day (9:30 am–12:30 pm), to meet the Vice-Chancellor and hearing taster lectures for second semester. This is followed by Seekers Day (12:30–3:30 pm), a reflective space for those exploring vocation and ministry. Registration both Open Day and Seekers Day are essential (links below).
Links:
Open Day - Open Day 2025 — Saint Francis College
Seekers Day - Seeker's Day 2025 — Saint Francis College
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Empower Ministry—Support St Francis College
As we approach the end of the financial year, we invite you to make a meaningful impact through your generosity. At St Francis College, we are dedicated and focused on teaching and equipping clergy, lay people, parishes and schools to serve their communities effectively.
Ways to Contribute
To Help the Roscoe Library: Your generous donation will enhance our resource collection and support library improvement projects, ensuring Academics and students, clergy and lay people, parishes and schools have access to the best materials.
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To Help a Student: Your contribution will provide scholarships, bursaries, or prizes to candidates training for ordained ministry as deacons or priests, helping shape the future leaders of our faith community.
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To the Building Fund: Your donation will help us maintain the beautiful buildings that make up St Francis College, preserving our heritage, improving our learning facilities and providing a welcoming environment for all.
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Join us in making a difference! Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible. For a receipt, please email your name and address to enquiries@ministryeducation.org.au
Your generosity today will shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Thank you for your support!
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National Reconciliation Week Eucharist
Join us on Wednesday, 28 May at 1:00pm for a special Eucharist in honour of National Reconciliation Week - we are honoured to welcome The Rev’d Canon Bruce Boase as our guest preacher. A proud Aboriginal man of the Wakka Wakka Clan, Bruce is deeply committed to the work of reconciliation between Christian faith and ancient Aboriginal culture. He is a graduate of St Francis College and a former Co-chair of the Diocesan RAP Committee.
All are warmly invited.
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Thinking About Studying Theology?
Join us for Open Day at St Francis College!
Whether you're looking to deepen your faith, explore areas like Biblical Studies, Church History, Mission & Ministry, or Anglican Studies, or simply upskill for professional development—this is your chance to discover what SFC has to offer.
🗓 Date: 31 May
📍 Location: St Francis College, Milton
☕ Morning tea and light lunch provided
💻 Can’t make it in person? You can join in online.
Meet our passionate faculty, chat with current students, and tour our beautiful campus. You can even audit subjects if you're not ready to commit to a full course—come and explore!
For more information about this event, including the program, zoom details, registration and more see Open Day 2025 — Saint Francis College
Register now to help us cater!
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Seekers Day - Exploring a Call to Ministry?
Seekers Day follows directly after Open Day, beginning at 12:30pm on 31 May at St Francis College, Milton.
Are you curious about ministry in the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland? Seekers Day is a dedicated event for those discerning a call to ministry or wanting to explore where God might be leading them.
🗓 Date: Saturday, 31 May
🕧 Time: 12:30pm
📍 Location: St Francis College, Milton
Come along for an afternoon of conversation, reflection, and discovery. Whether you're considering ordained ministry, lay leadership, or simply want to learn more, this is a welcoming space to ask questions and explore your next steps.
Come and discover where your journey might lead.
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Discover, Reflect, Worship – Liturgy Winter School 2025
This is a key opportunity for all clergy, lay ministers, and liturgical assistants to deepen their liturgical practice. The Liturgy Winter School offers a hands-on, workshop-based experience designed to foster exploration, reflection, and growth in worship leadership.
Expect inspiring talks, rich worship—including Morning and Evening Offices, Evensong, and Eucharist—and the chance to actively participate in liturgical roles.
Come be renewed in spirit and practice.
Register now - https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1387078
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New Units in Semester 2
We’re excited to introduce three thought-provoking units that offer fresh perspectives on history, theology, and culture—designed to challenge, inspire, and equip you for deeper engagement in faith and society.
🔹 Cracking of Christendom: Explore the events that reshaped Western Christianity 500 years ago and their lasting impact on contemporary life and worship.
