Dear Friends,

I hope this edition of the Diocesan News finds you well and in good spirit. I know such overused cliché of a greeting may sound rather mechanical and can mean very little if not downright cynical. But the truth is, I am not saying it lightly. It is indeed my prayer that

as we merrily journey on we continue to increase daily in favour with God and with one another. Confronted by the enormous challenges that we are facing at this point of our growth both at the Parish and the Diocesan levels, how very easy it is to get tired and for relationship to get awry. I thank God and am humbled by your consistent resolve to meet those challenges; they have strengthened our sense of belonging together as a Diocesan Family and our holy purpose.

Thankfully of late after much negotiation an agreement has been reached to invest in the Diocesan Centre and the Warehouse below it to generate income. The whole exercise would involve major renovation of the buildings, which have become not only unsightly but a potential danger to the public.

Our Property Committee is also exploring the viability of other diocesan properties with the view to maximize their commercial returns. It is hoped that with the rentals to augment the contributions from the Parishes, we would be in a position to serve God’s mission and the welfare of our Clergy and lay staff better.

Another concern that is equally uppermost in my mind is to see that the Clergy manpower of the Diocese is being strengthened. As our congregations are expanding to form new Parishes, it is urgent that there should be a corresponding increase of the Clergy and lay workers. Unfortunately the number of applicants offering to be trained in the seminary is disappointing. I am appealing to parents to help convince the best of their sons to serve in the sacred ministry. I urge also our Parishes to publish the need more frequently. If you feel a nudge that God is calling you, Bishop Aeries and Canon Michael Woods are tasked to attend to your inquiry.

At the moment our Clergy staff is being stretched to the limit. A number of Parishes are being manned single-handedly by a priest where there should be two or more assistants. Let us pray for the Lord of the harvest to send us more laborers.

Your most warmly,

The Most Revd Bolly Lapok

The Anglican Church in Sarawak and BruneiPrivate Circulation Only Second / Third Quarter 2012

DIOCESE OF KUCHING

FROM THE ARCHBISHOP’S DESK...

The Anglican Relief and Development Fund Trustees Meeting at Ridgecrest, North Carolina • June 2012

Council Of Churches Of East Asia Bishops’ Meeting

(from left to right) : Rev. Kristin yates, Rev. Nate Baxter, Archbp. Bolly, Rev. Canon Susan Skillen

ARDF International Trustees

1. Southern Archdeaconry (Zone 1)Hosted by WF of the Parish of St. Francis’ Lundu on 1st July 2012

Invited speaker: Venerable Andrew Pahah, Archdeacon of the Upper Southern Archdeaconry, sermon at the Mass.

Fellowship breakfast followed the Sunday Mass.

3. Northern Archdeaconry (Zone 3)Hosted by the WF of the Parish of St. Thomas’ Bintulu on 14th-15th July 2012.

Began with aerobics and telematch in the afternoon of 14th July, followed by an eveining of fellowship cum fundraising for the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. Venerable Solomon Cheong, Archdeacon of the Northern Archdeaconry preached at the Sunday mass which was followed by breakfast after which the ladies returned home.

2. Central Archdeaconry (Zone 2)Hosted by WF of the Parish of St. Augustine’s Betong on 7th-8th July 2012.

Began with a seminar on 7th July 2012 with Revd Alex Baker & DWF President, Mdm Mitty Chai, as speakers. In the evening there was a fellowship dinner cum Fundraising for the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. Revd. Canon James Juhari preached at the Sunday mass which was followed by breakfast after which the ladies returned home.

Diocesan Women’s Fellowship Patronal Day Celebration 2012

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...continued from page 3

[16-18] MASCM visit to STM, KK 11/5/12;

[19-21] Farewell dinner for SK St Columba Primary School Head Master, Mr Simon Cheong Chan Voon 3/8/2012;

[22-23] Farewell assembly at SK St. Columba 3/8/12;

[24] Youths Xperience Camp. 23-25/8/12;

[25-26] Visit of Ann Lamb to St. Columba Kindergarten.

