Clergy moves April 2008

Joseph Smith | 31 March 2008

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VALE

The Rev Ken Leask passed away on February 16. In Mr Leask’s 39 years of ordained ministry he served as the rector of the parishes of Cooks River, Dural, Port Kembla (in two separate incumbencies), Dulwich Hill and The Oaks (in two separate incumbencies, one as curate-in-charge). He retired from full-time ministry in 1991 and is survived by his wife Valmai.

MOVES

Barnett becomes Figtree leader

The Rev Ian Barnett has been appointed as the new rector of All Saints’, Figtree where he will commence ministry on May 10. Mr Barnett was previously an assistant minister at St Paul’s, Castle Hill from 2004 to 2008.

“I will miss the people of Castle Hill. Under the leadership of John Gray I have had the chance to try many new initiatives and there has been a lot of support from the St Paul’s family,” he says.

He has also served as the rector of St Paul’s, Shellharbour and curate-in-charge of Shellharbour City Centre.

Mr Barnett’s appointment marks a return to Figtree where he was assistant minister from 1995 to 1997. He says he looks forward to “building on the great work of Rod Irvine”.

“I have always believed that in the Anglican Church there should be room for churches with an adventurous spirit. I believe Figtree has shown itself to be that type of church and I am humbled by the opportunity of becoming their next Senior Minister,” he says.

Mr Barnett will be joined by his wife, Rhoda, and one of his daughters, Emma.

Geoff leaves Glebe for studies

After five years as the rector of St John’s, Glebe the Rev Geoff Broughton will commence study leave from April 25. He will undertake a Ph.D in theology through St Mark’s National Theological Centre, Canberra.

“My supervisors are Tom Frame, Robert Banks and Graeme Garrett and I have received a three-year scholarship through Charles Sturt University’s ‘Public and Contextual Theology Strategic Research Centre’, so I hope to complete it in roughly that time frame,” Mr Broughton says.

Mr Broughton says he will miss the congregation at St John’s, Glebe.

“Some strong bonds between young couples and families who live close to St John’s has created deeper community around many shared meals, praying together, babysitting each others kids and the list goes on. My family has benefited from all this and we will miss our neighbours and friends,” he says.

Previously, Mr Broughton was assistant minister at St John’s, Darlinghurst from 2001 to 2003 and stipendiary lay worker there from 1999 to 2001. He was youth minister at St Matthew’s, West Pennant Hills from 1990 to 1996.

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