“Make a joyful noise.”
Sunday Rhythms is designed in line with A New Way's mission: to practically assist individuals and families in their emotional, physical, relational, mental and spiritual health.
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Join us at the warehouse on Sundays between 3:30-5:30 (during school terms). We are building creative community that helps young people overcome isolation and mental health challenges, while also providing an environment to explore spiritual ideas without judgement. Furthermore, the Sunday Rhythms program is a provider of direct benevolent relief for locals who are doing it tough. So far we have provided $500 worth of Coles food vouchers to disadvantaged youth, and $100 worth of essential clothing to single parent households.
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The space serves a dual function, offering both a community program and a chaplaincy presence.
Community Engagement
We are grateful to the Central Coast Council for a partial grant of $5000 that assists us in increasing social inclusion on the Central Coast. Sunday Rhythms is open to everyone who desire to express their creativity free of charge. We provide a free professional sound system, drum kit, guitar, and keyboard. We also have various activities available like board games, a dart board, and a pool table.
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The grant specifically allows us to advertise online and to fund Lewis Jonker for a limited number of hours each week to focus on the community aspects of Sunday Rhythms. His role includes managing the project, overseeing the venue for public use, providing crisis support for young people, and coordinating referrals to professional services.
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Lewis is also a facilitator of the monthly 'open mic' which is specifically funded through the partial grant.
Lewis is also crucial in building connections between the community and A New Way’s broader services, such as our Sundown Sessions.
Chaplaincy Presence
We’re thankful to CoastCare for supporting our community chaplain. His role aligns closely with CoastCare’s goal to support people facing poverty, sickness, hardship or helplessness through practical and compassionate care, especially in the areas of spiritual, emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.
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Evan dedicates 4 hours each week to Sunday Rhythms. This allows him time to prepare and offer a creative and meaningful experience for the community, drawing on his background as an international Christian Hip-Hop artist and his experience as a youth worker.
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Each week also includes a spiritual discussion based on the Christian Bible. These discussions are optional for participants and never intended to proselytise. Topics have included "Finding spiritual connection", "Healing from spiritual abuse", "True generosity", "What is faith", and "What is practical faith".
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Evan also checks in with participants throughout the afternoon, offering a listening ear and encouragement to those doing it tough.​ He is backed by 'Life Cypher Resources', which provides training and resources to help guide the spiritual aspects of his work in replicable ways.
