In 2021 we’ve told dozens of stories from churches right across our network in NSW and ACT. Here’s a taste of God’s activity in the big and the small, and even in lockdown that encouraged, entertained and inspired us! 

 

Mary Thompson – Mary Thompson was 30 when she caught the steamer Massilia to Bombay to become Australia’s first Churches of Christ missionary. Read more HERE. 

 

 

 

Mission House  – Just over the ACT border, a healing home is being established by the Missionheart Christian faith community. Read more HERE. 

 

 

Hope & Harvest – In a kingdom where old wine and new wine are both needed, the forging of a relationship between two churches gives hope that renewal can come through partnership. Read more HERE. 

 

 

Coffs Harbour  – Sometimes a simple phone call can be God’s way of directing His people to new and unexpected missional opportunities. Read more HERE. 

 

 

 

The Tops  – ‘Life to the Full!’ reads the slogan greeting incoming students, packed into school buses as they pull into The Tops Conference Centre. But what does that mean if you have additional needs? Read more HERE. 

 

 

Murwillumbah  – Often hidden and rarely celebrated, our Elders play a vital, yet humble role in our worshipping communities. Read more HERE. 

 

 

 

Thornton – Damien is a full-time funeral celebrant and volunteer Lead Pastor at Grace Community Church, Thornton. Both are at the heart of his calling. Read more HERE. 

 

Pilgrimage  – This year, more than 40 pastors, chaplains and governance leaders attended the event from around NSW, enjoying not only sessions that covered organisational structure, restoration history, and safe ministry training, but time for relational connection and mutual encouragement. Read more HERE. 

 

Fuse  – Young people from Fresh Hope Youth communities all over the state gathered for a long-awaited FUSE rally at Restore Community Church in Castle Hill last Friday. Read more HERE. 

 

Londonderry  – Pastor Glen Clark has been ministering in the Hawkesbury area for 15 years but found himself in the thick of a crisis in April this year when a deluge hit, causing a dam overflow and flooding into parts of Londonderry. Read more HERE. 

 

Coast Community  – Recently launching their social enterprise Better Days Cafe, Coast is finding a sweet spot that puts them in proximity to their community as well as getting them involved in responding to real needs. Read more HERE. 

 

Chaplaincy  – The life of a chaplain in the Australian Armed Forces takes you to many places, and more often than not, it’s out of your comfort zone. Read more HERE. 

 

 

 

Canberra – Often the meeting places of churches can go largely unnoticed by many people passing by. But something as simple as a new garden bed in the right place could blossom into a relationship between the church and the community. Read more HERE. 

 

Albury  – Part of the River Community Church leadership board in Albury, Darren believes that this year’s NAIDOC Week theme of ‘Heal Country’ is an opportunity for the Church to listen and create space to acknowledge the past. Read more HERE. 

 

Southern Church  – What happens when a local church offers its heartfelt thanks to people who serve the community? Read more HERE. 

 

 

Common Groundz – Bringing you coffee and a laugh: the dress up trend that’s catching on in Lalor Park. Read more HERE. 

 

 

Campbelltown  – A beautiful story of Kingdom collaboration as Campbelltown Church of Christ partners with other local charities to support residents struggling financially. Read more HERE. 

 

 

Burwood  – The 99-year legacy of Burwood Church of Christ’s (BCOC) local multicultural ministry is carrying on through The Chapel Sydney’s Burwood plant this year. Read more HERE. 

 

 

Eliza Davies  – Eliza Davies was never meant to sail to Sydney in 1838 and traipse the wild Flat Rock Creek, but hearing Alexander Campbell preaching formed Eliza’s devotion to Churches of Christ and pioneering work establishing schools for poor children. Read more HERE. 

 

Bathurst  – The ICU team at Bathurst Hospital is one of the teams who have been gifted with a hamper from Bathurst Church of Christ. Read more HERE. 

 

 

Frontline Workers  – We are so grateful to the paramedics, nurses, doctors, and chaplains who offer their service in this challenging season and in particular those who offer it as a response to Jesus’ love in their own lives. Read more HERE. 

 

Read more stories of Fresh Hope HERE