New life to rural church communities
This report from the ABC highlights various ministries, including Anglican, in central and western NSW.
“The town of Cobar in western NSW now has a minister for the first time in two decades, after getting support from the Bush Church Aid Society.”
Photo: Diocese of Bathurst.
Southern Cross, May – June 2023 now available
The May – June 2023 issue of Southern Cross, the magazine of the Diocese of Sydney, is now available.
Copies can be picked up at local churches, and you can also download it here.
From Russell Powell:
“Southern Cross this month has all anyone needs to know about GAFCON IV, including the Archbishop writing on Why GAFCON matters, as well as
- We sing Getty hymns – now the foremost contemporary hymnwriter is visiting Sydney
- A Mother’s Day special – How my mother shaped my faith by Rachel Chin and Dave Jensen.
- An analysis of clergy stress and burnout.”
Sydney Anglicans celebrate the coronation with scones, DIY crowns, bowler hats and a sermon about tax
“At Sydney’s main Anglican cathedral on Sunday morning, the signs of celebration for the King’s coronation were everywhere.
Men mingled outside in bowler hats and Union Jack clothing, children decorated crowns with stickers in the kids’ activity packs, and ushers served scones with jam and cream after the service. …”
– Report from The Sydney Morning Herald.
May 2023 edition of the North West Network
The May 2023 edition of the North West Network is now available for you to download.
It’s a great way to be encouraged to pray for the people and churches of North West Australia.
Trekking through Tanzania
“On a trip to honour veteran CMS Missionary Helen Hoskins and to visit Sydney’s Anglican Aid projects, Archbishop Raffel is travelling through Tanzania.
Soon after the final session of GAFCON IV in nearby Rwanda, the Archbishop was on his way to a series of engagements in the Diocese of Mara. …”
– Story from Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Top Centre magazine 23.1 from the Diocese of the Northern Territory
The latest issue of Top Centre magazine (23.1) from the Diocese of the Northern Territory is available on their website.
A great reminder to continue to pray for the ministry of the gospel in the Top End and Centre.
Family, Being and Home
“Many people have expressed much care and concern for Elizabeth and myself knowing we have left many close family and friends on the other side of the country to come and live and serve in the North West. …”
– Recently-installed Bishop of North West Australia Darrell Parker writes of being ‘home’.
Michael Calder commissioned at St John’s Wishart
The Rev Michael Calder was yesterday commissioned as priest-in-charge at St John’s Wishart in the Diocese of Brisbane.
Michael had been serving as Assistant at St Bart’s Toowoomba.
Do pray for Michael and his wife Rachel and the St John’s congregation, as well as for Peter Judge-Mears and his family and others who formed Southside Anglican in Brisbane late last year. Pray that both churches might be used by the Lord to bring eternal blessing to the people of Brisbane.
Photos on the Bathurst Diocese Facebook page.
Canowindra partnership opportunity
From the Diocese of Bathurst Facebook page.
“To minister full-time, some of our ministers rely on the generosity of others.
At the moment, Jono Williams in Canowindra, would so appreciate your support. The parish can only afford 3 days a week stipend. Jono is working full time.
Click this link (not the photo), hit ‘Give’ and then find Jono from the drop down menu to give regularly (or a one-off).”
A matter for prayer – and perhaps for action.
Click the image for a larger version.
The Resurrection is Real — The Archbishop’s Easter message 2023
“Have you experienced the true meaning of Easter? … Jesus’ resurrection changes everything!”
– Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has released this 90 second Easter message.
Great to share / show in church / put on your church website.
Download the text from SydneyAnglicans.net (PDF).
Report by Russell Powell –
“Sydney Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has used his Easter message, to appeal for people to consider the true message of Easter and the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. …”
Seize the Day — Mothers Union Sydney seminar 2023
Mothers Union Sydney’s Annual Seminar for 2023 was held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Friday 24th February.
The theme was “Seize the Day – Work and Rest in the light of Eternity”.
A recording of the full livestream is now available on the Mothers Union website.
Speakers and topics on the day were:
- The God of All Our Days – Ruth Schroeter
- Days Well Spent – Paul and Cathy Grimmond
- Parenting for the Days to Come – Ruth Baker
The accompanying booklet is available at this link.
Moore College Missions 2023
Teams from Moore College are partnering with churches far and wide this week.
The College has this page with a feed of news from all the different teams.
It’d be good to pray for them, the churches where they are serving, and opportunities to share the saving gospel.
“Not Just Us – Not Just Now” – Lessons from New Zealand
“As faithful Anglicans in the Church of England consider how best to respond to the proposed Prayers of Love and Faith, there is much to learn from brothers and sisters in New Zealand. Not least because it was the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia (ACANZP) that was, according to the answer to Q177 at the February 2023 General Synod, “The example that [CofE] bishops considered in some more depth during their residential meetings.”
In a letter to his diocese, Bishop Jay Behan, of the Church of Confessing Anglicans, Aotearoa, New Zealand (CCAANZ), wrote recently …”
– Read the excerpts from Jay Behan’s letter, and his calls to prayer, at Anglican Futures.
Photo: Bishop Behan addresses the congregation at his service of consecration in Christchurch in October 2019.
Encouragement from Archbishop Kanishka Raffel
Archbishop of Sydney Kanishka Raffel has recorded this message to encourage churches as we come up to Easter.
Great to share.
March — April 2023 issue of Southern Cross now out
The March — April 2023 issue of Southern Cross magazine, produced by Anglican Media Sydney, is out now.
Copies will be available in churches.
As well, you can download a PDF version, or read online, at sydneyanglicans.net/about/southerncross.