FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO WORK IN THE AID AND DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY

Coordinated by Marissa Smithson

Monday evenings, starting February 2024

The Aid and Development Workers Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women in a range of roles in non-profit organisations, particularly in the aid and development industry, to receive support and encouragement to persevere and fight the good fight whatever the cause might be. Working in this space can at times be an isolating and discouraging experience, and can lead to compassion fatigue and burn out. This guild will provide a space where we can find ways to excite and energise each other to keep working for the Lord wherever we are, as well as learning from each other and finding opportunities to grow and excel in our roles.

Guild coordinator Marissa Smithson works in a fundraising role for a major international aid organisation, but has worked in various NGOs ranging from big secular to small Christian organisations. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Marissa commented, “NGOs vary so greatly – in size, in mission focus, in the belief structures that underly them – and they all have their own support structures and unique set of challenges. Working in this industry as a Christian, I think it is essential to be able to share ideas, strategies and learnings about how to hold development best practice and biblical values in balance. I can think of particular times in my career where I really would have benefited from outside support and encouragement and I really hope this guild can provide that pastoral and mentoring role for other people in similar situations, especially those in smaller teams or organisations who feel like they don't have other like-minded people to talk things through with. I’m really looking forward to meeting with a group of women and sharing together both the challenges and the celebrations of working in this vitally important space!”

Keen to be part of the Aid and Development Workers Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO WORK AS MIDWIVES OR DOULAS

Coordinated by Jodie McIver

Guild paused for 2024. Taking expressions of interest for 2025.

The Birth Workers Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who work as midwives or doulas. It is a space for those who love their work and those who find it difficult to love within the constraints of the system, but are keen to consider their role within the bigger picture of God’s work in and plans for the world. The guild will maintain a realism about working in this area but be optimistic about its potential for showing love and care that both supports the families involved and gives opportunities for sharing the love of Christ. It will facilitate thoughtful interaction with colleagues, families, and the world more broadly.

Guild coordinator Jodie McIver is a registered midwife and ministry wife in the Blue Mountains and has recently written a book called Bringing Forth Life: God’s Purposes in Pregnancy and Birth. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Jodie commented, “I’m looking forward to connecting with other midwives and birth workers who want to think about their role, pregnancy, birth and motherhood in light of the God who gives us new birth. My hope is that this guild will be a place where Christian women working in this area can build deep relationships, share resources, and support and pray for each other, as we think together about how the work we do reflects the work God is doing in our world through giving us new birth in Christ.”

Keen to be part of the Birth Workers Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WITH A BUSINESS, OR HOPING TO START A BUSINESS, WHO WANT TO THINK ABOUT HOW THEIR WORK CONTRIBUTES TO GOD’S MISSION

Coordinated by Kara Martin

Thursdays at 7.45pm

The Business Is Mission Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women with a business, or hoping to start a business: entrepreneurs, sole traders, people who want to turn their side hustles into a more reliable income stream. It will be a place where together we identify what it means to be a Christian in business and pray for each others’ businesses. We will also have an opportunity to do some problem-solving and share wisdom on how we can help our businesses to thrive and how we can use them to glorify God and do good in his world.

Guild coordinator Kara Martin is a speaker, lecturer and writer with a particular interest in work as a way to worship God and serve his world. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Kara commented, “Women in churches rarely get honoured for their business activities, and don’t often get an opportunity to share their business concerns or receive prayer for their endeavours. I hope this guild will fill a need and help to shape women in all sorts of diverse businesses: creative ministries, helping professions, sole traders, consultants and entrepreneurs.”

Keen to be part of the Business Is Mission Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO PROVIDE SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS CARE IN PUBLIC/SECULAR INSTITUTIONS

Coordinated by Kate Bradford

Thursdays at 7.30pm

The Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Practitioners Greenhouse Guild is for women who provide spiritual and religious care in public/secular institutions of health, justice, emergency and defence. Such institutions include public hospitals, prisons, courts and juvenile detention centres, police, ambulance, disaster and recovery, navy, army and air force. The guild will provide fellowship and encouragement for chaplains at different ages and stages of their careers. It will also be an environment where specific topics related to service in these fields can be explored from theological and cultural perspectives, through discussion, presentations and book reviews.

