High tea highlights Christian women's contribution
Tea and tiny sandwiches were served for a good cause on Saturday, 15 August at ANGLICARE Sydney’s first women’s only event at St Anne’s Anglican Church, Ryde.
Designed for women in ministry, ministry wives and women associated with Moore College and Mary Andrews College, the High Tea event was a chance to hear more about ANGLICARE and talk to the women who work for the organisation.
Speaking at the event were Tracey Sutherland, an ANGLICARE Chaplain at the Prince of Wales hospital and Catriona Corbett from the Family Relationship Early Intervention service.
While their ministries were vastly different their intent to show God’s love and mercy in times of crisis was the same. Both also needed volunteers to assist them in their work.
For Tracey who works three and a half days a week, being a hospital chaplain gives her the opportunity to access and minister to people in situations and places not open to the general public.
“Whether its families deciding to stop treatment for a loved one or supporting someone close to death, you are there to help those in physical or mental pain and in crisis,” says Tracey.
“Most of these people have not had much church contact and sometimes you may be the only Christian they meet before they die. It really is evangelism on the coal-face.”
While the Family Relationship Early Intervention Service also has programs that assist people and families in crisis, there are also some that concentrates on keeping relationships strong and healthy. There are various parenting courses, marriage preparation courses and enrichment programs.
“A recent innovation has been our Care2Grow courses, run by relationship educators,” Catriona explains.
“While not specifically Christian in content, they provide practical support for both parishioner and those in the greater community and reflect Christian values.”
ANGLICARE has a long history of volunteer support from parishes and according to event organiser and ANGLICARE Marketing Services manager Christina Mahoney, many of them have been women.
“Our experience has shown that parish women have always played a vital role in supporting and caring for their communities. ” says event organiser and ANGLICARE Marketing Services manager Christina Mahoney.
“By talking to our frontline staff and hearing about the work we do, we hope that today's Christian women will learn more about the valuable ministry opportunities provided by our programs to assist their community in His name.”
