Clergy moves December

Joseph Smith | 26 November 2007

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From cross-cultural to cathedral ministry
The Rev Christopher Allan will become the New Leader of the Healing Ministry at St Andrew’s Cathedral from February. Chris is married to Sandra and have three children: Samuel, Isabel and Joseph. Chris is currently assistant minister at St Alban’s, Rooty Hill and pastor of the 5pm service at the Multicultural Bible Ministry.

On the go to Mexico
The Rev Peter Sholl who has been the senior minister at St Matthew’s, Ashbury since 2005 will conclude his ministry there on January 27, 2008. He will spend 2008 training with CMS at St Andrew’s Hall and then take up a role teaching the Moore College PTC course while based in Monterrey, Mexico from early 2009. “We hope to be involved in building on the great work already happening throughout Latin America using PTC. I’ll be involved in promoting the course, developing new materials, training teachers and teaching classes,” Peter says. “PTC is a fantastic tool and with its complete translation into Spanish there is enormous potential for its use throughout Latin America.” Peter will be joined by his wife, Sarah and children Karina, Lucy and Miriam.

New north shore challenge
After five years as senior assistant minister at St Martin’s, Killara the Rev Bob Cameron will commence as the rector of Willoughby East parish from February 1, 2008. “I’m looking forward to the challenges of increased responsibility and leadership – although there are days when I’m a little daunted too,” Bob admits. “Willoughby East has a strong culture of lay leadership and involvement, which is very encouraging.” Bob will be joined by Fiona and has four children: Jess, Hannah, Sam and Rachel.

Webb stretches himself
The Rev Nigel Webb will take over as the curate in charge of St Mary the Virgin, Denham Court and as acting rector for the parish of Glenquarie from next year with his induction service on January 17. Nigel was previously at St John’s, Parramatta where he was assistant minister since 2002. “I will miss the hard-working staff team and the frustrations of pastoring young adults at St John’s. Surprisingly I will miss some of our homeless members who test our love for Jesus,” he says. Nigel will be joined at Denham Court by his wife, Janene and children Samantha and Lachlan. “We’re looking forward to joining a church who’s able to call their church building B.O.B. – Big Old Building,” Nigel jokes.

Flower’s 41 years
After 41 years of ordained ministry the Rev Neil Flower will retire on December 31. After 20 years as rector of Thornleigh-Pennant Hills, Neil says in his greatest highlight is the joy of seeing people come to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. “I have tried some very hair-raising and challenging exploits in my time but nothing can ever better the thrill of leading someone to Christ. As for the last 41 years of ministry, things and conditions and methods have changed enormously and I have had to constantly ‘re-invent myself’ in order to get my Gospel presentation heard by those that I wanted to hear it.” In retirement, Neil hopes to start an online Bible College aimed at retirees. “Why not give them a year’s Bible teaching in a way, and at a pace, that they can cope with, and then turn them loose into a ministry that they can feel confident with for the glory of the Lord?”

Turramurra trade
In March this year the Rev Robert Jones, who has been the rector of St James’, Turramurra since February 2000 announced his resignation as rector, to take effect from January 1, 2008. After an extensive search the Rev Dr Michael Stead, who has been the assistant minister at St James’ for the past 7 years, was chosen as rector. Robert will become the senior associate minister at St James and minister in a different capacity to allow Michael to become established in his role as rector. The appointment has provided a unique opportunity for Robert and Michael to reverse roles. “Parishes often go into a ‘holding pattern’ in the years prior to a Rector’s retirement. My appointment as rector will allow Robert to continue to exercise a ministry of preaching and pastoral ministry in the parish, while passing on the baton of leadership to the next generation,” Michael says. “ Robert and I have greatly enjoyed the past 7 years in ministry together, and look forward to continuing this partnership into the future”.

Anglican Media’s new man
David Maegraith will take over as advertising sales and marketing manager of Anglican Media Sydney and TVS from January 21. He was previously the communications officer at CMS-NSW. Previous manager Deb Chen is going to work as a missionary in Thailand with Pioneers.

DEATHS
Alf Wilson passed away November 10. He was a CMS-NSW missionary in the Northern Territory with his wife Helen (deceased). Alf is survived by his wife Betty.

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