ADM announces 26 recipients of grants through Women in Ministry Support Scheme
Anglican Deaconess Ministries (ADM) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Women in Ministry Support Scheme (WIMSS). ADM is delighted to award grants of up to $2,000 each to 26 Christian women from across Australia, empowering them in their diverse ministries.
Now in its fourth year, the WIMSS initiative remains dedicated to providing tangible support to Christian women as they bring their unique gifts to gospel work. Open to women in ordained ministry, lay ministry, mission work, and various paid and unpaid roles, the scheme continues to play a crucial role in supporting these women on their ministry journeys.
“Christian women play a vital role in ministry across diverse contexts, and WIMSS funding is a blessing in providing the resources and support they need to thrive in their service of the Lord,” says Mary Un, CEO of Anglican Deaconess Ministries. "We are excited to stand beside and uplift these women as they continue their impactful ministries."
The 2023 WIMSS recipients are engaged in a wide array of ministries, spanning chaplaincy, cross-cultural ministry, pastoral care, student ministry, and outreach to children and families.
WIMSS grants target five key areas, encompassing professional development and ministry training, resources for ministry, theological education, startup expenses for new ministries, and assistance with lost income during maternity leave from a paid, continuing ministry position.
This year’s grantees will receive funding for diverse areas including AUSLAN classes to enable ministry to deaf people, Bibles in languages and formats for ministry in multicultural inner-city areas, the establishment of a Jesus Club program for adults with intellectual disability, the printing of kids Christian colouring books, and much more. We look forward to sharing the details of some of these programs over the coming months, as the funding is used to put plans into action.
“ADM remains steadfast in its commitment over 132 years to support women in ministry. We have seen the needs of these women change from decade to decade and will continue to work alongside our sisters to identify how we can be a blessing to them,” says Mary Un. “Congratulations to all the 2023 WIMSS recipients, and our heartfelt prayers accompany them in their ongoing service to God.”
The 2023 WIMSS Grantees:
Set-Up Expenses for a Ministry
Emily Maurits
Marrickville Road Church
Bridget Allen
Living Water Community Church, Redfern
Lily Robson
Orange Evangelical Church
Resources
Alexandra Prentice
St John’s Anglican Church, Glebe
Amanda Bailey
South Wagga Wagga Anglican Church
Annie
Chester Hill Anglican Church
Anna Boxwell
Renew Anglican Church, Canberra / City to City Australia
Bethany Bradhurst
Vine Church, Surry Hills
Kathryn Gatt
Bundoora Presbyterian Church
Laura Southam
St Oswald's Anglican Church, Haberfield / Sydney University Evangelical Union
Linda Thomson
Dapto Anglican Church
Lucy Langfield
St Martin’s Anglican Church, Georges Hill
Melanie Taylor
Minchinbury Anglican Church
Nikki Rogers
Cross and Crown, Gold Coast
Professional Development and Ministry Training
Gabrielle Dunn
All Saints North, TAS
Jess Prins
Summerleas Christian Church, TAS
Kit Ng
Bayside Anglican Church, Arncliffe / Sydney University Evangelical Union
Rosemary Huf
Holy Trinity Pookara
Maternity Leave
Anna Beaver
Campbell Street Balmain / Sydney University Evangelical Union
Karen Sowden
Thornleigh Community Baptist Church / Sydney University Evangelical Union
Lauren van der Merwe
Vine Church, Surry Hills
Theological Education
Danni de Keizer
Grace City Church
Dhanurja Eliezer
Scots Church Sydney
Elise Takashima
Saint Barnabas, Broadway
Shirley Pereira de Mesquita
Redemption Hill Presbyterian Church, Newtown
Xanthe Reid
St Paul’s Canterbury
Photo: Grant recipients and their guests gathered at the ADM offices for a celebration dinner.