Chaplain’s Blog
If you have any questions for our Chaplain, Reverend Mark Leam, please submit them using the form below.
The purpose of this page is to provide the School with reflections from the chaplain, ministry information and connections with our Anglican partner parishes.
It is also an opportunity to ask me a question and I will answer it for you with a confidential response or where appropriate if it is general information I will post the answer here.
Reverend Mark Leam
Wednesday May 16 2012
Peace and blessings to all. The other day I was trying to catch up on some work and thought I had best see where I was up to on this blog. I was horrified to see that it was a month ago and the beginning of the term since I had placed something on it. I had so much I wanted to tell you about and realised how little I had put out there in the blogasphere.
One of the reasons has been focussing on new things at the beginning of the term and letting a number of things I try and do regularly slip. Often we are enthused by new and what can come across as more exciting or interesting projects and we let the regular, daily or what may appear more mundane activities and committments slide. Sometimes we need something to grab our attention and help us re focus on what we are called to do regardless of how we might feel about them at the time.
I remember during my time in training and formation for the priesthood how the leadership team would press home the need for a discipline of prayer that was to take precedence over almost everything else we did. As far as I was aware all of us in training maintained a strong daily prayer regime. However, we were also honest enough to acknowledge there were times when we would replace our regular time of prayer or reflection with what we believed were more pressing matters.
I remember one time struggling with a series of situations some folks were having that just didn't seem to be resolving themselves and I was becoming more and more frustrated as were they. Deciding to seek the counsel of one whose wisdom I respected I explained the situation to her. After listening to me, she sat for a few minutes in silence looked at me and said, 'And how is your prayer life at the moment?' I was clever enough to keep my thoughts that this was not about me to myself. It didn't matter, she knew what I was thinking and added that if my part in all this was to be the one who was to pray about the situations, then if I was not offering prayer perhaps I was the reason there had been no resolution. Needless to say once I resumed my more disciplined regime of daily prayer thing sorted themselves out.
There are still times when I let things get in the way of what I know I should be doing or I prioritize what I am doing trying to justify the importance of the 'other' above the apparently mundane. But now I think I have become more willing to stop and challenge myself to spend that time in prayer. After all if it is important enough to receive my attention and time, surely it is important enough to pray about and be offered up to the one through whom all things are possible?
Loving God, grant us the courage and wisdom to offer to you those things we hold to ourselves and that distract us from offering them to you in the first place. Amen.
For those who are not aware another reason I have not blogged much lately is that a couple of weeks ago I broke my hand and have also just had discovered a new fracture in my wrist. This has meant typing, emails and writing have been very slow, painful and tedious. I had just begun getting back into it but my physio severly admonished me today for stressing the injury so I will need to slow down a bit and perhaps some of the things I wish to share will have to wait a bit longer.
Thanks for your wishes and prayers and peace and blessings to all, Rev'd Mark Leam
Wednesday April 18 2012
Greetings and welcome back, staff, students and parents. It seems like an eternity since I posted something on here but I won’t go into excuses why that might be. I pray you all had a blessed and Holy Easter. As we return to the busyness of school life it is important to remember that Easter is more than just Easter Day where we might go to church, eat our eggs and spend time with family and friends. Easter is a season lasting fifty days leading up to Pentecost and the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit.
On Easter Day we celebrate the love of God seen through the resurrection of Jesus and the freedom from death and sin we gain through Jesus selfless giving of himself on the cross. Through the season of Easter many of the readings we have in church explore who Jesus is and who others understood him to be. Of course this is highlighted for us and made abundantly clear in the Gospel of John 14:6 where Jesus aid to Thomas, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’
I pray you continue to have a holy and blessed Easter Season and that you too will come to know Jesus more each day and in the words of the prayer ascribed to St Richard (of Chichester) and made popular through the song ‘Day by Day’ in the 70’s musical Godspell let us all offer the prayer that;
Day by day,
Dear Lord, of thee three things I pray:
To see thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
Follow thee more nearly,
Day by Day
Peace and blessings, Reverend Mark Leam
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Thailand Outreach Trip Leaving Friday 9 March
On Friday 10 students and three staff will depart for Thailand as part of the St Paul's and Macarthur Anglican school joint Thailand Outreach Trip. As much as students will probably gain much from the trip the philosophy behind such trips is about giving rather than receiving. Such trips can help students to develop a greater sense of appreciation of just how blessed we are as a nation and individuals. As they engage with other communities and cultures their world view often shifts from me to us.
