Dear friends,

Our hearts go out to the communities of the Mid-North Coast that are experiencing record floods this week. While our congregational buildings are all safe at this stage, we know our members on the Coast are rallying within their localities to give assistance. We also acknowledge the emergency relief that SaintsCare is providing in the Taree area. To give to SaintsCare's flood relief efforts, please visit Give and select SaintsCare from the drop down menu.

This week we celebrate Volunteer Week, and watch as thousands of volunteers are deployed up and down the coast to tarp roofs, assist with flood rescues and lead relief efforts. And yet we also acknowledge the strong volunteer culture within Community of Christ, not just in the ministries of the church, but in all of your local communities. I know many of you volunteer within multiple organisations in your community, forming an essential part of the fabric that keeps Australia strong, resilient, and cohesive.

A very special thanks to the Pastors, Financial Officers and Recorders within our congregations. Those that mow lawns and do building maintenance. Those that produce congregational newsletters and keep Facebook up to date. Those that lead small groups, house churches, and new ministries. Those that write policies and research regulatory requirements. Those that made the effort to do their CYP training, and update their Working With Children Check. Those that make time to call and check in on old friends, visit those in hospital or nursing homes, those who offer the sacraments. Those who write, and sing, and share their vitality with others. Those that offered a prayer for a fellow member, offered a word of encouragement to a young person, or double checked the roof after the most recent downpour - my heartfelt thanks for your ministry.

Next week I, and 20 others, will join together with members of Community of Christ from around the globe at World Conference 2025. Much of Conference is available online to be streamed and shared from afar. See the streaming schedule here in AEST. I invite you to join the Conference where you can, and share in the Spirit and joy of that event.

I'll be sending updates throughout my travels, and look forward to sharing the stories and testimonies of those in the Australian delegation upon our return.

Warmly,

Annie Falcke