Guild coordinator Kate Bradford is a Soul Care Researcher and Hospital Chaplain with Anglicare. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Kate commented, “I’ve spent much of my career thinking through big questions about how we serve Christ and people in chaplaincy work. And I know others have too! There is so much wisdom in our chaplains' lives, practices and faithfulness. It would be wonderful to share our ideas, experiences and wisdom with each other, capture it and pass it on to those who are newer to this field but keen to provide excellent care in their roles. I’m particularly looking forward to having the opportunity to spend it with others in this space thinking through issues such as how to provide equitable care to people who are spiritual, religious, and neither; how to effectively bear witness in situations with multiple competing interests; and the distinctive differences and significant overlaps between spiritual and religious care.”

Keen to be part of the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Practitioners Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO LEAD ORGANISATIONS AT A CEO (OR EQUIVALENT) LEVEL

Coordinated by Amy Brown

Starting February 2024

The Christian Women CEOs Greenhouse Guild is for committed Christian women who are keen to share lessons, wisdom and advice on how to follow Jesus in a CEO (or equivalent) leadership context. Guild meetings will include a devotional element, a peer-to-peer mentoring element and an evangelistic element. It will be a place where women in these high-level leadership roles can grow a community of other women who can relate and empathise at CEO level and who are mature followers of Christ. Together we will grow in our leadership skills and capacity, and in our spiritual discipleship, as we encourage and support each other.

Guild coordinator Amy Brown is an experienced C-suite professional, having worked in both the public and private sectors in high-level leadership roles. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Amy commented, “It can be challenging being a Christian woman leading in any organisation at a high level, and it’s often a lonely and isolating experience. As I’ve spoken with women in these roles, they’ve continually commented on how they face complex, nuanced and ethically challenging issues at this ‘pointy end’ of leadership, and they need a group they can go to to talk things through, request prayer and draw encouragement. I’m excited to see this group start up, so that we can be better equipped to lead our organisations and our people as Christian women, whether we’re at the start of our leadership journeys or with decades of experience behind us.”

Keen to be part of the Christian Women CEOs Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO WORK AS ADULT-TREATING CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Coordinated by Sue Bartho

Thursdays at 4pm

The Clinical Psychologists Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who work as adult-treating clinical psychologists. The guild seeks to be a safe place for a small group of Christian psychologists to chew over the interaction between treatment issues, theological issues and personal issues together. It will be a group where we can be honest with each other, support each other, and pray together.

Guild coordinator Sue Bartho is a clinical psychologist working with adult clients in private practice in both the Christian and broader public sectors. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Sue commented, “I love the idea of connecting with other Christian women working as clinical psychologists, women who share similar passions, similar experiences, and the same faith, and who can support each other in our work and lives. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to apply biblical ideas to psychological issues and practice, and to grow together in how we bring God’s love to the important work that we do as we care for our clients.”

Keen to be part of the Clinical Psychologists Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO HAVE A PASSION AND GIFTING FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS, AND WHO WANT TO USE THEIR CREATIVE GIFTS TO SERVE AND BLESS GOD’S CHURCH AND HIS WORLD

Coordinated by Ruth Schroeter

Tuesdays at 4pm

The Creatives Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who have a passion and gifting for the creative arts – music, dance, drama, visual art, poetry, creative writing, and more – and who want to use their creative gifts in ways that serve and bless God’s church and his world. Whether you work in the Arts, use your gifts to teach others, or feel called to use your creativity to serve God, this guild will provide you with encouragement to grow and develop your gifts in ways that honour God. It will be a place to share ideas and projects, to talk through the challenges of being involved in the arts, and an opportunity to think with other Christian women about how creatives can bring their gifts and passions into their church communities.

Guild coordinator Ruth Schroeter currently works in church ministry, but prior to that was a full-time ballet and contemporary dance teacher. She has a love of poetry and creative writing, and has recently discovered the joy of song writing. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Ruth commented, “It’s not always easy to be a creatively-wired person – working in the Arts is challenging for Christians, and working out how to use our creativity in church and Christian settings can be difficult. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity through this guild to embrace creativity as a gift from God, and to having the support and encouragement of similarly wired women to develop ideas and confidence for growing and using our gifts. And I’m particularly excited to see how the Lord uses us as we prayerfully consider how we might bring the arts into our church services and communities in ways that adorn the gospel.”

