Contents
In this edition of Frank's News:
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Dear Readers of Frank’s News,
I am delighted that Juliet Briner has joined the MEC staff as AYCF (Anglican Youth Children and Family) support worker. Juliet’s role is to assist parishes with enquiries about youth, children and families’ ministries and to support those who minister in this area. Her role is part-time and she usually works Monday mornings, Tuesdays and Thursdays, please contact her if you would like her to visit your parish or provide advice about resources or programs from the office. If you have not already, please sign up for the AYCF newsletter and next one will come out in mid-July. There is another part-time role for a Mission Chaplain to Young Adults being developed and please contact me if interested in this role.
Dale Keenan has made a very important contribution to the Spiritual Direction Formation Program over the last ten years as Director, especially in developing the curriculum to have this formation program recognised by the Australian Ecumenical Council of Spiritual Direction. She retires at the end of the month, and the process of discerning a new Program Director has begun. For more information see: Job Vacancy - Program Director, Spiritual Direction Formation Program — Saint Francis College. Please note that the program continues during this transition phase and enrolments for the mid-year intake close on 7 July.
This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, when the wording of the Nicene Creed was determined, which we still use in our Eucharistic worship today. If you would like to learn more about the creed or refresh your understanding I strongly recommend enrolling or auditing Thinking Theologically 2 on Thursday evenings next semester. Remembering Nicaea is the focus of the annual ANZATS (Australian & New Zealand Association of Theological Schools) conference in early July and I am looking forward to hearing some interesting papers about the church past and present when I attend next week. In early June, we had our annual research day with the University of Divinity, with many interesting papers. One was by Professor Glen O’Brien who presented a paper on the recent schism in the United Methodist Church in which he explored how “elevating views on human sexuality to a church-dividing principle, the Gospel as a revelation of God’s reconciling work for the world, has been displaced from the centre of Methodist discourse.” The full paper is available here John Wesley’s Catholic Spirit and United Methodist Schism and provides an insight for the Anglican Communion, which is also stretched to breaking point over different understandings of human sexuality. There are current conversations about renewing the instruments of the Anglican Communion and The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals were published in December 2024 in readiness for the Anglican Consultative Council meeting in 2026.
The Liturgy Winter School began this week, and it included a Free Public Lecture on 25 June. Our Academic Dean, Dr Adam Couchman spoke on “Scattered and Gathered: How liturgy can serve the missional purposes of the Church.” The lecture was recorded and will be available on YouTube in the near future. Later in the month Adam will attend the Congress of the Societas Liturgica in Paris (July 28 to August 1).
The inaugural “Season of Holy Women” begins this month (20 July – 15 August) and more information can be found here: “Season of Holy Women” explores Women’s Faith, Experience and Leadership – Another Place to Party. The Roscoe Library has a great display of resources for this season.
The Anglican Schools Commission is hosting Dr Beth-Sarah Wright for a 6 week residency and on Tuesday 8 July there is an opportunity to hear her speak over dinner at St John’s College on the topic of Spirituality and Mental Health Through the Lens of Dignity. To get tickets click here: St John's College - Guest Lecture & Dinner — Saint Francis College
National NAIDOC week is held in July, and I am looking forward to Bishop Chris McLeod coming to Brisbane to teach the Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality Unit as an intensive from 21 to 24 July. Studying Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality — Saint Francis College. This unit can form part of a graduate certificate in divinity or there are a number of audit positions available. Please contact our registrar, Linda Burridge for more information about this or any other units of study with the University of Divinity.
I very much enjoyed participating in the winter solstice celebration with the Baroona Farm community last weekend, albeit aware that if the Brisbane City Council grants approval for the Residential Village development at St Francis College this missional urban farm project will need to move offsite. If interested in exploring what it might mean to have a Baroona Farm transplant at your parish or school, please contact the Baroona Farm Mission Chaplain, the Rev’d Samuel Dow baroonafarm@gmail.com for more information.
