Reflections on Church and the Ministry Team — September 2026
Learning from the Church Council Chairpersons’ Retreat
Last month, Kaylene shared some thoughts on being at a retreat, something that can be a great challenge. This month, I had the pleasure of attending the Generate Congregations’ Church Council Chairpersons’ Retreat, hosted by Encounter Church at Enfield. It was a busy, full-on day, with five talk sessions and a time of prayer, but it was also a day filled with excellent content, good fellowship and opportunities to bring our Port Broughton perspective to the discussions.
Our Church Ministry Team
In case you didn’t know, the Ministry Team of the Port Broughton Uniting Church Congregation is what in other places is called a Church Council. In many churches, the Council supports and assists the ministry provided by a stipendiary Minister. However, Port Broughton Uniting Church is a congregation whose Ministry Team is one of the longest-serving Councils maintaining the church’s work and witness without the benefit of having a Minister of the Word.
It is a noble record. While it does involve inviting recognised Ministers from other churches who are willing to come and preach for us, much of the ministry of the Word has recently come from within our congregation. It seems that few churches have this; it is our privilege.
More and more small churches cannot fund a Minister, and they find themselves floundering and wondering if they can actually survive. Add the challenges of property repair and maintenance, and for some, the outlook is apparently a bit bleak.
Shaping a Pathway for the Future
We have done well with the upkeep of our facilities and the recent kitchen and hall improvements. However, the retreat showed me several things that require our attention if we are not simply to “continue to do what we have always done”, but instead shape a pathway towards becoming more of a church for the 21st century in Port Broughton: a place where people with no prior church life can encounter the Lord Jesus and become witnesses in their turn to the next generations.
A key message of the Chairs’ Retreat was that churches of all sizes and locations must either adapt or decline. Another was that congregations and their Councils need to pray actively together to seek the Lord’s leading into fresh local activity that renews and refreshes faith and adds new members.
Praying Together for Fresh Vision
With that in mind, and while celebrating all that we have enjoyed in recent years, I strongly urge us all to consider joining together on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons at 3 pm in the hall. We will come together in unity for worship, learn new songs to enrich that worship, and pray together as we wait on God for a fresh vision for our situation and future.
Contributed by Ray Skinner
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
— Isaiah 43:19a
God is Doing a New Thing
God is still at work among us. Let us come together in prayer, open to His leading and ready for the new thing He will do.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19a
Prayers for the Sick and Other Needs
Please remember in your prayers all those who are sick at the moment, especially those in Barunga Village who may not have many visitors. You are the God who sees me even in my sickness.
Shoe Box Project
Packing of shoeboxes will continue until the end of September. Thank you to everyone who has already supported this ministry through donations and gifts. It is not too late to contribute. Donations of money are welcome, or if you prefer to shop, small soft toys, hair accessories, and jewellery for girls are still needed. Please pray for Operation Christmas Child, its volunteers, and those who will hear of God’s love through these gifts.
Church Computer
We are looking for people who would be willing to learn how to put a service on the Church computer, either regularly or in an emergency. You may not want to put a whole service on the computer, but you may be willing to “press the buttons for a service”. It is easy to do, so please contact Sandra Ireland if you are willing to learn. Thank you. We have purchased a new computer, so come along and have a go.
Knit and Natter
Our next knit and natter will be held on Wednesday, 2nd September, in the Hall, from 2 pm. Please remember to bring your finished items for Dulcie. Tea, coffee and cake provided, so come along for a fun afternoon of knitting/crocheting and chatting.
All welcome.
Home Group Change
Meeting on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons at 3 pm in the hall. We will come together in unity for worship, learn new songs to enrich that worship, and pray together as we wait on God for a fresh vision for our situation and future. All welcome!
CAFÉ – open 2–4 pm every Friday
Following your visit to the Op. Shop, why not call next door to the P.B. Memorial Hall for a refreshing FREE cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake. All are welcome.
(If you feel like helping by baking a homemade cake or helping serve, let Tim, Michele or Sue know. Thank you).
Uniting Country
Food Bank
Please keep the contributions of dry goods & tinned food coming!
Sally Stamps
Please continue to save your stamps for ‘Sally Stamp’. You can bring them to the Church and place them in the box in the Church foyer. Thank you.
Blanket Appeal
Donations of clean blankets and quilts are needed for people doing it tough. Please give them to Dulcie Chapman or leave them at the Op Shop marked for her, to be passed on to those in need.
