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a healthy church...transformingLIFE

Jill McCoy

Sometimes, life's journey takes an unexpected twist. I can't remember a time when God was not part of my life. I do recall, vividly, the moment when, aged 16, I asked God to be at the centre of my life. And I remember, equally vividly, the moment nearly 20 years ago when I heard God invite me to serve him as a priest. That seemed to be a very strange invitation at the time. I had two tiny children, and the Anglican Church in Australia did not ordain women as priests! But the invitation would not be ignored, so a new journey began. A journey that took me to theological college, and on to postgraduate study. A journey that took me from my local parish of St Stephen & St Mary Mt Waverley, and into an ever-widening range of involvements throughout the Diocese of Melbourne. There were times of great joy, and times of frustration and sad disappointment. God's call to ministry persisted, like a beacon in the far distance. And no matter how uncertain the path, God's faithfulness gave me confidence, while his grace gave me the people and experiences to guide and direct me.

Over the past few years, I noticed a new dimension to the journey - it involved a lot of trips to Tasmania. I talked with former students about their ministry here, and their excitement stirred something in my heart. I talked to Bishop John about his vision for this missionary diocese of Tasmania, and I was inspired. I found myself leading seminars in parishes, getting to know the people who are working so hard to partner with God in the work of God's church here, and I loved every minute of it. Loved sharing what I knew. Loved learning from the experiences of godly men and women faithfully serving God together.

And now, a new stage of the journey begins. I feel as if I have just turned a blind corner only to see a wondrous panorama laid out before me. So much to see, to do, to explore. God's invitation persists, and I rejoice in this opportunity to respond.

Jill McCoy

Mission Support Officer of the North West Mission Network

Enabler for these parishes:
 
Circular Head
Penguin
Sheffield
West Coast

32 Halstead Street
BURNIE TAS 7320

Postal Address:
PO Box 44
BURNIE TAS 7320

phone 03 6431 9778
mobile 0425 805 827

jill@mccoy.id.au

Born: 28 Feb 1957

Ordained
  • Deacon 24 Febuary 2007
  • Priest 21 April 2007
Qualifications
  • B.Ed (Melbourne) 1977
  • BTh (Ridley) 1995
  • DipTh Pastoral Ministry (Ridley) 1995
  • MTh (ACT) 2002
Ministry career
  • Enabler Circular Head, Penguin, Sheffield and West Coast March 2007-