A new challenge in remote SA

By Bindy Taylor
Editor-in-Chief & Communications Manager

Posted Feb  3, 2016 in News

In a special service in Port Augusta, to be held at 2pm on Sunday 7 February, Pastor Paul Glazbrook will be commissioned into the Parkin-Sturt Remote Area Ministry. It is an historic event, marking the beginning of the new Parkin-Sturt Patrol. The two outback patrols of Parkin and Sturt have been combined, meaning the entirety of remote South Australia will be traversed by Paul as a full-time patrol minister.

At the October meeting of the Presbytery and Synod, Sharonne Price, the outgoing Executive Officer of Pastoral Relations and Mission Planning, outlined national changes to Frontier Services. She also recognised the ministry of both Paul and Pastor Gary Ferguson under the Frontier Services banner.

Paul began his full-time role with Frontier Services in March 2014, pastoring five congregations in the Flinders Parish in conjunction with remote ministry activities.

The Parkin-Sturt patrol covers a large area stretching north to the Queensland and Northern Territory borders, and east of the Stuart Highway, from Port Augusta to Marla in the Far North.

Paul and his wife, Robyn, believe their past experience in remote ministry will help ease them into this new role.

“We have already helped stations in mustering, lamb marking, water runs, and offering a listening ear and support through hard times,” says Paul.

Paul can also offer his experience in farming, having previously worked on sheep and cattle studs, and on a large mixed farm. He and Robyn were the owners of a 24-acre apple and stone fruit orchard, which means Paul is able and willing to assist with pruning!

Paul will spend much of his time travelling from station to station, offering support and delivering goods. His job will also involve conducting baptisms, funerals and weddings, and generally providing assistance.

“To engage in the intimate times in people’s lives is a privilege and an incredible honour,” Paul says.

Paul shares photos and insights from his frontier journey through his blog.

 

Supporting remote ministry

Frontier Services will fund Paul’s full-time remote ministry position. However, additional funding for vehicles and communications equipment, which are essential to the role, is still needed.

With this in mind, the Uniting Church SA has established a fund for remote area ministry. This fund will go towards vehicle costs – and may even assist in establishing two other remote patrols in the middle of 2016! At this stage, the additional patrols being considered include one operating out of Ceduna and a mobile Aboriginal patrol. These services would require additional vehicles.

If you would like to support this vital ministry, please click here.

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