Newsletter 01/05/26
- May 5
- 10 min read
Treasurers Report
Dear Friends and Supporters of A New Way Services!
As your incoming Treasurer, I wanted to take a moment to share a brief update on where we stand financially, and to outline some exciting steps we're taking to secure the future of our organisation.
CURRENT FINANCIAL OUTLOOK
Since stepping into this role, I've had the opportunity to review our books and get a clear picture of where we are. To put it plainly: our current income is not keeping pace with our costs, and without action, we risk running out of funds before the year is out.
We estimate we need to find an additional $20,000 per year to operate sustainably and continue delivering the services our community depends on.
This isn't a cause for panic, it is, however, a call to action. And that's exactly what we're doing.
FORMING A FUNDING COMMITTEE
To address this, the board is looking to establish a dedicated Funding Committee. The goal is simple: bring together motivated individuals (whether board members, volunteers, or community supporters) to actively pursue grant opportunities from both government and private sources.
If you have experience in grant writing, fundraising, or simply have the time and enthusiasm to help, we would love to hear from you. This is a meaningful way to contribute to A New Way Services beyond financial donation alone. If you're interested in being part of the Funding Committee, please reply to this email and we'll be in touch with more details.
TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS — A TIMELY REMINDER
With the end of the financial year approaching, now is a great time to consider making a donation to A New Way Services INC. As a registered benevolent charity with the ATO, any donation of $2 or more is fully tax-deductible.
You don't need a paper receipt (an online banking transaction statement is accepted by the ATO as sufficient proof of your donation) so if you've donated via bank transfer, you're already covered.
Every contribution, large or small, makes a real difference to the people we serve.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. If you have any questions, ideas, or would like to get involved, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
Jürgen Weber
Treasurer
Directors Reflection
The time has come for me to reduce my hours with A New Way Services INC and move to two days per week. I’ll be honest, this feels like a big step, and there is a real sense of uncertainty that comes with it. The decision has been made because of our current financial outlook, but also because my wedding business has been going well, and will continue to go well (God Willing).
In some ways, I think this is a healthy direction for ministry more broadly. I think it would be reasonable for more pastors, ministry leaders, and charity directors to explore reduced hours or side work where possible, especially if it helps reduce the financial pressure on their communities. This decision does not mean ministry is less valuable. It simply means we are being honest about sustainability, generosity, and the kind of financial culture we want to create. I do not want A New Way to be built on guilt, pressure, or obligation. I want it to be built on trust, shared responsibility, and genuine generosity.
This is a season of adjustment. Reducing my hours will mean clearer boundaries, a more reduced workload, and a need for others to step into different parts of the mission. We won't be able to start new initiatives for a while... We'll simply keep loving being where God has already placed us; until he places us elsewhere.
It is also a season where we are being reminded that A New Way does not belong to one person. It is not carried by one salary, one role, or one schedule. It is a community of people learning how to follow Jesus together, care for those on the margins, and build something that is free from the unhealthy pressures that so often weigh down institutional church life.
I am thankful! Even though, for the next little season I will have to reduce my hours, I am thankful I can work as a celebrant to pay my rent! I am thankful ANW has the finances to cover rent, insurance & the basics! I'm thankful that, God willing, we'll be able to start new initiatives and increase staffing again in the future!
Thankfulness is important.
"Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
All are shown mercy, all are given grace, all are healed... But it is the person we least expect who decided to thank Jesus as a form of worship & faith.
This is true of human nature. The people who thank us on a Monday night in Kibble Park are always the ones we least expect...
So more and more I want to be like the samaritan... I don't want to just write this newsletter showing off the successes of our ministry to all you priests; without first turning back and thanking God.
Thankyou Jesus.
Canvas of Faith!!
Over the past year, A New Way Services INC has had the privilege of running Canvas of Faith, a creative mentoring project made possible through the generous support of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation.
Canvas of Faith began with a simple vision: to help young people explore their story, their faith and their creativity in a safe, encouraging and practical way. Rather than asking every participant to express faith in one particular style, the project made room for many forms of art. Music, dance, poetry, photography, textiles, social media, visual art and storytelling all became ways for people to reflect on where they have come from, what they have carried, and how God has been present in their lives.
The project culminated in the Canvas of Faith Showcase! It was amazing to see 60 to 80 members of our community come along to witness the artists, hear their stories, and celebrate the courage it takes to create something personal. It was a beautiful night, not because everything was polished or perfect, but because it was authentic.
We were proud to celebrate the work of 12 artists! Some example include:
Sophie Allan created a textile wall-hanging that explored peace, faith and the experience of finding light in overwhelming places, especially as it relates to her lived experience of autism.
Josh Park created a piece about the importance of positive community and the way the right people can help change the direction of a life.
Drystan Cross performed spoken word and original hip hop song, calling for authenticity and accountability within church spaces.
Maddie Moore created social media videos exploring how faith can be shared in a format young people understand.
Henry Moore, joined by Olivia, performed Christian music and reflected on how music can be both worshipful and genuinely creative.
Micah Booth, used music to explore faith, authenticity and the deep connection between creativity and the search for God.
Toby Moore created a large visual artwork combining graffiti and sketch art, using ancient ruins and new flowers as a picture of new life growing from old places.
Claire Radman presented visual art and poetry exploring human nature, peace and the hope of a world where the lion lies down with the lamb.
