Changes - March

Joseph Smith | 27 February 2007

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CLERGY CHANGES

Reverend Raj takes on Toongabbie

The Rev Raj Gupta will take over as rector of Toongabbie Anglican Church from April 26. He replaces the Rev Philip Basset who retired earlier this year. Mr Gupta has been assistant minister at Engadine Anglican Church since 2004.

“Highlights at Engadine have been seeing the Ministry Training Strategy go to the next level and the significant growth in the evening congregation,” Mr Gupta says. “My priority after moving to Toongabbie is to get to know the people and understand the place. With the demographic changes in the area opportunities for ministry are being created.”

Frith assists North Sydney network

The Rev Peter Frith commenced as the new senior assistant minister at St Thomas’, North Sydney last month.

“I have a broad job description, but my main role will be to help build community life at St Thomas’, increase networking among the congregations and assisting the rector,” he says.

Peter is part way through a Doctor of Ministry degree majoring on church systems and church health and the new role will neatly dovetail with his studies. Peter was previously rector of St Bede’s, Drummoyne since 2004.

New horizons for one tough pastor

The Rev Michael Steinwede will conclude his ministry in one of Sydney’s most difficult parishes this month after 20 years as rector of Greenacre Anglican Church.

“If there were inroads into the Arabic community they were meagre. It’s been a tough area,” Mr Steinwede admits.

Michael will join Christ Church, St Ives on March 26 as a senior assistant minister to take over several roles from the Rev Joe Burrows who will be retiring later in the year. “One of my main responsibilities will be pastoring the 8:30am congregation and coordinating seniors’ ministry,” he says.

Dane does Strathfield and Homebush

The Rev Dane Courtney will conclude his ministry at Quakers Hill Anglican Church this month. He has been the rector since 2002 and prior to that was curate-in-charge since 1998. He will take over as rector of Strathfield and Homebush on March 9.

GENERAL APPOINTMENTS

Paul Hanna strums a different tune

Paul Hanna left Anglican Media last month after four years as graphic designer and more recently as art director. Paul is pursuing a Bachelor of Music at the University of New South Wales in the hope of fulfilling his dreams of loud guitars and fast cars.

New news director: Natasha Percy

Natasha Percy moved into the role of News Editor/Senior Writer at Anglican Media Sydney in February. Natasha was previously the Communications Officer for the Sydney Diocesan Secretariat. In the new Southern Cross editorial structure, Natasha Percy is news editor, Jeremy Halcrow is features editor, Mark Hadley is culture editor and Anglican Media CEO Allan Dowthwaite is managing editor.

VACANT PARISHES

Parishes and provisional parishes vacant or becoming vacant as at 19 February, 2007.

Georges River region

Bankstown*, Belmore with McCallums Hill and Clemton Park, Canterbury with Hurlstone Park*, Georges Hall, Greenacre, Lakemba*, Liverpool South*, Oatley West

North Sydney region

Belrose, Eastwood, Normanhurst

South Sydney region

Drummoyne

Western region

Blackheath, Minchinbury*, Riverstone*, Quakers Hill

Wollongong region

Picton, Sutton Forest

*Denotes provisional/Archbishop appointments

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