Rector's Report Annual Parish Meeting 2018 Dreams and Visions Famous speeches are often remembered because of the vision or the dream that they encapsulate. Martin Luther King dreamt of a time when there would be no distinction in civil rights, So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal... I have a dream that little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character." The impact of this dream, when enacted upon in American society, left an indelible imprint, reorientating the cultural roots of a whole country and changing the lives of many thousands of people. So, Paul the apostle, not simply a leader of a country, or a rights movement, rather the man sent by God to proclaim a new age for the kingdom of God had a very clear vision, mission and action that he was undertaking. Paul passionately implores the church in Corinth, 16 If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel. 19 For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. (1Corinthains 9:16-19 NRSV) Paul s vision is twofold. First, v. 16, stated in the negative Woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! Second, v. 19, in the positive I might win more of them. Paul sets forth his vision to proclaim the great news of Jesus Christ And to seek to win more of them to Christ. The Diocesan vision and mission statements spring forth out of these principles: Vision: 'To see Christ honoured as Lord and Saviour in our community'. Mission: 'We commit ourselves afresh, in prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit, to glorify God and love our neighbour by proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ, calling people to repent and living lives worthy of him.' To put it another way, the vision and the mission answer two very important questions: First, what is the big picture, what drives our diocese, and our parish? That s our vision. Then, how do we achieve that vision, what do we do to reach that goal? That s our mission. Paul s vision and mission statement, and the diocesan mission statement focus outward. There s a people group in mind, there s a community to reach. Paul simply sees the group he is trying to reach as them. But he does outline who is trying to reach, in the method by which he reaches 1
them - the wonderful list of contrasts (1Cor 9:20-22) Jew, those under the law (god-fearers), those not under the law (those of the nations), the weak (and by implication the strong) & the wise (1Cor 2) and the foolish (1Cor 5) But notice his orientation and action. Paul orients himself outward. He seeks to reach out to others, engage with mission activities. And Paul acutely is aware of how to engage with the people around him. He doesn t sacrifice the message but he does sacrifice himself as a messenger in his mission. So the question for us is, who are we trying to reach? Well, thanks to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there s all sorts of information at our figure tips. I ve provided you with a cheat sheet about our suburb South Hurstville (see appendix). In sum, demographically, it s cradle to the grave. That is, children, youth and families on the one hand, Then, older workers, retirees and seniors on the other. Culturally, it s primarily Anglo, Chinese and Greek. Educationally, it s from educated through to well educated. But then, on the level of self-awareness, who are we as a parish? Well, we re well weighted to the upper end of the age demographic (see appendix). We re predominantly Anglo, although there are some born overseas. Well educated. We are very committed to belonging to St Mark s. We are also committed to outreach and support new initiatives in mission. But the big thing about statistics is that they can help us understand who we are. They can help us understand who we re trying to reach. But they can t tell us how to do or what do to do. That s why we have Paul s missionary principles to guide us. How do we reach them? Therefore, given who we are, and who we re trying to reach, then the Anglican Board of Mission then outlines for us, 5 aspects of mission: 1. Witness to Christ's saving, forgiving, reconciling love for all people 2. Build welcoming, transforming communities of faith 3. Stand in solidarity with the poor and needy 4. Challenge violence, injustice and oppression, and work for peace and reconciliation 5. Protect, care for and renew life on our planet How do these 5 marks of Mission work out in practice? 1) Witness to Christ's saving, forgiving, reconciling love for all people (everything connects up to Sydney Harbour) If you could envisage our parish is Circular Quay, with each congregation being wharf. We are in the transport industry of bringing as many passengers to Circular Quay from the outlying estuaries of our suburbs. - For our 8am wharf we then have a number of existing and potential connection points on the way into the Quay: o Thursday Connect o Seniors' ministry (including HymnFest and concerts) o Home Communion o Nursing home ministries o Funeral ministry and Remembering Service o ANZAC / Remembrance RSL Sub-branch o World Day of Prayer 2
