Giving Thanks
There is so much to be thankful for in our life together here at St John’s. First and foremost, we are deeply grateful for the hope of the Gospel, which is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission remains to connect people to God through Christ, and that continues as our central purpose.
We’re so thankful for the recent numerical growth here at St John’s and especially amongst our young people. It was also amazing to see people among us publicly declare their faith through baptism.
In 2025 we also had the great joy of being able to launch our Public Lecture, Crechè, Youth Group, Sunday School, and Holiday Kids Club.We’re also so thankful for the provision of God for all who are part of St John’s who play a part in our life together through prayer, encouragement, service, financial participation and more.
2026 Plans
In October, the Parish Council met to pray and plan for 2026. We hope to continue all that we’ve been doing in 2025! In some ways, 2026 won’t look all that different from what we have been doing. However, there are two key areas which needs addressing, our Sunday Services and our financial provision.
Sunday
Services
Our Current Situation: Throughout 2025, the 9AM service has grown significantly. Praise God! However, church growth studies show that once attendance reaches about 80% of capacity, newcomers find it harder to connect and we’re now at that point.
The Challenge: We are full! This is a wonderful challenge that calls for discernment, prayer, and planning.
2026 Plan - Plant a Second Service: In 2026 we hope, pray, and plan to launch an internal church plant of a second service here at St John’s around September in order to reach more people with the good news of Jesus.
In Australian culture, there is more openness to conversations about Christianity than ever before. Young people especially are also being drawn to more traditional forms of worship. As Anglicans, we have a rich, Gospel-centred liturgy that can powerfully connect with our community.
This new service could be a wonderful opportunity to share Christ through our rich heritage.
Financial
Provision
Our Current Situation: St John’s has two telephone tower leases bringing in a significant portion of our income. We have been talking for many years about being more strategic in how we use these funds for wider gospel ministry.
The Challenge: Around Australia, there is a lack of vocational Gospel leaders and specifically people coming forward for paid roles in churches. This is being felt in our theological colleges as well as local churches.
2026 Plan - Launch the Connect Fund: We are prayerfully planning to launch a new initiative called the Connect Fund using funds from our tower income. The Connect Fund will exist to help support Anglican Gospel leaders and churches in their growth, development, and mission. The scope for funding could include ministry traineeships, buying books, conference financial support, seed funding for church plants, and more. This could have a real impact beyond our church doors to help more people connect to God through Christ!
2026 Needs
As we seek to continue to connect people to God through Christ in 2026, there are four main high need areas for prayer and discernment:
Staffing: In order to enable this growth to continue, we hope and pray to appoint more staff. This could include a Children’s Ministry Coordinator or a Ministry Intern to enable the raising up of gospel leaders.
Lay Leaders: At the same time as searching for staff we also are in need of team leaders in many areas such as kids, youth, music, tech, welcoming and hospitality, especially as we seek to plant a new church service.
Financial Partnership: To financially sustain our ministry and grow our staff team, we will need continual financial partnership in our offerings.
Prayer: Of course, everything we do at St John’s is undergirded by prayer and this must continue as we depend on God to give the growth among us.
Ongoing
Ministries
Sunday School
Crèche
Youth Group
Holiday Kids Club
Morning Prayer
Prayer Meetings
Home Groups
Alpha
Annual Public Lecture
Ladies Fellowship
Cafe Catchup
Working Bees
Get Involved
If we are able to accomplish what God has placed on our hearts for 2026, we trust and pray it will be a year of reaching people for Christ.
That’s the reason we exist as a church! If this vision excites you and you feel called to participate in any of these ministries, please fill out the attached ‘Expression of Interest’ form.
Filling out the form does not commit you to anything, so feel free to explore where God might be leading you to use your gifts.Above all, please be praying that God would work through us as a church in 2026 to draw many more people to faith in Him for His glory.
get involved.png)