One of the great things about synod is gathering as the people of God in the Anglican Church Southern Queensland, and I look forward to meeting many of you there. Please visit the MEC stall on Saturday.
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We’re Heading to Synod!
St Francis College will be at the upcoming Synod from 27–29 June 2025, and we’d love to see you there!
Come visit our stand to explore everything we offer—from courses in theology and ministry to the inspiring work happening at Baroona Farm. Whether you're curious, passionate, or just want to say hello, we’re excited to connect with you.
👋 Stop by, have a chat, and discover what’s possible!
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Final Call for Semester 2 Applications!
Thinking about joining us in Semester 2? Applications are closing soon!
- 🗓️ Spiritual Direction applications close July 7
- 🗓️ All other Semester 2 applications close July 18
Whether you're pursuing theology, ministry, or spiritual formation, now is the time to take the next step.
👉 Apply today and become part of a vibrant, inclusive learning community at St Francis College.
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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 28 June. 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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New Books!
We have an impressive breadth of new books to explore this month. From these, I’d like to highlight a book of poetry, All the Honey: Poems by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer (Samara Press, 2023). Rosemerry’s poem For When People Ask was presented in the front matter of another of our other new books, Richard Rohr’s The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage.
For When People Ask by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
I want a word that means
okay and not okay,
more than that: a word that means
devastated and stunned with joy.
I want the word that says
I feel it all, all at once.
The heart is not like a songbird
singing only one note at a time,
more like a Tuvan throat singer
able to sing both a drone
and simultaneously
two or three harmonics high above it—
a sound, the Tuvans say,
that gives the impression
of wind swirling among rocks.
The heart understands swirl,
how the churning of opposite feelings
weaves through us like an insistent breeze
leads us wordlessly deeper into ourselves,
blesses us with paradox
so we might walk more openly
into this world so rife with devastation,
this world so ripe with joy.
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Liturgy Winter School Book Display
The Liturgy Winter School was designed as an opportunity for clergy, lay ministers, and liturgical assistants to meet, reflect on and engage in liturgy. It was workshop-based and exploratory in nature to allow participants to learn through interaction and practice. This link is to the resources that were on display. It shows a small selection of what the Roscoe Library has to offer in this area and serves as a gentle reminder of how we can support you in this ministry.
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Season of Holy Women
The Season of Holy Women (20 July – 15 August) is an invitation to focus on issues concerning women and the church. It is a liturgical initiative of the Society of the Sacred Advent, curated by Faltonia’s Circle and endorsed by Archbishop Jeremy Greaves for use in the Anglican Church Southern Queensland. For each woman, or group of women, the resource provides a background story, prayer of the day and suggested scripture readings. Season of Holy Women encourages reflection on the lives of biblical women, feminist theology, and issues such as women’s health and leadership in the church. This link takes you to where you can download Season of Holy Women and this link is to resources within the Roscoe Library that could be used to learn more about the women remembered in this season.
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InnerVIVID
InnerVIVID, our amazing online video program for pre-faith and post-faith people has released a new theme, with 5 spiritually-seeking episodes about just how to work out your purpose and meaning in the modern world. With featured experts like Chaplain Gillian Moses, Priest Mamuor Kunpeter, Dean Peter Katt and Child Protection Officer Elissa Cotroneo (and more), these episodes are dynamite for people wondering how spirituality can inform the journey of making sense of the world. Designed for people outside the church, you can share these videos with your friends, colleagues, neighbours, even family and loved ones without being embarrassed about churchy jargon or assumptions. All of that is avoided, so you can share with confidence!!
InnerVIVID Theme 3: Purpose!?!? Is available here, free of charge!
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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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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
Juliet Briner - Anglican Youth Children and Family
✉️ juliet.briner@anglicanchurchsq.org.au
Tim Coates - Administration/Reception
✉️ enquiries@ministryeducation.org.au
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