The celebration comes one year after John Stanley was inducted as Rector of St George by Bishop Michael Stead in circumstances dominated by COVID. Only six people were in the church with the remainder of the parish and friends online.
So now we turn that around with a celebration that isn’t about introducing our new rector but rather seeking to engage and reengage with our parish and friends of our church. With the active support of our bishop, Michael Stead, the feast day of Michael and All Angels on 29 September provided a singular time for us to join together.
St Michael and All Angels. The Right Reverend Dr Michael Stead, Bishop of South Sydney, reflects on the Celebration of Ministry through Revelation 12:7-12.
Ministry, and sitting with people. Rev John Stanley continues to reflect on Revelation 12:7-12, on John 1:47-51, and on his, and Alison’s, ministry and coming to St Georges.
In addition to a wide representation of the St Georges community, the service provided an opportunity to meet people we don’t often see: previous members of St Georges, both clergy and lay; representatives of other churches, including Paddington Uniting, St John’s Darlinghurst and St Marks Darling Point, support organisations including Banksia Women and Rough Edges and people identifying as friends of the present congregation.
The service combined the feast of Michael and all Angels with recognition of the diverse ministries exercised through St Georges. These include recognition of First Nations people, acknowledgement of the ministry exercised by churches nearby, partnership with organisations bring help to those in need, and our ongoing ministry to children at Glenmore Road, Public School, represented at the service by a key teacher. Following the service, supper provided a background to the making and renewing of friendships with almost everyone lingering to enjoy the warmth generated by the service.