[27] Ven. Solomon receiving a full set of historical stoles with Miri’s connection from Ann Lamb during Sunday worship.. Ann’s visit has

reminded us of our patron St. Columba’s passion for the Gospel to be preached in word and action to “ulu” areas of Ireland and Scotland.

May that FIRE not die out in us despite the many trials.

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Central Archdeaconry Highlights

Central Archdeaconry Celebration Dinner at Sri Aman - to celebrate Archbishop Bolly’s appointment as the 4th Archbishop of the Province SEA.

PCC Members for the term April 2012- April 2014

St. Luke’s Church Gawai Mass 2012

Bishop Philip (New Zealand) at the closing of Gawai at Entebar Undop, Sri Aman.

Blessing of the new access road at the Parish of St. Michael’s Engkilili on 28th April 2012

Central Archdeaconry Clergy Meeting cum Lenten Seminar at the Parish of St. Philip, Lubok Antu

St. Luke’s Church, Sri Aman Highlights

Mass Coffee time One for the album Relaxing

10th World Anglican Chinese Clergy Fellowship • 17-20 April 2012 at Manila Grand Opera Hotel

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Annual Clergy Retreat at Damai Beach Resort • 12th - 15th September 2012

Aim: Through fellowship and prayers among the Chinese Clergy, to promote evangelism and to develop Chinese theological thoughts.Participants from the Diocese of Kuching: Revd Patrick Chan, Revd Then Jit Seng & Revd Kho Thong Meng

Theme : Be Sober, Be Watchful (1 Peter 5:8)

Highlights from St. Thomas’s Cathedral Kuching

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Confirmation Service

Blessing of New Parish Centre - 7th July, 2012

Patronal Festival Dinner - 6th July 2012

•Combine Choir

The admission of Sub-deacons and DeaconessesThe Ordination of Richard Chang to the Diaconate on 8th July 2012

• Lunch Miri back from Seria & St. James’s, Kuala Belait

• Roban - Rh Kuchun, Jabey

• Newly Confirmed at St Philip’s, Chapel, Lempa

• St. James’s, Kuala Belait Holy Week service

• Roban - Confirmation at Jabey

• Limbang - Arrival at Terimah longhouse

• St. Margaret’s Church, Seria

• Blessing school children at Terimah

• Roban - Confirmation candidates

• Welcoming party at Lempa, Ulu Krian

• Newly confirmed at Terimah • Limbang - Parish Dinner

Assistant Bishop Pastoral Visits to Parishes•

April - September 2012

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• Packed congregation at Saratok

• Lubok Antu - Arrival at Tinting Lalang

• Lubok Antu - Tinting Lalang

• Lubok Antu - Confirmation at St Philip’s Church

• Simunjan- WF members• Simunjan - Parish Dinner • Simunjan - Clergy

and subdeacons

• St John’s Chapel, Ensika, Sebuyau

• Taee - with the Choir

• Agape Chapel, Merakai, Serian

• Abok - New Subdeacon Peter Mooney

• Bintulu - newly Confirmed

• Arrival in Ensika

• Serian - Arrival at Merakai

• Abok - Dr Anna receiving a ‘bemban’ mat

• Bintulu - Sunday Mass

• WF at Ensika, Sebuyau

• Taee - Newly Confirmed

• Bintulu - WF at work

• Fr. Tommy & family (with Mrs Gunyau & Dr. Anna)

• Newly confirmed from Timor Leste

• Abok - WF members • Abok - Blessing of new cemetery

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• Kota Samarahan - Communion Time

• Kota Samarahan - Blessing of extention to St. Francis’s Church

• Blessing of the Church Hall at Merdang Lumut

On Wednesday, 3rd October 2012, another 11 of our members in Pontianak were baptised at the Gereja Kristian Kalimantan Barat (GKKB) Jemaat Purnama which is an extension Church of Gereja Kristian Kalimantan Barat (GKKB) at Jalan Gajah Mada, Pontianak. The baptism was conducted by Revd. John Sim Kim Chai assisted by Ps. Benyamin Baye.

