Staying in touch...

Good morning from St George's Anglican Guest house in the Jerusalem Christian Quarter. Some of you will know exactly where I am, which makes the world a very small place - much like this holy city.A bit of a housekeeping musing from me this week as I head away and James assumes leadership of the church while I'm away. Please pray and support him in this role.James has spent his first three months here  looking at what St Philips is and reflecting on his ministry into the future. This was the time we had allocated for that purpose.James has visited dozens of people, groups, neighbours, outreach activities, kids events, leadership groups, diocesan events and more.We are now clear where his priorities lie and you can look forward to him unfolding that direction. It was affirming last weekend to have an eminent Tasmanian visiting us. He is the Archdeacon Emeritus of Tasmania and indicated that the mission focus direction James' ministry will head has been adopted by the bishop there in Tassie. Getting young leaders to focus outward on people in their everyday settings is setting the scene for churches across the state. Because it comes with challenges and uncertainties the Archdeacon said his job is to, metaphorically, lock the door of old church ways of thinking and doing and keep the young leaders in their communities making disciples where people are. James will elaborate on what that looks like for him.We have an annual meeting beckoning. Expect Peter Goff to begin sharing the privilege of participating more intentionally in owning the direction of the church, with the privileges and responsibilities that come with it.My job in the next phase of life with you is to support James and Liz, pastor the much loved existing community, disciple and grow leaders and engage with the civic side of Cottesloe, where many doors for Jesus are open to me.While we don't all make public announcements about family things, Cheryl and I are rather chuffed that we are going to be grandparents in September: Ben and Elle are expecting a little boy. This will be a whole new phase of life for us and we are contemplating what that might look like.I will enjoy this time away walking where Jesus walked, but I will miss my family and you all; the people of God in whom His Spirit dwells. Go and do something out of the ordinary for Jesus and leave a testimony card in the box about it.Blessings, Malcolm