Keen to be part of the Creatives Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN SERVING IN DISABILITY MINISTRY OR DISABILITY THEOLOGY

Coordinated by Louise Gosbell

Starting February 2024

The Disability Ministry Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women interested in ministry with people living with disability, or thinking theologically about disability and its practical implications in the church and society more broadly. It will be a place where we can share resources, offer each other encouragement, and provide advice for making changes. Unlike other areas of ministry which have clear existing frameworks and networks, disability ministry/theology is still in its infancy, and this guild will provide those interested in this area with the opportunity to meet together and encourage one another in our journeys. The guild is for a range of women - those working academically in disability theology as well as those involved in creating inclusive and accessible ministries in churches – and will cater for a wide range of users (academics, practitioners, and pracademics!).

Guild coordinator Louise Gosbell is a theological educator and disability advocate with broad experience in both the theology and practice of disability ministry. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Louise commented, “There are so many benefits of meeting together with other Christian women with similar interests to offer each other encouragement! This is really beneficial in many areas of ministry but particularly so in those areas considered ‘niche’ or that end up being marginal and not widely discussed within church communities. My hope is that this guild will be a great blessing for those involved in disability theology and ministry, providing resources, advice, and most of all encouragement to Christian women who are passionate about serving God and his people in this space.”

Keen to be part of the Disability Ministry Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT EVANGELISM

Coordinated by Lily Strachan

Starting February 2024; meeting times TBC

The Evangelists Greenhouse Guild is a space for Christian women who are passionate about seeing the gospel go out to those who are lost without Jesus. This might be among your friends and family, in your workplace, local community, ministry work, or at the school gate. As we seek to give a reason for the hope that we have, we face a raft of opportunities and challenges. This guild will be a place where we can openly discuss those joys and difficulties as we seek to plant gospel seeds, water them and reap a harvest of people challenged and changed by the gospel. We will have the joy of sharing stories - both the highs and the lows - and praying for each other. We will pool resources, ideas, and insights for more effective evangelism, including how to use the Bible, prayer, cultural engagement, events, and informal opportunities to be a light in a dark world.

Guild coordinator Lily Strachan is chaplain at Robert Menzies College, Macquarie University. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Lily commented, “In my nine years of working in university ministry - and many years as the only Christian in my family - I have seen extraordinary opportunities for people to hear and better understand the gospel. I’ve also seen that in our evangelism we face many opportunities and challenges. I believe that this guild is a truly wonderful space for us to meet together to entrust ourselves and those we are seeking to reach to God. Let’s spur each other on, equip and encourage each other to be part of God’s great work of salvation.”

Keen to be part of the Evangelists Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO WORK IN FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING

Coordinated by Kate Groom

Starting February 2024; meeting times TBC

The Finance Workers Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who work in finance and accounting. The guild aims to help women navigate the challenges of working in the money area of business, to share experiences and to support and encourage each other. Each meeting will focus on a topic of interest to the group, such as being a Christian who works with and around money, business ethics, challenges for women in financial roles, communication skills, and how we can use our skills to help others.

Guild coordinator Kate Groom is co-founder and director of a small accounting practice in Sydney. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Kate commented, “Money is a challenging topic for Christians. We know the danger of idolatry, yet business is part of God's good creation, and money and financial skills can further kingdom work. I'm excited about exploring financial topics with others and about what God will do with this group.”

Keen to be part of the Finance Workers Greenhouse Guild? Join the Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN BASED IN SYDNEY WHO ARE UNDERTAKING HIGHER DEGREE RESEARCH IN A PHD, MASTERS BY RESEARCH, OR OTHER DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Coordinated by Marlies Hartkamp

Guild paused for 2024. Taking expressions of interest for 2025.

The HDR Students (Sydney) Greenhouse Guild is an in-person group for women who are doing higher degree research in the greater Sydney area. Studying a higher degree can be a very isolating experience, and this guild is designed to provide connection and community, a place to share experiences and resources, and to support and encourage one another. Each meeting will focus on a topic of interest to the group, such as being a Christian in academia, managing relationships with supervisors, challenges for women academics, as well as more technical topics like choosing your methodology or improving your academic writing.

