This year of service as wardens at Jamberoo Anglican has been an unusual one. While we wait for our new minister, Ron, to begin, we have been privileged to serve alongside Tony as he faithfully and capably leads our church in his role as Locum. In addition to the usual responsibilities of church wardens, we’ve also been supporting the expansion of volunteer administration roles—for members of our church to carry out tasks previously handled by staff—while attending to the repairs of the old rectory and preparing the current rectory for Ron’s arrival. Throughout the year, we’re also facing important financial decisions and, together with our Treasurer and the Parish Council, we are seeking wisdom from God as we chart a path forward.

Greater than any of these responsibilities, however, is the calling to be servants of our church community. This is a responsibility all of us share. Jesus taught His disciples that anyone who would follow Him must take up their cross—and with that comes the call to humble service. He modeled this most strikingly when He washed the dusty feet of His disciples (John 13:1–17)—a task normally reserved for the lowliest servant.

In fact, servant-hearted leadership turns worldly leadership on its head. In a church that faithfully follows Jesus, leadership looks less like a pyramid and more like an inverted triangle—with leaders placing themselves beneath others in order to serve their needs, just as Christ did.

As we anticipate the arrival of Ron and Julie, let’s each consider how we can grow as servants to one another at church. Not so that we can feel proud or important—but so that we might walk humbly with our Lord, following the One who gave everything for us: Jesus, the Saviour of the world.

From your Wardens: Andrew McPhail, Greg Baker, and Philippa Cleall

In Mark 13 Jesus speaks about future events both immediate (like the destruction of the Jerusalem temple) and distant (the end of this age).

Mark 13 is Jesus’ prophetic roadmap, blending immediate historical judgment with a long-term future vision of history. He doesn’t give a timeline, but a call to watchfulness, faithfulness, and trust in God’s plan.

Much can be said about this difficult passage, but the big idea remains.
Are YOU Ready for Jesus’ Return?

Tony Galea