🔹 Reading Trauma in the Book of Jeremiah: Delve into the complex themes of pain and trauma in the book of Jeremiah with insights from Associate Professor Liz Boase.
🔹 Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality: Journey through the rich traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and their relevance to modern Australia.
Curious to learn more? Check out our detailed article here:
https://www.stfran.qld.edu.au/articles/2025/4/17/new-subjects-in-2025
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in knowledge, empathy, and spiritual depth.
These subjects are available to be audited or can form part of a degree, diploma or certificate. Flexible Study Modes are available.
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Your Chance to Win a Hamper
Sign up for Frank's News and you'll be entered into a draw to win an amazing hamper valued at $700! Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/7WbuyPZnCT
The hamper includes:
* A voucher to audit a subject of your choice at the college, valued at $400
* A weekend at Pointro campsite, valued at $150
* Wine, chocolates, and more delightful surprises!
Please note: This prize is only available to residents of Australia.
The winner will be selected during the afternoon break at the Synod on Saturday June 28. Frank's News is your ultimate source for the latest updates, events, and insights from St. Francis College. It's completely free to sign up, and you'll receive regular newsletters packed with valuable information.
We would love your help in spreading the word! Let your friends and family know about these fantastic opportunities.
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ASKaround Cards
We have ASKaround cards that can be purchased from the Administration building for $25 per pack or buy online here: https://www.formedfaith.org/askaround
Looking for a fun and engaging way to spark conversations and build deeper connections? Look no further! ASKaround Cards are here to transform your social gatherings, family dinners, and even virtual hangouts into unforgettable experiences.
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Developing Vision and Strategy: Reflections on Lessons Learned in The Church of England over the Last Five Years
by Bishop Denise Ferguson
St Francis College recently hosted a lecture presented by the Rev’d Canon Dave Male, who, until recently was the Director of Vision and Strategy for the Church of England. His team helps diocese and churches across England to equip and release people for evangelism and discipleship in the whole of their lives.
The lecture, titled Developing Vision and Strategy: Reflections on Lessons Learned in The Church of England over the Last Five Years, offered a window into the progress of the Church of England Evangelism strategy for the 2020’s.
Planning began in 2019, and the National Evangelism Strategy was launched in 2020, at the height of the Covid Pandemic. While the effects of the pandemic impacted the process, it didn’t stop the implementation of the strategy.
Guiding Principles
There were two key guiding principles to developing the strategy.
- This was to be an intentional ten-year plan, with capacity for regular review, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Prayer and discernment were essential to developing a God guided, Christ centred strategy.
The Vision
The Vision, shaped by the 5 Marks of Mission (to worship, teach, care, serve and proclaim) was to be a church that is Jesus Christ centred and shaped.
Priorities
Three priorities were identified:
- To grow a church that is younger and more diverse
- To be a church where a mixed ecology is norm. A mixed ecology that encompassed of the Anglican tradition: traditional parishes, church plants, Fresh Expressions, schools & chaplaincies traditional
- To be a church of Missionary disciples. Where all are enabled, resourced and released to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in the world.
Values
Three primary values were named. To be a church that is
- Simpler – Governance and structures
- Humbler – Don’t know all the answers
- Bolder – Witness to Jesus Christ
Key Learnings Five Years on
Six specific, measurable outcomes or goals were identified for 2030. Having shared the progress of these goals, Dave shared the key learnings to date. To be effective, the strategy:
- was to be simple; ultimately it was defined on a single A4 page.
- could not be driven by a small group, therefore wide consultation was essential
- needed to be biased to the young
- had to be owned by bishops and diocesan secretaries.
Success was dependent upon prayerful discernment, effective lay and ordained leadership, training, teamwork, a clear focus, and patience. Insights and direction for all seeking renewal and transformation.
As Archbishop Jeremy Greaves commented, The Anglican Church of Australia is not the Church of England and doesn’t have the benefit of significant financial investment from the Church Commissioners. However, there are valuable insights to be gained.
