Dear friends,
Today is our last day with you. Bronwen and I have appreciated the welcome and the friendship in the Lord that we have received from you all.
When the apostle Paul wrote to his Christian friends in Rome he said he was encouraged by their faith, as they were encouraged by his faith. ‘Mutual encouragement’ is the word that he used – and that is how we feel about the ministry we have had here with you.
In our first weeks here we were involved ‘behind the scenes’ in the marriage ministry. What an excellent ministry this is both in encouraging regular members of the congregation as well reaching out to the community offering to assist people with their marriages. The leadership and cooperation of so many congregation members from the church was very impressive.
We have also begun the Christianity Explored course with Rico Tice from London talking with us about the picture of the Lord Jesus from the Gospel of Mark. We have enjoyed this small group of people meeting on Sunday afternoons. We believe this course will be a great asset in helping new people to understand the good news of Jesus as well as reminding people of the basics of the Christian faith.
I have also appreciated getting to know Ben and Jono and their families. We have continued to meet on Monday mornings praying and reading the Bible together. This is an important ministry that I was pleased to continue while your Rector was on leave.
Stepping into the ministry here has shown me what a good pastor you have and to see some of the programs and resources he has set up in order to serve people at Tea Tree Gully. He has exercised a faithful ministry in teaching and pastoral care of people as well as encouraging the staff team. It has been a pleasure and a joy to share with you in his ministry recognising that it is the Lord who has and continues to build His church here.
I have enjoyed our teaching times on Sundays especially as we have looked at the letter of James, the Lord’s half brother.
I leave with you this verse. ‘He (God) chose to give us new birth through the Word of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.’ (James1:18).
We thank God for you all. We have very fond memories of the congregation at Tea Tree Gully Anglican church and we look forward to meeting again.
With every good wish and blessing, Bronwen & Ian Cox.