o Fridays@Home o Centenary 2019 - For 10am wharf, similarly, the ferry masters (you and me) are seeking to bring passengers through the various connection points to the Quay o Connells Point Public School Scripture -> Friday Club -> Sunday Club o The formation of Blakehurst High School Scripture board has formed. Connects to Bolt (Friday Night Youth Group) -> Thunder (Sunday Youth Bible Study) o St Mark s Preschool -> Sunday Club o Story Time, Music Time, Baby Bounce -> Sunday Club o Baptisms -> Story Time/Music Time -> Sunday Club 2) Build welcoming, transforming communities of faith Common: - Bible Study - Epiphany Combined Communion 8am: - 8am Choral Eucharist - Connect Service (Thursdays) 8am Congregation Committee vision, planning, pastoral care and outreach. - Senior Assistant Minister, Rev. Stephen Hooper focused on welcoming - Parish Prayers in the spirit of Taizé - Christian Meditation - Lenten / Advent Studies 10am: - Family Church @ 10 - Youth and family Assistant Minister Steve Walker - Sunday Club Rampage (infants and Primary) Rachel Greenwood Night church: - Youth service 3) Stand in solidarity with the poor and needy - Strength of this church has traditionally been the last three marks - Katoke Lweru School in Tanzania, ABM, BCA, Christian Blind Mission, CMS - Mission policy international, national, local - Anglicare Toys 'n' Tucker - Prayer requests 4) Challenge violence, injustice and oppression, and work for peace and reconciliation - Christmas Bowl (Act for Peace) - Pygmy Child Care project - Local issues: Kings Head Tavern; urban planning - Aboriginal / TSI / other cultural awareness 5) Protect, care for and renew life on our planet - Eco-church project - Improve church recycling - Creation Sunday The manner of mission 3
So, then given this framework, what is the attitude, the pathos, the passion and prayer that we need to make this vision a reality? Again, let s return to the Apostle Paul, in the following verses of 1Corinthians 9:24-27, for his attitude, pathos, passion and prayer in mission: 24 Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. 25 Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. 26 So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; 27 but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified. (NRSV) Paul gives two answers in regards to the manner by which he engages in mission: First, v. 24 Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. The point is not all Christians need to compete against each other, so that only one wins the crown. Rather, the point is that in order to be the one that wins, the athlete does whatever it takes. So, we are to do whatever it takes, to run the spiritual marathon before us. But Paul sharpens the whatever it takes to the spiritual dynamic. Do whatever it takes, in regards to selfcontrol. Moreover, do whatever it takes in regards to keeping one s emotions, impulses, desires under control. Self-discipline, particularly when it comes to an body of the church is vitally important, because Paul has just demonstrated and remonstrated with the Corinthians about building up in love those weak minded Christians in regards to idol meat, and sexual behaviour within the church (1Corinthians 6-10). So, like an athlete competing in the Isthmian games, Paul s instruction is simple be selfcontrolled. For we do not receive a perishable crown, like the Isthmian games winner who received a crown of withered celery. But rather, we receive the crown of eternal life. Therefore, second, run with purpose v. 26-27 - So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified. Here, the point is not that Paul will somehow forfeit his eternal calling, but rather, that his ministry, which is his discipline, training and labour, should be found to be wanting or defective or insufficient in some way. Paul s training is purposeful. It is not simply wandering into a gym and randomly selecting exercises. Paul instructs us run with purpose, be disciplined in all things. St Mark s Mission Attitude: Run with purpose, self-control in all things As we then flesh out our own vision, mission and 5 marks of mission, then we have a sharper focus through the Paul s directive - to run with purpose and a clearer direction in regards to being self-control in all things. a. Running with purpose engaging with mission living stones A more concrete example relates to our spiritual predecessors, who built the original building. We have recently celebrated the centenary of the foundation stone being laid. 100 years ago, there was a specific goal, a specific vision for this church. The task was to build a physical building, But the purpose was that that physical building would a venue for the spiritual building, The dead bricks, lifeless tiles would house the living stones, of God s people. 4