Guild coordinator Marlies Hartkamp is in the final stages of her doctoral studies on disability theology. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Marlies commented, “I wish I could have had a place to connect with other Christian women who are involved in higher degree research throughout my PhD! While working on my thesis, I've often felt isolated, as it can be hard to talk with family or friends about research-related issues. In the early stages, I was also clueless about where to start and what was expected. I’m excited to be part of a group of Christian women at different stages of their research degrees, so we can learn from each other, share resources, hear how others deal with certain challenges, and pray together.”

Keen to be part of the HDR Students Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to express your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO WORK AS TEACHERS IN HIGH SCHOOL SETTINGS

Coordinated by Tori Bell

Starting February 2024, meeting time TBC

The High School Teachers Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who work as teachers in high school settings. High school teachers are a special breed, with a very particular calling – to work with students in a hugely important time in their lives, as they work out who they are and how the world they are growing up in works. It can be exhausting, as we continually put ourselves out there to teach them, help them grow, and offer some wisdom to navigate this life stage. This guild will be a place where we can share the ups and the downs, encourage each other in our work and most importantly in how we model Christ to our fellow staff and the students.

The High School Teachers Greenhouse Guild will be coordinated by Tori Bell. Tori has taught French and German to high school students for many years and is now head of Christian studies at an Anglican school. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Tori commented, “Teaching is becoming increasingly challenging, not just in the workload but in the kinds of things that are brought to our classrooms and the physical and mental challenges that both we and our students are facing. I’m excited to have a space to share ideas, to support each other and hopefully to laugh a lot too.”

Keen to be part of the High School Teachers Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO WORK IN MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Coordinated by Louisa Raggatt

Tuesdays at 12.30pm

The Marketing and Communications Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who work in marketing and communications whether in-house, agency-based or freelance. It will be a place where we can share in the challenges and opportunities that being a Christian working in marketing and comms present. It will also provide an opportunity to bring issues we are stumped on in our work to a collective who can provide support and ideas so that we are encouraging and uplifting one another in our profession. As we encourage one another, pray for one another and build fellowship together we will deepen our understanding of how faith and work intersect in our lives and workplaces.

Guild coordinator Louisa Raggatt works in marketing and communications and is passionate about the possibilities of social media, blogging and the digital space for forming connection and community. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Louisa commented, “My experience of this industry has largely been as a solo practitioner or business owner. So I am excited to meet with other women working in this industry to think through together many of the things I have mulled over on my own over the years. By focusing on our industry we can explore the ways God is working in this space to build His kingdom and how He is calling us to be part of that. I am also excited to have a collective of Christian women who want to encourage and support each other professionally!”

Keen to be part of the Marketing and Communications Guild? Join the Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO ARE INVOLVED IN MENTORING OTHERS, EITHER FORMALLY OR INFORMALLY, OR WHO ARE KEEN TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITIES OF BECOMING A MENTOR.

Coordinated by Mel Hanger

Mondays at 7.30pm

The Mentoring Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who are involved in mentoring and coaching others, whether formally or informally, or who are keen to investigate the possibilities of becoming a mentor. When we have asked women, “What support do you need at this point in your life?”, many have expressed a desire for mentorship. We know there’s a great longing among women to have those ahead of them share their knowledge, wisdom, and experience in ways that will help us grow as Christian women. And often, we just need a bit of encouragement to reach out to those a few steps behind to offer them help and guidance in their Christian walks. In this guild, we will share with each other the joys and struggles we encounter as we seek to mentor and coach others, pray for each other and those we are mentoring, and think creatively about how to grow networks of mentoring within our Christian contexts, so that as many women as possible can experience the joys and encouragements of being in mentoring and coaching relationships – both as mentors and as mentees.

Guild coordinator Mel Hanger is a leadership and development coach with decades of experience walking alongside others and helping them grow. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Mel commented, “Mentoring and coaching have been the most fruitful avenues I have experienced for encouraging, equipping, and empowering other people. As a mentor and coach, as well as a recipient of such support, I am excited to see more of it happening within Christian communities and through the lens of Jesus, yet long for it to happen even more. Imagine if every person had a mentor/coach and became one to someone else! The Mentoring guild provides the opportunity for expanding the breadth and depth of mentoring by women. It's exciting for me to be part of that expansion in a group setting, through the sharing of experience and wisdom, being curious together, praying for existing and potential mentoring relationships, and encouraging people to be mentors.”

