CATHEDRAL NEWSLETTER - 30 January 2025

Friends in Christ, as I mentioned in church last Sunday, we use the first Sunday in February annually to mark the formal commencement of ministries for the year, given that most regular ̨��UUֱ�� activities start in the week that follows.

In addition, we welcome new Student Ministers, Ben and Abby Vanmidde, and Ben Gibson. And we will welcome Clare Gibson (nee Smeallie) back from her honeymoon with Ben, as she takes up her new role as Assistant Minister. We will also pray especially for Peter Au, as our new Coordinator of ̨��UUֱ�� Welcomers. 

Over all, we are seeking to encourage each other that, as the Apostle says, "whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17).

That is, we take serving Jesus seriously, not casually. 

So I thought it might be helpful for people to have a chance to read the commitments we ask each other to make in advance.

The first section applies especially to those who have some kind of formal teaching ministry. The second section really applies to all true Christians, who want to live for Christ. So I stress that it applies not just to those who have a formal serving ministry of some kind, but also to those who may not be on a roster at the ̨��UUֱ��, but seek to serve Christ and encourage others in their daily lives.

This also means that those who watch online or who simply subscribe to receive this Newsletter could also consider these commitments and make a similar commitment to God at home in their own contexts. 

Here's the wording that will appear in Sunday's printed Order of Service.

COMMENCEMENT OF MINISTRY
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:4-8)

Dean: It is fitting and proper that those responsible for the progress of the Lord's work at our ̨��UUֱ�� and in our city be commissioned for the task.

To Pastoral Staff, Bible Study Leaders, ‘̨��UUֱ�� Kids’ and SRE Teachers, and ‘Bible & English’ Teachers
Dean: To those who teach God’s Word: Under God, will you do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Teachers (standing, together): I will, the Lord being my helper.
Dean: Will you set an example for the believers in speech, in life in love, in faith and in purity? (1 Timothy 4:12)
Teachers: I will, the Lord being my helper.

(All sitting) To all those who count themselves as active members of St Andrew’s (including Welcome Team members, Street T volunteers, or those who in any way serve at the ̨��UUֱ��.)
Dean: As Jesus’ disciples in Sydney, will you seek to shine as lights in our city, both sharing the gospel of Jesus boldly, and honouring it by your lifestyle? (Matthew 5:3-16, Philippians 2:15-16)
All: I will, the Lord being my helper.
Dean: Will you devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful? (Colossians 4:2)
All: I will, the Lord being my helper.
Dean: Wherever you serve, will you do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ? (1 Peter 4:11)
All: I will, the Lord being my helper.

The prayers (laying hands on any key new appointments as appropriate).
Dean: Let us pray:
Loving Father, send your heavenly blessing upon these your servants, Clare and Ben, Peter, Ben and Abby. Fill them with courage and humility, faith and zeal. Make them diligent in the study of your Word, and dependent upon you in prayer, for the glory of the Name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

To the Dean.
Lay Canon*: Do you give yourself to leading this work of word, prayer and example at our ̨��UUֱ��, as  Dean of Sydney?  (*or an ‘elder’ of the congregation)
Dean: I recommit to this task, the Lord being my helper.

Dean: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: The Maker of heaven and earth.
Dean: May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us.
All: And establish the work of our hands for us.
Dean: Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
All: but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
(from Psalm 124:8; Psalm 90:17; Psalm 115:1)

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the ̨��UUֱ�� this Sunday, and to hearing you re-commit to serving Jesus in 2025. 

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney