A Fireside Chat with Bishop Rod Chiswell

The December 2021 – January 2022 issue of The Link from the Diocese of Armidale is now up on their website.

Lots of encouraging articles and fuel for prayer.

Bishop Rod Chiswell writes,

“Greetings from Armidale. I hope you’ve weathered the winter and stayed warm in your patch. Since moving to Armidale, I’ve rediscovered the joys of sitting by the fire. So, this letter from me comes as a kind of fireside chat to share some of the things that are on my heart.

During my first eight months in the job as bishop, at every opportunity in parishes around the Armidale Diocese, I have been underlining the central importance of God’s word. …”

– Read it all on page 3 of The Link, available via this page.

Also in this issue, Bernard Gabbott reflects on “shepherding a scattered mob” during COVID in Narrabri.

The Diocesan vision is to “Introduce people to Jesus and help them home to Heaven”. How wonderfully clear and encouraging!

Our trust vindicated at Christmas

“At Christmas, God proved himself worthy of our trust.

Having put the world on notice that he was going to pay us a visit, he told us where. …”

– Neil Percival, Rector of the Parish of Young, has had this Christmas message published in The Boorowa News.

Paul Sampson to be BCA’s NSW/ACT Regional Officer

Bush Church Aid Society’s National Director, Greg Harris, has this announcement:

“I’m pleased to announce that The Revd Paul Sampson has accepted the role of BCA NSW/ACT Regional Officer.

Paul and his wife Cathy have three adult children – Marsden, Anastasia and Geneva.

Born and raised in Gunnedah in country New South Wales, Paul became a Christian in his early twenties after being invited along to church in Wollongong where he heard the Gospel clearly preached. …”

– Read it all here. Photo: Paul and Cathy Sampson.

Armidale Synod meets Saturday 20 November 2021

The Synod of the Diocese of Armidale meets on Saturday in Tamworth.

You could pray for the members of the Synod, and Bishop Rod Chiswell, as they seek to proclaim the saving news of Christ in their part of NSW.

Bishop Grant Dibden on Defence Sunday

From Defence Anglicans – and a great reminder to pray.

Related:

Running a Remembrance Day service on Thursday?

Here are some resources.

Defence Sunday 7 November 2021

This Sunday is Defence Sunday, and Grant Dibden, Anglican Bishop to the Australian Defence Force, has recorded a 3’30” video message.

A copy can be downloaded from the Anglican Media Sydney Vimeo account for use in church services – and do pray for this important ministry.

Strengthening the ministry of Bathurst Cathedral

From the Diocese of Bathurst’s Facebook page (23 October 2021):

“Bishop Calder announced today the impending move of the Rev’d Steven Klouth from Kelso to the Cathedral parish to mainly work with the Rev’d Phil Howes to grow the new contemporary service. Please pray for Steven and Caitlin in this new chapter commencing end of November.”

– Yes, do pray for this strategic work.

Fuel for Prayer from the North West — November 2021

The North West Network for November 2021 is now available from the Diocese of North West Australia.

Bishop Gary Nelson writes,

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said,
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” [Acts 16:30f ESV]

As Paul and Silas preach the good news of Jesus Christ in the Greek city of Philippi, lives are changed, and a church is established. As a result, a gospel partnership [fellowship] springs into life. So, Paul writes,

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. [Philippians 1.3-6 ESV]

Now this gospel partnership between the Christians in Philippi and the apostle Paul, continues to grow. And it is a fellowship expressed in prayer, kindness, and financial support [see Phil 4.14-20].

When Paul writes to ‘the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi’ he seeks to encourage them in their gospel partnership. In 1.27 the Philippian Christians are urged to let their,

… manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…

Friends, our fellowship as a diocese is grounded in the gospel. For the gospel is at the heart of those who come to serve; it’s the motivation for financial and prayer support; and it’s the hope people long for, and find proclaimed clearly, in our churches. That’s why we are so thankful to God for all who stand firm with us, striving side by side, for a gospel shaped ministry across the North West.

Please continue to pray that we will remain steadfastly committed to the gospel, for it is ‘the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes’ [Romans 1.16].

Download your copy here.

(On page 1 we see that St. James’ Kununurra is looking for an assistant minister.)

Share the Gospel Month in Kununurra

“Kununurra Minister Daniel Faricy recently led a ‘Share the gospel month’ to give people a launchpad to invite their friends to consider the claims of Christ. …

Daniel said the idea followed a difficult year (2020) for the church after one-third of members left Kununurra due to Covid-19 and energy levels around town and in the church were low.”

– Encouragement from the Diocese of North West Australia and the parish of Kununurra.

Also, please do pray for the people of the North West and the continued search for Cleo Smith from near Carnarvon.

Melbourne Retirement ages for clergy could be abolished

“Clergy’s retirement age would be abolished under proposed changes to the legislation that governs their employment by the diocese, a review group has told synod.

Abolishing the Diocesan Stipends Committee and keeping the term of appointment for vicars to 10 years were other key points in the Clergy Legislation Review group’s proposal. …”

– Story from The Melbourne Anglican.

The Final Stone – A Response in Defence of Bishop Rod Chiswell

“Last weekend the Australian published a deeply disturbing piece about an Anglican bishop and a revolt against him from one small church in his diocese. …”

– David Robertson at The Wee Flea shares his take on last weekend’s front page story in The Weekend Australian Magazine.

Bathurst Anglican e-News — October 2021

The Diocese of Bathurst’s e-News for October 2021 is now up on their website.

There are reports from the recent Synod, as well lots of encouraging news from around the diocese.

Fuel for your prayers. (3.8MB PDF file.)

Bishop Greg Anderson’s Charge to the Synod of the Diocese of the Northern Territory

“There is so much to thank God for as we look around the ministries of our parishes.

We are blessed with capable ordained church leaders, other stipended lay ministers, and dedicated volunteers. There is consistent numerical growth in many of our churches, and growth in financial commitment of our members.

Bigger numbers are nice, but what is important is more people understanding about God’s saving work through Jesus Christ, and their understanding being reflected in their lives, individually and as community…”

– As he is about to begin his eighth year as Bishop of The Northern Territory, Greg Anderson delivered an encouraging Presidential Charge to the Thirty-Seventh Synod of the Diocese last weekend.

Do pray for the work of the gospel in the Top End.

Pictured:

Prior to the Synod, on Friday September 17, Bishop Anderson officially launched the Kriol Preya Buk at a special celebration service at Darwin’s Christ Church Anglican Cathedral.

“The Kriol Preya Buk (Prayer Book) is the result of almost ten years of hard work by a team of more than 23 Kriol-speaking translators from different communities in the Top End. It brings together in one volume a comprehensive suite of liturgy, prayers and responses, for all Kriol-speaking Christians.” More photos on the diocesan Facebook page.

Bishop Mark Calder looking for Ministers for Bathurst Diocese

In a video posted to the diocesan Facebook page, Bishop Mark Calder reveals that 17 out of 29 parishes in the Diocese of Bathurst need ministers or solutions for ministry.

It would be good to make this a matter of prayer. And perhaps the Lord might be calling you to go west. (Note the e-mail address to find out more.)

COVID Comfort from the Bishop of Bathurst

Bishop of Bathurst Mark Calder recorded this brief message of exhortation today.

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