Now 100 years later, we are the living stones. Living stones that need to run with a purpose. Our purpose is to engage in mission with the world around us. Our purpose is contained in the 5 marks of mission. We need to align or maybe re-align our activities with vision, mission and the five marks of mission. If there is a mission opportunity, we need to figure out how to engage. If there is an activity that simply becomes we do this because we ve always done this, we need to reflect upon the purpose of that activity and how it fits in with our purposeful intentions. The ministry staff, in consultation with the incoming Parish Council will be working on plans and putting together a document to this end. b. Self-control in all things The second application point relating to running with purpose is being self-controlled or being self-disciplined. Even though there is a myriad of areas where self-discipline applies, there is particularly, an area which we need to table. Proactive visionary planning vs slow decline That is in regards to our financial situation. We are at a crossroads in our financial situation. For many years, St Mark s has worked on a zero budget breaking even at the end of the year. As an important aside, when it comes to ministry expenses, particularly staffing, the reality is that many of our staff cost us nothing, financially. The student ministers come free of charge. Stephen Hooper is employed one half day per week, because a generous donor has willing put forward the amount to employ him. Steve Walker, raises his own funds from outside of the Parish, so that we are only pay hin two days per week out of our income. He gives us an extra three days per week, at no extra cost to us. Furthermore, Rachel Greenwood, gives of her own time, about 4 days per week, as the children s coordinator, Music Time and Baby Bounce teacher. All the funds generated from Rachel s ministries then go directly back into the church. So it is important that we all thank these staff members for their gracious generosity. For without them, we would not be able to undertake so many ministries at St Mark s. However, the reality is that if we re not going forwards financially, if we re just treading water, we re actually going backwards. Like the ship that imperceptible slow leak, in the course of 5 years, we ll slowly go under. So what should we do about our financial situation? And how should we do it? At Parish Council in January, we discussed the need to have a Visionary budget. A budget that seeks to bring about the vision that we have for St Mark s. A major factor in that kind of budget, is that we need to employ staff to achieve the first two marks of mission. We need staff for reaching out to the local area, and the broader community. As we seek to build the children s ministry and youth programs, And therefore our goal will be over the next three years to bring Steven Walker on board full time. By bringing Steve on full time, we seek to build the children s, youth and families ministry. So, the question, is, how does this play out financially? What ramifications are there with the dollars and cents? At Parish Council, this past February meeting, we primarily discussed our budget concerns. Our wonderful treasurer prepared three different budgets a continuing trend budget, a break even budget and a visionary budget. 5
The first continues in our current trajectory budget trend. The outcome is an approximate $31,000 deficit. That is a scary prospect because we don t have huge sums of money lying around. The second is the break even budget, so the outcome, the goal is to end up with $0 profit/loss. In order to achieve this outcome, we need to increase in offertory is $20,000. The third budget is the visionary budget where we endeavor to take big steps forward. The visionary budget leads to an outcome of $15 000 surplus. This means that we could start moving ahead financially. It means that, if appropriately determined, we could increase the number of days that we can financially support Steve Walker. This would mean Steve doesn t have to work another part-time job. To take steps forward, according to a visionary budget, we need to increase our offertory by $30 000. This means increasing our weekly offertory by $600 roughly per week. That s a big step forward. It s a big target to aim for. But unless we shoot for the stars, unless we think big, aim big, dream big, vision big, then at best, we ll slowly peter out. At worst, we ll go out the back door at a great rate of knots. The Wardens, Parish Council and Rector approved this visionary budget at our February meeting, entrusting such an outlandish budget to our great God, who