A Shared Ministry between Macquarie St and the Macquarie River

St Stephen's Uniting Church has 'twinned' with Narromine Uniting Church, a rural congregation about six hours drive west of St Stephen's Uniting' Church building in Macquarie St, Sydney. This shared ministry serves to underscore how vital collaboration between city and country is as we move into a new phase of the Synod’s transition from 12 Presbyteries to three larger more diverse Presbyteries.

Rev. Tim Robinson has spent the past year serving two very different congregations. One is St Andrew’s Uniting Church in Narromine. The other is St Stephen’s in Sydney’s CBD.

“I get to experience the great contrast of being in ministry between Macquarie St and the Macquarie River,” Robinson said.

The long drive between the two settings has been worth it. Robinson grew up in the city but often spent time on family farms in the country. He says the Narromine congregation has been a joy to serve. “The people are deeply committed and have a joy and love for Jesus that is beautiful.”

The arrangement grew out of an existing relationship between the two churches. Both wanted to walk together and learn from one another. Robinson said, “It is the value of unity and working together that I have found most encouraging in ministry at Narromine so far.”

That spirit of partnership extends beyond the Uniting Church. Narromine works closely with Saltbush and has benefited from the support of Natasha He in Dubbo. The congregation also has strong links with local Anglican, Baptist, and Generosity churches.

“The churches of the town have all recognised the need to work together, sharing passion, giftedness and resources to bless the town in which God has placed them,” Robinson said.

Together they have launched a number of shared ministries. A weekly ecumenical kids’ club began in 2024 at the Uniting Church. The Anglican church hosts a monthly men’s breakfast with wide support. A youth group was also launched last year at the Baptist church with leadership drawn from across congregations.

Other examples of cooperation include an annual carols service, shared chapel services at the aged-care centre, a weekly prayer gathering at Generosity Church, and an Easter sunrise service at the wetlands.

“Together they are able to do more than any could do alone,” Robinson said.

Looking back on the past year, he sees an example that city churches could learn from. “It’s not always easy or straightforward, but the benefits can be big. After all, aren’t we called to be ‘Uniting’?”