22 January 2021
Dear Saints,
I thought I’d provide an update on some important things which occurred toward the end of 2020.
Taree congregation have re-elected Ruth Walshe as Pastor.
Without a Pastor for 12 months, the Taree congregation journeyed together to discern their future. The result of that exploration is a renewed sense of community and outreach under Ruth’s leadership. This will be a blessing to the Taree community!
Green Cathedral Ministries and Tuncurry congregations have merged, with Green Cathedral Ministries (GCM) now being located in both locations for ministry. Wendy Ballard and Fran Breen will serve as Co-Pastors and Judy Jackson as Financial Officer.
With an aging population at Tuncurry, and with the generosity of GCM leadership, ministry will continue fairly much as normal in both locations. The chapel at Tuncurry holds a significant place in the story of Community of Christ, and it will continue to be maintained under the custodianship of the congregation. We thank Don Wright for service as Pastor during these years, and Tim Prescott as Financial Officer.
Johns River and Port Macquarie congregations, together with the Laurieton group, have merged into one, now known as the Three Rivers congregation. Linda Hazel will continue to serve as Pastor and Pat Legge as Financial Officer.
Again, with age and population decline, it is becoming a challenge to coordinate ministry for three groups in a relatively small catchment area. With all being supportive of the merge, it was a blessing to formalise this process. Three Rivers symbolises the three rivers in the region, the Johns, Hastings and Stewarts rivers. Discussions will now move forward on how best to utilise the Johns River building for mission.
In addition, as has been previously noted through the Herald, the Adelaide congregation have now formally closed. They will celebrate in a final service on February 21. The property in Adelaide was listed for sale in November and attracted significant interest from several areas of the community. Though due to go to auction in January, we were able to achieve an unconditional sale of the property to another church, for the sale price of $1.301 million (ex GST) just before Christmas. This is a fantastic result, above expectation. The proceeds of the sale will be added to the Mission Centre investment pool to assist the Mission Centre budget, with a new line being established in the budget for groups to utilise funds for ministry opportunities where there is no congregation. Some of the proceeds will also be used for capital projects around the Mission. While it is always a sad day when we sell a church building, it is a tremendous legacy for the future of the church.
It is important to note here that the Mission Centre Leadership Team will soon begin a conversation around the Mission about how Australia may respond to the World Church Bridge of Hope. The Pacificasia field team have been in conversation for some time about how it will respond. More information will come forth over the next few months.
Our Australia Worships Online ministry will continue this year, twice a month for at least for the next 6 months. Our team will then review with consultation from around the Mission to ensure we’re still meeting a need there. Prayer Circle will also continue to meet on Wednesday nights for the foreseeable future. Keep your eyes on our website (www.cofchrist.com.au) for updates.
Like many of you, 2020 was a year in which I feel I suffered. Emotionally and spiritually, I am in a place where I need sustenance. Over the past 6 months, I have experienced mild depression and have lost a bit of spark in my heart. I am, though, surrounded by wonderful support, an incredible team, and indeed all of you, all of which are a guiding light for me. Your love and support continue to bless me as I travel on this journey toward healing.
2021 will follow some of the same traits as the past year, with uncertainty around travel, borders, and restrictions on our in-person meetings. We have learned so much, and like me, I’m sure you are eager to return to some form of consistency! We do, though, have a little way to go in our fight against COVID-19. May we continue to be diligent with the guidelines from our health departments and be led by the call to protect the most vulnerable among us.
At times, I feel as though there is just so much to do, and so little time to do it in. The stresses and weights on your shoulders are a heavy burden to carry, and I hope there are moments in your journey where you are able to rest. I’m reminded that when all else feels too much, to love someone is a dramatic and life changing gift which takes no energy from us. May that be our example this year, as we strive toward our vision of Zion. May we continue to journey toward the peaceful One is my prayer.
In love,
Ben
Ben Smith
President, Community of Christ, Australia Mission Centre