Keen to be part of the Mentoring Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO MOTHER OR CARE FOR NEURODIVERGENT KIDS

Coordinated by Kath Thornhill

Starting February 2024

The Mothers and Carers of Neurodivergent Kids Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who are mums and carers of neurodivergent kids and are keen to encourage and pray for each other. The guild aims to provide a safe space where we can support one another and share the unique challenges and joys of caring for our precious young people. Each meeting will focus on a topic of interest to the group to help us learn from each other, and we’ll spend time praying for each other and our kids.

Guild coordinator Kath Thornhill lives in regional NSW with her minister husband and two teenage kids, one of whom is neurodivergent. She loves serving her local church and community and is particularly passionate about pastoral care. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Kath commented, “I am really excited to connect with, learn from and support other mums and carers of neurodivergent kids. Some of us live remotely or have limited support close by. An online forum where we can gather to share our challenges and joys, feel encouraged, and pray for each other during the highs and lows of parenting and caring is a wonderful way we can pastorally love our kids and each other.”

Keen to be part of the Mothers and Carers of Neurodivergent Kids Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO ARE MUMS AND CARERS OF NEURODIVERGENT KIDS, OR WHO WORK WITH NEURODIVERGENT KIDS, AND ARE KEEN TO SUPPORT AND ADVOCATE FOR THEM IN CHRISTIAN SPACES

Coordinated by Lyn Saunders and Beth Webb

Mondays at 7.30pm

This guild is currently at capacity. A waiting list is operating and a second guild will be started once we have enough interested members.

The Parents and Supporters of Neurodivergent Kids Greenhouse Guild is for parents and supporters of neurodivergent kids who are keen to be part of better resourcing the church to look after these precious young people, and advocate for them. It is not primarily designed to be a support group, but rather one that addresses the lack of theological thinking and resources available around neurodiversity. It is an opportunity to connect with other women who want to help equip churches to better support neurodivergent children and young people in their communities. In particular, it will be a place for deep theological reflection about neurodiversity; for equipping and resourcing the local church to grow in their understanding of neurodiversity and the ways in which it intersects with their broader ministries; for Christian advocacy for neurodivergent children and young people; and for outreach and support for families grappling with neurodiversity in the broader community. Mums and carers of neurodivergent kids are very welcome, as are any Christian women working with neurodivergent young people, including teachers, psychologists, and church or community workers.

This guild is co-coordinated by Lyn Saunders and Beth Webb, both mums of neurodivergent kids. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Lyn commented, “I’m really looking forward to connecting with other women who are passionate about thinking deeply and theologically about neurodiversity, and advocating for neurodivergent children and young people in our churches.” Beth added, “There are not many Christian resources around that help us think theologically and pastorally about neurodiversity, particularly in children. But there’s an increasing demand for them! I’m excited about the possibility of gathering together with other women who are passionate in this space, to better equip and resource the whole church to care for neurodivergent kids and the adults who love them.”

Keen to be part of the Parents and Supporters of Neurodivergent Kids Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information or to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WORKING IN CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, CHAPLAINCY ROLES AND CHRISTIAN NGOS, WHOSE PRIMARY ROLE FOCUSES ON OFFERING PASTORAL CARE.

Coordinated by Sarah Condie

Thursdays at Midday

The Pastoral Care and Mental Wellbeing Guild is for women working in churches, schools, Chaplaincy roles and Christian NGOs, whose primary role focuses on offering pastoral care. This guild seeks to connect women working in this space to share ideas of what works and what doesn't work, to learn from one another and to support one another. It will also provide opportunities for women to share useful resources with each other, to be better equipped to look after those in their care.

Guild coordinator Sarah Condie is a co-director of the Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute at Mary Andrews College. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Sarah commented, “I’m looking forward to gathering with women who work in this space who are passionate about the impact of listening and offering the consolations of the gospel to encourage, build up, and bear with each other. I’m hopeful that the connections these women form will have a powerful impact on their ministry, and help them to create a deep culture of 'care' and 'wellbeing' in their setting, wherever they are serving.”

Keen to be part of the Pastoral Care and Mental Wellbeing Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information or to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN INVOLVED IN A WIDE RANGE OF PASTORAL CARE MINISTRIES, BOTH AS LAYPEOPLE AND IN PAID ROLES

Coordinated by Vanessa Turner

Starting February 2024; meetings times TBC (daytime options only)

The Pastoral Carers Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who are involved in a wide range of pastoral care ministries, both as laypeople and in paid roles. This guild will provide encouragement and support, as members share with each other and offer resources and experiences in an informal group setting. It will be a place where people can be honest, and feel encouraged, accepted and supported by other group members. Please note: this group will meet during the day; for an evening group, see the “Pastoral Care and Mental Wellbeing” guild.