Tuesday 28 February 2012
Vanuatu Outreach Applications Close Friday March 2
Attention senior school students and parents. Due to a variety of circumstances the closing date for application for the Vanuatu Outreach trip in June/July has been extended to Friday March 2. If students are still interested in applying they can collect an application from either Reverend Mark from the chapel or from the Wellbeing Centre. Some students were concerned that as they were not able to attend the information night they believed they could not apply. Although the information night provided much infromation about the trip attendance was not a requirement for applying. Time is running out though so if students or parents have any questions or would like more infromation contact Rev'd Mark by email or phone.
This trip is a wonderful opportunity for students to participate in a unique outreach program and engage in experiences that may change their life. V2 Vanuatu. Is this for you?
Thursday 9 February 2012
Connect to Church Sunday. 12th February 2012
When was the last time you attended your local Anglican church? Christmas, Easter? Perhaps it was for a wedding, Baptism or funeral? Maybe never?
For many who have attended church for a pastoral service or for Sunday school, sometimes the only reason they have not returned is they have not been invited. For many who attend our church schools the only reason they have not attended is because they have not been invited. In February 2012, Anglican Churches throughout the Brisbane Diocese will be participating in Connect2Church welcoming people to church to make a connection.
Connect2Church is about church members inviting their friends, family, neighbours or work colleagues to Come 2gether in their local Anglican Church. The services held on these Sunday’s are often made more accessible to those who are not as familiar with the traditions of regular church worship. The Anglican Church is known to be rich in diversity yet retaining strong connection through familiar and accessible corporate worship.
This Sunday is Connect to Church Sunday and you are invited to connect or reconnect with one of the local Anglican Churches surrounding our school. I am sure at any of these churches you will be made to feel welcome and bump into other St Paul’s families and staff as they gather with their worshipping community. Below you will find the times of some of the local parishes and services. Why not Connect2church this Sunday?
Sunday Service times for some local Anglican Churches.
Sandgate – North Point: 8:45am at St Margaret's; 58 Rainbow Street, Sandgate & 10:00am at The Church of the Holy Spirit; Denham St, Bracken Ridge
Aspley –Albany Creek: 7.00am Eucharist with hymns & 9.00am Eucharist with, children's talk & Children’s Church. Church of the Resurrection; Ridley Road, Bridgeman Downs
North Pine 7.00am Holy Communion & 9am Holy Communion with Baptism & Kids Church at St. John’s Cnr Dayboro Rd & Wyllie St, Petrie
Strathpine 7.00am Eucharist with hymns & 9.00am Eucharist with hymns and Children's Church at St Faith’s. Samsonvale Road; Strathpine.
Peace and Blessings. Reverend Mark Leam - Chaplain
Monday 23 January 2011
Welcome Back for another great school year. A special welcome to all the new students, parents and staff.
I have to confess I had all the good intentions in the world to keep adding to the blog over the summer break but of course it takes more than good intentions for things to actually become a reality. However, that said I hope to keep things ticking along in the blog and keep you informed about what is happening in chaplaincy and related areas of St Paul's as well as our local Anglican Parishes.
A great bit of news to share is to let you know the names of our Chapel Captains for 2012. Alexandra Godbold and Eloise O'Brien have been appointed Chapel Captains and Alex Reynolds the Chapel Vice Captain. I look forward to working with them this year as they add their talents and skills to chapel life at St Paul's.
