As I write this, we continue to eagerly await the arrival of Dayna and Keaton’s third baby — and first… BOY! Okay, okay, I don’t actually know the gender, but I’m making an entirely uneducated guess and boldly standing by it. You heard it here first.
As we wait, we’re praying Dayna finds some relief from the heat and is surrounded by peace, patience, and grace in these final, magical — and at times trying — moments before baby arrives!
We’ve got an action-packed newsletter for you today: milestone birthdays, encouraging baptism stats, Church Leadership Team updates, and some very positive news around church finances. Read on for all the details.
98 Years Young!
Last month, long-time member Lorna Christie celebrated her 98th birthday — what a remarkable milestone. Lorna spent the day surrounded by family, and Barry was also able to visit before heading off on his trip down south with Sheryl. Lorna always appreciates visitors, so if you’d like to pop in and say hello, please get in touch and we can pass on the details.
Encouraging Stats from COCWA
Toward the end of last year, Executive Minister Steve Poisat (Churches of Christ WA) shared some encouraging insights from the COCWA annual survey. Across the association, baptisms have steadily increased — from 164 in 2020 to 436 last year! Average weekly attendance has also risen, with a 24% increase compared to the previous year. These signs of renewal are worth celebrating as we give thanks for the ways God continues to be at work in His church.
Faithfulness and Generosity
I’m pleased to report that income from tithes and offerings increased by 20% last quarter, (comparing Q1 to Q2 of the current financial year). Thank you for your ongoing faithfulness and generosity — this reflects a community that is prayerful, committed, and deeply invested in the life and mission of the church!
As outlined in this year’s budget, we have committed to giving 10% of all tithes and offerings to mission. Our intention is to continue supporting our existing mission partners, Bunbury Aboriginal Christian Fellowship and Nakuru Hope. Over the coming months, the CLT will also be prayerfully discerning whether God may be prompting us to invest in additional mission opportunities. We invite you to pray with us, and to reach out if you sense a calling toward a particular cause or ministry.
Strengthening Support for Our Staff team
As part of caring well for our newly formed staff team, the CLT agreed to establish a Spiritual Reference Group. This group will exist to support and strengthen the spiritual life and wellbeing of staff, offering encouragement, discernment, and pastoral oversight when needed. Its purpose is to help ensure that ministry decisions and actions are grounded in prayer and aligned with the teachings of Jesus.
The CLT has developed a position description and terms of reference, and will now begin working with the staff team to seek nominations and appoint members. Alongside this group, external spiritual supervision and formal training will continue to help ensure we are supported and equipped in our roles.
Church Leadership Team Update
As we continue to settle into a new season, we’d like to share an update from the Church Leadership Team. Gary Heard has stepped down from the CLT, effective 25 January 2026. Gary joined the team in October 2023 and has served faithfully and generously, particularly in his role as Treasurer. Despite a busy schedule, he gave his time with grace and care, helping to guide the church through a season of significant transition. We are deeply thankful for his contribution and leadership!
We’re pleased to share that Nathan Malitz has been appointed Treasurer, in addition to serving as Vice Chairperson. The CLT has great confidence in Nathan and is grateful for his willingness to take on this responsibility. For clarity, the current members of the Church Leadership Team are:
Barry Ryall — Chairperson
Nathan Malitz — Vice Chairperson & Treasurer
Shanay Cullen — Committee Member
Simmone Stoks — Secretary & Staff Team Leader
Our current team of four meets the requirements set out in the church constitution. That said, we would warmly welcome additional members! If you’re interested in exploring what involvement on the CLT might look like, please speak with any current member. We’d be glad to have a conversation ahead of the AGM in September, where any new members would be nominated for affirmation.
Phew! That was a big one. Congratulations on making it to the end. I hope to see you on Sunday for part 5 of our Holy Spirit series. Nathan will be sharing his thoughts on ‘Dreaming in the Spirit’.
Until then, stay cool y’all!
Simmone Stoks
Team Leader
Dalkeith Road Church of Christ