Now that I’ve been able to talk through this issue with Parish Council I’m able to share more of the detail of my thinking with our members.

Background

Planting new congregations may be a bit “trendy” these days but it’s nothing new. It’s the way Parish and churches have grown over the years. This Parish planted various congregations and started various sites including St Tim’s and St Barnabas. More recently, other Anglican Churches in the Shire have also started churches at different times and different places eg. in Miranda North School and on Saturdays at Jannali and Menai. These churches have been started not to give the existing members some other option, but to start churches to reach people who haven’t yet come to know Jesus.

For many reasons new congregations have been found by researches, to generally grow faster than existing churches. It’s not rocket science to work out why. New churches have a very real outreach goal and strategy which older congregations often don’t have. For the past 10 years Gymea Anglican hasn’t grown, in fact we’ve lost membership by some 20-25%. Since I’ve been here, I tried to help us increase our adult outreach in some small ways, planting a new congregation was always planned to be one of these.

My background over the past 20 years as a Senior Pastor, has been to grow Parishes and one key strategy in this has been the planting of 7 new congregations. Since coming to Gymea, I’ve chatted with our staff and leadership about this so that we can slowly work towards this. Since March 2011, I met with Matt & Stuart to find the best way of doing this. Their decision to start their own church in 2013 hasn’t changed my mind that we should stick with starting a new one at Gymea Anglican. Why?

a) With many people leaving our church, we need to grow again. If we don’t many ministries will have to stop or be cut back.

b) People of our Parish still need us to find new ways of helping them to come to know the Lord Jesus.

c) While we need to care for each other in our current upset, we mustn’t stop caring for those outside our church; those who don’t know the Lord Jesus.

d) Being united in the ministry together of the gospel can help to refocus us on who we are and what we are about together.

What’s Next?

Will those who aren’t part of this new congregation be neglected by our staff or ministries? Of course not, I’ll continue to work with each of our congregations to see how we can grow and care for each of them.

I’m delighted our Parish Council has called us all together for prayer on Wed 29^th Feb at 7.30pm. I’d also like to invite any and all our members to join me at one of the Prayer & Information meetings I’m holding to discuss and plan this new congregation. These will basically be the same so I hope you’ll try to get to one of these. I’m hoping that a core group of 30 members will commit to this mission focused church plant. But I’m also hoping that all members of our Parish will pray and support this:

Sunday 26^th Feb at 11.30am OR 4pm

Saturday 3^rd March 3.30pm OR

Sunday 11^th March 4pm OR

Wednesday 14^th March

Well I was surprised, as well as being embarrassed, when I realised the date for the Moore Mission had been changed for this year and I had some how missed it!  In 2012 mission week is a month later than previously held! I’ve tried to let all our ministry leaders know already and I’m sorry for any disruption this has made to our members’ plans.  On the positive side, it gives us and the college team an extra 5 weeks preparation time!  A revised timetable is now available.

Mission With Moore Team Leaders Announced

I’m delighted to announce that Dr Peter Bolt and Mandy Curley have been appointed to lead the team of students from Moore.  Mandy is one of the women’s chaplains & is studying for her Master of Theology.  She will be the speaker at our Women’s Easter Breakfast.  Peter will be preaching here on 25th March.       I’m looking forward to our partnership with them.

New Church Planting Gets the Go Ahead

Our Parish Council gave it’s support to my proposal to plant a new afternoon congregation.  I’ll be holding a couple of information meetings for anyone interested in finding out more.  I propose to gather a core team of 30 who’ll begin with prayer and planning in March.  This congregation will be missional, seeking to especially reach young families connected with our local schools.   Please pray that God would give me and our team His wisdom, love and boldness.  I plan to lead this new congregation with Tim Beilharz.

Parish Council Calls All Members to Prayer and Praise

Our Parish Council is inviting all our members to come together on Wednesday 29th  Feb at 7.30pm to pray together for God’s blessing and guidance.

Tim Beilharz’ Appointment Goes Fulltime!

With Tracy McCall taking up her new employment earlier than anticipated, funding has been provided for  Tim to commence fulltime employment earlier than planned.  He will be paid fulltime from 1st April. This recognises both Tim’s qualifications and the full load he will carry in both children’s ministry and  in congregational ministry.  We’re all delighted for Tim and his wife Roz in this next stage of their ministry.  Please pray for them in making the necessary changes.

I’m especially delighted that the Archbishop will join us in our 85th anniversary year!