Well the rain may be falling now as this first day of the 2012 school year draws to a close but it certainly hasn't dampened the spirits of our new students for school especially by all reports many of our newset and youngest St Paulians, our new Prep students. Welcome to all of them as they begin their learning journey here at St Paul's.
Again to all have a great year and peace and blessings to you from the chaplain, The Reverend Mark Leam
Wednesday 29 November 2011
As the school year draws to a close, thoughts of course turn to Christmas, holidays and time spent with family. I pray you manage to find some time to relax and refresh as well as celebrate the birth of Jesus. Yes at Christmas we celebrate God creator of all that is and will be, coming into the world as a human child and becoming the Saviour of us all. This must remain our focus for Christmas beyond all else and through all the trimmings and trappings that go with the season let us make time for giving thanks to God for coming into the world.
This link leads to times for local Anglican Church services over the Christmas period.
Peace, joy and blessings to all at Christmas and may God watch over those you love and bring us all safely back to this place in the new year. The Reverend Mark Leam
Friday 11 November 2011
Applications for Chapel Captains for 2012 are now open.
Students in Yrs 11 or 12 in 2012 are invited to apply for the position of Chapel Captain for 2012. Would you like to take on an important role at St Paul’s where you can demonstrate your leadership and faith while engaging with opportunities for personal growth? If you would like to know more or have any questions, please contact Rev’d Mark Leam for an information sheet, including, selection information, role description and expectations or download it from 'Edukate' or click on the the link. Chapel Captain Information.
Applications need to be in writing and submitted to the chaplain directly or emailed to chapel@stpauls.qld.edu.au . Applications close at 3.10pm Monday 28th November 2011.
Monday 7 November 2011
What a wonderful day last Friday was as we celebrated Foundation Day.
I must say thanks to everyone who helped make it a success. Huge thanks to the groundstaff for their efforts in getting the PEC looking fantastic and moving everything back and forth to set it up. The lead up to the start of the service had the Jnr School students sharing their chapel songs led by Mrs Adams. Thanks to the three fantastic music groups on the day and the very hard working music staff. The St Paul's Chorale sang the anthems and setting for the service which was just beautiful. Chamber strings and Senior Strings combined to provide stunning and stirring accompaniment throughout the service. Worship Band were just awesome and really drew the gathering to join in singing the worship songs. Well done to the soloists who pulled it together beautifully. Thanks to Reverend Lynda for an entertaining and meaningful address and to Reverend John for his help during communion. Students Sam, Alice and Lindy handled their roles in the sanctuary party well in front of a huge crowd.
Sometimes on such occasions I am so busy inside praying it will all work on the day I fail to engage at some levels but I must say there were moments in the service where I was truly moved. The foundations we are continuing to build on in our school and our worship are solid and one thing is for sure God was in the house.
Again thanks to all for the service and also the house lunches and activities to make a good day great. As it was my son's last Foundation Day I finally threw off my impartiality and cheered on Halse in the netball. They may not have come out on top in all the games I watched but it was a top afternoon spending time with students and staff enjoying the fun. Foundation Day, can't wait for next year now.
Happy Foundation Day to all from Reverend Mark Leam
Tuesday 25 October 2011
As we approach our Foundation Day Celebrations it seems it is the season for anniversaries. Last Sunday the Anglican Parish of Aspley-Albany Creek celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. As well as placing a time capsule in the grounds of the church to be opened in thrity years the parish made thirty cakes for the morning's festivities. Each cake was themed on the year it represented either depicting an event of the year in the life of the church or the person who made it. There was a breakfast and enough treats to cater for even the sweetest of tastes. It was a wonderful day of celebrations with members of the parish being Confirmed and admitted to the Anglican Church.