Guild coordinator Vanessa Turner is passionate about pastoral care and has served in this area in her church for many years. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Vanessa commented, “I love the idea of like-minded people sharing and supporting each other to grow and encourage each other in their chosen field of ministry. I hope that through this guild members will be inspired by others and their experience to be creative in offering pastoral care within their specific setting, so that the people we care for experience the love of God in personal and practical ways.”

Keen to be part of the Pastoral Carers (daytime) Greenhouse Guild? Join the Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN, ESPECIALLY LAY-WOMEN, WHO ARE COORDINATING OR SERVING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMUNITY OUTREACH GROUPS (SUCH AS PLAY GROUPS) AT THEIR LOCAL CHURCH.

Coordinated by Fiona Dewhurst

Tuesdays at 1pm

The Play Time Leaders Greenhouse Guild is for women, especially lay-women, who are coordinating or serving in community-focused outreach ministries for 0-5 year olds (such as playgroups) at their local church. The guild will aim to connect, support, encourage and inspire those who are reaching out to their local community through these activities.

Guild coordinator Fiona Dewhurst runs this ministry at Jannali Anglican Church. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Fiona commented, “These groups often seem isolated from the other activities of church life but are a vital step in welcoming our local communities into our churches, giving us wonderful opportunities to share the gospel through words and actions with young kids and their families. The ministries are often run by lay women who may not receive as much support as those in other areas of service. I'm excited to see a group form that provides a space where women can mutually encourage one another in the Lord while also sharing lots of exciting ideas about how to reach 0-5 year olds and their carers.”

Keen to be part of the Play Time Leaders Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information or to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO ARE LIVING AND WORKING IN THE SPACE BETWEEN THE COMPLETION OF THEIR PHD AND SECURING A PERMANENT ACADEMIC POSITION

Coordinated by Melina Ey

Tuesdays at 7.30pm

The Post-PhD and Early Career Researchers Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who are on the other side of the PhD journey: you've just submitted, you're waiting for markers’ feedback, or you've worn the cap and gown and are faced with a seemingly bigger challenge - what next?! Whether your goal is to work in higher education, research, consultancy or something else entirely, or you're looking to share and grow your work, this is a place to share the often-isolating ups and downs of the early career researcher journey with others who get it, and to encourage one another as we continue learning and growing together in this often difficult space.

Guild coordinator Melina Ey is an early career researcher working in the social sciences. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Melina commented, “The ECR journey can be really challenging - the structure of doing a PhD is gone, and the path ahead can often feel incredibly precarious, uncertain and isolated. There are plenty of seminars on 'how to', but I'm excited about seeing a guild that isn't about answers but is a place to connect with others who are also struggling with what to do next, and who are also keen to work out how to use this time to strengthen their unique and God-given interests and giftings. I'd love this to be a safe place to share ideas, receive encouragement, pray together, and grow a personal cheer squad for awesome women in a tricky industry.”

Keen to be part of the Post-PhD and Early Career Researchers Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WORKING AS TEACHERS OR TEACHING ASSISTANTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Coordinated by Penny Fisher

Starting August 2024, meeting time TBC

The Primary School Teachers Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who work as teachers or teaching assistants in primary school settings across NSW. It will be a place where we can meet together to encourage and support each other as we work in often challenging and exhausting roles. We will discuss current issues in education from a Christian perspective and offer support to one another through the ups and downs of our professional lives.

Guild coordinator Penelope Fisher is a primary school teacher who has worked in both public and private schools in Australia and England. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Penelope commented, “Being a teacher is such a rewarding role, but it comes with a range of challenges, from managing student behaviour, to dealing with an overwhelming workload, to navigating a whole range of social and pastoral issues as they come up in the classroom and the staffroom. I’m excited about having the chance through this guild to support and be supported by other Christian women across the state as we work out our faith in the context of our schools, and to provide a listening ear about our working lives.”

Keen to be part of the Primary Teachers Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO LOVE BOOKS AND READING, AND TALKING ABOUT BOOKS AND READING.

