Clergy moves November

Joseph Smith | 29 October 2007

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Mears moves to Minchinbury

After nearly five years as an assistant minister at the parish of St George North, the Rev David Mears commenced as rector of St John’s, Minchinbury on October 22. At St George North. David was primarily involved with the Bexley North church plant, the Church in the Bank congregation, youth and young adults’ ministry and music. “I will miss working in a large staff team and having the brains to pick,” says David. “But I’m keen to get to a smaller church that is keen to grow.” David will be joined by his wife Amanda and four sons Bailey, Samuel, Luke and Caleb.

Barrett says bye

After 19 years as the rector of St Mark’s, West Wollongong, Stephen Barrett is resigning to take up a general licence within the Diocese effective December 9. “I have enjoyed the wonderful opportunity to exercise a teaching and preaching ministry of God’s word,” Stephen says. Stephen will stay in the Wollongong region with his wife, Judith, where he says he is willing to take on acting rector and locum roles as need arises.

Manly man moves on

The Rev Richard Harvey will take up a general license from November 30, concluding his role as rector of St Matthew’s, Manly, which he has had since 1994. “I have enjoyed seeing people converted, then seeing these people go on to get involved in lay ministry,” Richard says. “We have a very large base of lay leadership who I will miss.” However, Richard and says he and his wife Sandra are not really retiring as they plant to work for Evangelism Explosion from early 2007. The couple will retire to Wollongong but travel back and forth in six-week blocks to manage a training centre in Nadi, Fiji where they will train Christian leaders from around the world.

Ramsay goes beach

After four years as an assistant minister at St James’, Croydon, the Rev Jason Ramsay will become the rector of St Michael and All Angels’, Newport from December 19. “What I have enjoyed about Croydon is getting to know people and help them grown in Christ,” Jason says. “Newport has two congregations compared to Croydon’s five so I’m looking forward to seeing growth happen from a smaller level.” Jason will be joined by his wife, Melissa and children Nathan, Kim, Sarah and Daniel.

Chaplain changes for rector role

The Rev Colin Watson who has spent nine years and nine months as the chaplain to Abbotsleigh is moving back into parish ministry and will become rector of St Stephen’s, Normanhurst from December 17. “The highlights have been seeing girls respond to the gospel and become Christian,” Colin says. “We regularly get 90 girls attending the lunchtime Christian group.” However, Colin says he is keen to get back into parish ministry. “I feel God has led me back to that area. I think a new challenge at 50 is good for me,” he says. Colin is joined by his wife Allison and children James, Julia and Amelia.

Orders relinquished

On 9 October 2007, former assistant minister at the parish of Engadine, Darren Daniel Blair, relinquished Holy Orders at the request of the Archbishop.

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