Twenty-three years closer to Eternity

Sydney celebrated the beginning of 2000 by displaying on the Harbour Bridge the word Eternity in the iconic copperplate handwriting of Arthur Stace.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, and in many ways the world has changed. But the basic and urgent need of men and women is the same – to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and be saved.

In 2023, be encouraged to continue to trust Christ, and to live in the light of eternity. Romans 13:11.

The Anglican Network in Europe’s Bishop Andy Lines ordains Klaus Hickel

“The German-language congregation of the Leipzig English Church (LEC) has withdrawn from the Diocese in Europe and affiliated with the Anglican Network in Europe.

On 14 December 2022 the Rt. Rev. Andy Lines ordained to the priesthood the Rev. Klaus Hickel to lead the ANiE ministry – the first Diocese in Europe congregation to quit the Church of England for the ANiE. …

In 2012 Klaus and Judith Hinkel came to Leipzig from Australia to develop the German-language ministry at LEC.”

– Story and photo from George Conger at Anglican.ink.

Bathurst News: Archdeacon Jono Williams to Canowindra

From the Diocese of Bathurst Facebook page:

“Bishop Calder announced today with thankfulness to God, that Archdeacon Jono Williams has accepted his invitation to be the next minister of the cooperating Anglican Uniting parish of Canowindra.

Please pray for Jono and Cudgegong Valley parish in a time of transition.”

Hugh Latimer: Gospel Ploughman

For preaching of the gospel is one of God’s plough-works,
and the preacher is one of God’s ploughmen

“So proclaimed Hugh Latimer (c. 1485-1555) on a rainy eighteenth day of January during the winter of 1548. This sermon – the famous ‘Sermon on the Ploughers’ – was preached at Paul’s Cross in London, where renowned preachers drew huge crowds and prophetically proclaimed the word of God to the hearts of the hearers. Latimer had Romans 15:4 as his scriptural text, and having preached in the previous weeks on the subject of the seed which is sown in God’s field, he turned to the subject of the sower of the seed, the humble ploughman. …”

– The Australian Church Record has published a most informative and encouraging short biography of Hugh Latimer – written by Dr Mark Earngey.

Yarning the Bible in the bush

“There was no sandstone, either of cathedral or parish church, but ghost gums and a rainbow looking over the twilight ordination service for the Reverend Michael Duckett.

The unique service took place at the Indigenous Ministry centre at Wedderburn in South West Sydney, home of the Macarthur Indigenous Church. …”

– A really encouraging report from Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net.

(See the report for a lovely photo of a heavenly reminder of God’s promises.)

Another Bathurst ordination on Saturday 3rd December

Bishop Mark Calder, James Daymond, Jonny Lush, Steven Klouth, Tim Smith, Rev. Greg Harris (BCA)

Give thanks to the Lord for the good things happening in the Diocese of Bathurst, and please pray that the churches will be strengthened and encouraged.

From the diocesan Facebook page –

“Our candidates for Saturday’s ordination are on retreat with Bishop Mark and the Rev’d Greg Harris from BCA. Please pray for their preparation.”

and

“God willing Bishop Calder will, on 03 Dec at 11am, make Jonny Lush and Tim Smith deacons, and ordain James Daymond and Steven Klouth as priests.”

The service will be streamed liveon YouTube from shortly before 11:00amAEDT.

Remembering Bishop John Rodgers

“The Rt. Rev. Dr. John H. Rodgers, Jr., much beloved and respected Anglican theologian, seminary dean, bishop, father and grandfather died at UPMC Passavant Hospital, Pittsburgh on November 23, 2022 from natural causes. He was 92 years old. …”

– Dr. Stephen Noll gives thanks for Bishop John Rodgers – one the founders of the Anglican Mission in America.

Interview – Bible Reading with the Colgans

“Family devotions have been constantly evolving over the years as our family has grown. When our son was born we began by reading him a children’s Bible when he went to bed at night. When all the children were younger we found bedtime was a good time to read the Bible together and it was a good routine and developed a habit or discipline of reading the Bible and praying together. …”

– The Australian Church Record asks Victoria and Phil Colgan about family Bible reading in their household.

New Dean of Women for Moore College

“Last Thursday, at its final meeting for the year, the Moore College Governing Board approved the Principal’s nomination of the Reverend Susan An to become a member of the College faculty, serving as its Dean of Women. …”

– News from Moore College.

Remembering Chappo with affection and thanksgiving

Ten years ago today, on 16 November 2012, John Chapman (‘Chappo’) was called home.

Not many are blessed with the gifts of evangelism and preaching that Chappo had – but all Christians are blessed to have the same saving message to share.

Here are a few reminders of Chappo, and we pray that they will serve to draw our hearts to Jesus:

Phillip Jensen interview with John Chapman – Part 1 and Part 2.

John Chapman: Encouragement for Evangelism – 7 minute cassette tape to encourage Christian students at Sydney University to believe and act on the gospel, prior to the SUEU Mission in June 1977. Right-click the link above to download, or listen below.

