It’s been 25 years by Stewart Perry
On the 17th of August 1997 the Church Complex named Trinity Anglican Mission was opened at 186 Robina Town Centre Drive. It was the culmination of God inspired vision, exceeding generosity, lots of hard work, and from what I am told a healthy dose of persistent stubbornness.
The origin story of our Church community began much earlier with the Parish of Burleigh Heads faithfully and bravely planting a new community in Mermaid Beach. Throw in a couple of location changes to respond to a quickly growing and expanding Central Gold Coast area and we found ourselves in the position we are today.
While much has followed in the last 25 years, with growth, more change, and countless people coming, going and staying connected to this building through both its mission and ministry, it is important to pause and acknowledge this important milestone. It is important we give thanks to God for the inspired vision. It is important we give thanks for the many faithful people who were not only stewards of this vision but who bravely allowed that vision to come to life through their dedication, hard work and generosity. It is important to reflect on what God has done and what God is doing. While it is important to be reminded that a building is not a Church, it is the people God calls, equips and sends out, it is also important to recognise that a sense of place, belonging and identity is incredibly profound and meaningful for many both in the past and as we move forward.
5 years ago as we celebrated 20 years we had lots of pomp, pageantry and special events to acknowledge that milestone. 5 years on for our 25th we’ll be a little more subdued with a Soup Dinner tonight as we stay committed to supporting the mission of the church highlighting the work of Bush Church Aid. On Wednesday the 17th of August 2022 we’ll keep on keeping on with our regular 8am Eucharist at which we’d love to see more than just the fistful of regulars gather in person and online. This Sunday, however, we will take the opportunity to recognise who we are now and where God is leading us. The usual morning tea following the service will be a little bit extra special and we’d love to see as many of our church members gather in the place that unites us or online in the place where you are.
As I reflect on not only my experience in this church community in the almost 9 years that our family has been here, but also on the 25 years of mission and ministry and sense of identity and place, my heart is warmed and I am thankful. There remains a sense of unsettledness, however, because I know with certainty that God is not finished with us and that our identity is yet to be fully formed and realised. I also have a sense of sure and certain hope. That hope is that the best is yet to come.
I hope that you can join us tonight, Sunday or next Wednesday, or preferably all 3 – it’s a Trinity after all… I hope you can take the time to share a memory or recall a person or moment that has been special to you in this Church community. But above all I pray that you also can share in the sure and certain hope that God is not finished with us and the best is yet to come.
Happy 25th birthday Trinity Anglican Mission.