can do more than we could ever ask or imagine. Consequentially this budget will be put forward to the Parish at this Annual Parish Meeting. This gives as all an opportunity to reflect, to process, and to prayerfully commit ourselves to such an undertaking this coming year. So let s all prayerfully consider how we can make this visionary budget a reality. Conclusion This year looking forward, is full of potential. As we step out in faith, we know that God will act in ways that we couldn t even imagine. The ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ is never boring, plain and uneventful. It is filled with eternal significance and everlasting hope. And yet, when we despair the darkness in our world, the bright light of our Lord Jesus Christ breaks through the darkness. When we feel weighed down, Jesus lifts us up, and carries our heavy burdens. When the sadness of grief is overwhelming, we turn to our high priest, the only one who can truly help as the one who endured hardship and suffering yet was faithful. When we turn inwards, and feel that this vision is outlandish and unachievable, even impossible, we are reminded of God s great vision for his whole creation Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:1-4 NRS) May God, in his mercy, bring this vision to reality, in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, Revd Peter Greenwood Rector 6
Appendix St Mark's Profile Who are we trying to reach? Profile of South Hurstville (according to A.B.S Census) Population: 5147 Total dwellings: 1766 Age groups: 31.3% aged 0-24 (babies to independence) 15.15% aged 25-34 (young workers) 20.38% aged 35-49 (parents and home builders) 21.77% aged 50-69 (older workers to retirees) 11.4% aged 70 and over (seniors) Cultural Background 1. Chinese 32.89% 2. Australian 13.11% 3. English 13.5% 4. Greek 8.1% 5. Lebanese 5.9% Country of Birth (outside of Australia) 1. China 22.1% 2. Hong Kong 4.3% 3. Lebanon 2.9% 4. Greece 1.7% Language spoken at home Speaks only English at home 47.6%, Non-English Total 52.4% Breakdown of languages other than English: 21.5% Mandarin, 16.7% Cantonese, 8.4% Arabic, 7.38% Greek Denominational Breakdown: 19% Roman Catholic 7.9% Anglican 10.2% Greek Orthodox 2.09% Islam 5.4% Buddhism Vocation/Education training 45.6% Bachelor or higher degree, 21.5% vocational level, 7.9% no qualification Those travelling to work by one method: 68.7% car - as driver, 17.3% train, 5.7% car as passenger, 3.6% walked only. 7
Who are we? St Mark s Parish (according to NCLS Parish Profile) Ages Groups:4% 15-29 y.o. Gender: 68% female 13% 30-49 y.o. 32% male 28% 50-69 y.o. 56% 70+ y.o Cultural Background 81% born in Australia, 19% born overseas 7% speak a language other than English at home. Church Background 33% of attenders are new arrivals to the parish in past 5 years. 68% of attenders are long term members. 99% attend church worship services at least monthly. Vocation/Education 39% have a university degree 32% have a trade certificate, diploma or associate diploma 28% have primary or secondary school education Belonging & Involvement 94% of people have a strong sense of belonging to this local church. 88% found it easy to make friends within this local church. Relating to the wider community 66% reach out to the wider community through activities of this local church 60% participate in wider community groups. 19% feel at ease talking about faith with others and look for opportunities. 39% invited friends and relatives to a church service in this last year. 69% agree that they would support the development of new initiatives in the ministry and mission of this local church. 8
Parish Council Report Annual Parish Meeting 2018 Ministry staffing The year 2017 began with rector Peter Greenwood commissioning: Steve Walker as assistant minister (Youth& Families). Local church connecting Doug Golding as Seniors Minister (Nursing homes). with local community Candy Pang student minister (2 nd year at St Mark s) Victor George & Pedro Oliveira-Woolmer student ministers (1 st year at St Mark s). Bruce Cooke for his home communion (in private homes and nursing homes ). To all our ministry team that have supported the rector through 2017 we thank you. Steve Walker for his work with Friday club, and establishing Bolt and Thunder groups ( school years 7. 