Report from the Rev’d Gloria Shipp: Elders and Seniors Ministry in Dubbo and Nyngen, a Culture Camp and Baptisms

Gloria writes:

“The remainder of 2022 and 2023 still saw lots of travel for my ministry.  Unfortunately, unexpected surgery in December 2022 saw enforced recovery at home and time out (although I was still taking enquiries regarding baptisms etc) 

“The Dubbo Elders Outreach Group continue to meet every Tuesday in the hall at Dubbo Anglican Church.  I travel the 165km when I can to be with them, or I phone in and talk with them.  Rev Brett Watterson and Jen were also on hand in Dubbo if the Elders needed pastoral care/assistance if I was not in Dubbo.  Health professionals continue to visit the Elders group as well as other community members to do craft activities with the Elders or just have a chat.  They held their annual Christmas party in December 2022 and took on ownership of most of the organisation as I was in hospital until the day of the party.

“The Seniors Group in Nyngan is going well, the meet fortnightly on a Wednesday in the Anglican church hall.  They have also had a few outings together as they all enjoy the fellowship. They held both a Christmas in July and a Christmas party in 2022 as well as an open day in the church grounds in November 2022. This group will be assisting me with the NAIDOC (Reconciliation) luncheon to be held in September in the Church Hall at Nyngan.

“I have been taking Sunday services in both Warren and Nyngan once a month as both these parishes are without a parish priest.

“I was leading services in Cobar once a month until they had a fulltime priest start in February 2023.  I travelled to the commissioning service to welcome the new priest and to say farewell to the parishioners.

“I attended a seminar in Dubbo with 175 other people from the Diocese in May 2023.  This seminar had the theme of “the church I’d love to join” with many presenters and practical ideas.

“Eddie and I, along with our son Anthony were invited to be a part of a Culture Camp on the Mudall Reserve, (10kms from Nyngan) in April 2023.  This was an overnight camp and was a good weekend to enhance and make new connections (especially with the younger generation).

“In addition to the above I have had three baptisms in Nyngan and three more in Warren, and have led seven funeral services in Cobar and Nyngan.

“NATSIAC held a small Gathering last year, however I was unable to attend.  I continue to keep up to date with its activities as I am a life member.

“Jen [who provides Gloria’s secretarial support] and I continue to work from our own home offices, staying connected through email and phone for ministry matters. She travelled to Nyngan in February to spend the day in the office with me and will travel out for the luncheon in September.

“I continue to be thankful for all the support given to this ministry from ABM which enables these programs to continue.”

ABM thanks Gloria for her continuing ministry in the Diocese of Bathurst and offers our prayers for her and those with whom she ministers. We would also like to thank our supporters who support Gloria through their prayers and/or donations.