About Our Church

Our Mission & Vision

A Christian Presence in the Community, Living by Faith, Known by Love,
Sharing a Voice of Hope.

Our Goals

Our main goals are centred around:

  • Providing a diversity of worship experiences.
  • Strengthening connections and partnerships in the wider community.
  • To be known for our acts of loving service, providing welfare for the needy,and being advocates for social justice.
  • Offering outreach to youth and supporting schools in the region.

Welcome

Acknowledgement of Country
We, the Anglican Ministry of Byron, acknowledge the Bundjalung people, traditional custodians of this land.
We pay tribute and respect to the elders of these nations and people, both past and present. We acknowledge their
connection with and care for this country.

All are welcome in Anglican Ministry Area of Byron

Welcome to the Ministry Region of Byron.  This Ministry Region is a newly established ministry area, which provides numerous opportunities for Mission and Ministry.

The Byron Ministry Region encompasses the townships of Bangalow, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby and their surrounding areas.  It is a beautiful diverse region, which includes some spectacular beaches, amazing National Parks; traditional farm properties and of course some macadamia and coffee plantations.

About us – at a Glance

Bangalow: is perhaps perceived by some as a conservative community, but the reality is quite different.  Whilst the worship style at All Souls Bangalow is that of traditional Anglican worship, the parishioners are not conservative in their view of the Scriptures, nor in their understanding of Mission.  The gathered community genuinely welcomes All people and are active in giving voice to the voiceless in society.  This part of the Ministry Area has close connections with The Buttery, which is a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre. It is also actively involved in supporting Refugees.  The main street of Bangalow is always a bustle of activity with The Bangalow markets attracting tourists from across the region. There is currently a centre church, St Aidan’s at Eureka as part of the Bangalow profile which is listed as ‘proposed sale.’

Byron Bay: is a welcoming and caring community of residents that form the congregation within what is a tourist town for both domestic and international visitors. Although the congregation is ageing, they have been open to exploring new ways of being Church for the past few years and there is a desire to continue this journey of exploration. There is a desire to bring others into the church community and to this end, St Pauls has recently been carpeted, had chairs installed and is now being used during the week for a range of activities. The Byron Bay area is growing with retirees, younger people and families moving to the area for its beauty and lifestyle. There are also over two million visitors a year including a large number of young backpackers, some of whom stay for English language classes and work in local businesses. The challenge is to continue to cater for the current congregation, as well as be relevant to these new and transient groups. The two smaller centres situated at Ewingsdale (St Columba’s) and Broken Head (St Oswald’s) are currently marked for ‘proposed closure’ under the Diocesan Restructure process and their future is yet to be finally determined. The Parish also owns a modern Rectory, as well as premises in the CBD of Byron Bay which is currently leased. 

Mullumbimby: is the most northern part of the Ministry Region and is the administrative centre of the Ministry Area. Mullumbimby hosts a weekly Farmers Market and a monthly Craft and Produce Market. It has a vibrant Arts community with many musicians, writers and artists. Mullumbimby was once a typical rural community, however in more recent years there has been an influx of people to the area, bringing with them a diverse range of ideas. Hence it is now a very eclectic community, which presents the Church with both a great opportunity for mission and ministry and a great challenge. The gathered community of faith at St. Martin’s has been predominantly traditional in its worship style, but over the past five years or so has experimented with a diverse range of creative liturgies and service styles. This change has pleased some, but disappointed others. St. Martins in Mullumbimby is well connected to the local Neighbourhood Centre and works with them in providing food for this needy. St. Martins also offers food parcels for those in need, Courthouse outreach and an excellent Tent ministry which assists the community in providing shelter for the homeless. As part of the Diocesan Restructure the centre at Brunswick Head is to be reviewed in three years’ time.

Working with Us

Community Minister: Just recently, in consultation with representatives from the Ministry Area, the Bishop appointed a full-time Community Minister to work with us as we explore ways which we, as Church can create meaningful relationships with people in the wider Community. The primary focus of this appointment is to be that of Mission; i.e. creating and establishing relationships with The Spiritual but not Religious.

Central Administration: During the Diocesan Restructure process, the former parishes of this region agreed that it was essential that a full time Parish Administrator be appointed. This person is to be responsible for Administration across the region. The Ministry Area is in the process of completing a job description for this position.

Op Shop Co-ordinator: Our Op Shop coordinator is Mr John Adlington.
John’s responsibilities include:

  • Governance and compliance
  • Mission opportunities
  • Fellowship and care of the workers

LLM Ministry:
There are currently 2 licensed Lay Ministers in the region, each with different skill sets. Some lead worship and are happy to work across the region, others prefer to offer ministry at a more local level with a focus on pastoral care. They are valuable members of our community of faith and their ministry is greatly appreciated and affirmed.

