Meet the DUCA network: Rev Graham Anson (Deacon)

Rev. Graham Anson has been Executive Minister at Wayside, Bondi Beach since 2015. 

After a few years as a trainee accountant Graham moved into community-based ministry in 1985, starting as a youth worker in Redfern. This included running a drop-in centre and youth groups for kids who would otherwise have been on the street. It was during this time that he developed a passion for creating spaces and moments of connection based on acceptance and inclusion, compassion and love. After another similar role in the inner-city he had two lengthy placements in regional oversight of youth work in the Uniting Church. 

He was ordained in 2008 while in placement at Campbelltown, where he was a community-based minister. Add in a short stint in a state-wide role promoting and supporting new initiatives, and Graham brings a wealth of experience in innovation; growing and developing communities – where everyone’s experiences are respected and their contribution is valued. 

Along the way Graham has completed degrees in Theology and Sociology.

(Source: Wayside Chapel website)

Meet the DUCA network: Jon Owen, Deacon candidate

Jon Owen is a Deacon candidate. He began as Pastor and CEO of Wayside Chapel in July 2018, taking over from Rev Graham Long after he announced his retirement from the role of 14 years. Jon was chosen from 50 potential applicants after a robust and independent selection process conducted by Wayside’s Board. Jon was already a big part of Wayside, working as Assistant Pastor and Head of People and Culture since November 2016 and all of our community was delighted with this decision.

Jon has dedicated his life to closing the gap on inequality, both living and working amongst some of the most disadvantaged communities in Sydney and Melbourne. Jon is a qualified social and worker and prior to Wayside, he built his way up through the organisation Urban Neighbourhoods of Hope, an international not-for-profit organisation specialising in community development and care coordination for families living in poverty. In this role, he shared his family home with those seeking asylum, refugees, people in recovery and ex-prisoners.

Jon lives and breathes Wayside’s mission of creating community of no ‘us and them’ and looks forward to carrying forward Rev Graham Long’s legacy into the future. He is joined by an accomplished team of 140 staff and some 600 volunteers each week at Wayside Chapel.

(Source: Wayside Chapel website)

Formation for Ministry - Ministry of Deacon in the UCA

August 2020

Deacon candidates and supervisors, and Formation Panels, may find Formation for Ministry - Ministry of Deacon in the UCA, a helpful resource.

Since the renewal of the diaconate, there have been issues with formation of Deacon candidates, and especially the lack of specificity for diaconal ministry. The document 'Standards for Theological  Education and Formation Phase 2', there is tremendous flexibility and it is important for Deacon candidates and their supervisors recognise they are 'co-drivers' with the Formation Panel and faculty in deciding what content and courses will be part of the formation for diaconal ministry.