New Leadership Team Commissioned for Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network
On Tuesday, 13 May, a special service was held at St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney to welcome and commission the new leadership team of the Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network (DRCN).
On Tuesday, 13 May, a special service was held at St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney to welcome and commission the new leadership team of the Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network (DRCN).
The service was led by the Moderator of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT, Rev Faaimata Havea Hiliau. In her welcome, she said, “I welcome you all to this joyful occasion, and greet you in the name of God. As we have gathered here as a group of people from many faiths or no faiths at all, we welcome especially our guests from government and non-government agencies, friends, family and chaplains.”
The Synod formally inducted Rev Mark Layson and Rev Mark Muss as Ministers of the Word, and commissioned Sharon Clark to serve in the Synod’s Disaster Recovery Ministries. Rev Lorelle Chapman was also declared a Minister of the Word during the service.
Rev Bronwyn Murphy delivered the sermon, reflecting on the role of those called to provide care in times of need.
Mark Layson was inducted as Director and Senior Chaplain of the DRCN. Mark Muss was inducted as Projects and Support Manager, and Sharon Clark was commissioned as Operations and Training Manager.
Speaking to the new leadership team, the Moderator said, “Mark, Mark, Sharon and Lorelle, we rejoice that God has called you by the voice of the church to serve Jesus Christ in these diverse and vital ministries.”
The Moderator also acknowledged the transition of leadership from the network’s founding director, Rev Dr Stephen Robinson, who led the DRCN since its first deployment during the Riverina floods in 2009. “This occasion marks an important stage in the life of DRCN,” she said. “This occasion marks the formal transition of the oversight of the DRCN – including its staff and nearly 400 chaplains. After 15 years, we give thanks to God as we place this ministry in the very capable hands of Mark Layson.”
To symbolise the handover, Mark Layson was presented with a helmet and chaplain vest, marking his new role as leader of the DRCN.
The DRCN is made up of more than 400 volunteer chaplains from 15 different faith backgrounds. They live and work across NSW and the ACT, providing spiritual and emotional support to people and communities affected by disasters. The network works closely with government departments and community partners.
The service was also an opportunity to recognise and thank the many volunteers who serve through the DRCN, offering care, compassion and presence during times of crisis.
As the DRCN enters a new era, the Synod remains committed to supporting and strengthening this vital ministry of care, connection and faith in action.
The Moderator has an ongoing appeal for disaster relief that supports the work of DRCN team. This is used to alleviate suffering of disaster affected people and resource the church to minister in ways that help individuals and communities recover effectively. Find out more here.