 

Phillip Jensen on Chappo, March 2013. – The Briefing, Matthias Media.

The preaching of John Chapman – Simon Manchester, The Briefing.

John Chapman – a personal reflection from Mark Thompson.

John Charles Chapman (Chappo) – by David Cook.

Chappo’s contribution to the Anglican Diocese of Armidale – Tim Stevens.

Dick Lucas gives thanks for Chappo.

1980 Photo: AFES.

‘The day I almost resigned’ – Dominic Steele

In the latest edition of the Pastor’s Heart, host Dominic Steele shares something of his own journey –

“Ten things that went wrong for Dominic Steele, the mistakes he made, and the day he almost resigned.

Dominic Steele has just notched up twenty years as senior pastor of Village Church in Annandale, Sydney.

But it hasn’t always been plain sailing.

In this address at Craig Hamilton’s HUSTLE leadership conference on 2 Timothy 2, Dominic shares about the things that went wrong and the mistakes he made.”

– Watch or listen at The Pastor’s Heart.

Remembering Arthur Stace 90 years after he began to chalk Eternity

Ninety years ago today, on 14th November 1932, Arthur Stace (“Mr. Eternity”) heard evangelist John Ridley and felt the call to write Eternity on the streets of Sydney.

(Related posts here.)

New Resident Minister for Cobar after 20+ years

Bishop of Bathurst, Mark Calder, writes,

“Dear Brothers and sisters,

It is well over 20 years since there was a resident Anglican minister in Cobar.

So it is with great thankfulness to God that I announce today that the Rev’d James Daymond will take up this role sometime early in the new year.

Together with Brittany, James has been open to the call of God on his life for a new chapter in ministry. It is important to note that he will continue to do the work of an evangelist as James sees that as his primary calling. However, serving as Priest-in-Charge of Cobar, will only open up immense opportunities in the community at large for James to make connections, build trust and friendship and share Jesus for life.

This appointment would not be possible without the generous support of the Bush Church Aid Society. James and Brittany are delighted to be able to continue as BCA field staff members and will enjoy not only the generous funding of BCA, but also the wonderful prayer support which being part of the BCA family means.

I have great confidence that James and Brittany will be a great blessing to the seven current members of the church and to the community at large.

James commented on his appointment: “We thank the Anglican Parish of Cobar welcoming us both to serve them and to serve with them! We look forward to reaching out to the spiritually lost, sharing Jesus for life, and caring for Cod’s people.”

Please join me in giving thanks to God for James and Brittany’s willingness to serve in Cobar and for making the many sacrifices this will involve. And give thanks for BCA’s willingness to partner with us in placing a resident minister in Cobar – one of the first towns in which BCA ever placed a minister!

We pray also for those who in Mudgee who will feel the loss of James’ move. May they know God’s comfort and be given grace to trust in His plans, both for the future of the evangelism program and for Arvo church.”

Bishop Calder also writes,

“Currently a Deacon, God willing, James will be ordained Priest on 03 Dec at 11am, All Saints Cathedral, Bathurst.”

Funeral date for Narelle Jarrett announced

We’ve been informed that the funeral service for Narelle Jarrett, who was called home last week, will be at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Friday 25th November at 11:00am.

It will be followed by a light morning tea for those who wish to stay.

With thanksgiving for Narelle Jarrett

We are saddened to hear Archdeacon Narelle Jarrett has been called home, but we rejoice that she is now with Christ.

In 2002, announcing her appointment as Archdeacon for Women’s Ministry, then Archbishop Dr. Peter Jensen said, “Narelle is extremely well qualified for this important position, having ministered faithfully over many years, in particular as Principal of Mary Andrews College since 1985 …”.

She continued as Principal of MAC until 2007 and was Archdeacon for Women until her retirement in 2012. In this latter role, she worked hard to enhance the opportunities for women’s ministry in Sydney, and invited colleagues Jane Tooher, Sarie King, Lesley Ramsay, Jackie Stoneman and Christine Jensen to work with her.

In more recent years, Narelle has served the church at South Coogee as Honorary Assistant Minister, and has been an Archdeacon Emeritus in the diocese since 2012.

Update:

Narelle’s funeral will be at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Friday 25th November at 11:00am – followed by a light morning tea for those who wish to stay.

Russell Powell has posted this tribute at SydneyAnglicans.net:

“Archdeacon Jarrett radiated godliness and grace,” Archbishop Kanishka Raffel said in his tribute. “With her firm and winsome stand for Biblical truth in all things, she made a significant contribution to the life of our churches and I thank God for her example in life and ministry.”

Her successor as Archdeacon for Women’s Ministry, Archdeacon Kara Hartley also paid tribute, saying “Narelle had a great passion and commitment to advancing the ministries of women in the diocese. A true servant of the gospel, as Principal of Mary Andrews College and Archdeacon for Women’s Ministry she exercised significant leadership in our diocese. I am deeply thankful to God for the impact Narelle had on me and many other women throughout our church.”

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