Rev’d Andrew Thornhill was recently welcomed to his new role as Rector of Dubbo and Archdeacon of the North-West. He writes:
“My family and I are delighted to be in Dubbo and look forward to living and serving with our church family and the wider city community. I'd love to welcome people back to church or new people to church for the first time: we have multiple services across the weekend -- both traditional and contemporary -- with programs in place for people at all stages of life. Most of all, I'd love the opportunity to tell you about Jesus, and how he makes it possible to have a personal relationship with God, our creator and saviour.”
During the service at 11am, Rev’d Thornhill, previously the Priest in Charge at Coonabarabran and Ministry Development Officer for the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst shared, “So much preparation has gone into our arrival at the Parish. Generous, gracious hospitality.
"For the last few weeks, as we’ve settled in here, and for today, thank you so much. To my new church family, the flock that God has placed under my care, I publicly affirm today I do this only under God’s hand, with his help. Ask me, have I drawn strength from God today, when you see me. I can’t do this without him. Please hold me to that.”
In announcing that the Thornhill family would be moving to Dubbo, Bishop Mark Calder remarked, “Andrew with his wife Kath, first approached me about serving in the diocese in 2020.
From the outset, I have been impressed with Andrew and Kath as a godly, servant-hearted, humble couple who desire nothing other than to love and serve God’s people, shepherding them with his word and ministering the sacraments with dignity and meaning. I am absolutely confident that the parish of Dubbo will be well loved and served by Andrew who will be wonderfully supported by Kath.
Andrew is a clear Bible teacher; he leads all styles of service with reverence and joy and shares a high view of the sacraments. Whilst a new minister will inevitably bring change, Dubbo parish can be confident that there will be continuity with the ministry of the past, as well as enabling the parish to meet the needs of an ever-changing ministry context in today’s world.”
Before studying to be a minster in Perth and Sydney, Andrew grew up in Western Australia and worked in human resources in several industries, over twenty years, in Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane.
“I count it as privilege to be presented with this opportunity, continuing the significant and faithful service of Brett and Michelle Watterson and family over the past eight years,” said Rev’d Thornhill. “The many and varied ministries in place at Holy Trinity, Dubbo, reveal a church family who put the Gospel of Jesus into practice. I look forward to ministering with them to continue the important work, under God, of sharing Jesus for life.”
The Thornhills moved to Dubbo in January with their teenagers Hudson and Matilda and the family are excited about the many ministry opportunities in Dubbo.