The Epiphany of Our Lord – 6 January, The Baptism Of Our Lord – 13 January 2019

G’Day folks,

What a joyous time of year to birth a new ministry! As you’ve no doubt heard around the traps, following the Commissioning Service at 7pm on Wednesday 9th January, I take up the post as Priest-in-Charge of St Paul’s, Manly.

My family and I look forward to settling in and getting to know you all! As we’ll only be moving from down the road at East Redland Anglican (formerly Cleveland Anglican), we may have crossed paths at some point in the last few years, possibly through ministries like SAILS at Bayside. But for those who I haven’t met yet, I’ve been invited to introduce myself and my family.

There are four of us in the Hobbs clan – Me, wife Kylie, daughter Chloe (18) and son Jack (7). Kylie is a senior psychologist working with children and young adults at Bayside Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Redlands Hospital (Queensland Health). It’s a demanding but very rewarding career. Chloe has recently completed Year 12 at Loreto College, Coorparoo, and been accepted into the Bachelor of Social Science at Griffith University. She has a couple of casual jobs as well, so she’s always flitting about. Jack will start Year 3 in 2019 at St John Vianney’s Catholic Primary School. Jack loves Pokèmon, Yugio, Bey Blades, rugby union and his trampoline. Following some maintenance work on the property, my family will take up residence in the Rectory at Manly. Until then, we will remain in our current home at Victoria Point.

As for me, well I come to you having completed my Curacy at East Redland Anglican ministering alongside Rector and Moreton Archdeacon, The Venerable Denise Ferguson. My ordained journey to this point has been a decade of much discernment, prayer, theological education and seminary formation through St Francis Theological College. Prior to full time studies in theology and formation for ordination, I studied a Diploma and Masters degree in Journalism and worked as a political advisor, media advisor and campaign strategist. I’ve undertaken extensive work in policy development, government and community services, particularly in disability services, mental health, homelessness, seniors and ageing and social enterprise.

I’m currently midway through the Noviciate for the Third Order of the Society of St Francis of Assisi. St Francis has played a major role in my spiritual life, shaping and inspiring much of my ministry, prayer and contemplative practice. I’m a firm believer in the transformative power of prayer and silence and very much look forward to sharing a prayerful journey with you as we together discern God’s call to us at St Paul’s.

I pray this period of transition will be for us all a life-giving, nourishing time in our shared journey with God.

Yours in Christ,

Daniel+