August. Time to stop talking about church planting and start planting! With support of Rector and wardens, I gather a planning team of 10 (mixed ages, different gifts). I've never planted before " feeling anxious " easy option is to stay at 7pm church.

September. We meet for the first time as a team to talk about our mission statement (it's important we have same statement as St Thomas'), vision statement (under God, the two year aim) and our core biblical values (what we're committed to). I leave meeting feeling overwhelmed " a sleepless but prayerful night follows.

All of the team ask six people to pray for them and this venture. Where should we plant? I meet local ministers in Kirribilli / McMahons Point area to seek support " no evening service at those Anglican churches.

We look at the demographics of Kirribilli " a large proportion of high earning 25-40 year olds. We walk round the area " meeting people, watching, chatting to café owners. Real concern for the many there lost without Christ. Weekly team meetings throughout September.

October. I'm keen for clear communication with the 7pm congregation " two new congregations for 2005 (church plant and new 7pm service!).

I still have a blank sheet of paper " no venue, no time slot, no name, no shape. Exciting to go back to basics: what should this gathering look like, how do we build believers, how do we reach unbelievers, is Sunday the best day to meet, how many should we start with, who should we encourage to commit etc? Praying we'll be Christ-centred and never ashamed of the gospel!