from the session

Dear Epping Presbyterian Church family,

This year, we’re introducing a new practice: taking time to pray and consider our giving for the year ahead. We know this may be new for many of us, and we invite you to approach it thoughtfully and prayerfully.


Our goal is to grow generous hearts throughout our church. This is not simply about increasing what we give, but about experiencing the joy and freedom of sacrificial generosity. As Paul writes, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account” (Philippians 4:17). Generosity shapes us as we learn to trust God and grow in faith and maturity.


We also want to share our prayerful goals for the coming year: the people and ministries we hope to invest in as we pursue our mission of making, maturing and multiplying disciples of Jesus. We want everyone to understand where we’re heading and how our shared generosity can support that work.


We invite you to pray, reflect on God’s word and consider what generosity might look like for you in the year ahead. Thank you for the many ways you already serve and support our church family.


With gratitude,


Rev. Darwin Agahari

Minister
On behalf of the Session of Epping Presbyterian Church

Frequently Asked Questions

Isn’t my giving between God and me? Why make an Expression of Generosity?


Your giving is ultimately between you and God. A pledge helps the church estimate its income and make plans for the year ahead.


But most importantly, this process is helpful for you. It gives you time to pray, consider your circumstances and decide what generosity might look like for you. Putting that decision into words can turn a general intention into a practical commitment and help you grow in generosity and trust in God. An Expression of Generosity or a pledge is one way to make that commitment thoughtfully and intentionally.


Doesn’t Jesus say we should give in secret?


In Matthew 6:1–4, Jesus warns against giving in order to gain recognition from others. His concern is the reason behind our actions: are we seeking to honour God, or to draw attention to ourselves?


That teaching doesn’t mean every act of giving must be anonymous. Jesus also said that we should go into our rooms, close the door and pray. But it doesn't mean we shouldn't pray publicly with others. What matters is the motive. 


An expression of generosity or a pledge is intended to help you make a considered commitment and help the church plan; it shouldn’t be used to impress anyone. In fact, it won't impress anyone. When giving is an act of worship and service, it is consistent with Jesus’ teaching.


Can I do it anonymously?


You don’t need to do anything you don’t want to do. We encourage everyone to put their name down because something happens when we put our name to a commitment. It can help make our decision more intentional and give us a way to follow through. Your giving is ultimately between you and God, and your name isn’t there to create pressure or recognition.


How will the church use my giving information?


The church combines the information to estimate its expected income for the year. This provides the Committee of Management one more data point to prepare a responsible budget, support its ministries and make informed decisions about staffing and future opportunities.


Who can see my personal Expressions of Generosity?


Only the treasurers will have access to individual information.


What if my circumstances change and I can’t meet my commitment?


We know that circumstances can change. You may become able to give more, or you may face a change in income, unexpected costs or other financial pressure.


A pledge reflects your circumstances when you make it. If those circumstances change and you can no longer give the amount you planned, you can adjust your giving. No one will pursue you or expect you to keep giving beyond what you’re able to give.


The aim is to give faithfully and generously within your means.

Looking towards 2027

Secondary Title

Type the content for this section here. This is just example text to show you what it will look like when you enter text content into this section. Your unique, authentic, and appropriate text will be filled into this section. Once you click into this section, you will see the filler text disappear, and you can begin typing your real content. We’ve simply put in filler text in this area. No need to get caught up in the actual content of this body text, we've typed meaningless sentences.

Staffing changes for 2027

In 2027, we continue trusting God to be at work in us. We believe ministry is the work of the whole church. Staff members are responsible for equipping and multiplying the ministry of every member of the church.

  • Matthew Tan - Mission and Worship focus

    We want to continue the good work that God has done in our church through Mikey in the area of Mission. We continue to humbly pray for an adult conversion rate of 5% of regular Sunday attendance. 

    We also want to invest in the Worship area. If God is willing and our church continues to grow in number, we will need to prepare to create a second morning service to cater for that growth. 

    For the last 2 years, Matt has been working part time as a pastoral assistant at Abbotsford Presbyterian Church while completing his theological training. Matt is married to Ika and they have two children, Asha and Jireh.

  • Luke Anderson - Next Generation focus

    We have seen the Kids and Youth ministry in our church grow significantly in the last 4 years. We believe it is time to put on a gospel worker to focus in these areas.

    Luke Anderson is known to us. He has been part of our church for the last years and has voluntarily served to lead the youth team. 

    Luke will join the staff team on a half-time basis (0.5 FTE) and will be responsible for our Kids, Youth and Family discipleship ministries. He will not only work with children and youth, he will also walk alongside parents, especially fathers, to equip and encourage them to disciples their children at home.

  • Caroline Clark - Community and Serve focus

    In the last 2 years, Caroline has made significant impacts in the ministry in our church. Many has commented that it felt that she had been in our church for much longer than 2 years. Her initial 2 year fixed-term contract is ending soon and we want to continue her role with our church on a permanent basis. 

    From 2027, for personal reasons, Caroline will drop down to 0.8 FTE. She will maintain her focus in the Community area and the responsibility over the Serve area.