Baptism in Pontianak

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Cathedral Servers’ Guild - St. Thomas’s Cathedral, Kuching Servers’ Camp 2012

• Canon Woods explaining the church vestments during his session in the Lady Chapel

• Group-photo of the Participants, Committees and Speakers with the Dean on the last day of camp

• The Speakers: Canon Gregory, S/D Denis Soon and Canon Woods

• Cathedral Servers’ Guild Admission, Awards & Dedication Ceremony 2012

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On the 18th-20th of August 2012, the Cathedral Servers’ Guild organised the inter-parish Servers’ Camp 2012 at St. Thomas’s Cathedral, Kuching. They were 38 participants in total, joined by Servers from St. Paul’s Siol Kandis, St. Basil’s Batu Kawa and St. Francis’s Kota Samarahan. The theme was taken from Acts 27:23 which says “God Whose I am and whom I serve”.

We were privileged to have Rev. Canon Michael Woods, Rev. Canon Gregory Chambers and Sub-deacon Denis Soon as our speakers throughout the camp. The camp was officiated and closed by the Dean, Very Rev. Michael Buma.

Apart from the talks, workshops and outdoor games were held. On Sunday during the 5.30PM Evensong Service, the Dean conducted the admission of the new Head Server and his assistant, awarding medals & certificates, dedication of new members and re-dedication of current members.

During the camp, the participants were oriented to the Cathedral environment. In a group, we were mixed with servers’ from other parishes and each group was named according to the past Diocesan Bishops. Each day, the camp began with morning prayer as early as 6.15AM and ended with compline (night prayer) before sleep time. Participants stayed at the House of the Epiphany.

During my opening speech, I said, “Do take this once in a blue moon opportunity to learn and discover something new as well as to know deeper about our ministry while at the same time building good rapport and enhancing the spirit of togetherness as we shared our common passion together. The most valuable part of the camp will be what you experienced and learnt.”

On behalf of the Organising Committee, I would like to thank all who were involved directly or in-directly in this camp. A big thank you to the speakers, the organising committee, the supporting staff and the participants for making all of this possible. I’m honoured & privileged to meet and work with all of you. Finally, remember that all of us should always have that heart - the heart to worship and to serve, the heart of a server.

Reported by,

Mr. Christopher Chundau IgatChairman, Servers’ Camp 2012 Organising Committee

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Clergy MovesJuly 2012• Rev. John Ugil Wat from St. John’s Church, Sibu to

St. Paul’s Church, Siol Kandis

• Rev. Tommy Awi from St. Paul’s Church, Siol Kandis to St. John’s Church Taee

ADYC OFFICE BEARERS (2012-2014)

Region 1 - Region 2 -

Region 3 -

Region 4 - Region 5 - Region 6 -

Novina Sherra (St. Margaret’s Parish, Seria)

Christy Jowen Moses (Parish of Good Shepherd, Lutong)

Rudy Mion Chaku (St. Peter’s Parish, Saratok)

Fiona Peter (St. Helen’s Parish, Serian)

Tekna Apoon (St. James’ Parish, Quop)

Mark Andrew (St. Paul’s Parish, Siol Kandis)

Regional Representatives

President:

Deputy President:

Vice-President (Teenagers):

Vice-President (Young Adults):

Honorary Secretary:

Honorary Treasurer:

Benjamin Lim (St. John’s Parish, Sibu)

Phyllis Montegrai (St. Thomas’ Cathedral, Kuching)

Wisco Gen (St. Paul’s Parish, Bunuk)

Frankie Wranthye (St. Thomas’ Parish, Bintulu)

Balenty Anding (St. Helen’s Parish, Serian)

Pamela Lanie (St. Mark’s Parish, Limbang)

Diocese of Kuching new websiteTo access, please log on to: www.diocesekuching.org The Webmaster is Mr. John Chow, he can becontacted via email: johnchow@live.com.my

The old website: www.kuching.anglican.org has now been removed.

