southern cross :: june 2008

sydney stories »

Beyond the numbers game

Community surveys are turning up surprising results for Christians keen to connect with their communities. One minister in Sydney's west has turned up shocking results from his survey while a 50-something couple on the South Coast changed jobs to free up time for ministry in their community.

Helping hand spans seven suburbs

St James’, Berala and St Paul’s, Carlingford may be 13 kilometres, seven suburbs and a 20-minute drive apart, but an imaginative partnership has evolved between the two churches.

Making music for ministry

Sydney Anglican churches are using music to be 'all things to all men' and embracing a range of different styles to help Christians worship God and to reach the lost. From jazz at the Cathedral to classical at Lavender Bay and good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll at the upcoming TWIST conference, sydneyanglicans.net reveals the variety of Christian music on offer in the diocese. Read more...

No presents please!

One Sydney Anglican still has no regrets about asking guests at her 21st ‘pyjama breakfast’ not to bring gifts.

Narnia’s Prince promises gospel opportunities

As Prince Caspian hits theatres on June 5, one Sydney Anglican church is already using the Narnia Chronicles to creatively share the gospel with those learning English. In Sydneyanglicans.net's exclusive interview, CS Lewis’ step-grandson, Tim Gresham gives a special insight into how Christ is being kept central in the Narnia films. Could the new Narnia film be a good gospel opportunity for you?

Equip Women hit the books

Sydney women have signed up to a new book club and raised over $11,000 for indigenous communities without the Bible in their own language.

Budget brings hope, more needed: Kell

Anglicare Sydney CEO Peter Kell says last night's Federal Budget provides important first steps towards fulfilling the Government's social inclusion agenda but more is needed.

Mums get Sydney praying

Mothers Day may be on the horizon, but today, several Sydney mums will have their minds set on praying for the diocese.

Anglican Portal finds new address

Anglican Media's web team has announced a new, 'logical' online address for the Sydney Anglican Network Portal - http://www.sydneyanglicannetwork.net.

Rudd gives CPX warm welcome

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has commended the Centre for Public Christianity in an unsolicited letter.

Supa solution to pupil-free days

Sydney Anglican churches are easing the pupil-free-day headache for local families with Monday Fundays and Supadays.

highlight stories »

Why we need more tentmakers

Richard Blight is convinced that we need far more ‘tentmakers’ if the gospel of Jesus is to truly make inroads into our society.

New woman bishop move

Canon Barbara Darling was appointed assistant bishop in Melbourne Diocese on April 25, two weeks after the announcement that Kay Goldsworthy had become Australia’s first woman bishop.

Choo-choo-choose church

St Peter’s, Mount Victoria used the Mount Victoria Great Train Weekend as an opportunity for outreach during the last weekend in May.

Jesus saves; Bart shaves

Members of Penshurst Anglican Church’s youth group took part in the World’s Greatest Shave in April raising $2000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Darren discovered Jesus exploring Christianity

A wife’s love for her husband and a Christianity Explored course helped an IT professional come to trust in Christ.

Vacant parishes June

List of parishes and provisional parishes, vacant or becoming vacant as at Wednesday, 14 May 2008.

Big decisions - June

Southern Cross reports on the main decisions of the diocesan Standing Committee in April.

Iraqi Christians treated like animals

Reaction in the West, including the publishing of the prophet Muhammad cartoons in Denmark in 2005, has intensified persecution of Christians in Iraq.

St John’s pushing on says Syd vistor

Members of St John’s, Shaughnessy “feel like they have come home” following the re-licensing of their clergy for ministry, says the Rev Mark Calder, rector of St Andrew’s Roseville, who helped out at St John’s in May while on special leave.

features & opinion »

Smashing the Gen Y stereotypes

Recent research into the beliefs of Generation Y has completely demolished the idea – popular among some church leaders - that unchurched young people are spiritual seekers who have merely been put off by the institution of the church.

No longer a little girl

The rise of the ‘kidult’ requires a re-think of how we do evangelism.

Surveys that serve you

Swamped by confusing data about your parish? Jeremy Halcrow found that a do-it-yourself survey is the right step for discovering your home.

Spare a thought for the atheists

Having grown up as an atheist (well, up to the age of 17, if you call that grown up) I have always taken an interest in atheism.

Is seeking happiness wrong?

The pursuit of happiness sounds like a pagan idea to many Christians. Brian Rosner wonders what our churches can say to a culture that thinks it’s so important…

The black man’s burden

As Africans return the gospel to America, the Moral Majority is on the move.

Are you the neighbour from heaven?

This month's Archbishop Writes features an edited extract of the remarks Dr Jensen made on the second Connect09 DVD which is now available to churches.

watching »

Aunty say, children do

It is unlikely that any more than a handful of children growing up in Australia have managed to avoid an episode of Play School.

Prince Caspian - the film

For anyone who misses God, Prince Caspian will remind you that to keep His company you must be prepared to move forward with Him. The comfort, though, is knowing that if you feel lost, He is waiting only a little way ahead.

The Ten Commandments

Children and adults alike appreciate the drama innate in the Exodus story and this is brought out in this new animated film The Ten Commandments.