Different Gifts, Different Service | Rebecca Westphal
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.
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Meet Rebecca (Bec) Westphal
Current ministry
Children’s and Family Worker, New Lambton Uniting Church. I run a Kids Club for students in years 3-6, coordinate intergenerational worship within our Sunday morning church services, and am part of the leadership team for Faith@5, which is an alternative space created by Jesmond Park and New Lambton Uniting Church.
What you love about being involved in this ministry?
It’s a huge privilege to help create spaces where people feel comfortable to speak openly about their faith and doubt and share their insights and experiences of God at work in their lives. I’ve been working in this role for about 8 years, which has meant that I’ve been able to watch lots of the young people in our community grow in confidence but also grapple with what it means to own their own faith. It’s been exciting to see some of these kids and teens preaching, advocating for (and being part of the implementation of) more environmentally sustainable and ethical ways of being church, and just asking really good questions… they minister to us just as much as we minister to them.
What you find most challenging?
One of the things I value about the Uniting Church is the way we seek to discern together and make decisions by consensus. But it’s also one of the things I find most challenging because it means that change is often quite slow. This can be a gift and a deep frustration!
What you are looking forward to in your ministry in the year ahead ?
We’ve recently received funding to hire someone for a couple of hours a week to provide administrative support for Faith @ 5. I’m looking forward to the way this could free up our team to grow this ministry, imagine new possibilities for this space, and mentor the teens into leadership roles.
We’ve also had a “new expressions” community start meeting at New Lambton this year and we share morning tea together between the two services. I’m looking forward to creating new connections with this wonderful group of people and exploring how we can support each other.
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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.