Abbotsleigh acquires Alexander
The Rev Andrew Alexander is the new chaplain at Abbotsleigh. Mr Alexander previously spent five years as the faculty head of Biblical Studies at Macarthur Anglican School. “I would value the prayer support of the Diocese as I take up this important role as the Chaplain of Abbotsleigh,” Mr Alexander says.

Game the same at Wilberforce
The Rev Barry Macalister seems unphased moving from St Mark’s, Revesby to Wilberforce which “is about four times bigger” and has seven staff.
“Apart from that the job is essentially the same: preach the gospel, attend to the public reading of the Scriptures and the sacraments and be a faithful minister of God’s word.”
He had been curate-in-charge at St Mark’s, Revesby since 2001 and concluded his ministry there on February 10.

No dramatic move for Drummoyne
The transition to St Bede’s, Drummoyne should be without too much drama for the Rev James Macbeth, who was student minister at the parish just six years ago.
He becomes rector of St Bede’s on March 11 after three years as an assistant minister at Gymea Anglican Church.

School chaplain is Picton’s pick
The Rev Sean Heslehurst who has been a chaplain to Bankstown Grammar School since 2003 re-entered full-time parish ministry on February 25 taking up the role of rector of Picton parish.
“I will miss the relationships with students, staff and families at Bankstown Grammar but I am looking forward to getting involved with the towns of Picton and Wilton and helping the churches exhibit the love of Jesus in our words and actions,” Mr Heslehurst says.

Jeremy journeys to Highlands
IT is a return to the country for the Rev Jeremy Tonks when he becomes the rector of Sutton Forrest parish on March 11. Mr Tonks was previously at St Martin’s, Kensington where he has been the rector since 2000.
“I’ll really miss the people at the church. It’s a great church,” he said.
While at St Martin’s Mr Tonks was also heavily involved in the racing chaplaincy at the neighbouring Randwick racecourse.

Lyndon leaves for city of churches
The Rev Lyndon Sulzberger concluded his ministry at St Luke’s, Mosman on December 3, 2007 after six years as rector. He has returned to Adelaide where he was ordained almost 10 years ago to be the rector of Christ Church, North Adelaide.

Jackie heralds new era at MAC
The appointment of the Rev Jackie Stoneman as the new Director of Studies of Mary Andrews College represents a new era for women’s ministry. The newly created position for MAC involves developing the existing MAC Diploma Bible courses and conferences.
“I will be exploring new opportunities for women across the diocese to be encouraged and equipped to serve Christ,” she says.

Vale
Former CMS missionary and long-time rector of Holy Trinity, Baulkham Hills, the Rev Geoff Croft passed away on February 10.
Mr Croft was born in 1919 and ordained by Bishop Marcus Loane in 1958. He was a CMS missionary in Tanzania in the Diocese of Central Tanganyika from 1958 to 1963 and in the Diocese of Victoria Nyanza from 1964 to 1967.
Mr Croft served at Holy Trinity, Baulkham Hills for two decades, from 1967 to 1987.

Update on honours
In the February issue, St Matthias’, Centennial Park member Professor Alex Churches was not mentioned in the Australia Day honours list story. Prof Churches was appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for his work in the promotion and development of mechanical design and his service to engineering and education.