Ecumenical Partnerships:
There are strong ecumenical relationships that exist across the Ministry Area and there is a genuine desire that these relationships be strengthened as we move into the future.

Parish Halls
All of our halls are subject to COVID Regulations

Mullumbimby

The hall is a large, light and airy space.  The industrial kitchen was refurbished in 2009.  It is a highly sort after venue in town and is used for parish functions and by a variety of different community groups.  It has a 10kvw photovoltaic electric system installed on the roof.

Bangalow Hall

The Hall is a brick structure situated between the Church and the Rectory.  It is a popular venue with good parking and regular bookings by diverse groups during the week. These include dance, drama, children’s Steiner type playgroup, singing and quilters.  It also supports regular NA meetings in the evening at a reduced rate and one off bookings for various events.  The Hall raises approx $10,000 annually and is used by the congregation for fellowship after services and on special occasions.

Study Groups
Byron Bay: Lenten Study commencing Wednesday 24th February 2021.
Contact: Rev Rosie 0419 209 201

Youth Ministry
This is an area that we would like to develop.

Music Ministry
The intention is to develop this ministry.
Byron Bay: St Paul’s has a piano and an organ.  There are 2 people who can be called on to play for services.  The Church also has a sound system.

Bangalow: All Soul’s has an electric organ and keyboard.  There is a baby grand piano in the hall.  There is one organist who has been playing for services for over 70 years.

Mullumbimby: St Martin’s Church is home to the only public pipe organ in the Byron Shire.  The church and the hall are sort after venues by the Music community in the area.  We have hosted ‘Tony Backhouse and the Back Roaders’, Byron Music Society, The Mullum Music Festival and various other musicians and groups.  The church has a sound system and video set up.

Other
Byron Bay: ‘Guess Who’s Coming for Coffee?’ is a monthly get together with an invited guest.
St Pauls is used as a homeless woman’s refuge in times of extreme weather.

Mullumbimby:
More Than a Meal

In early 2015 it was identified that there was a need in our community for people to access a wholesome cooked meal.  Initially it was to be a meal prepared in partnership with the Anglican Parish of Mullumbimby and the Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre, two days per week.  The meal would be prepared utilising donated food from various businesses in the area, (food Rescue).

At the start of this project there were 10-20 meals served on a Tuesday and Thursday.  Four years later and the program has grown to become a four day a week operation serving between 60 and 100 meals per day.

The service is designed to offer more than a meal, therefore reducing social isolation and promoting social inclusion.  It is a space where people can come together, develop new friendships and share their stories.

Creating this space also facilitates a “soft entry point” for people who may need to access other services available at The Neighbourhood Centre: eg. Community support, Women’s services, Legal Aid etc.

The program aims to offer a free nutritious meal to the community in an environment that is welcoming and non-judgmental.  The criteria for people utilising the service: “Anyone who is hungry.”

Courthouse Outreach Ministry

Courthouse Outreach Ministry is a simple but valuable connection point in our community.  Teams of 2 people once a month provide morning tea during Court sessions to people waiting for court appearances. In recess due to COVID.

Food Pantry and Tent Ministry

Food Pantry provides a bag of basic groceries to people in need.  They are able to come to the Parish Office and request assistance.  Pantry foods are donated by parishioners or purchased by the Parish.  Occasionally our quarterly Mission supports this outreach.  We are supported by the local bakery who supplies bread each week and the Uniting Church Food Bank who occasionally source long life milk and other non perishables for us.

Tent Ministry: We have a stock of small 2 man dome tents which are available to those in need of emergency short term shelter.  These tents are distributed in conjunction with the Neighbourhood Centre.  A recipient must first be assessed by a Community Support worker at the Neighbourhood Centre and are issued a tent by us on receipt of a written referral from the centre.

Bangalow

Bangalow Social Housing Project – St Peter’s Place

With the funds from the sale of St.Peter’s, Clunes, a Trust Fund is in place for the sole purpose of providing Group Housing in land adjacent to the OP Shop.  A proposal is being prepared for the Corporate Trustees and a deposit already paid on 1 house. Following this, a DA will be lodged with Byron Shire Council to begin the next stage. The hope is to eventually have 2 houses which will be managed by The Buttery halfway house team as the target occupants are the Buttery residents who have completed their program and wish to move into transitional housing as they continue their recovery from addiction.