2008 is already shaping up as a year of new initiatives for Georges River Region.

Ten young men who will be Ordained Deacon in February will be coming into our Region. Six will replace clergy who have moved on " St George North; Panania; two for Moorebank; two for Beverly Hills with Kingsgrove. Four will be new initiatives.

Sadleir will make a big step going to two ordained staff and have plans to plant another congregation in the western end of the Parish. Brighton plans to make a concerted effort to reach multi ethnic Rockdale. Earlwood, having received the gift of a house through the generosity of Belmore, is stepping up again to having two ordained staff. Beverly Hills will start a new church plant that has been in the planning for a long time.

There continues to be a need for Children's and Youth Workers across the Region and in the Diocese as a whole. We all need to be praying that the Lord will continue to raise up young men and women for this most important ministry. Many of us, myself and my wife included, came to the Lord through committed and dedicated Sunday School teachers. I came from a non Christian family and was encouraged to attend Sunday School when in upper primary by my brother. My Sunday School teacher had to be in his thirties' an old man in my eyes at the time, and had been a prisoner of war in Changi and the Burma railway. My clear memory is that he didn't just share Bible stories, but more importantly, introduced us to a person, our Lord Jesus Christ. A number from this group went on to full time ministry and served a key lay people in their parishes.

On Saturday 21 June we are planning a day for those who would like information about Bible Training and opportunities for full time ministry at every level.

May this Christmas prove to be a time of joy in the Lord as we look afresh to God's Word together and with one heart and mind seek to glorify His name.