Brisbane
Statement of purpose
The Brisbane Society of the New Church is committed to making the one God of heaven and earth, the risen Lord Jesus Christ, as real to people as possible and to resourcing, as best it can, those whose lives it touches with spiritual truths, reassurance and guidance to handle life’s opportunities and challenges, its joys and disappointments. It holds to the holiness of the Bible, but not in a literalist or fundamentalist manner. It sees the Bible as dynamic and alive with ever deepening levels of meaning, the key to which it believes are given in the theological Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg. And whilst it is committed to its particular ‘take’ on things, and enthusiastic about it, it honours the faiths and religious traditions of others. It is a person’s willingness to subordinate self and to shun evil as identified in their faith system that matters and which is the way to salvation.
Origins
The Brisbane Society of the New Church was founded in 1865 and amongst its early activitists was noted early Colonist and State Ornithologist, Mr. Sylvester Diggles, who also for a time was its Leader. Its first Church was in Wickham Terrace from which it moved in 1909 to a larger building in Anne St. In 1960 the Society moved to its present premises in Rosalie. From the late 1800’s through until the time of his passing, the well-known Community philanthropist, Mr. George Marchant was a leading member.
Currently
Current membership, whilst modest numerically, is drawn from different parts of Brisbane and the greater Brisbane area and also from the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Ages range from babies to those in their autumn years. Some were born into the Church and others, from seeking, found their way to it.
Main activities
Main activities at Rosalie are Sunday Services on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays. On the first Sunday we hold a FAMILY SERVICE when all ages are catered for. On the 2nd Sunday we hold a Circle Discussion and on the 3rd Sunday a traditional Service presently led by our Deputy Leader, Mr. Ken Thompson.
We also hold Services on the Gold Coast, usually on the first Tuesday – a Children’s Service in the late afternoon followed by an Adult Service in the early evening. Please contact Mrs. Gaye Heldon on 5577 8772 for further details.
There is a monthly Mount Tamborine Discussion Meeting led by Mr. Kevin Attwater held in various people’s homes. For further information phone Kevin on 5545 2401 or 0447 252 401.
Minister
Our Minister is the now semi retired Rev Ian Arnold who began his ministry with us in January 2003. Ordained in 1965, the same year he married his wife Margaret, Ian has served Churches in the UK, Mauritius and Australia. He was Principal of the New Church College, Manchester, England from 1991-1997 and Principal of The Australian New Church College, 1997 to 2008. Ian is also involved with our Church in the Philippines and over the years has built strong links with The New Church of Southern Africa. Ian’s home phone number is 07 3841 2552 and his email address is im.arnold(at)bigpond.com
Welcome
As well as friendliness we hope you will find us supportive of you in your journey. There is no hard sell and you are welcome to come and go as you feel is right.
Service Times:
Sundays 10:30am
Meeting Place:
21 Agars Street
Rosalie QLD 4064
Minister:
Rev. Ian Arnold
Contact Details:
Email: im.arnold@bigpond.com
Telephone: (07) 3369 0054
Postal Address:
PO Box 359
Sanctuary Cove QLD 4212
Secretary:
Mrs. Gaye Heldon