The day was a great celebration and a reminder of the wonderful wider Anglican community that our school is a part of. If you are interested in finding out more about your local Anglican parish feel free to conatct me, check out this link on our website to local parishes http://www.stpauls.qld.edu.au/page/holistic-education/parish-partnership or better still, attend a Sunday Worship service.
Monday 24 October 2011
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses, in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. Acts 1:8-9 (NRSV)
As a priest and chaplain a couple of the most frequently asked questions of me are; how do you know God exists and what proof is there for God? I am never sure at the time if the question is a genuine search for truth or an opportunity seized to try and stump the religious person but I will always answer in a way that honours the enquiry being asked in a true spirit of searching.
Jesus spoke to his disciples telling them they would be his witnesses. By this the implication is that through their witness, ministry and testimony the whole world would come to know him and his teachings. As inheritors of their faith and our call to ministry we also are called to be the same.
I think the words of Keith Robinson who wrote about this very idea sum it up so eloquently. “Still today I believe God’s people offer the most basic proof of God. A changed life is still the best testimony of the presence of God and God’s power. Divine love reflected in a Christian heart which accepts, forgives and loves the unlovable is still the best witness of the nature of God. Hope that will not die is still the best proof of eternal life. Faith which cannot be shaken even in the face of death is still the best demonstration of the absoluteness of God’s promises. We who have been granted the imponderable privilege of partaking in the divine nature are the witnesses, the demonstration, the proof of the divine presence in the world. Books and lessons and sermons and reason may have their place, but the real test is in the lives of God’s chosen people. If that proof is not clear and constant, everything else is just meaningless chatter.”
I think for us too, if we want our children to believe that Christ and his teachings are important, that Christian principles and values are foundational for a complete life then we have to live like we believe. Our lives need to be a living witness to the love, care, compassion, respect and forgiveness that Jesus says God has for all people. It should also reflect the traditions Jesus and his followers established including a regular pattern of prayer, Bible Reading, Worship and reflection. Otherwise we may as well be speaking another language that cannot be understood or not speaking at all.
Let us pray; God of grace and wisdom, you continually raise up good people who show with their lives that they follow a holy and loving God. Let our lives be as true as our faith. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we may have the courage and strength to live our lives so all we say and do may be witness to your living presence among us. We ask this through Christ our Lord .Amen.
Peace and blessings to you; Reverend Mark Leam.
Welcome back to our students and those staff who have been on leave. I pray all who managed to have a break are feeling refreshed and ready for this term. I was talking to some of my Year 12 RAVE students today about this final term of their formal schooling here at St Paul's and asked, how many pieces of assesment each had remaining. It was interesting the different looks on their faces as some looked anxious and others appeared completely none fussed at the work ahead. I expect all our year 12s will be reminded more than once of the importance in striking a balance between the excitement of this last term a need to continue working right through to the finish. It can certainly be a time where discipline may be tested and by this I mean student’s ability to make appropriate decisions on use of their time and talents to achieve the best results they can. It is a time to put good study and learning habits and practices at the forefront of your routines. Of course students are free to choose to apply themselves or not but I am sure they all know the importance of continuing the good work done so far. Blessings and prayers to all our students as they apply themselves to the term’s work ahead.
Discipline in ones study life is important and likewise it is important to be disciplined in our spiritual lives. Regular prayer, Bible reading, worship and reflection are extremely important to our spiritual journey and growth and can have a profound affect on other aspects of our life also. For instance, as we grow in knowledge of Jesus love and sacrifice for us on the cross; we can’t help but be moved to want to share that love with those around us. We will desire to be more Christ like each and every day in our thoughts, our words and our actions as we follow Jesus command to, “Love one another as I have loved you”. Sometimes it may be hard to find the space to pray or read your Bible and you might feel you would rather lie in than get up to worship, but God through the Holy Spirit gives us the strength and power to do all things. This is because God loves us and wants us to become the best person he knows we can be. All we have to do is be willing to ask for help and pray for that help.
