The Everyday Ministry of Narromine Uniting

Rural Ministry in Narromine means gathering to worship God, to keep learning, and to enjoy fellowship that supports and encourages one another 

It’s also about being part of the Narromine community and having a visible presence. We host a weekly Food Barn to assist those struggling with rising food prices. Volunteers from the wider community help us run this, creating valuable connections. 

Each month, on court day, we park a Court Caravan outside the Courthouse, where we offer free tea, coffee, and biscuits. Water and soft drinks can be purchased for $1. Most importantly, we offer a listening ear to those who need it. 

Rural Ministry in our town also means working together with other local churches. Together, we run a Kid’s Club for primary school-aged children, lead worship at the local nursing home once a month and host a pre-Christmas community evening on the lawn of our Manse. 

We have been a lay-led congregation for about eight years. During that time, our ministry has been greatly supported by the Presbytery and the Saltbush team. We often use Saltbush video resources twice a month, and our Ladies’ Bible Study group has appreciated their study materials. We also value the occasional visits from the Saltbush team. 

Our ongoing relationship with St Stephen’s Uniting Church, Sydney, has also been a real blessing over the past eight years. We’ve shared encouragement and ministry ideas. Lay minister Alan Harper and his wife, Lauris, have spent a month with us each year, leading worship and visiting congregation members. Our members have also connected through visits to Sydney and Narromine, or met halfway through retreat time. 

This relationship has grown to include shared ministry with Rev. Tim Robinson, who now spends 12 weeks each year with us over a two-year period. 

Rural Ministry can be challenging and requires significant time and effort from lay people. We are extremely grateful for God’s provision and for the ongoing support we have received. 

Jeff and Kay Anderson

Jeff and Kay Anderson are Lay Leaders within the life of Narromine Uniting Church and widely involved in the local community.