Different Gifts, Different Service | Barbara Lyle

Ever wondered how your unique gifts could be a blessing to others in mission and ministry? In our new series we feature the many faces across our Church who are serving where they are, with what God has given them. We hope that it will be a blessing and an inspiration. 

Meet Barbara Lyle

Current ministry

Lay preaching at Grahamstown Congregation, The Hunter Presbytery

What you love about being involved in this ministry?

Living in active retirement in Tea Gardens, we moved from Sydney in 2006.  I have just completed the academic components necessary to seek accreditation as a Lay Preacher, to formalise something I’ve been doing for some years.  I enjoy the challenge of planning worship, planning liturgy, and there’s nothing which centres my mind on a particular Bible passage than having to preach on it!  Although I did not have formal teaching qualifications, over the years I’ve been told that I ‘missed my calling’.  Perhaps teaching is a gift which I’ve been given?  I certainly enjoyed the informal teaching of our children.

I am blessed with a very supportive husband of 55 years, and the full support of the members of the Congregation here each time I lead worship.  I know that as I’ve undertaken more formal study through the Living Our Faith Series they, and I, have benefitted. 

There are young families, and some years ago one of our members, a trained early childhood teacher, set up a toy library in our hall, and this thrives.  Another initiative last year was a regular ‘grief group’ where people can come and just talk and know that they have a non-judgemental listening ear.  This is purposely held in the R.S.L., as some of these people have been deeply hurt by the church in the past.

What you find most challenging?

As my husband and I travel throughout Australia we enjoy attending worship wherever we are, and I am very aware of the challenges which we meet here and which are echoed in these other places.  An aging population is one of the many challenges.  Some people are physically unable to do what they used to be able to do (including me!)  But also others who feel that they’ve already contributed over the years and now that they’re retired really don’t want to keep contributing as many hours, want to travel, spend time with grandchildren, and I also understand that.  For six years I served on the Church Council, five of them as Chair, including during Covid.  That had its own challenges.  For some of those years we were without a Minister of the Word.

The community here is the oldest demographic in Australia.  It continues to grow, mainly with retirees seeking like us to live in what is a very beautiful part of the world.  As a congregation our challenge is how to reach out to those who have had a connection with a church in the past, but have lost that connection.  Others who have never had a strong connection and don’t see the church as being relevant. 

 What you are looking forward to in your ministry in the year ahead?

I have every confidence that our Congregation will continue.  I should explain that there are five Worship Centres -  Tea Gardens, Karuah, Medowie, Raymond Terrace and Tilligerry.  From one end to the other 100km by road.  Each Worship Centre is different, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities.

On a personal note, after growing up in the Methodist Church, I have remained in the Uniting Church because of our stance on social justice and being inclusive.  I continue to write letters to politicians and newspapers, with mixed results.  We try to live a life where we take care not to waste precious resources.  I feel that as the Body of Christ we have a responsibility to do this.  I have quoted Deitrich Bonhoeffer:  ‘Not to speak is to speak.  Not to act is to act.  God will not hold us guiltless.’

We'd love to tell your story

We would love to tell the story of your ministry in your Congregation. Simply get in touch and we'll send you some questions.

If you are interested in telling us your story, simply send an email to contactus@nswact.uca.org.au.