To Friends of the Chapel,
One 'Chapel By The Sea' staff member said to me this week, "well, you've joined us at an interesting time", and yes, there can be no doubt about it, these are interesting times. It is not difficult for me to comprehend that there is a fair amount of hurt, anger, pain, confusion, disillusionment and frustration around at the moment for some, maybe many. There are some too for whom the most recent decisions related to governance, management and stewardship are seen as a necessity for Chapel By the Sea to move forwards, and their feelings and thoughts need to be acknowledged as well. So yes, I come to you in interesting times. My hope for us all is that we will not lose sight of the vision of working towards creating community for good, and that we might continue to work together, understanding that this is currently not an easy space to be in for some, but we have much work in common to do for the benefit of many.
I come to you in half-time supply ministry. That means I will be around 2-3 days a week, including Sundays. I have been released by Uniting Mission and Education and still continue in my role half-time as New Initiatives and Congregational Consultant for the NSW/ACT Synod. I am a Uniting Church Deacon and have experience in Parish Missions, community engagement and development, working in teams and being with people who are doing it tough. During this period of uncertainty I hope to be able to listen carefully and reflect thoughtfully with you. I believe that finding ways forward will be something that we discover together - I've often found that a good coffee helps!
This week I had the pleasure of being part of a small farewell lunch for Luca, who is leaving Norman Andrews House to begin a new full-time position with STARTS, an organisation supporting refugees in western Sydney. In the short amount of time that I got to meet Luca in the context of the great work being done at Norman Andrews House, and over lunch, it was easy to see that she will be much-missed and we wish her well as she goes.
Finally, last Sunday we reflected on Pentecost and the coming of the Spirit of God as a present reminder of the crucified, risen and ascended Jesus. We explored how the Spirit comes in peace, nurtures unity and works through us all to build community. It is in this spirit and these purposes that I hope we find ways to listen to each other, work with each other, and continue to share in our vision of working for the common good.
Please feel free to get back to me via my email address, drop in on any Sunday, or make a time with me through the office to catch up with me and share your concerns, hopes and dreams.
Rev. Graham Anson.
[email protected]
One 'Chapel By The Sea' staff member said to me this week, "well, you've joined us at an interesting time", and yes, there can be no doubt about it, these are interesting times. It is not difficult for me to comprehend that there is a fair amount of hurt, anger, pain, confusion, disillusionment and frustration around at the moment for some, maybe many. There are some too for whom the most recent decisions related to governance, management and stewardship are seen as a necessity for Chapel By the Sea to move forwards, and their feelings and thoughts need to be acknowledged as well. So yes, I come to you in interesting times. My hope for us all is that we will not lose sight of the vision of working towards creating community for good, and that we might continue to work together, understanding that this is currently not an easy space to be in for some, but we have much work in common to do for the benefit of many.
I come to you in half-time supply ministry. That means I will be around 2-3 days a week, including Sundays. I have been released by Uniting Mission and Education and still continue in my role half-time as New Initiatives and Congregational Consultant for the NSW/ACT Synod. I am a Uniting Church Deacon and have experience in Parish Missions, community engagement and development, working in teams and being with people who are doing it tough. During this period of uncertainty I hope to be able to listen carefully and reflect thoughtfully with you. I believe that finding ways forward will be something that we discover together - I've often found that a good coffee helps!
This week I had the pleasure of being part of a small farewell lunch for Luca, who is leaving Norman Andrews House to begin a new full-time position with STARTS, an organisation supporting refugees in western Sydney. In the short amount of time that I got to meet Luca in the context of the great work being done at Norman Andrews House, and over lunch, it was easy to see that she will be much-missed and we wish her well as she goes.
Finally, last Sunday we reflected on Pentecost and the coming of the Spirit of God as a present reminder of the crucified, risen and ascended Jesus. We explored how the Spirit comes in peace, nurtures unity and works through us all to build community. It is in this spirit and these purposes that I hope we find ways to listen to each other, work with each other, and continue to share in our vision of working for the common good.
Please feel free to get back to me via my email address, drop in on any Sunday, or make a time with me through the office to catch up with me and share your concerns, hopes and dreams.
Rev. Graham Anson.
[email protected]