Parish in focus - St Paul’s, Seaforth

Located on the waters of Middle Harbour, Seaforth contains around 11,000 residents, 72 per cent of whom are from Anglo backgrounds.

The rector of St Paul’s, Seaforth, the Rev Colin Sheehan, says around 230 adults and children would call St Paul’s their church.

“About 80 per cent regularly attend Sunday services and 11 per cent are effectively dormant,” Mr Sheehan says.
Mr Sheehan believes the church’s three congregations reflect the wider neighbourhood and are effectively reaching newcomers to the area.

“In the last 12 months approximately 15 new families have begun to attend on a regular basis,” Mr Sheehan says.

While Mr Sheehan regards ministry to families as a key outreach strategy, the church engages in a variety of ministries.

“Apart from our regular Sunday services, our family outreach ministries include marriage courses, parenting courses and a playgroup,” he says.

The church also holds a range of entrepreneurial community contact ministries including a quarterly neighbourhood newspaper, The Roundabout, which goes to the 4300 homes in the area. They also have an Action Against Poverty group inspired by the Micah challenge, a ‘Bizarre Bazaar’ and an art show and sale.

For youth, the church holds an after school club as well as the unique Skate Church, led by student minister James Goff.

St Paul’s will be hiring an assistant minister in 2008. He will work with the younger evening congregations and youth fellowship leaders as well as strengthen ministry to young families.

“As people become more and more motivated during the preparation and then arrival phase for an assistant in 2008 I believe they will lend increasing support to all our ministries through prayer, time, talent and finances,” Mr Sheehan says.

“I believe we can expect to see a strengthening of our community and a spill-over gospel benefit into the wider community of our 11,000 neighbours.”

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