4th March Program with Dr Jensen …

- 9.30am   Combined Church followed by morning tea

- 4pm        Staff afternoon tea

- 5.45pm Seminar “Why ministry matters?” for any of our ministry leaders or those considering a career in ministry or mission, PC & wardens, and for our confirmees.

- 7pm        Combined Church followed by supper

It would be appreciated if our members would bring a plate for a special morning tea and supper to follow the church meetings.  Dr Jensen also communicates very well with non church goers, so this could be an opportunity to introduce our neighbours to our church and to Jesus’ claims, though it is not specifically evangelistic.

Life Groups & our Leaders

We had a great gathering on Monday night of our LIFE group leaders and their assistants.  I like to think of them as LIFE group “pastors”  because they relate to their groups the way our pastors relate to our members.  LIFE group leaders care for the spiritual health and growth of the members by ensuring the Bible is studied, seeking God together in prayer, and keeping members close to Jesus through the highs and lows.  Thank God for our LIFE group pastors!!  Talk to our staff today about joining a group.

Ministry Sunday 12th Feb

Next Sunday we will be commissioning all those in leadership.  This is a solemn and significant day as we pledge ourselves afresh to swerving Christ, his people and his gospel mission her in the Shire.   At each congregation we will commission all those involved in ministry leadership with us.

Staff Changes 2012 Update

Fiona Francesconi (youth p/t) has finished her employment with us and with the SBCE Scripture Board.  We will seek to farewell her soon.  Kim Cooper has been employed on an interim basis as office manager, after some transitional training with Cheryl Fleming.  We look forward to the experience and skills which Kim brings to the position.  Tracy McCall will finish her employment with us on 2nd May, but has taken LSL and annual leave till then.  Tim Beilharz has taken on oversight of all our Children’s Ministry. However, Tracy has very kindly offered her continued voluntary support and involvement in a number of our ministries to ensure smooth transition.  We will “farewell” & thank Tracy after our 930church on Sunday 11th March.  We are very grateful to these sisters in Christ for their service of our church and the Lord, and wish them God’s richest blessing in this next stage of their lives and ministries.  Please keep them in your prayers.  Rev Paul Brigden will move in to 129 Gymea Bay Rd on 17^th Feb and commence employment on 20^th Feb.  His wife Victoria is expecting their first child in July.

It’s been a long time since Gymea hosted a visit from the Archbishop of Sydney so I’m especially delighted that he’ll join us in our 85th anniversary year!

Dr Jensen will speak at 2 combined church services at 9.30am and 7pm and will give 2 different addresses.  This is a great opportunity to hear this internationally respected leader and preacher, and for our members to fellowship with members from across the Parish.

It would be appreciated if our members would bring a plate for a special morning tea and supper to follow the church meetings.  Dr Jensen also communicates very well with non church goers, so this could be an opportunity to introduce our neighbours to our church and to Jesus’ claims, though it is not specifically evangelistic.

Mission With Moore (25th March – 1st April)

Richard and Judy Baldwin have gathered a wonder team of co-ordinators who are keen to hear from all our members about how we each wish to be involved.  A new Mychurch group of these team leaders has been formed— called “Mission with Moore Team”.

All LIFE groups and ministry groups are encouraged to “have a go” at some outreach event.  Why not invite friends to an Agnostics anonymous BBQ, or talk to Steve Leitch about joining with our other members working in the CBD and host an evangelistic lunch for your work friends.  Contact our staff or the Baldwins today

Vision Sunday 5th Feb & Ministry Sunday 12th Feb

Next Sunday I’ll be preaching on a key Vision text from our Lord Jesus teaching, John 17.  Here Jesus share his heart with his followers the night before he dies.  I believe this passage gives all believers, including Gymea Church, three clear priorities for our personal and church life.  I’m excited about sharing these with you.

The following Sunday we will be commissioning all those in leadership.  This is a solemn and significant day as we pledge ourselves afresh to swerving Christ, his people and his gospel mission her in the Shire.

LIFE groups and leaders 2012

Our leaders are meeting this Monday 730pm to pray & plan our year.  There have been a number of changes to our home bible study groups this year so check with your leader for details.  New groups are forming and old ones seeking new members so talk to our staff today about getting involved.  We are hoping that every group will have a go at running one evangelistic event in mission week.

Last Sunday more than 200 current and past members, plus visitors and neighbours crowded into the old St Barnabas hall for an afternoon of thanks and praise to God!  What a great time it was.

