Meeting Notes
by Jude Hennessy, Director, Office of Renewal and Evangelisation, Catholic Diocese of Wollongong
Ps. Scott Hanzy – Awaken Church
- We’ve been forced into a fast!
- Taking us back to basics – Us and God. Scripture.
- Warning: Let’s not try to fill people’s lives – if God is trying to lead us into a fast.
Ps. Ian Barnett – Figtree Anglican Church
- Back to basics
- Realise who is in control
- This will lead to a new normal / people who are unchurched are open all of a sudden – searching for answers.
Bishop Peter Hayward – Anglican
- The majority of St Paul’s ministry life was while he was in prison – confined – but how much was accomplished.
- Secular individualism / materialism are being stripped away – exposing how fragile we are.
- It has caused a re-assessment of priorities / connecting with people via social media.
Ps Paul Bartlett – Lighthouse
- Church is not a building, it is people / Presence of God is not just Sunday Gatherings.
- Our community is hurting – prayer is the new evangelism.
- Our words matter – bring hope. Reach out to the disconnected.
Bishop Brian Mascord – Catholic Bishop
- Quoted Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him."
- The Gospel doesn’t isolate, the Church doesn’t stop, prayer doesn’t stop.
- Great opportunity for unity of purpose across the churches.
What Churches Can Do to Help the City
Answer from Mayor Saliba of Shellharbour City Council:
- Continue to PRAY for our city and people in the community.
- FIND OUT what community needs are and how we can help.
- REACH OUT to neighbours – check in and ask: Are you OK?
- Put out POSITIVE MESSAGES. Let’s focus on the things we can do.