Port Anglican’s two new ministers want to be a contributing factor to becoming a spiritual hub for the Port Macquarie community.
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Rev Ross Duncan and families minister David Morgan arrived in the city from differing backgrounds.
Rev Duncan came via Nambucca Heads. He also served 11 years as the prison chaplain in Tasmania, amongst other duties. He was a former NSW policeman for some 17 years.
Mr Morgan worked in Japan and England for a number of years in a variety of capacities and recently arrived from Newcastle.
Both men say the church has some exciting initiatives scheduled for 2018.
Rev Duncan said Port Anglican has several program currently running but was keen to expand these into the social justice platform, particularly for the disadvantaged in the community.
“We need to reach out to this demographic. When you sit down with those involved in our weekly soup kitchen, you get a real understanding that some people are struggling and really doing it tough.
“And there are people looking for assistance and help in coping with their lives. There is also a growing instance of mental illness issues.
“One of the real challenges is to provide a space where people feel safe and enjoy a meal, but importantly feel a connectedness and enjoy a social aspect.”
Isolation, family breakdown, life pressures and its many struggles are also elements that Rev Duncan wants to focus on.
“We, as a church, bring a range of skills in this area and we can develop support within the community,” he added
Mr Morgan’s role will look to develop a safe environment for family groups and to rebuild trust.
When you sit down with those involved in our weekly soup kitchen, you get a real understanding that some people are struggling and really doing it tough.
- Rev Ross Duncan
“We want to assist families with finance, budgets, relationships, communication and how these are important to the family unit,” he said.
“I am looking forward to spreading the message that we can help build better relationships to the broader community.
“There are tremendous stress levels involved in simply being a parent too, so we want to encourage those conversations and offer space for this to happen.”
With one third of the world’s population open to explore their spirituality, Mr Morgan said the church still has a place and a message to share.
“We are very willing to go on that journey with people,” he added.
The two ministers said Port Anglican wanted to be a beacon to the community and to be a reflection of what Jesus can bring to the world.
Port Anglican will host a series of Christmas celebration activities, commencing on Wednesday December 20, with the 9 lessons and carols at St Thomas Church. The starts at 7pm.
Friday December 22, 7pm, Christmas under the stars, fundraiser for the homelessness, at St Thomas Square.
Sunday December 24, at 8am, St Thomas ‘follow the star’, traditional service.
Sunday December 24, 10am, Teddy Bears Christmas, St Columba School Chapel, Lake Innes.
Sunday December 24, 7pm, How the Grinch stole Christmas, St Thomas Hall.
Sunday December 24, 11pm, Christmas Eve mass, St Thomas Church.
Monday December 25, 9am, Christmas Day combined services, St Thomas Church.