Email to congregations - Monday 3 Nov 2024.

At our services yesterday I announced the following staffing changes that are taking place at Wellspring later this year.

• Josh Lattimore will conclude his two-year ministry internship with us.  Technically this ends on 22 December, but he is taking some leave between now and then so his last working Sunday with us will be 15 December.  Some consideration has already begun about the appointment of a new ministry intern.  
• Sam Gough is resigning as assistant minister at Wellspring, believing that the time has come for him to explore where God is now calling him.  His final Sunday with us will be 22 December, after which he will be taking accumulated annual leave.

Appropriate farewells will be arranged for both Sam and Josh – details are still to be worked out.  Meanwhile, please give thanks for the ministries they have exercised and pray for God's leading of them as they look to the future.  And of course, continue to pray for Wellspring as we PREPARE for the future.

In relation to these changes, I can give you two assurances:

1. Sam’s resignation does not mean that the 4pm service will cease to continue.  As locum I will continue to work with the leaders in that congregation to ensure its future.
2. Those who have expressed interest in appointment as our new Senior Minister have been made aware of staffing changes at Wellspring, so the person appointed is not going to walk into a situation that takes them by surprise.

If you have any questions about these matters, please do not hesitate to speak to me.

Noel Bowditch

Locum (Acting Senior Minister)

0466 720 578

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion 

until the day of Christ Jesus.

For those new to fasting

• Foregoing a meal on one of Wellspring’s corporate prayer days, and using that time to pray for our church in a season of transition, can be a useful starting point.

• Try a new habit of walking or exercising without taking your phone, to protect that time from distraction.

• Someone might choose to fast coffee for a month, and every time they feel that pang of need, it’s a reminder to pray.

• Social media may be something especially consuming for others, and to fast regularly from this allows space to pray.

• If you’d like to try a one-day fast, keep the following in mind:

  • Fast for two meals.

  • Continue drinking coffee and tea if that’s your habit.

  • Keep a normal work and exercise schedule.

  • Have a single long period of uninterrupted quiet. This can involve: prayer,

    journalling, reading Scripture, etc.

• If you’d like to extend your fast beyond one day, keep the following in mind:

  • Expect to feel hungry.

  • Plan your schedule. If you have existing appointments, find natural ways

    to communicate you’re fasting if needing to mention it.

  • Have a specific purpose, problem, or necessary breakthrough in mind, to

    focus attention and return to.

  • Be mindful of where you plan to be in the final stages of the fast, since

    you will be in need of sustenance and low on energy.

For further reflection and study

• We recommend the “Practicing the Way” podcast by John Mark Comer. Click here for more details.

• A shorter explanation of the value of fasting can be found here.

For children and families

• You may discuss and choose something together to fast from on the days of fasting (Oct 31st, Nov 14th, Nov 28th). For example, a treat, technology, or activity, as a regular reminder to stop and pray.

• You may like to incorporate the prayers below during family meal or prayer times, prepared by Anna Davy and based on Psalm 28:7-9.

• You can use a simplified version of our PREPARE prayer (also below)

Lord, you are our strength and shield.

We trust you,
And you help us.
We give you thanks.

Lord, you are powerful.
You save and protect those who lead us.

Save your people,
Bless your people,
Shepherd us at Wellspring,
And carry us forever. Amen.

God of strength and wisdom,

you are worthy of all praise,
and we can trust you in change.

As Wellspring changes,

by your Holy Spirit make us more like Jesus;

provide us godly leaders;
and grow our life with Jesus,
in whose name we pray. Amen.

Congratulations to your new Parish Council for 2024-2025.

Councillors: Matt Bowditch, Ruth Charlton, Wendy Falloon, Peter Kleywegt, Grace Ren, John Schuringa

Wardens: Anna Folkerts, Richard Lord, Brett Reid

Synod Reps (2024-2027): Richard Lord, David McQuillan and TBC.

Nomination Committee 2024-2027: 1. 2. 3. (supplementary 4. 5. 6. ) TBC

Please pray for this group of people as they seek to lead Wellspring in life with Jesus. 

Communication to Parish Council can be made through the office: admin@wellspring.org.au

Council meets third Wednesday of each month. 

Nominations ahead of our 2024 AGM are open. They will close Sunday 18 August. 

Download this form and use it to nominate for positions of: 

Parish Councillor, Warden, Synod Rep and Nomination Committee member

Please return completed forms to the office no later than 18 August 2024.

Hard copy forms are available from church.

What are these roles?

• A suitable Parish Council member represents the wider church, in particular their home congregation, and joins with the Rector in "ensuring the affairs of the Parish are properly conducted". More importantly, a Parish Council member is committed to life with Jesus for themselves, as they demonstrate a passion for the vision and welfare of Wellspring.
• A suitable Warden will fit the above description also, as well as having a greater degree of responsibility in the spiritual discernment and welfare of Wellspring Parish (our people and our property).
• A suitable Synod Representative commits to attending the annual parliament-style meeting of all Anglican parishes and agencies, over a three year term. They join with the Rector in representing Wellspring to the wider Anglican Diocese of Tasmania, taking their part in the mission of "a church for Tasmania, making disciples of Jesus". Wellspring Synod Representatives also sit on Parish Council as full members.
• A suitable Nomination Committee member will be called on if/when the Rector of Wellspring's position becomes vacant. They will need to be a maturing disciple of Jesus, who is familiar with Wellspring's strengths and weaknesses, and is willing to work with Diocesan representatives to bring a recommendation of candidates to the Bishop to be the next Senior Pastor/Rector of Wellspring. Please note: this committee will be elected and may activate after the next (new) Rector of Wellspring, not the upcoming vacancy when Rob concludes.

Our AGM is going to be held Sunday August 25 at 11:30am.

Attend in person or watch (without participating) via zoom using the link here. Or use Meeting ID: 894 1757 3581 and Passcode: AGM2024

All documents you require before the day can be found here once available.

1. Minutes from AGM 2023

2. Agenda for AGM 2024

3. Ministry & Mission Reports

4. Governance Reports

5. Audited Financials 2023-2024

6. Budget 2024-2025

If you are unable to make the meeting and would like to register an apology please email Lara admin@wellspring.org.au. 

If you have any questions about the above reports feel free to contact the report writer directly or email Lara admin@wellspring.org.au.