OCTOBER

Wed. 3 - Mon. 8

CCEA - Taiwan ++BL

Sat. 6 Siol Kandis Fund Raising Dinner +ASJ

Sun. 7

St. Francis’s Kota Samarahan- Admission of Sub-deacon - Mr. Mengin ak. Sayok Mr. Henry Rewani ak. Chui - St Francis’s ChurchMr. John Pian ak. Suntai - St. Peter’s Chapel, Merdang Lumut.

+AS

Fri. 12 - Sun. 14

Parish of Good Shepherd, Lutong - Confirmation +ASJ

Fri. 12Mundai Fund Raising dinner/Launching of Brick card - 7.00pm,

Siburan Community Hall ++BL

Sat. 13

1. Tadika St. Faith - 9.00a.m.2. St. Faith’s Church - Confirmation - 2.00pm3. St. Faith’s Dinner

++BL

Sun. 14 CSC, St. Thomas’s Cathedral - Confirmation ++BL

Tue. 16 CCM - BOM ++BL

Fri. 19 - Sun. 21

Installation/Investiture for Bishop Rennis Ponniah - Singapore 4.30pm

++BL/+ASJ

Thurs. 251. Courtesy call from Prison Ministry - 9.00am2. Finance Meeting - 5.30pm3. Talk at House of the Epiphany - 8.00pm

++BL

Fri. 26 St. Paul’s Church, Bunuk – Launching of Priests’ Qtrs. 7pm ++BL

Sat. 27 - Sun. 28

St. Christopher’s, Debak - Confirmation +ASJ

Sat. 27 – Sun. 28

Blessing of St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Biak Kemas/ St. Philip’s, Padawan - Confirmation

++BL

NOVEMBER

Thurs. 1St. Thomas’s Sec. School - Prize giving 8.30amSt. Mary’s Sec. School - Prize giving 8.15 am

++BL/+ASJ

Sat. 3 – Sun. 4

St. Augustine’s, Betong - Confirmation +ASJ

Sat. 3St. Thomas’s Sec. School Annual Dinner – 7.30pm

Grand Margherita hotel++BL

Sat. 3 ACS Youth Concert

Sun. 4 All Saints’/St. Margaret’s Stampin - Confirmation ++BL

Tue. 6 ACS meeting ++BL

Sat. 10 – Sun. 11

St. Matthew’s, Mundai - Confirmation / Consecration new Chapel / Cemete

++BL

Sat. 10 – Sun. 11

St. Boniface’s, Mamut - Confirmation +ASJ

Tue. 13 Diocesan Standing Committee meeting++BL/+ASJ

Wed. 14 – Tue. 22

Governors of the Anglican Centre meeting - Rome [14-18]Al Azhar Egypt [19-21]

++BL

Sat. 17 Canon Chambers’ Diamond Wedding Anniversary +ASJ

Sun. 18 Tabuan Jaya Anglican Church - Confirmation +ASJ

Fri 23 - Sun 25

St. Luke’s Church, Sri Aman ++BL

Fri. 23 - Tue. 27

St. Andrew’s, BSB - Confirmation, School Speech Day +ASJ

DECEMBER

Sat. 1 – Sun. 2

St. Barnabas, Taman Tunku, Miri ++BL

Sat. 1 – Sun. 2

St. John’s Church, Sibu +ASJ

Wed. 5 Choir from Quop Parish 8.00pm++BL+ASJ

Sat. 8 Senior Fellowship ++BL

Sat. 15 DWF Dinner – Crown Square – 7.30pm++BL+ASJ

Sat. 22 – Sun. 23

Lutong Parish ++BL

Tues. 25 Christmas Day Mass – Quop Parish ++BL

Diaries for Diocesan Bishop and Assistant Bishop