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 The Anglican Men’s Society (AMS) is a society of men for men, with the aims of advancing their Christian faith through the fellowship of men within the family of the church, and encouraging and supporting men to live out the Christian life in all situations. The Ekibin branch in Queensland is part of a Provincial organization, (Provincial Council) which in turn belongs to a National Body (National Council) The branch has a yearly program which includes meetings, often with a guest speaker, visits to interesting places, an annual dinner with wives and the widows of previous members, an annual “Hot Pot” night with members of Ladies Fellowship, a guest speaker, and an annual Branch Corporate Communion Service. In addition, delegates from the branch attend Provincial Council meetings and fellowship activities, and members and wives attend an annual Provincial Council Corporate Communion service and luncheon. There is also the opportunity for members to attend a yearly National Council meeting which is rotated among the States. The branch also assists in fund-raising and runs 2 Garage Sales a year with the support of other Parish members, and helps in Car Boot sales. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30 p.m. in the Parish Centre unless other activities are planned. Office Bearers are:- Chairman - Derek Dickey - Tele. 3345 1190 - Email Derek Vice-Chairman - Arthur Brown - Tele. 3273 8192 - Email Arthur Secretary - Geoff Crittall - Tele. 3848 3573 - Email Geoff Treasurer - Keith Schwarten - Tele. - 3848 3874 - Email Keith The Rector, Fr. George, is branch Chaplain. 
 (Part of the Worldwide Mothers Union) We aim to demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide through the nurture of family in its many forms. HOW DO WE DO THIS? We are involved in projects and activities to encourage and support families in everyday life. Locally --- Parenting Programmes, practical and caring support for rural families, the homeless, refugees, the sick and aged, new and not so new mums and dads, and more. Nationally and Internationally --- Training for indigenous women, and involvement in such programmes as Literacy and Development, Family Life and Parenting, Leadership, HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention. WHO ARE WE? We are part of a global movement of Christians of diverse interest, talents and resources who join together to work for a better society for all. We are part of the Mother’s Union which was formed in England by Mary Sumner in 1876 and which now operates in 81 countries around the world with a membership of over 4 million women and men. We are part of the Anglican Communion, but are not exclusively an Anglican organization. All are welcome to become involved in our fellowship and programmes. Full membership is open to all who support our Aim and Objectives and have been baptised in the Name of the Holy Trinity. CARITAS – Friendship In Action New to the area? A new or not so new parent? Single or married? Looking for friendship, enjoyment, relaxation? Needing intellectual stimulation or time to be just you? Lonely or isolated? Interested in helping others? Our friendly Caritas Group at Ekibin Parish is there for YOU. For more information please contact the Ekibin Mothers Union Australia Branch President, Margaret Wood, phone 07 3848 9443 or the Vice President, Maxine McElnea, phone 07 3848 1171.
 Pastoral Care Committee: The pastoral Care Committee is a dedicated bunch with a genuine care and concern for the sick, frail, incapacitated or bereaved members of our community. We basically make telephone calls, home, hospital or nursing home visits and send appropriate greeting cards. We rely on people in our community to inform us of those in need and work in conjunction with the other “pastoral” groups in the parish: Prayer Chain – Jane Markotsis; Helping Hands – Geoff Crittall; Home Communion – Margaret Wood; Order of St Luke – Hazel Park. If you have someone or even you need help yourself please feel free to contact our co-ordinator Jenny Newsome on 3892 2876. We do this motivated by our Christian Love for one another.
 Contact Coordinator - Jane Markotsis - 3848 6422 - 0421 990 922 - Email Jane Rector Fr George Markotsis 3848 2123 - 0409 108 554 - Email Fr George Back Up: Bernice Bignell - 3848 6305 Beryl Collingwood - 3391 6957 The Purpose of the Prayer Circle is to support the individuals and families who have requested specific prayers for both on-going and short term needs. Prayers may be for any aspect of a person’s life including petitions and thanks for spiritual, emotional or physical healing. Prayer Circle members also pray each week for those people whose names are published in St Luke’s Parish Bulletin. People Requesting Prayers: If you would like the Prayer Circle to pray on your behalf or for a relative or friend please ensure that that person or their carer has requested prayer and knows that the Prayer Circle has been advised and will be interceding on their behalf. Please respect people’s privacy and include only those things the person wishes to share. Members of the Prayer Circle: There are three circles or lists within the Prayer Circle. The practise is, for each person, to contact the next person, on his or her list who after praying through the day’s message passes it onto the following person. Should you wish to join the Prayer Circle please contact the Coordinator or Fr George. Many of the intercessors, who belong to the Prayer Circle, prefer to be contacted by email. This helps to keep the message true to the original. Now that the messages are generated via a group email it is important to follow up those members who have not received that message. If one of these people is next on your list please ensure delivery of the messages by phone message or a printed copy. Prayer Circle members are requested to advise the Coordinator when they’re going away and for how long they’ll be absent from the Parish.