Let us pray; Creator God, at the beginning of time you gazed upon the universe you had spoken into being. Through the darkness, your light shone and the potential of this world became a reality. Help us to grow in knowledge and wisdom this term so that we may realize the potential in all of us. Guide us as we seek love and justice for all. Walk with us as we journey ever closer to you. We ask this through Jesus, our friend and guide. AMEN
Peace and blessings to all and have a fantastic term; Reverend Mark Leam
An update on St Paul’s Vanuatu relationship.
A few people have asked me how the recent outreach trip to Vanuatu went. In response and hoping others are interested I thought I would post some bits and pieces about the trip and a few pictures from along the way over the coming weeks. I have just received some letters from one of the teachers at the school we visit so I will also pass on some recent news.
A few background details for today. The village we visit is Lorevilko and is located in the North East of the island of Espirito Santo. The village population is about 80 but it services the surrounding area taking in about 400 persons. The only permanent structures are two classrooms, a church and a small wooden house / shop where the local priest and his family live. All other accommodation is bamboo and woven palm thatching. There is no electricity running water or phones and mail is collected from the main town on Santo Luganville approx. 45 kms away.
As most of the St Paul’s community are aware the school supported a water project in the village last year supplying a series of 5000 litre tanks strategically around the village to 
supply clean water. Prior to this they would have had to travel to a waterhole in the forest collecting from the same supply as the local cattle and pigs drink from. Although it was quite wet during our visit in June lately it has been hot and very dry so the village people have been able to collect their drinking water from the school tanks and they are so glad the tanks of clean healthy water are there. However at the time of writing it had rained for three days so the tanks have filled up again. In her letter Martha Japeth the year six teacher again thanks the St Paul’s on behalf of everyone and wants to let us all know how important this is to the village. ‘THANK YOU!’
As many of you are aware the chief of the village, Chief Silas died at the time of our visit. The village is still in mourning and Martha who is not only one of the teachers but the Chief’s niece (and sister in law) tells us;
“It is now 61 days after the chief’s death. It is our cultural practice that we count the days until 100 days then all the family members will get together and bake some pudding before they will cut their hair short and the men will remove their beards and hair. We believe this is a sign of sorrow, after loosing (sic) someone from the family.”
Unfortunately this was a double blow to the close village family as one of the chiefs daughters had died while collecting water (before the tanks were fully functional) 60 days earlier. This is a reminder to us all of the fragility of life in so many places and also how important outreach and projects such as the water tanks are to such communities. Please pray for our ongoing relationship with the Vanuatu people, our outreach trips to Vanuatu and Thailand and the people of Lorevilko in this time of mourning and as they prepare to select a new chief.
Thursday 8 September
Some vacation activities.
Hi all, I just want to let you know about some activities for children during the upcoming vacation period. I wrote about junior Icthus for Middle School students a couple of weeks ago and North Pine Parish Petrie are running a holiday club. Why not check them out? It is great to see St Paul’s students stepping up with 2 past students and 2 current year twelve students taking roles as leaders at Junior Icthus.
North Pine Parish
Kids . . . You’re Invited To:
The 2011 North Pine Kids’ Holiday Club
THE PIRATES WHO DON’T DO ANYTHING
September 26th - 30th
All details: http://northpineanglican.org.au/
Junior Ichthus18-24th September
Grades 7-9
Run, jump, swim, camp, laugh, sing, share!
Ichthus is an exciting holiday experience that challenges young people to step outside their comfort zones through activities like rock climbing, canoeing and camping out. All of this takes place in a safe Christian community that encourages participants to meet the God who challenges us to step out and live a life of faith in Jesus.
