• Volunteer Acting Chair, Church Council

    I’ve been part of Charlestown and Garden Suburb Uniting Church, now called Milson St Hub, since about 2000, when our children were in primary school.

    In the past few years, we’ve been working towards transforming our church building into the Milson St Hub.

    What I appreciate most about this community, is the ways we encourage each other to seek God's purposes for our world. This helps us make decisions that care for our earth and be like Jesus to those around us - to share love and compassion instead of judgement.

    Something that brings me the most joy at this time in my life, is settling a small child for sleep with a well-written book. The current book that has this magical effect on my grandson is 'Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site' by Sherri Duskey Rinker.

    My hopes and dreams for the Milson St Hub is for it to become a safe place for our community where people can spend time together without having to spend money. I hope we’ll enjoy each other's company and build real relationships so we can support each other when we really need it. It doesn't mean everything happens at the Hub.... it's just where connections can be made that take us out into our community in a new direction. I also hope people will meet others who seek to follow Jesus and they will do it in a style that fits with their personality and circumstances, after all, God made us as we are and planted us here.

    My favourite hobby is bike-riding. Our community is so lucky to have Fernleigh Track, one of the best cycleways in a metropolitan area. I love being immersed in the greenery of the bush and wetlands while exercising with a friend

  • Volunteer, Church Council

    ‍I began attending Garden Suburb Uniting Church 25 years ago and then joined the Church Council.  Charlestown became my church about 10 years ago. Over that time I’ve organized, catered, and attended a variety of events, including Contemplative Days, Faith-Story Dinners, Messy Church, and Bible Studies.‍‍‍‍ ‍

    Currently, I’m the Webmaster for the church website: https://www.chagsuca.org.au/ and an Admin for our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestownUnitingChurch.  I also attend weekly meetings of the Spiritual Formation Education and Discipleship group which is a working group of the Church Council.  ‍‍ ‍‍‍ ‍
    I deeply appreciate how faithful, generous, and open to God’s heart our church has been over the last few years.  There have been the upheavals of Covid, the sale of 2 church buildings, rich with significance and memories, as well as personal health and life challenges.  Through it all, the focus has remained on listening and, in spite of so many uncertainties, God is still opening possibilities for us to participate in connection with the wider world.

    I love seeing so many groups and individuals engage with the Milson St Hub each week, coming to pursue their interests, gain skills and connect with each other.‍‍ ‍

    I hope the Milson St Hub becomes a place valued by the Charlestown community, where people feel welcome to join groups and activities, hold their own functions or just hang out. 
    My dream is that this will be a space where a diverse range of people will come together to talk about the significant aspects of their lives, experience God’s love in action, and support one another in ways that nourish connection, community and a sense of belonging for all.‍‍ ‍

    One of my favourite hobbies is singing. I’m an Alto 2 in a women’s choir.  Last year we sang at the Sydney Opera House which was such a fabulous experience.  At the moment we’re rehearsing for an end of year concert a little closer to home.  I also enjoy reading, watching movies, travelling, drinking coffee with friends and spending time with my grandsons.

    ‍The things that spark joy bring me a feeling of being completely present. That presence creates a sense of stillness and connection to my inner self, the Divine, and the larger creative energy we all share.  ‍

  • Volunteer, Church Council

    My husband Mike and I came to Whitebridge Methodist Church in 1970 and when Whitebridge eventually amalgamated with Charlestown we continued attending there.

    I’m a volunteer member of the Church Council, representing the SFED (Spiritual Formation, Education and Discipleship) group, and am an elder. I organise Bible studies, the Ladies Group and the Friendship Circle as well as Morning Tea in the Community at Lake Macquarie Square and Charlestown Square and also organise any catering that needs to be done for morning teas and funerals, etc.

    What I appreciate most are the friendships, connection and support we’ve experienced and enjoyed over the years. The church services are very special and meaningful, as spiritual growth is very important to me.

    I get the most joy from sharing life with others, which includes family, church family and people in general.

    My hopes and dreams for the Milson St Hub is for it to become a community centre where people can share spiritually, socially, recreationally, and educationally.

    My favourite hobbies are gardening and reading.