 Wider Witness Committee Some years ago, a Wider Witness Committee was established in the Parish to initiate and facilitate Christian action beyond the boundaries of the Parish. Activities in 2011 have included a Sing-a-long visit to Neilson House with distribution of Easter Eggs, and currently the organisation of a book collection on behalf of Cushaid, an NGO organised by former Sudanese now living in Australia, to support the inhabitants of their former homeland. Future plans include a Bookstall in the Church on behalf of the Church Missionary Society, a collection of Christmas Cheer items for distribution to disadvantaged aboriginal families through the Revd Alex Gater and a Christmas Carol visit with distribution of Christmas cake to Neilson House. We also receive regular reports of generous fund raising for a varied group of worthy recipients through the efforts of St Luke's Theatre Society. Current members of the Committee are Barbara Johnson (chairman), Bill Hamilton, June McNicol and Jan Moody.
 St. Luke's Parish has an active music ministry. Parishioners are encouraged to share their love of music through congregational singing, participation in the church choir, instrumental solos and accompaniments; and music for weddings and funerals. Special consideration is given to music for Christmas, with an instrumental ensemble forming to accompany the carols evening. St. Aidan’s Day in September and St Luke’s Pastoral Festival in October provide further opportunity for musical contributions. A special feature at St Luke’s church is the pipe organ, which greatly augments the worship with its expressive capacity and vibrant acoustics. St Aidan’s church boasts a heritage listed pump organ and newer organ. The Sudanese service utilizes African drum (djembe), guitar and percussion. A small choir rehearses weekly, and strives to sing twice a month, at one 9am and one 7am service at St Luke’s. Music is taken from a wide repertoire, from classical to modern choruses; and is presented during communion to add reflection and meaning to the Eucharist. Other contributions have included singing at the local nursing homes, community ANZAC day services, and participation in the Community Christmas Carol Programs at the local Primary school. The choir enthusiastically welcomes new members and no previous music training is required. A continuing aim of the Parish is to encourage the children to be involved in the music ministry. It is refreshing to hear children from the Sunday School sing with the choir, or accompany a hymn during the service. This exposure and training of budding musicians will hopefully ensure a healthy musical future for our parish. With this love of music abounding, we have been fortunate over the years to have professional musicians invited to entertain us. Numerous choirs, orchestras, chamber ensembles, singers and instrumentalists have performed at St Luke’s to appreciative audiences. The pipe organ recitals are especially popular. Overall our motto has been: What we sing with our lips, may we learn in our hearts, and reflect in our lives. May it be pleasing to our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen
 The St Luke’s Ladies Fellowship meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month in the Parish Centre at 7.30pm and all the ladies of the Parish are cordially invited to join as new members and are very warmly welcomed. The group enjoys very happy fellowship and also gains much satisfaction from its fund raising activities. During the recent year these functions included the Antique and Collectables Valuation Day, the Annual Trivia Night and a New Zealand Fare Dinner, all of which made good profits for the Parish. At our normal monthly meetings we are usually entertained by interesting speakers representing a wide variety of topics. Also with much pleasure we enjoy the annual Hot Pot Night in conjunction with the Men’s Society. Altogether the Ladies Fellowship is a very happy group who gain much pleasure from the social interaction and great satisfaction from the fund raising results. Una Burns President.
 
(A “Caritas” group of Mothers Union within the Parish of St. Luke’s, Ekibin) What is Kofi Klub? We are a fellowship group within the parish. Our aim is to get to know each other better and support each other as we live our lives and raise our families. We meet approximately once per term at one of the local coffee shops for an evening of fellowship. Our group is mainly made up of mums with school age children, but anyone is welcome. We are also active in supporting other parish initiatives. True to our name we have twice run the Coffee Shop at the St Luke’s Autumn Fair. We also help at the annual Ladies Fellowship dinner and Art and Craft auction with our washing up and food serving expertise, and have regular involvement on the flower roster. If you’d like to join us for an occasional evening of coffee, cake and chatting or to help with any of our activities, please just call Chris Bromwich on 0402-058-919 or Email Keith We always love to welcome new faces!
 Parents and Pipsqueaks is an opportunity to meet with other parents of young children on a weekly basis. Each week the children enjoy such activities as reading, free play, and singing songs. We also have a craft activity each week. The children have made some wonderful things including, caterpillars, binoculars, painting pictures, exploring with play dough, the list goes on. The parents also enjoy these activities as well as a hot drink, something to eat and a great chat. Once a month the parents meet for a coffee and cake in the evening, which gives us the opportunity to talk to each other without the distraction of our beautiful children!! Also once a month we try to organize activities outside of the hall. So far we have visited the Archerfield Airport, which the kids loved. Watching the planes and helicopters. There has also been a trip to Coochiemudlo Island. Parents and Pipsqueaks meet in the Lower Hall on Thursdays between 9.30 and 11.30am. It is a great outlet for parents and children alike, a great place to meet people and for the children to learn important skills such as social interaction and sharing. If you know of anyone who might like to join us, please send them our way. Myf Williams Phone 0439 707 084 or Email Myf
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