Coordinated by Katrina Clifford

Weekly on Thursdays at 1pm

Monthly on Thursdays at 7.30pm

The Readers Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who love books and reading, and talking about books and reading. It is a space where we can come together to for ongoing conversations about why reading is a good practice for Christians, share book recommendations, and read through good books in community with each other. The guild will have several separate meetings each month, covering fiction, non-fiction and Christian books. All guild members will be welcome to join as many of these meetings as they like and are able to fit into their life and reading schedules. It will also provide a space for guild members to share book recommendations with each other, to ask for advice on reading, and to enjoy being readers together.

The Readers Guild will be coordinated by Katrina Clifford, Program Manager of the Greenhouse and an avid reader. She is excited that she gets to talk to other readers about books as part of her job and is very much looking forward to starting this guild!

Keen to be part of the Greenhouse Readers Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN MINISTRY IN REGIONAL AND RURAL AREAS

Coordinated by Rebecca Choi

Guild paused for 2024. Taking expressions of interest for 2025.

The Regional Ministry Workers Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who work, either as lay or ordained workers, in an official capacity in churches and Christian organisations in regional and rural areas, whether paid or voluntary. The guild aims to provide a space where we can support one another and share the unique pressures, privileges, opportunities and limitations of rural and regional ministry. It will also be a place where we can share resources and ideas, and equip one another to serve Jesus faithfully within our areas of responsibility.

Guild Coordinator Rebecca Choi is Assistant Minister at Christ Church Blayney and St Mark’s Milthorpe in the Bathurst Anglican Diocese of NSW. What asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Rebecca commented, “Many women live in isolated areas across Australia and cannot readily access fellowship or support from peers in ministry. I’m excited to facilitate a group which will connect women in ministry spiritually, emotionally, and professionally even though they live remotely. And I’m looking forward to helping women feel less isolated and more empowered to minister in their rural or regional setting, for the glory of Christ!”

Keen to be part of the Regional Ministry Workers Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO SHARE JESUS WITH STUDENTS IN CHRISTIAN OR CHURCH SCHOOLS

Coordinated by Fiona Isaacs

Starting February 2024

The School Ministry Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women whose job it is to share Jesus in Christian or church schools, whether with primary school children, high schoolers, or both. This includes school chaplains and Christian Studies (RE or RaVE) teachers. Even in a Christian or church school context, school ministry can feel isolated, particularly if you are the only teacher, or one of just a few teachers, talking about Jesus in your context. This guild will be a place where teachers and chaplains at a range of schools, who face the same joys and challenges in the work, can network, encourage each other and pray together. It will also be an opportunity to share resources and ideas, and to give advice to each other, so that everyone is better equipped for this important ministry.

Guild coordinator Fiona Isaacs is chaplain at an Anglican girls’ school in Sydney. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Fiona commented, “It is the absolute best job to tell young people about Jesus every day at school. You get to walk with kids, sometimes over 13 or 14 years, and to teach and show them God and his love. It is even better when you get to do this job with people who are just as passionate about it as you are, and are there to support you when you need it.”

Please note: this guild is specifically for women who directly teach the Bible in Christian and church schools. If you teach SRE in a public or non-church school, and are keen to be in a guild, please be in touch as we’re hoping to start up a guild for you in the near future! If you are a Christian teacher, but not one who teaches the Bible (for example, you’re a maths teacher, or a French teacher, or a primary school classroom teacher), please see the Primary School Teachers Greenhouse Guild or the High School Teachers Greenhouse Guild.

Keen to be part of the School Ministry Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO HAVE TAKEN OR ARE CURRENTLY UNDERTAKING GRADUATE STUDIES IN THEOLOGY

Coordinated by Laura Cerbus

Thursdays at 7.30pm

The Theology Grad Students (Readers) Greenhouse Guild is for Christian women who have taken or are currently undertaking graduate studies in theology and are hoping to alleviate the isolation of research and study. It will be a place for women to share readings with each other, to discuss theology, to support each other through the ups and downs of graduate studies, and to encourage one another in our research.

Guild coordinator Laura Cerbus is a PhD candidate at Trinity College, Melbourne, where her research focuses on theological aesthetics. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Laura commented, “I'm looking forward to finding a group of women who are passionate about studying theology – both those who are currently studying and those who have completed their studies but are keen to keep thinking and talking and reading together. The idea of a guild, with women not only interested in academics but also interested in growing as women in Christ, is really exciting. It can be so isolating to be a graduate theology student here in Australia, and I hope this guild will provide women like me with the support and encouragement we need to thrive in our research and our lives as Christian women.”

