King kisses MAC goodbye

Sarie King left Mary Andrews College in December, where she has been Dean of Women for 17 years, to take up the role of director of women's ministry and training at Christ Church, St Ives, beginning March 17.

Watts up? Flying.

In mid-February, the Rev Ron Watts will conclude 13 years of prison and hospital chaplaincy with Anglicare to take up a promotional role with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).

"Alison and I served with MAF through the 1970s and 80s in North and Central Australia. Flying and ministry have been a huge part of my life for the last 40 years," he says. "I look forward to encouraging folk to support the immensely valuable work that MAF does in Christ's name, in the remotest corners of our world."

Figtree not forgotten

After 20 years at Figtree Anglican Church, Rod Irvine has moved north of the border.

The Rev Dr Rod Irvine had his final service as rector on Sunday, January 13 and has commenced retirement from full-time parish ministry after two decades in Sydney Diocese.

Dr Irvine left for Queensland in January with his wife Helen who will take up the position of associate professor in accounting at the Queensland University of Technology.

Colgan takes on St George

After four years as an assistant minister at the parish of St George North, the Rev Phil Colgan will become the rector from February 6.

"I do approach the task with some trepidation. However, the overwhelming feeling is of excitement," Mr Colgan says.

Mr Colgan was previously responsible for the 10am congregation at Carlton Public School, the 5pm service at St James', Carlton and promoting evangelism.

"I hope to continue these roles, however I will now play a greater role overseeing our congregations at Bexley, Bexley North and in the St George Bank Auditorium in Kogarah, as well as our various other ministries," he says.

McNeill's mini-move

The Rev Jodie McNeill has been appointed as Anglicam Youthworks' new director of camping and the Port Hacking site. It is the first time these roles have been combined.Mr McNeill has been working for Youthworks for the last five years, most recently as director of the Year 13 program at Youthworks College.

Wheeler rides on

The Rev Robert Wheeler concludes his ministry at St Peter's, Cremorne on February 21 after nine years. Mr Wheeler has also served as the rector of St John's, Dee Why and as a curate at St James', King Street.
Despite growing up in Sydney, Mr Wheeler spent five years in Brisbane and Melbourne dioceses, leading churches there before returning to Sydney in 1978.

"I regard it as a wonderful privilege to have been able to serve God's people in six different contexts over the past 40 years."

Mr Wheeler will retire to the central coast but plans to do locum work in Sydney.

Gilmour guy retires

The Rev Dr David Gilmour will retire as rector of St John's, Campsie on March 2, after seven years at the church and over 30 years since he was first ordained.

He ministered in various roles in the parishes of Frenchs Forest, Northmead, St Ives, Pymble and Hurtsville. He also spent three years between 1989 and 1992 co-ordinating the Diploma of Christian Education at Moore Theological College.

In retirement Dr Gilmour hopes to undertake research, writing projects and pursue work in ethics and historical theology.

Southern Cross change

After an interim 12 month phase integrating content across web and print, Allan Dowthwaite has stepped back from Southern Cross to focus on his role as CEO of Anglican Media. In particular, Mr Dowthwaite will look at strategic opportunties to develop new media evangelism projects.

Jeremy Halcrow is the new Managing Editor of SC. He will also continue in his previous role as Features Editor overseeing in-depth material for both print and web.