Reflections following the
Kalgoorlie Formation Mission
Weekend 2025

‘The mining community of the Goldfields is a very different context for Anglicans compared with any suburban or wheatbelt parish. Hosting the Wollaston students for a mission weekend was a chance for them to see the faces of both our members (who are the Spirit’s workforce for mission out here) and our neighbours (who are the people who need to hear the Good News of Jesus out here). It was also a chance for St John’s congregation to see the faces of people on a theological and ministry learning curve for future leadership, lay or ordained, across the Diocese of Perth. Meeting, worshipping, and forming relationships face to face is an exercise well worth the significant cost, in money and time, of travelling 600km inland from Perth to Kalgoorlie-Boulder. It will enrich our prayer for each other for a long time to come.’

The Revd Dr Elizabeth Smith, Mission Priest, Parish of The Goldfields

Friday 21 March
7.00am train to Kalgoorlie, 3.00pm accommodation check in, 5.00pm Evening Prayer, and preparation for the Friday Eucharist.

‘Our Formation mission trip was thoughtfully planned to coincide with the monthly Friday night Family Eucharist and celebration, which this month focused on the Feast of Thomas Cranmer. As a first-year Formation Student, I greatly valued the door this offered me to be introduced to the warm, vibrant, and loving community - two words, ‘Hospitality plus Spirit’ encapsulates my experience. Warm, caring, prayerful, accessible, inclusive, enthusiastic, and welcoming describes the liturgy. Our pizza feast after the service provided the perfect opportunity to sit and converse with congregation members - offering a small glimpse into their lives in the mining town of Kalgoorlie.’

Natalie, Formation Student

Saturday 22 March
9.00am Morning Prayer, and ‘Free Blessings’ distribution.

‘Saturday morning was spent handing out leaflets at shopping centres for St John’s Open Church event. It was a great opportunity to observe the people and their way of life in Kalgoorlie. In a short space of time, I got into two conversations, one with a young man who had been in foster care and was now sleeping rough, and a gentleman who had done some theological study. I was struck by the way these people were both hospitable, and yet unafraid to share with me, a stranger, what they were struggling with.’

Kim, Formation Student

Afternoon ‘Human Library’ visits – learning to listen.

‘On the Saturday afternoon we had the opportunity to meet various members of the Kalgoorlie/Boulder Parish. I was invited into the house of a beautiful family and was treated to experiencing Shona hospitality. This visit allowed me to gain understanding of the sacrifices and joys of living and working in Kalgoorlie. Additionally, the importance of the Parish community in creating a sense of belonging and support. In this experience I was reminded of the importance of pastoral relationships in building and maintaining a community.’

Lydia, Formation Student

Sunday 23 March
9.00am Eucharist, Moring Tea and Debrief. 2.00pm Train home

‘At the St Johns Sunday Eucharist, we caught up with parishioners we had previously met, as well as a number of other parishioners we hadn’t yet met. Everyone was welcomed to the service by name, with a cheery hello and throughout the service we had a chance to see how to spontaneously involve a congregation and how to implement many multiple elements into one sermon. After the service it was lovely to meet the congregation over coffee and whilst making Palm Crosses, where we learnt a little more about Kalgoorlie, the parish and most importantly, about the parishioner’s and their stories. We were made very welcome by people who know what community is all about.’

Sharon, Formation Student

A thought . . .

‘Kalgoorlie has contributed significantly to State gold production, which grew from 300 ounces (1886) to 281,000 (1896), one alone contributing 432,000 ounces (2023). Two Kalgoorlie’s physical and operational characteristics also form the context for the physical and spiritual wellbeing of its people. While mining focusses on shareholders’ ‘superior returns,’ the church focusses on eternal returns.

St John’s continues to serve the community through its minister and people, such as Friday evening eucharist which draws a mini united nations, followed by much pizza and laughter as the sun sets. St John’s deserves our prayers and encouragement.’

Rob, Formation Student

Why a mission weekend?

So much of theology is contextual. How we understand the Scriptures and how we engage with the teachings and traditions of the church are often much more deeply rooted in our own context and culture than we realise. Yet, to share who God is with different groups of people we need to move beyond ourselves and learn to think and see the world as they do. We see Paul telling the same gospel of Christ in different ways in different contexts. This is what we need to be able to do as Christians, and particularly as clergy. Being away from our homes and in a new context can challenge us to listen to the gospel and communicate it in contextually relevant ways.

The Revd Dr Christy Capper, Academic Dean

In terms of Formation, where students are exposed to different ideas and ways of doing things, so that they might develop of form good habits of prayer and service, a Mission Weekend is a good way to bring the whole group together to work on a common task of engagement and reflection. It has the bonus of helping the group gel. The main purpose, though, is to help a parish in its own mission by offering a group of willing and theologically literate people, and to challenge the students to read a context well and to respond thoughtfully. This weekend was filled with laughter, and that can only be a good thing.