Ashleigh Crutcher choreographed a contemporary dance about discovering faith for herself and using every gift, including dance, for the glory of God.
Aurora, known as Rory, created traditional art reflecting connection to land, community and the way different communities can become woven together.
Lucas Collins presented photography and spoken reflection on seeing God through creation, beauty and art.
One of the most powerful lessons from Canvas of Faith was that many young artists were not looking for fame, money or a platform. They simply wanted somewhere to create, belong, share safely and meet others who understood.
We are also thankful to share that the grant acquittal for Canvas of Faith has now been completed. This has given us time to reflect on what worked, what changed and what God has done through the project. The funding did far more than support one creative program. It helped strengthen the foundations of A New Way Services INC, supported the development of a creative community hub, and opened new doors for young people across the Central Coast.
On 13 May, we have an upcoming meeting with the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation. We are genuinely praying for that conversation. We are thankful for the support already given, and we are praying that this meeting may lead to ongoing relationship, encouragement and perhaps even additional funding to help this work continue.
To every artist, mentor, supporter, donor and community member who helped bring Canvas of Faith to life, thank you. We are deeply grateful.
Please Enjoy This Video!!
Josh Park - Moments Of Connection
Hi my names Josh.
I grew up in Hornsby with my Mum, Dad and brother. I had a good childhood, but I made some mistakes and was told I couldn't live at home any more, so then I moved into DoCS and moved to blacktown. At that point I was hanging with the wrong crowd, gang related, with people alot older than me.
That lifestyle led me to be arrested and I got locked up for a time at Cobham Juvenile Justice.
When I got out I met Evan and did many mentoring programs. Evan has literally saved my life. I joined A New Way and it's a place I call home and have positive people around me.
My art piece was a reflection on how important it is to have a good community of people to surround yourself. This lifestyle has led me to feel happier and healthier spiritually, emotionally, mentally and even physically. Thank You.
Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre
I recently had a very encouraging meeting with the Multi-Faith Chaplain and Aboriginal Programs Coordinator at Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre.
In the past, A New Way Services INC has been visiting Frank Baxter to provide chapel, music, creative ministry and pastoral support for young people in custody... We have now heard that the team at Frank Baxter have been so impressed with our programs, that they have been actively seeking funding opportunities for us to continue visiting the centre.
There is a small amount of funding may be available for Indigenous chaplaincy, particularly given that approximately 70% of the young people at the centre are Indigenous. We have agreed to continue running a weekly 45-minute Bible study and chaplaincy session, starting May 18th, while also exploring ways to make the program especially meaningful and culturally relevant for the Indigenous boys in the centre. The sessions will still be open to young people from all backgrounds. Our hope is to create a space where faith, story, music, Scripture and honest conversation can help these young men reflect on their lives, their choices, their identity, and the possibility of hope.
As part of this program, we are hoping to build connections with Indigenous people of faith who may be willing to come into the centre with us and share their testimony. We are also interested in connecting with people who may be willing for us to film their testimony, so it can be played to the boys as part of the program.
If you know an Indigenous person of faith who may be willing to share their story, either in person or through a short filmed testimony, please reach out to me.
Email: lewis@anewway.org.au
We are very thankful for the ongoing relationship with Frank Baxter, and we are praying that this next season will open meaningful doors for connection, discipleship and hope.
Kibble Park Service
As winter approaches and the evenings grow colder, a warm drink becomes more than a small comfort. For many people gathering in Kibble Park on a Monday evening, a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate can offer warmth, dignity and a simple reminder that someone has noticed them.
Every Monday evening, A New Way Services INC works alongside other local charities and services in Kibble Park, including Orange Sky, UnitingCare and Safe Link Alliance. Together, these services support an average of 80 people each week, many experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, financial hardship or social isolation.
Within this broader outreach, A New Way provides a welcoming refreshments table with free coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drink cans, water, lolly bags and calorie-dense treats. On cold nights, a hot drink provides warmth. On hot days, water, ice and soft drink cans offer immediate relief. Lollies and calorie-dense snacks also help meet a real need for people who may be hungry, while giving children and families a small moment of joy.
The table also creates a gentle space for connection. Many people may not feel ready to ask for help directly, but they will come over for a drink. From there, conversations begin. Volunteers listen, learn names, remember coffee orders and build trust over time.
Because we serve alongside established local services, A New Way can also help connect people with support such as laundry, housing assistance, food relief, crisis support and casework.
Recently, we applied for a grant to help fund this crucial work, including weekly consumables.
We would love your prayers that this grant comes through!
Donations & Bequests
As always, we continue to thank everyone who enables this ministry to continue! I pray for sustainability, and that means we need your help. Your input helps achieve the outcomes. If you would like to consider ANW as a recipient of a bequest, you can use the details below.
Acc: A New Way Services INC
BSB: 082-356
Acc No: 915282595
Reference: A New Way
Charity Details
Name: A New Way Services INC
ABN: 94309537864
Director: Lewis Ramsay Jonker
Director Contact: 0458384807
Email: lewis@anewway.org.au
Need A Celebrant??
Prayer Requests
We pray for successful grant opportunities
We pray that with the reduction of paid staff hours, it doesnt negatively impact our current initiatives.
We pray to find indigenous people of faith willing to share their testimony.
We pray to remain thankful during this season of change and reduction.
Numbers 6:24
A New Way
Comments