Sometimes there is just no good way of sharing news. Last Sunday Bp John announced that I am to be appointed Rector of the parish of Mt Gravatt in 2021. At the end of what was a lovely service, this kind of news can land like a tonne of bricks. I am very grateful for the generous way people have responded to Catherine and me after this news even while expressing disappointment. I was aware that there was some confusion about how the Archbishop comes to such a decision. These decisions are not easy, but the prayerful process of discernment that has resulted in this new appointment makes me comfortable that it is right.

When a parish is looking for a new priest, a nomination committee is formed. The committee is comprised of three representatives from the parish, three from the diocese and the local Bishop. This committee will generally approach a clergy person for a conversation in which all parties seek to discern if they are the right person for the role. If there is an agreement between them, they make a recommendation to the Archbishop. It is then up to the Archbishop to accept that nomination if he wishes. If he does accept the nomination, a formal offer is made to the nominee. The nominee then will either accept or refuse this offer. This process is the same that will now be undertaken to appoint a new priest to St David's.

Registering for Worship

Even with the easing of restrictions, it is as important as ever to register to attend worship. You can do this through our parish website or by contacting the office during the week. It is possible to register up to 5 pm on the day before the service. You will receive a confirmation email, but you do not need to bring the ticket on the day. If you have not registered, you may still be able to attend, but we cannot guarantee that space will be available. If you have any difficulty registering, please contact the office for assistance.

It will be particularly important to register for the following dates, including Christmas.

November 22 - 9.30 am Admission to Communion

December 24 - 6.30 pm and 9 pm (extra service in 2020)

December 25 - 8.00 am

Annual Leave

I will be taking three weeks leave from Monday, November 23. During this time The Ven Rob Sutherland, The Rev'd Gillian Moses, and The Rev'd Owen Strong will assist in leading our Wednesday and Sunday services.

"I have always liked science – particularly chemistry and biology”, said 100-year-old UQ graduate Margaret Thurgood, nee Broadbent, (Bachelor of Science ’39) when asked why she went to university at a time when relatively few females did so. Read the full article in The University of Queensland [Contact Magazine](https://stories.uq.edu.au/contact-magazine/2020/science-by-nature/index.html?utm_source=2020-contact-news-friend&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=october-enews-int&utm_term=owned&utm_content=science-by-nature).

Our Diocesan community, under the anglican focus banner, won ‘Best Social Media Campaign’ at the Australasian Religious Press Association Awards, which were announced on Friday night – congratulations to the six dedicated priests and parishioners who contributed engaging and insightful anglican focuscontent for the winning #AprilAngel campaign. Read the full article [here](Our Diocesan community, under the anglican focus banner, won ‘Best Social Media Campaign’ at the Australasian Religious Press Association Awards, which were announced on Friday night – congratulations to the six dedicated priests and parishioners who contributed engaging and insightful anglican focus content for the winning #AprilAngel campaign).