Fr ANDREW EATON – Our Rector
I came to Wallsend with my wife Monica and two girls in February 2017 having ministered in the Diocese of Bendigo in rural Victoria for 6 years.
I completed a Masters in Divinity and Advanced Diploma in Ministry at the University of Divinity in Melbourne, after previously studying a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Golf. I have an interest in Girardian theory and non-violence, ecumenism, liturgy, and I am a member of a new Anglican Marian order – the Sodality of Mary Mother of Priests.
I love digging deeper into the scriptures and exploring how following Jesus transforms our lives so that we can be part of the transformation of the world.
Rev PHILIP MORRIS – Our Honorary Assistant Priest
I was born and raised in New Lambton, the third child of Thomas and Lorna Morris. I married Sandra in 1978 and we have two sons and four grandchildren. I worked at BHP, MMI and GIO before leaving full time employment to undertake my training as an Ordinand.
My faith journey:
I felt the calling of God in my late teens and like many, tried to ignore it and live my life as I saw fit. But God kept calling me and in my mid-twenties I started to assist around St Luke’s in various small ways outside the Sanctuary. I was a welcomer and reader at the Family Service that my family attended. God kept calling me to do more. I then joined the Sanctuary Team and assisted in all the duties of a server, from acolyte to thurifer, liturgical assistant to lay reader. My parish and successive priests saw me in a more senior role and asked if I was prepared to be “put forward” to the Bishop as a candidate for ordination.
I was ordained priest in the church of God on 1 December, 2018.
MATTHEW COUCH – Our Children’s & Families Minister
Moving to Newcastle with my wife Miranda and son Joshua opened up space in our lives to focus more intently on prayer. I soon found myself drawn to the spiritual, aesthetic, and liturgical traditions of the Anglican church.
At St Luke’s, we found a sacramental life accompanied by a vibrant host of families and children! This pleasant discovery led us to make St Luke’s home.
I am grateful to work alongside our loving volunteers as we minister to the children and families in and around Wallsend. I am currently discerning my call to ordained ministry. I bring to my role a deep love of theology, science, and Christ.