Newsletter 27/11/2025

Highlights:

• Aussie Weddings Update

• Christmas Events

• Frank Baxter

Aussie Weddings!!

Welcome to Aussie Weddings! You might be wondering why I have chosen to step into this work as a celebrant, and how it connects to our mission at A New Way Services INC. I hope this encourages you and gives a sense of the heart behind it.

During my time as a pastor at Narara Valley Baptist Church, I was able to officiate Christian weddings as a religious celebrant. The requirements were fairly simple, a short online course and recognition from the Baptist denomination as a minister. Out of everything I did in ministry, weddings were deeply special to me! Standing with two people under the arbor as they make life long promises is deeply moving. It feels sacred and beautiful. I was always honoured to be invited into that moment and I remain grateful to every couple who trusted me with it.

After finishing my role as a recognised minister, I was no longer permitted to perform marriages, so I took the step to become a civil celebrant. This time, the road was much more involved. I completed a Cert IV in Celebrancy, supported generously by Training Services NSW and the Unleashed Collective through a grant. After that I applied to the Attorney General, with the process taking six months.

Now I am trained and qualified to conduct civil services for weddings and funerals. What a privilege it is to offer these services for our community. Here are some of the reasons this direction feels right.

A role of privilege and honour

To stand beside people in their greatest joys and deepest sorrows is a genuine blessing. We are meant to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. I now hold an official appointment from the Australian government and the Attorney General to take part in these intimate milestones and that is not something I take lightly. It is a gift to be invited into the inner circle of a family and to help create a meaningful memory that lasts. I hope to meet all sects of people on the Central Coast, from the wealthy to the most in need, from all cultures.

A natural step in my journey

I grew up speaking publicly, entered drama competitions, and completed Shakespearean performance exams. My tertiary studies include creative writing and production, legal process and research, and theological training with a strong focus on counselling and supporting people with diverse needs. I love telling stories, connecting deeply with others, and guiding people through life changing moments. I truly enjoy weddings and becoming a civil celebrant feels like a natural extension of my 'calling'. I want couples to have the best possible experience on their wedding day and to feel the weight and wonder of the commitment they are entering. Similarly, I want families who are planning a funeral to experience as much comfort, care and respect as possible.

Support and connection beyond the ceremony

For fifteen years I have walked closely with people through life, directing them toward the help they need. Sometimes this involves spiritual direction, other times professional support such as counselling and psychology. When it comes to marriage, I strongly encourage pre marriage preparation. I am trained in Prepare Enrich and have seen many couples grow through courses like the Alpha Marriage program. Many people do not have direct access to these supports and I want to help remove that barrier. In the same way, I am now also trained to guide families through funeral services. It is a quiet honour to sit with families in grief and help them find comfort, meaning, and hope.

I want to say clearly that I understand the difference between civil ceremonies and religious ceremonies. Civil marriage is meaningful and significant but ultimately legal in nature and not spiritual in itself. I would never impose my faith onto a couple who do not share it. At the same time, I am deeply grateful that I can continue offering Christian ceremonies for those in our community who desire them, which leads to the next point.

Serving our A New Way community

Many of our young members will be getting married in the years ahead. Likewise, many from my former church community may also look for a celebrant they trust. Even though I am no longer part of the Baptist denomination, I am thankful that I can still conduct ceremonies for them with warmth and love, and under God.

Sustainable finances for the future

I currently work at A New Way Services INC three days per week. I love this work deeply, however it has become clear that I need a sustainable financial way forward for my personal circumstances. Celebrancy allows me to increase my personal income while still dedicating time to ANW. In addition, Christian weddings and funerals can be booked through A New Way, providing a healthy revenue stream that supports our mission to care for those in our community who are struggling or disadvantaged.

If you would like to support Aussie Weddings, please share it with friends and family.

One of the most helpful things you can do is leave a review on Google, especially if you have witnessed one of my ceremonies or have seen my skills as a speaker or emcee. Reviews help others find us and choose our services with confidence. https://g.page/r/CdZVSzrd3UKjEBM/review

Thank you for continuing to stand with me in this journey. I am genuinely excited for the marriages, ceremonies, connections, and moments of meaning that lie ahead.

Christmas Events!!

A New Way Services INC is delighted to host our Christmas Party at the Dunbar Way Community Room on Wednesday the 17th of December at 5pm. We will have face painting, live music, basketball, and a free BBQ for everyone to enjoy.

We are grateful to partner with PacificLink, who manage the community and social housing in Dunbar Way. This will be a special time to gather with residents and celebrate together.

We have also been collecting board games and puzzles for families with children under ten, and we are thankful to our partners who have helped with these donations. If you would like to contribute a gift, you can do so up until Wednesday the 3rd of December.

Frank Baxter

A New Way has been proud to partner with Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre.

This Sunday will be the first time we attend a Sunday service there, offering Christian music for the boys. This initiative is offered to selected inmates based on their faith and their suitability to safely participate with others. We look forward to sharing more about this at the end of the year in our final newsletter.

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who reads our newsletter and supports us.

Aussie Weddings will continue to proudly support the community initiatives of A New Way Services INC.

Look forward to A New Way's last newsletter in December!