About Us
What do we believe
At St Anne’s Ryde Anglican Church we are convinced that Jesus is who he claimed to be, the unique Son of God, and that he alone has the right to our ultimate allegiance. Our conviction is based on the historical claims made in the eye witness documents of the New Testament, especially the claim that Jesus rose from the dead.
What the Bible says, God says
At each of our meetings we focus on relevant and applied Bible teaching because we believe that what the Bible says, God says. This is one way we equip both individuals and our congregations to grow as God’s people. We encourage members to apply their Christian faith in their workplace and neighbourhood and to care for each other in practical ways through ministries such as Helping Hands and Food Bank. We are a church with active involvement in our local community. We teach Scripture (SRE) in our local primary and secondary schools. We also run English classes and a Playtime group. We are a church with a world mission focus. We provide financial and relational support for people and organisations involved in evangelism, relief and development work in Australia and overseas.
Our Mission Statement
Growing as a loving community, shaped by God’s word, in step with God’s Spirit, making other disciples of Christ
What to expect at Church
I am coming to church – what can I expect
Experiencing something for the first time can be a daunting experience. Where do I go, what do I do? Coming to church is no different so we hope this information will help put you at ease. If you require any assistance during your visit, please speak to one of the ushers at the entrance or contact us beforehand.
Who can come?
Everyone is welcome at church at any time. You don’t have to book, just turn up. Check out our times and location here. You will notice that each meeting has a different ‘feel’ so come to the one you think will suit you.
What will happen when I get there?
When you arrive at the main door you will be greeted by an usher, given a news sheet, a Bible and shown to a seat.
Our meetings usually go for a little over an 1 hour. We will stand for community singing, someone will pray from the front and the Bible will be read and explained. There will be an update on Church news and upcoming events. You won’t be expected to do or say anything.
During the meeting a bag will be passed around for the regulars to make financial contributions towards the activities of our church but there is no obligation for visitors to contribute so just pass the bag to the person next to you.
After the meeting, everyone is welcome to stay and chat over morning tea or supper. These are great opportunities to get to know one another better.
What should I wear?
Church is not formal, so wear something comfortable.
I have children…
We love to see children at any of our meetings but during the 10am meeting there is a special preschool to year 6 children’s Kid’s Bible Fun program that your child is welcome to join.
There is room for prams in the main meeting area and young children are welcome to stay with their parents. A crèche for parents and young children where the meeting can be seen and heard is available if needed.
Parking
Undercover parking is available off Gowrie St during service times, with access to the Auditorium and Hall via stairs or lift. There is disabled parking beside the Court House on Church St.
I have a disability
Our building is wheelchair-accessible and hearing loops are installed.
Staff
Rev Andrew Levy, Senior Minister
Andrew joined the St Anne’s team in October 2021, having served at churches in Caringbah, South Sydney and Gladesville. He came to believe in Jesus at 19 when a friend invited him along to a church service and he began reading the bible for himself. Over the course of the following 6 months, as he met with a Christian friend and asked lots of questions, God opened his eyes to see the incredible love and forgiveness of Jesus. It’s a joy that has shaped Andrew’s life ever since. Andrew is married to Jess and they have two boys. Apart from sharing the good news about Jesus with others, Andrew enjoys coffee, basketball, chess and watching Star Wars with his son.
Rev David Chang, Associate Minister
David Joined St. Anne’s staff team in 2020, focusing on Mandarin ministry in general and pastoring the Mandarin congregation at St Anne’s in particular. David completed BD at Moore College and MCS at China Evangelical Seminary (Taiwan). Prior to full-time ministry, David worked as a researcher in science education and has degrees in environmental science, rural management and chemistry. David is married to Annie and they have one young daughter. In his spare time, David enjoys reading, visiting museums, bushwalking and good coffee.
Tony Nguyen, Associate Minister
Tony joined the St Anne’s family in December 2022, together with his wife Yenli and their two young boys (a 4-year-old and a Jan-2023 newborn). Prior to being a minister, he worked as a ceramic engineer, where he enjoyed being a part of a team that manufactured bricks to build houses. But he was convicted by the Holy Spirit that building God’s house was more valuable, so he gave up a promising corporate career to join God’s team in building a house that would last forever. Tony enjoys going to buffets, watching people try to guess his age, trying to pronounce his surname accurately when asked, and playing too much table tennis, either at church or in his garage!
Jessie Wu, Office Manager
Jessie started at St Anne’s in October 2023.
Jessie is fluent in Mandarin and English, so will be able to help with both Chinese and English administration. She will be in the office on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Vivian Wang, Lay Ministry Worker
Fiona Thomson, Student Minister
Fiona started at St Anne’s in January 2023 as a student minister as part of her Moore College studies.
She will be working with our KBF children’s program on Sundays.
Carole Maxworthy, Lay Minister
Cameron Maxworthy, Student Minister
Cameron started at St Anne’s in February 2023 as a student minister as part of his Moore College studies.
History of St Annes
The history of Ryde has long been associated with the Church of St Anne. It is the third oldest church in Australia.
The nave of St Annes was originally a schoolhouse which was built in 1826. In 1838 another schoolhouse was built on the corner of Victoria Rd and Belmore Streets allowing the original building to become St Anne’s Church. A Chancel and Bell Tower were added and the building was consecrated by Bishop Barker in 1870.
By the turn of the century a complex of civic buildings existed on the present Church St block including the Post Office, Court House and Registry Office. Of these only the Court House remains.
The Centenary Memorial Hall built in the 1920s to accommodate the growing number of Sunday School children was demolished in 1999 to make way for the Ryde Anglican Centre.
The book “The Church on the Hill” written by Mavis and J Ernest Benson is available from the Church Office.
More information from Ryde Library Local Studies Section
Ryde Library has the records for St Anne’s
Baptisms 1826-1942
Marriages 1826-1953
Burials 1826-1913
Local Studies Librarian
City Library
Locked Bag 2069
North Ryde 1670
Phone: 9952-8353
Fax: 9952-8355