Forms available from www.ministryeducation.org.au/event/junior-ichthus
For more information, please contact Tom Van Den Bos,Camp Director, Junior Ichthus
tom.vandenbos@gmail.com or phone 0406 775 794
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." (Matthew 19:14 NRSV)
This morning I was reading my Sunday Journal (volume 99) and reflecting on the upcoming Sunday’s readings. I like to re-read the passages before the gospel and the verses following to consider it in context. The following reflection is a combination of part of the reflections in the journal and my own thoughts.
We are reminded by the verse above that access to God and God’s kingdom is not something restricted to the learned and pious but all who seek him. We are all called to mirror God’s concern for children. How we treat children and respond to how they are treated by others calls us to reflect on how well we are living out that call.
This can certainly be a challenge when we encounter those cultures where children are mistreated or ignored. How do we respond to such encounters which are often just words in a newspaper or a few images in a documentary? What can we do? It seems so far away.
However, often our response can begin much closer to home. The least we can do is to allow children to approach us easily no matter how busy we may be. Just as a shepherd is concerned enough about one lost sheep to search high and low for it, so God is concerned about every human being he has created. (Matthew 18:10-14) We all come into contact with children who need Jesus at home, at school, in church and in our wider communities. We should direct them towards Christ by our example, our words and our acts of compassion.
Monday 29 August
We pray forour year 12 students as they prepare to sit the QCS tests this week. Keep them in your prayers along with all our students in this time of tests and assessments. Below is a reading and prayer that can be said by students prior to tests, exams or assesmentsand adapted for you to say for your children or students.
Jesus says: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"
Matthew 6:24-26 & 34
Lord, thank you that you are with me right nowYour love surpasses all fearI give you the anxiety I feelI surrender all my worries to youClear my mindCalm my heartStill my SpiritRelax my beingThat I may find peace in your presence And clarity in everything I write, speak and do.Amen
Friday 26 August
St Paul’s Operation Christmas Child Project Flying Again for 2011
Through the Round Square Students St Paul’s School is again collecting shoeboxes for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child project. Operation Christmas child is a unique project that brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes.
It provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple but hands-on project that has the power to transform children’s lives.
If you have participated before then you will know the joy of putting together a box of simple gifts for someone for whom this could be the first gift they have ever received. The shoeboxes are a wonderful demonstration to those who receive them that there are those who do not know them, but still want to show someone loves them. If you haven’t been a part of Operation Christmas Child before then why not start this year?
In 2010, Australia and New Zealand donated over 300,000 gift-filled shoe boxes to South East Asia and the South Pacific. As each shoe box gift is delivered, it is treasured by the child that receives it, and is a lasting reminder that he or she is precious to God.
So come on and join in the St Paul’s 2011 Operation Christmas Child Project. Shoeboxes are available from the Chapel Foyer and in each box you will find a leaflet offering suggestions on gifts and what not to include. Please don’t forget your donation of $9.00 for each shoebox to help cover costs of transport and to fund other important life saving projects undertaken by Samaritan’s Purse. Closing Date for returning filled shoeboxes to St Paul’s Chapel is Friday October 21st2011.
Wednesday 24 August
Welcome to my blog. I hope to encourage and challenge you on your spiritual journey through offering reflections on general topics and current issues. There are also plenty of ministry events going on at the moment but unfortunately many of them go unnoticed through the busyness of St Paul’s school life. I am hoping that you will come back here regularly so you can keep up to date with what is happening at St Paul’s and within the local Anglican parishes.
One of the great things that happens regularly in the diocese is ICTHUS.
What is ICTHUS? Well let me tell you a bit about it.
Junior Ichthus will run 18-24th September for children in Grades 7-9. Ichthus is an exciting holiday experience that challenges young people to step outside their comfort zones through activities like rock climbing, canoeing and camping out. All of this takes place in a safe Christian community that encourages participants to meet the God who challenges us to step out and live a life of faith in Jesus. There are some brochures in the chapel foyer or forms available from www.ministryeducation.org.au/event/junior-ichthus or for more information, please contact me either by email or through the school.