The highlight for me was to hear so many stories told of the way God has worked to change lives through the commitment of past and present members to read the Bible, pray and share the gospel in love.    It was a reminder too that we will never know till heaven how much God has mercifully chosen to use our efforts , no matter how tentative or small.  He really is a God and wonderful God!!

We were reminded too of so many who have gone out from Gymea taking the gospel and the love of God beyond the Parish.  Don’t miss the opportunity to view more of the memorabilia that Jean Robinson has been collecting!

So many worked so hard to make this happen, that there are too many to think publically.   But I want to especially thank our wardens, Jean and Gordon Robinson, our music team, and Jill Hamilton Foster and her wonderful team of caters (people were still chatting and eating at 8pm!)  Our next Anniversary event will be the visit of Archbishop Peter Jensen on Sunday 3rd March.  Later in the year a dinner is also proposed.

Planning your Bible training in 2012

Moore College runs the Diploma of Theology course at centres around Sydney for those wanting to extend their Biblical training.  We’re fortunate that St Luke’s Miranda offers this training on 8 Monday nights term each term.  In Term 2, I will be teaching the “Worship” course.  The course provides a thorough biblical overview of “worship” and church in the bible and in church history, including our Anglican history.  For more information contact me, Miranda Parish or Moore College.

Moore College runs the Diploma of Theology course at centres around Sydney for those wanting to extend their Biblical training.  We’re fortunate that St Luke’s Miranda offers this training on 8 Monday nights term each term.

In Term 2, I will be teaching the “Worship” course.  The course provides a thorough biblical overview of “worship” and church in the bible and in church history, including our Anglican history.  For more information contact me, Miranda Parish or Moore College.

Introducing Rev Paul Brigden

I am delighted that Paul will be joining our team in mid February.  He will combine general ministry duties with supporting our youth leadership team.  For the past 2 years he has undertaken multiple ministry roles at Macquarie University’s Robert Menzies College & Trinity Chapel. This included sharing the pastoral care for 200 residential students and the oversight of ministry to international students.

Paul is married to Victoria (Vicki) who is a barrister.  Vicki has been involved in a range of ministries over the years, including ministry to children and women.  She is currently involved in ministering to women at City Bible Forum.  Please pray for Victoria and Paul as they transition from Macquarie to Gymea, leaving friends and colleagues, and establishing new relationships and priorities with us.

Are you a member of a Gymea LIFE group?

We currently offer more than 30 home bible study and prayer groups each week.  These provide for 6-12 members to meet regularly and provide Christian friendship and encouragement.  See Graham for more details about how you can join a group today.

I am delighted that Paul will be joining our team in mid February.  He will combine general ministry duties with supporting our youth leadership team.

Paul became a Christian in his teens through the influence of his high school & Christian camping ministry.  For the past 2 years he has undertaken multiple ministry roles at Macquarie University’s Robert Menzies College & Trinity Chapel. This included sharing the pastoral care for 200 residential students and the oversight of ministry to international students.

Paul is married to Victoria (Vicki) who is a barrister.  Vicki has been involved in a range of ministries over the years, including ministry to children and women.  She is currently involved in ministering to women at City Bible Forum.

In children’s ministry, Paul has directed Kids Church & led Kid’s Club.  In youth ministry, he was a trainee with Crusaders camping ministry, led at Youthworks Leaders In Training (LIT), directed Youthworks HSC camps, and also in local church youth groups.  In world mission, Paul has chaired his church’s Missions Team and at Macquarie has pastored overseas students in their international FOCUS group.   As well as his current work with young adults at Macquarie, Paul served as President of the Christian AFES group at UTS Ku-Ring-Gai in 1999-2000.

Prior to completing his Bachelor of Divinity at Moore College, Paul worked for 4 years as a primary school teacher, following his Bachelor of Education at UTS Ku-Ring-Gai.

Paul and Vicki both enjoy reading, walking their dog Ebbie, cricket and the beach.  They are excited about the impending arrival of their first baby, due in July.  Paul enjoys watching movies and relaxing in general and Vicki enjoys running and horse-riding (when not pregnant).

Please pray for Victoria and Paul as they transition from Macquarie to Gymea, leaving friends and colleagues, and establishing new relationships and priorities with us.  When they join us in mid February, they will be living at 129 Gymea Bay Rd, which will undergo minor repairs & renovations prior to their arrival.

Paul will be joining our team in mid February.  He will combine general ministry duties with supporting our youth leadership team.