Keen to be part of the Theology Grad Students Greenhouse Guild? Join the Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO WORK AS SOCIAL WORKERS, COUNSELLORS, AND LEGAL PROFESSIONALS, WITH CLIENTS WHO EXPERIENCE TRAUMA FROM CHILDHOOD ABUSE.

Coordinated by Allison Dunkley

Mondays at 7.45pm

The Trauma Workers guild is for professionals who work with clients who have experienced trauma. This could include social workers, psychologists, trauma-informed counselors, and legal professionals who work with people who have experienced childhood abuse, including abuse in institutions. The guild will give women working in this space opportunities to encourage each other, share, and pray for one another as we navigate clients who have complex trauma backgrounds. It is a space to discuss, self-reflect, and consider how we manage life and workplace balance. It will also provide a safe place to discuss how our work affects us spiritually and in our personal relationships, while not replacing professional supervision. (Please note: This guild is not for women working in pastoral care or ministry with those who have experienced trauma – see the “Pastoral care and mental wellbeing guild” for a better fit.)

Guild coordinator Allison Dunkley is a social worker working with survivors of childhood sexual assault. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Allison commented, “Connecting with other people, in a space where we can be reminded that the work we do is significant and worthwhile, is an important mitigating factor against vicarious trauma, which afflicts many people working in this space. The Trauma Workers Greenhouse Guild provides a unique opportunity to meet with like-minded Christians who also work in this space, sharing its joys and challenges, and to spur one another on in our faith & profession.”

Keen to be part of the Trauma Workers Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO WORK ON UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES AS STAFF WORKERS WITH CHRISTIAN GROUPS, OR AS COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY CHAPLAINS

Coordinated by Lily Strachan

Starting February 2024, meeting time TBC

The University Student Ministry Greenhouse Guild is a space for female University staff workers, chaplains, and ministers (full time and part time) to come together to spur one another on as we share the gospel with university students. It will be a place where we can openly discuss the challenges and opportunities we face in our ministry, such as equipping our students for a rapidly changing culture on campus and issues raised by their studies. This guild will be an opportunity for cross-campus support and encouragement, as we seek to reach university students with the gospel and to grow Christian students in faith and godliness.

Guild coordinator Lily Strachan is chaplain at Robert Menzies College, Macquarie University. When asked what excites her about being part of this guild, Lily commented, “In my nine years of working in university ministry, I have seen again and again that people’s time at university is an extraordinary opportunity for them to hear and better understand the gospel. But I’ve also seen that in this ministry we face unique opportunities and challenges . I believe that this guild is a wonderful space for us to meet together to entrust ourselves and our students to the Lord’s good and sovereign work. I am excited that this guild will allow us to share openly, and to raise questions and issues as we pray and pool resources for more effective kingdom work.”

Keen to be part of the University Student Ministry Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.

FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN WHO ARE NAVIGATING THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF WORKING (EITHER IN A PAID OR VOLUNTARY CAPACITY) WHILE RAISING DEPENDENT CHILDREN.

Coordinated by Katrina Clifford

Mondays at 8pm

The Working Mums Guild is for Christian women who are navigating the joys and challenges of working (either in a paid or voluntary capacity) while raising dependent children. While being a working mum is increasingly common in our society – whether by choice or by necessity – it is not a juggle that we talk about often in our churches and Christian communities. This guild is a place where we will be free to talk openly about what we love and struggle with in seeking to be faithful disciples of Jesus in our workplaces and our families, as we seek to model Christ and do good work among our co-workers, and seek to love and raise our children well to know and love him. However many children you have, whatever ages your children are, however many days you work, whether you are married or a single mum, we hope this guild will provide support, encouragement, and refreshment as you manage the busyness of the working mum life.

The Working Mums Guild will be coordinated by Katrina Clifford, Program Manager of The Greenhouse, and mother of three kids, aged 12, 8 and 1. She is looking forward to getting to know other working mums and sharing together the joys and challenges of this stage of life.

Keen to be part of the Working Mums Greenhouse Guild? Join The Greenhouse now or get in touch for more information and to register your interest.