Hi Cuties, as of 2 Sundays ago we were informed that my Church Holy Family Anglican Church North Belmont and Holy Name Anglican Church Redhead will be closing down. As you can imagine there were many upset people some who have been there for over 40 years especially at the Redhead church. My Church at Belmont North is only 37 years old.

by pennifold 08 Apr 2021

Thanks so much for commenting, love Chris

by pennifold 08 Apr 2021

Thanks so much Patti, I am so thankful for everything God does for humankind. Love Chris

by pennifold 03 Apr 2021

Thanks Penny, that's what we are hoping for that we will all go to the Belmont church. As I've said previously somewhere that was my Church for 17 years until I came to Belmont North/Redhead Parish. My church is literally 6 houses away from my place. I still have to drive there as I collect Mum from her place about a 5 minute drive away. Once I go back to Belmont I'll still have to collect Mum and it's only another 10 minute drive to All Saints at Belmont anyway. Love Chris

by pennifold 03 Apr 2021

Hi Caroline, I'm afraid it's a sign of the times. We have a lot of churches here also being bought and made into private homes. Love Chris

by pennifold 03 Apr 2021

Hi Toogie, thanks so much and Happy Easter to you too. Love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Hi Shirley, I hope so and yes, it's good that my original church is only a 5 minute drive away. Love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

How right you are Sonja, hope and faith are great words to keep one going. Love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Thank you so much for the encouragement. We have some home groups going at the moment and that's how it would have all started back in Jesus' day. Love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Hi Martine, yes, you are right with all those statements. Especially volunteers, as we age we need the young ones coming through to keep it vibrant. I'm 68 and there are only a couple of younger ones than me there, most are in their 70's and 80's. Faithful servants, but it's too much to ask them to do the things we need to do to keep running the race. Love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Thanks so much Suzanna, yes, I do believe in dreams and I know better things are yet to come. Love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Hi Brenda, it's a sign of the times I'm afraid. I know how you MIL feels, it peeves me too to see God and prayers etc. being removed from our schools, community meetings, etc. Thanks for commenting about the wall hanging. Love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Hi Vicki, no it's to do with paying back money for the Sexual redress situation that has affected a lot of churches throughout New South Wales and sadly to say the rest of the country. Not only the Anglican Church, but the Catholic and other religious institutions. There was a lot of it going on in children's groups too, so it's not only linked to the churches, but other organisations too. Love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Thanks so much for commenting, love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Hi Tonya, thanks for the story about your family's church. Yes, it is sad to think that these things have to happen, but God is everywhere and they are after all only buildings - we are the church and the people will go on. Thanks for your prayers and yes God has an answer. Love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Thanks so much Betsey, I do hope it inspires our congregation. Love Chris

by sewtired 01 Apr 2021

Usually it's because they don't have enough of a congregation to support them. Often, if they need just a little help, they will be provided assistance and called a mission church, but if the drain on the diocese is too great, they will be closed. Of course, I don't know and it could be something else entirely.

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Hi Angie, it's all to do with combining the 5 parishes within a radius of 5-6 miles to help pay for the sexually abused people between 1980 - 2015!!!
Here is an excerpt from the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle explaining what is happening.
"Newcastle's Anglican Diocese says it may have to sell church assets to make up a $1 million shortfall in the amount due to be paid to survivors of abuse this financial year.
Bishop Peter Stuart said despite the significant deficit, everyone entitled to compensation would receive it.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse has led to the diocese already making 27 payments totalling almost $5 million.
The royal commission's probe into alleged abuse and cover-ups within the Newcastle Anglican diocese was damning.
The average payment made to survivors of abuse so far has been about $183,000.
"The synod and the diocese as a whole is experiencing some financial stress, so there are a number of reasons why we have a deficit," he said."
I personally know 2 Priests who themselves were sexually abused and of course there are lots of innocent children who are now adults who have come forward. Love Chris

by crafter2243 02 Apr 2021

Thank you for the detailed explanation.

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Thanks so much Kim, I'm glad you think so. Love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Thanks so much, love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Thanks Suzanne, yes, I am always amazed at how little things like a dream can mean to much. God still speaks with us through all kinds of avenues. I hope the congregation will be uplifted by my small gesture. Greg my Priest, is so inspiring, he's an ex con, ex bikie and ex drug user. He found God and he is one of the most inspirational men I know. He has a love of God that is just so tangible. Love Chris

by jenne 02 Apr 2021

I think this story needs to be told over and over again, it also need to happen to many more than it does, if so our churches would not be closing. your work is beautiful.

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Ain't that the truth Carolyn? It's so comforting to know He is still with us throughout all our comings and goings. Love Chris

by pennifold 01 Apr 2021

Thanks so much, I appreciate you commenting. Love Chris