Since 1874, All Saints’, Woollahra has been a gathering place for “saints and not-so-saints”, and God has not stopped working in the lives of those who are there.
At this year’s Synod, as part of a new initiative to hear the stories of parishes in each region of the Diocese, rector the Rev Marcelo Morbelli spoke of seeing God grow the church in faithful perseverance over the years, especially through times of hardship. Even when the numbers are small, God is at work in his people and his goodness shines brightly.
A sister in Christ since 1938
“Doreen has been part of All Saints’ since 1938,” Mr Morbelli said. “She has sat under every rector that All Saints’ has ever had, except for the very first. She’s a deaconess and she’s been a tremendous friend and a source of wisdom and history, and she’s in palliative care at the moment. But she’s very clear about where she’s going. And she’s ready to be home with the Lord.
“I remember a few months ago, when I called her ‘sister’, she said to me, ‘I’ve become used to you calling me “sister”. I had a lot of difficulty with that at first. But I really do feel like a part of the family’.”
Finding Christ in a quiet moment
Mr Morbelli shared another story of a message he received from a young man who had been attending a Christianity Explained course at Woollahra, and sent him the following email:
"As you know, Simon [Manchester] once told me that I would have to make a choice at some point. A choice regarding my faith. And I wanted to tell you that I made that choice not too long ago. You see, I was exhausted after a long day of work. I was quite irritated at people and the world and needed some time to think and reflect. So I went home and found some peace. And in that low, yet quiet moment, I decided to acknowledge my sin and mistakes, and choose to place my complete faith in Jesus Christ."
“Isn’t God good?” Mr Morbelli said to Synod members.
It’s not just spiritual growth for which the congregation of Woollahra gives thanks. All Saints’ has been able to start Bible studies and a new children’s program, known as Small Saints, for the youngsters now attending the morning congregation. This has been a source of joy to the church – seeing little ones grow and delighting in God’s word together.
Mr Morbelli is so encouraged by all that God is doing in the parish. “The Lord has provided new members, new families and offertory to sustain the work. We long to see all of this and more continue to happen in the life of this church.”
PRAY
- Give thanks for the faithfulness of those who have been at All Saints’ for many years
- Praise God for recent newcomers who have expressed interest and faith in Jesus
- Praise God for the Small Saints, and pray they will grow up with a deep love and trust in Jesus their Saviour
