Please consider joining in prayer for needy people. Each page of the Compassionate Catalogue will give you points for prayer for global issues. CC21 is a great fundraiser, and God blesses those gifts, but prayer is the most important part of our gratitude. Get hold of your copy of CC21 soon and commit to 23 days of prayer starting on 1 Dec.
The Synod of the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia met in 2022. One of the most difficult issues we addressed was the occurrence of child sexual abuse within our churches. With great sorrow we acknowledge that this has occurred, and we voted unanimously to issue an apology.
Ben Fien was ordained into CRCA ministry on Sunday, 6 June, at Bray Park CC(QLD). While at Genesis College, at a national Christian convention, Ben came to faith in Jesus Christ. Adam Schoenmaker, currently the lead pastor at Bray Park, was then a chaplain at Genesis Christian College, the college that shares the same campus as the church. At that time Bray Park became Ben's first church home. Ben eventually joined the staff at Bray Park as a youth worker. After his marriage to Michanne, and living overseas for a while in the UK, Ben came back to Bray Park, completed his studies at the RTC, and now serves this congregation as their community pastor. Ben loves people and gets excited about helping others discover more about Jesus, whether that is for the first time or the fiftieth time. Ben and his wife Michanne have two boys. Their second son, Boaz, was born on the 23rd of May. May God bless Ben and his wife Michanne with many fruitful years of ministry in the CRCA.
Thank you for your interest in the available grant for youth work from the ‘Reformed Church of Seacombe Gardens Foundation’. Below you will find all the relevant information for making an application for this grant.
The History and Details of the Foundation
In September 1998 the Reformed Church of Seacombe Gardens in South Australia closed its doors. Part of the monies gained from the sale of its assets was placed into a trust named, “The Reformed Church of Seacombe Gardens Foundation”.
This foundation makes available annually the money earned from the capital invested in the fund by way of grant. This is administered by a board of trustees. The foundation specifies that the Trust is set up, ‘to assist Reformed Church Ministry, particularly youth ministry’. The foundation specifies the following principles with respect to the allocation of grants:
* Priority is to be given to South Australian Reformed Churches;
* Priority is to be given to small churches wishing to employ a youth leader (part time) but not having available funds for that purpose.
Subject to those principles, the allocation of grants shall take into account the following:
* Youth Work – such as payment of wages for youth workers, school chaplains, and health workers;
* Youth Work – leadership training costs (course, travel time, etc.) for individuals involved in youth ministry;
* Youth Biblical education projects (materials, training needs, venue costs, speakers, etc.);
* Individuals – youth training for ministry and service initiatives;
* Youth convention costs – speaker costs, on-campus counselling and prayer ministries
If you believe that your request for a grant falls into these criteria, then we encourage you to apply. Please note that the total amount available for application does vary annually. As a guideline there is around $9,000-$15,000 available per financial year.
Who May Apply?
Any Christian Reformed Church Youth Ministry may apply for the grant which is to be accompanied by a letter from your local Session or Church Council.
How to Apply
Application must be made in writing stating the nature of the funding request including:
1. The purpose of the project for which funds are being requested;
2. Problems and issues which the proposed project will address;
3. How the faith of the youth will be ignited, challenged, strengthened, etc.;
4. Estimated overall budget for the project;
5. Qualifications of those who are involved in the project;
6. Statement from the sponsoring Session / Church Council of a Christian Reformed Church of Australia.
Where to apply
Please email your application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at the above email address if you need further clarification on how to apply.
Thanks,
Rev. Chris Pretorius
RCYC Representative.
World Transform is launching a special Bush Fire Emergency Relief Appeal. We have decided to give through the Presbyterian Church of Australia who have the means to help where most needed.
Local PCA congregations will be in a position to distribute help to those in need. The local churches work with those affected by fires to determine what they need and how best to deliver it. Sometimes this might be purchasing goods locally for distribution; sometimes it may be providing accommodation or clothes.
All funds and goods are delivered by locals to locals in need, within a caring relationship. 100% of all funds raised are passed on to those in need.
A special offering is scheduled for Sunday 24th November. You can also give online here. Please support that opportunity to give for the Bushfire Appeal.
More Info: Bushfire Appeal