Paul became a Christian in his teens through the influence of his high school & Christian camping ministry.  For the past 2 years he undertaken multiple ministry roles at Macquarie University’s Robert Menzies College & Trinity Chapel. This included sharing the pastoral care for 200 residential students and the oversight of ministry to international students.

Paul is married to Victoria (Vicki) who is a barrister.  Vicki has been involved in a range of ministries over the years, including ministry to children and women.  She is currently involved in ministering to women at City Bible Forum.

In children’s ministry, Paul has directed Kids Church & led Kid’s Club.  In youth ministry, he was a trainee with Crusaders camping ministry, led at Youthworks Leaders In Training (LIT), directed Youthworks HSC camps, and also in local church youth groups.  In world mission, Paul has chaired his church’s Missions Team and at Macquarie has pastored overseas students in their international FOCUS group.   As well as his current work with young adults at Macquarie, Paul served as President of the Christian AFES group at UTS Ku-Ring-Gai in 1999-2000.

Prior to completing his Bachelor of Divinity at Moore College, Paul worked for 4 years as a primary school teacher, following his Bachelor of Education at UTS Ku-Ring-Gai.   Paul and Vicki both enjoy reading, walking their dog Ebbie, cricket and the beach.  They are excited about the impending arrival of their first baby, due in July.   Paul enjoys watching movies and relaxing in general and Vicki enjoys running and horse-riding (when not pregnant).

Please pray for Victoria and Paul as they transition from Macquarie to Gymea, leaving friends and colleagues, and establishing new relationships and priorities with us.  When they join us in mid February, they will be living at 129 Gymea Bay Rd which will undergo minor repairs & renovations prior to their arrival.

Christmas Myth Busters !
Not only is this hard to say (at least fast), but it is also hard to break some of these myths. Take for example:

Myth 1 The donkey and the inn keeper
What nativity play would be complete without these but the Bible never mentions them.

Myth 2 We Three Kings of Orient … weren’t
No nativity scene would be complete without these three guys with their crowns and Christmas booty. They’re mentioned only in Matthew 2. They are magi (astrologers – advisors) who perhaps knew of the promised Messiah from the Jewish scriptures. But they didn’t know their Bibles well enough to know that he’d be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) not in the Jewish King’s palace in Jerusalem. Three of their gifts are mentioned but there could have been two magi carrying three gifts, or 27 magi carrying a whole truck full of gifts, but only three are mentioned! Who knows?

Myth 3 The Magi arrived at the stable with the shepherds
This is highly unlikely. According to Matt 2:11 by the time they arrived at Bethlehem Jesus was a “child” living in a “house”. Perhaps by then Joe and Mary had moved in with some of Joseph’s relatives. We all know what it’s like to have Christmas guests who stay too long!

Myth 4 The Magi followed a star that led them to Bethlehem
This isn’t what the Bible says. It says they saw his star in the east, and they came looking for him in Jerusalem. So it seems that the star told them he was born but not where. They had to find out where from the Bible (Matt 2:5f). But once they headed towards Bethlehem the star reappeared and pointed to the house where Jesus and his family now lived (Matt 2:9-11).

Myth 5 Jesus was of the DNA of Mary but not Joseph
This is a little more controversial and conjectural. Please don’t misread me. I’m not suggesting Joseph was Jesus’ biological dad. The Bible makes it clear this was miraculous virginal conception (Matt 1:20-25) without sexual intercourse. What I am saying is that I find nothing in the Bible to suggest or demand that Mary contributed anything but nourishment to the babe in her womb. It just seems to be a popular assumption that Mary did contribute biologically to the incarnate body of Jesus. Please let me know if you can find anything in the Bible that says definitely she did.

Myths Busted – Why’s it matter?
Truth matters to Christians. Jesus came full of grace and truth (John 1:14). If we are to know God as he really is then we need to know Jesus as he really is, not just a collection of myths or assumptions (John 14:6). And the truth about Jesus is so much bigger and better than the myths. The Creator has become one with His creatures to save us yet without diluting any of his Godness or goodness. He became one of us not just temporarily but he is now eternally human (Acts 17:31). That’s the depth of God’s love and commitment to restoring our relationship with him. The truth is not only stranger than fiction, but far far bigger and better. Why not take an hour or two these holidays just to re-read a Gospel by yourself and ask God to refresh your vision of the real Jesus and your walk with Him. May God bless you deeply this Christmas.