Hi
My name is Mira and I’ve lived in Punchbowl for 32 years since I was 4.
By the grace of God I heard the gospel taught to me by faithfully scripture teachers at the local public school who told me about Jesus the Son of God who loved me. That was all I needed. It wasn’t until I was about 15 and started being bullied in high school that i naively wondered… ‘why are they acting like that? don’t they know Jesus… don’t they want to be nice like he tells us to?” i naively thought that everyone knew Jesus. It was revelation that I was a Christian and ended up finding the Christian fellowship group at schoolv And the rest is history.
I have attended a few churches over the years but now find myself working weekends and unable to attend at all. All the organising and trying to get away from weekend work is not working. My 2 Christian friends have gone interstate and overseas and one other Christian acquaintaice has many obligations keeping her busy. As a new mum of a 3 year old, I have so many questions I could really do with the advise of an older Christian ‘sister’ or ‘mother’ but have no-one around. Of the 3 local Christian churches, one has a congregation of about 40 seniors in the 60+ age group, another is mainly Philipino, and most of the congregation travels from the far north – western suburbs. Haven’t tried the other church, which is Asian language church I think.
Is there anyone out there that I can email or lives nearby. Could really do with the support. Z

Hi Mira
I was walking by the computer when I saw this -I’m John’s wife so it’s me, not him who’s replying.

We go to St James Croydon - not next door to Punchbowl, but not too far if you have a car. We have week day Bible study on Tuesday that you and your daughter might like to come to - other people go there who go to other churches, or no church on Sunday. We have a once a month meeting for mums with young kids. We also have 2 playgroups - these are community groups, diverse like our area, but there are Christians involved too, so that could be another way of getting to meet some people at the same point in life as you. (I run the playgroups)

I think your posting highlights what a big mission field lies south - west of Georges RIver Road. This is certainly on the mind of some people at our church. 25 years ago our area was also a bit of a desert, something that faithful outreach (and an influx of younger people into the community) has changed quite a bit. So there is hope - but you need to be able to meet with people now! Big life transitions like becoming a parent are an important time to stay close to church, so the church can encourage you to stay close to Jesus. So you’re absolutely right to be looking for connections. Not just for you, but for your daughter too.

Your posting highlights how we have to rethink church in a community where work is becoming 24/7, and we can’t assume that people can get to church on Sunday.
Lots of food for thought .
Let me know via here if you’d like to find out any more about the options above - we could talk on the phone maybe. And I’ll pray that you find a place to be nurtured soon.
Bronwen

Hi Mira,

I used to live at Narwee/Peakhurst.. just across the East Hills railway line.

I could recommend Narwee Baptist ... they have good facilities for kids and run a playgroup on Mondays and Wednesdays which would be a good way of connecting with other local mums. Also Beverley Hills Anglican Church is well known as evangelistically focused etc and isn’t much further away if you can drive.

Here is web page for your local Anglican parish - but I don’t really know what is going on there. They may have a more appropriate ministry for you at one of their other centres… worth asking the minister.
Certainly reading their website it looks like they have some home group Bible studies that would be ideal for you.

Hi Mira
Yes
I certainly know Punchbowl. I grew up in a nearby suburb.
Beverly Hills Anglican may work for you. They have a wide range of ages I believe.

Also Padstow Anglican is another recommendation.

Please feel free to email me by using the PM box if I can encourage you in any way
cheers Di

Hello Mira,

It is great to hear your story and your desire to have Christian fellowship. I’m the minister of the Anglican church at Padstow (which began many years ago as a branch of Punchbowl). Unfortunately the Anglican church at Punchbowl no longer has services. We are a small church but have a growing ministry among children and young families.

My wife Michelle has asked me to say that she would be happy to meet up at a time that is convenient to you. We also have a preschool playgroup that meets on Thursday mornings. Please call the church on 9773 6574 to talk or send me a PM.

I do hope that you are able to find fellowship at a time that suits.

Hi Mira,
don’t know if you need any more options,
but Riverwood Presbyterian Church runs ‘Kids on the corner’ on Wednesday’s at the corner of Hardwicke and Belmore Streets, Riverwood, from 10am to 12.
You can call the church office on 95334218.
My wife would be more than happy to meet you there. (we also have a 3 year old)

Also we have church on Sundays at 10am at Hannan’s road public school,
Hannan’s Road, Riverwood. We have an abundance of youngsters, range in ages from 0 to around 70 and come from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Hi Mira,

I grew up at Riverwood Anglican on Littleton Street, Riverwood (opposite the Legion Club if you know the area). Good church & Good teaching. Not long ago I know they ran a group for pre-school aged kids during the week which has been a marvellous way to reach out to many parents in the area. You might consider it as a way to serve and help reach out to others? I think it’s the church that John Thew (CMS head) attends when he’s not on the road and they have a good ministry to migrants.

As Mark also said - from what I know the presbyterian church it is a fine church. The area is really blessed to have so many good churches. Narwee Baptist & Beverly Hill Anglican etc…

thanks everybody for your suggestions and ecouragement
i hope something will work out
Really, my heartfelt thanks for your replies
Mira

What about St. Stephens Lugarno? We are an anglican church that is gospel focused, friendly and we have awsome people who cook awsome food! Our evening congregation has mostly people in their late 20’s to early 30’s. Some of our congregation live in Punchbowl. PLease join us :)