News

Craig Schafer appointed Senior Pastor at Pennant Hills

2 May 2008

Julie and Craig Schafer Craig Schafer has accepted the Archbishop of Sydney's offer to be the next Senior Pastor of St Mark's Pennant Hills. His last Sunday with us will be 29th June. I join with all our members in offering him our heartiest congratulations. I believe this is an excellent appointment.

Needless to say we will all miss Craig and Julie, Emma and Zoe, enormously both as friends and as treasured partners in ministry. The congregations that they have cared for already feel the loss of their pastor and friend.

These next few months will be a busy and emotional time for the Schafers and all concerned. Craig and Julie will also be enjoying a very well earnt holiday during May. I have invited a team from Arvo and VHCC to work with me on the sort of pastor we should seek to "replace" Craig and to advise me on this appointment. We have a short window in which to work before the 4th Year Moore College graduates come "on the market" at the beginning of July. This usually involves a flurry of interviews and quick decisions. We will also be looking at clergy who have already been involved in ministry for some years as the role is a significant one in pastoring two churches. I welcome any suggestions our members may have for a suitable candidate..

Prayer is coveted for:

the Schafers as they make such a major transition and for Pennant Hills Parish who have been without a pastor for some time.
me and the Advisory Team as we seek God's man for this vital ministry
God's provision of the right man and family for us
the Valley Heights Community Church and Arvo Church that they will grow in ministry and godliness through this time of change

Graham Crew