The Joys and Sorrows of Comings and Goings
Seven years ago when Nicky and I were praying about whether we would join the team, one of the things the Nominators said was, at Christ Church, change is the only constant. Three weeks after we started in 2020 Covid hit and we all locked down and sure enough, everything changed.
Since then, the 2019 words of the Nominators have come true time and again. Change is the only constant. Well, those words have sort of come true. There is one who is constant and does not change, who holds all things in his hands and who sustains each one of us through the comings and goings of life. The Nominators knew this of course and Hebrews 13:8 reminds us: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Amen to that! When things are tumultuous he stands as a constant in love. When things are joyous he stands as a constant in joy. When we are drifting he is our anchor. When we are rock solid, he is our foundation. Hallelujah, what a Saviour.
Following the announcement about Caroline Litchfield on Sunday, it feels like there is lots of change with staff again at the moment. There are joys and sorrows in comings and goings and riding the waves of change takes energy and prayerfulness.
Just so we can all catch up, as 2027 closes:
Sally Sims will be “retiring” so she can spend more time with family. I am not sure Sally will ever retire but she will try to do less, sort of!
Jesse Baker will be transitioning to a new role as Senior Pastor at Campbelltown Presbyterian Church
Caroline Litchfield will be collated as the new Archdeacon for Women in the diocese.
All big moves and we will have news of some farewell events soon! And of course staff departing means we are currently recruiting for team members to take on these significant responsibilities. Please be praying - we are getting close to finding the right people.
Luke Fotheringham (Magnification Director) and Sarah Hunziker (Kids, Youth and Events Coordinator) have both joined us recently and I am so pleased with the progress they are making and the joy they are bringing to the team and our shared gospel work.
We have also been recruiting associates and trainees for 2027 and it looks like it will be a big year. At this stage we expect to have at least four student ministers (who join us one day a week while studying at Bible College) and at least four ministry trainees (who work with us 3-4 days a week and study one day a week). I don’t have any Honorary Associates locked in yet but am looking forward to some chats in the next few weeks. This is awesomely exciting as we seek to continue to grow much needed gospel workers, for the harvest is plentiful.
So will you pray? Pray for those arriving, that they would serve faithfully and joyfully give thanks for the opportunity to proclaim the gospel among us. Pray for those departing that they would be hope-filled and thankful for all that was and is. Pray for those carrying on, that our love for each other and for Jesus would grow with thankfulness and grace.