8, and 9). Ronnie George for taking over as trainee ministry specialist in 2017. Ronnie is returning to full time teaching in 2018; she will continue as a parishioner at St Mark s our best wishes to her as she returns to teaching. Candy Pang finished her second year with us in November 2017. A week later she married Lachlan they have moved to New Zealand, and will work in ministry we wish them well in their new endeavour. Doug Golding and his assistants for their ministry in local nursing homes. Bruce Cooke along with Bridget McKern for taking communion to hospitals, nursing homes and house bound St Mark s members. I would also like to thank all the Volunteers who assisted with children s groups Pauline Burton, Michael van der Kolff, June Playford and our younger volunteers, Amber who helps with Sunday club, Matt who helps with Friday club. Financial The wardens would like to thank Marty Golding all her hard work as Treasurer, and her advice on how to continue after losing income from Mary Andrews Village this year. St Mark s Pre-school Our strong links with St Mark s pre-school continues. The director Kylie Duffy has been putting a lot of work into reviewing polices so that the pre- school stays up to date and is prepared for accreditation. The role of the board in this matter has been to advise and endorse polices. The Pre- school donated funds toward disabled access to lower vestry and associated path and a double gate leading into the Pre- school area. St Mark s venues Our thanks to Bruce Cooke for coordinating the use of our halls. With the lower vestry s disabled access we hope to attract more groups to use this space. Local community St Mark s continues to build links with the local community through special church services such as HymnFest, ANZAC Commemoration, and the well established groups such as Taizé, Christian Meditation, St Mark's Art and Tai chi. In 2017 we had the best Toys 'n' Tucker in the time I have been helping a fitting memory to Dorothy Harpley. Thank you to Marty Golding for her hard work putting the Spring Fair together. The Art Show finished in 2017. The wardens who like to thank Lorraine Sweeny and Alan Little for many years of hard work putting on the Art Show. We would also thank Deb Mulcair, Lois Little and the other musicians who worked hard in putting on community concerts for our enjoyment and fund raising. 9
Our thanks to all group leaders and volunteers who helped make 2017 a great year. Grants This year we received a grant from the Commonwealth Government, on the recommendation of our Federal Member David Coleman, which together with last year's grant from the RSL, has made it possible for disabled access to the lower vestry. Property I would like to thank Robert Nelson for managing repairs maintenance, including the annual plumbing and fire safety checks, supervising repair to tiles in the rectory and the disabled access to the lower vestry. My thanks to Wesley Fairhall, Roger Cedergreen and Scott Martin for the care of our grounds. Centenary Project We formed a centenary committee in 2017, the members are: Peter Greenwood, Margery Bennett, Doug Golding, Bruce Cooke and Jill Brown. Peter has been in contact with Bishop Peter Lin and Archbishop Glen Davies, to invite them to preside and preach at the two special days each in 2019. The first of these will be on St. Mark s Day where Bishop Lin will be our guest. The second date will be in August (possible date 4/8/2019) Archbishop Davies will be our guest on this occasion. My thanks to those who have made contributions to our centenary in 2017: Information about St Mark s past for our centenary. Margery Bennett and Bruce Cooke who have been meeting monthly to go through St Mark s archival material. With information collected we will be printing a booklet about St Mark s rectors and their ministries. Vale It is with great sadness that during the year, funerals where held for long-term members of St Mark s. Dorothy Harpley who sang in our choir for many years; she also started collecting outside IGA for Toys 'n' Tucker. Pat Watson who was a member of Mothers Union. Marlene Mylecharane who sang in our choir for many years. We also remember other members of St Mark s, Mary Andrews and other groups associated with our church who have had funerals since last year s annual general meeting. We remember their families in our prayers. Summary It has been an exciting year particularly with children s ministry. Liz Walker took over the play group to allow Rachel Greenwood to expand her music classes. We now have music classes Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Steve Walker has been working on growing Bolt and Thunder youth groups. The wardens would like to thank Peter & Rachel Greenwood for all the work they have done and are continuing to do bringing young families to St Mark s Church. We also thank the rector for the support of St Mark s continuing to be centre of liturgical and musical tradition in southern Sydney. The wardens have taken great pleasure in helping to lay the ground work for a continuing and thriving community of faith in our local community. We appreciate the many volunteers at St Mark s Church and thank you for all your hard work. On behalf of wardens Robert Nelson, Craig Reid and myself I hope you have found us serving you through leadership and Christian values. Jill Brown, rector's warden on behalf of church wardens 10