A congregation from St Thomas's, North Sydney is about to move across the bridge "” not Sydney Harbour's coathanger, but the old sandstone structure that leads to Northbridge "” to make a new home in both the church building and parish of St Mark's.
About three quarters of the existing 5pm Sunday congregation at North Sydney is making the move.
Eighty or so adults, ranging in age from early twenties to beyond 60, will plant a 5pm service at St Mark's, Northbridge and encourage the ministry of the existing church community there.
Andre Kyme is among those making the move, with his wife Steph and their little daughter Annabel "” seeing it "as a really good opportunity to support" a faithful church which has small numbers, so it's been harder for them to have an impact on their community".
The rector of St Mark's, Adam Street, says late last year "” through regional bishop Glenn Davies "” he became aware Simon Flinders from St Thomas's was looking for the next step beyond North Sydney with his 5pm congregation. "It proved an opportune time for us to say "Why don't you come here?'" Mr Street says.
At the moment there are two small morning services at St Mark's and church members are working hard to keep Bible studies and ministries such as school Scripture active.
Mr Street says those at St Mark's are looking forward to the change. He is hopeful that replanting a congregation in the evening will provide the parish "with a great way to look at things we might do to get the gospel out to Northbridge".
A home group leader from St Thomas's, Sue Zweck, also regards the move as perfect timing for those coming from North Sydney.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to be challenged for the gospel," she says. "Having the possibility of reaching out to the local community is a really good goal to work towards, and is one that we need to be pushed a bit to do."
Mr Flinders will retain his links with St Thomas's until the end of this year, after which he and the new congregation will officially be regarded as part of St Mark's.
