Serving on Sundays (and beyond)
CATHEDRAL NEWSLETTER - 1 February 2024
Image courtesy of FreelyPhotos
Friends in Christ, as foreshadowed last week, the first Sunday in February is our "ministry commencement" service, as most of our mid-week ministries re-start now as School goes back.
So I draw two things to your attention.
1. With a new year, new staff and new members of the Cathedral, it's time to refresh our rosters for our weekly services. There are both up front and behind the scenes opportunities.
In some places, we are quite short of volunteers; in all places, there is the desire to welcome fresh servants in the body of Christ. So every offer is appreciated, although occasionally we may have more volunteers for one task than needed, and we may encourage you to consider serving in another area.
The way to assist us, whether you want to continue on current rosters, and/or volunteer for something new is by filling in this simple form. The Cathedral staff will work at careful assignment of volunteers from there.
Please note that we are looking for regular and committed members of the Cathedral to volunteer, and not occasional attenders. And it is not ultimately helpful to yourself or to others only to come 'when rostered on'.
Please complete the Elvanto expression of interest form by next Sunday, 11th February at the latest.
2. At all services this Sunday, we will ask believers who teach God's Word in formal ways (some of us) and believers who serve God's church and world in various ways (all of us, hopefully) to rededicate ourselves to our responsibilities. Here are the questions and answers that I will put, so you can read them over in advance.
St Andrew’s Cathedral Commencement of Ministry, February 2024
Dean: It is fitting and proper that those responsible for the progress of the Lord's work at our Cathedral and in our city be commissioned for the task.
To Pastoral Staff, Bible Study Leaders, ‘Cathedral 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. (See 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? (See 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.
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? (See 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? (See 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? (See 1 Peter 4:11)
All: I will, the Lord being my helper.
We will also welcome the Reverend Rob Elder at all services this Sunday, as our new part-time (3 days/week) Community Chaplain. And we will pray specially for him, as well as Jonathan Adam and Brooke Hazelgrove in their newly commenced ministries among us.
Warmly in Christ
Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney
P.S. I am moved by how many people watch our Cathedral services via livestream, and I realise you don't have the chance to serve in the way I am asking of regular attenders. For some of you, your health status or that of a loved one means you cannot easily attend here or elsewhere. We are glad if you receive some encouragement in Christ from particpating online. I only request your prayers for our ministries, and especially the conduct of our Sunday services.
For others, the Cathedral livestream acts as a 'booster' to the local church you attend. I am delighted if there is spritual benefit for you with us. I urge you to do whatever you realistically can in your local fellowship that will build others up in Christ and in trusting his Word. You can care for others in person, in a way that is more difficult via remote means! But your prayers for us are also appreciated.
Prayer is one thing that is not stopped by distance or immobility, in fact, as I once wrote, it can put you on the frontline with those ministering hundreds of miles away.