Northern Christian Leaders Network Update – July 2013
Lunch held at Elizabeth Church of Christ
Pastor Amel Manyon of the South Sudanese Faith Community shared with us the
vision for a colourful Christmas March planned for Monday 23rd December from
around 10am along Presidnet Avenue from St Columba school. All are welcome to
participate and encouraged to spread the word.
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Lochy Cupit from Scripture Union shared with us about his various roles in the
northern suburbs, especially about the program which provides mentors for children
of families who are in prison. Lochy also provides key support to the team running the
Upside Down Circus.
Hospital Chaplain Mark Boyce updated us with the news of the huge increase in
beds at the Lyell McEwin Hospital, which has meant they are very much in need of
more pastoral visitors. There are some volunteers assisting with pastoral care but
who have no contact with local churches. Please contact Mark at the hospital if you
are interested.
Kevin Hodges from Hope Central Church shared how their church has been
running Christians Against Poverty from their church for three years, and
have helped many people get out of debt. They have also seen a number of
people become Christians as well.
Michael Edgecomb from Schools Ministry Group recently attended an information session
about Children’s Universities and believes that there is a significant opportunity for
churches to be involved. It probably presents one of the easiest ways for churches to be
engaged with school aged children 7-14. He indicated that many more schools and
Principals are viewing churches in a more positive way. He asked us to consider how our
churches may become “Learning Destinations”, utilising current programs. Mark Oliphant
College is planning to be involved, along with Adelaide Uni and Northern Connections. This
seeks to inspire young people to aspire to learn beyond school.
More information can be found at www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
Upside Down Circus coming soon! October 11/12 – Please register now for training!
Sarah Watson emphasised the need for people to register as volunteers for the fast
approaching Upside Down Circus, encouraging Pastors to highlight this to their congregations.
People can register on line at the website below. There is a need for around 350 volunteers
and about $15,000 dollars to cover costs.
You can find out more about this on
www.northernadelaideoutreach.org and follow the link which says Upside
Down Circus 2013 and Church Resource Downloads.
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The organisers of the Royal Adelaide Show Outreach between 6-14th September have asked for
Volunteers, they will receive a free ticket to the show which allows them to fill volunteer time slots of 3
hours on the Christian Outreach Stand. The stand has been present at the show for many years and is
manned by volunteers from across the denominations. It is a primarily pre-evangelistic opportunity to be
available for conversations and pass on information to those who may be exploring faith and Christianity.
Volunteers will need to attend a briefing meeting on Saturday 24th August at St Lukes Church Whitmore
Square Adelaide 9:15-11:30am.Please contact Con directly P: 8359 1965 if you would like to volunteer,
have members in your congregations who might be available or would like further information.
Other items discussed...
Lindsay shared how their church has had many Sri Lankan and some Iranian refugees seeking assistance
recently, and that there is a strong likelihood Elizabeth would have many more come in the future. This is
perhaps an issue the Christian churches could work together on to help others in need in Christ’s name.
Lindsay also shared about the idea and vision of inviting all of the northern suburb Youth Pastors , CPSW’s
and key leaders to meet together to explore how we can work on arranging some combined events, which
would be of particular value to smaller churches and youth groups. A meeting is planned soon to try and
launch this initiative.
We also discussed the annual Carols by Candlelight, which is being primarily funded by the Playford Council
this year, with the help of key people from Hope Central church. There will be a need for additional
volunteers at this event, more information will be avaialable later.
Coming Up
Ex Test Cricketer & Evangelist Peter Pollock coming to Elizabeth on weekend of Sept 27-28th - other
churches welcome to invite him to their venues, contact Rod Row for more on rod@elizabethcoc.org
I continue to encourage every Christian leader in our northern region to recognise Christ in all of us, and be
open to work, pray and share together in growing the Kingdom of God revealed in His Son Jesus.
If you have special events, good news stories to celebrate, or painful situations that could be covered in
prayer by fellow Christians, please let me know and I will share that information where appropriate.
There are monthly Northern Christian Leaders Network lunches usually held on the second Wednesday of
each month at different churches around the northern suburbs. There are also monthly meetings of both
the Salisbury and Playford churches at different times. Twice a year we have a major Civic Leaders lunch
inviting School Principals, Civic and Govt leaders, CPSW’s and Pastors. Watch out for more information on
these.
Blessings Pastor Lindsay Mayes
Seeking to transform our communities through our unity!
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