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Elissa Cotroneo has left the building, and a legacy
Thanks, Elissa, for all your work with the Anglican Youth, Children and Families ministries over the last 3 years. We wish you all the best in your new role – we will miss you!
Several of us here have participated in and or watched the ebb and flow of AYCF in the Diocese for...well...decades, and we know the particular joys and frustrations that go with the territory.
We knew you were taking on a (adverb alert) really difficult role at a uniquely tricky time with some ridiculously complicated challenges...yep, sorry about that!...but we could also see that you have several key qualities that meant you were the person for that job, that time, those complexities.
- You knew AYCF from the inside out. You are that rare combination...a cradle Anglican with a vibrant, true personal faith! You know what it is to work in Youth Ministry at the parish level, and on a diocesan level with Ichthus camps and as a founding member of ministries on the edge, like the Community of the Way.
- You know how the Church works, you understand the system, you know what a Bishop does (please spill the tea before you leave btw!!) and who does what to whom at Synod.
- You understand the complex dynamics of long time and passionate volunteers with emotional investments on many, many levels and commitment to something that may or may not be viable.
- You lived through COVID in a ministry context and understand the enormous social and practical impact on volunteer organisations, especially those with a youth focus. You felt that impact personally I’m sure at the time, and the shock waves that continue even now.
So, we knew some of that about you, then it became clear that on top of all this experience, you brought extraordinary skills in organisation, communication and people management, not to mention problem-solving. It took all of those skills AND nerves of steel to confront the complications of Diocesan AYCF over the last three years. My instinct is to skim over these complications, but I will say this:
- Another person might have been intimidated by expectations so generously offered by every girl and her dog... from Diocesan Council to volunteers, to factions, to parishes, to rose-tinted-glasses-wearing Boomers who remembered when “blaah, blaah, blaah”...
- Another person might have kept on pressing out cookie-cutter camps, wondering why an exhausted volunteer base couldn’t keep their commitments, or economically challenged families just didn’t show up anymore.
Instead, we recognise that you brought everything - your faith, your wealth of experience, your awesome skills and your humility and worked with that judgement, and misinformation and...
In the last 3 years, you’ve managed to navigate AYCF to a place where the next logical step is reflection and quiet. And the next logical step after that is the work of re-imagination and re-creation.
There is more to say. There is much more about you that we can wonder over and be grateful for, but for now, let’s just say that we could NOT have got to the point of re-creation without you. Go to your next adventure with joy, knowing that you made a difference here, and that your multi-faceted legacy is vastly positive and ...we will miss you and keep you to the promise of sharing time and coffee at Synod. Peace and joy, you remarkable human!
Fiona Hammond, on behalf of the MEC community.
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Hope 25
Hope25 seeks to empower Australian Anglican parishes and communities in an intentional season of sharing hope in Jesus from Easter to Pentecost in 2025.
More Information: Hope25 | Anglican Church of Australia | Hope - in an uncertain world
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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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Escape to Tranquility: Pointro Campsite at Boonah
You can now conveniently book your stay through Hipcamp - Hipcamp. Book Now!
Escape to the serene beauty of Pointro, a no-frills campsite nestled on the picturesque banks of Maroon Dam in Queensland. Perfect for those seeking a genuine, back-to-nature experience, Pointro offers spacious sites with breathtaking views, cosy firepits, and amenities including toilets and hot showers.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the great outdoors, where you can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, water sports, and hiking. Whether you're planning a family getaway, a weekend with friends, or a group retreat, Pointro provides the ideal setting for unforgettable memories.
Our bunkhouse, accommodating up to 36 people, is perfect for youth camps and group gatherings. For bunkhouse bookings, please email pointro@anglicanchurchsq.org.au.
Discover the charm of Pointro Campsite – your ultimate destination for a peaceful and authentic camping experience.
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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
Tim Coates - Administration/Reception
✉️ enquiries@ministryeducation.org.au
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