West Ryde Community Church is led by a team of leaders – men and women, younger and older, paid and voluntary, but all with a heart for seeing God’s will done here on earth as it is in heaven. Our goal is to equip and enable every member to use their abilities and passions to serve and grow and build up the church (Eph 4.12).
Pastors
Rev Jennie Clarke – Interim Pastor
part-time: Mon, Tues, Wed and Sundays
Jennie commenced as part time Interim Pastor in February 2022 to provide support to the church and Chair the Pastoral Search Team. Jennie studied her Bachelor of Ministry at Morling College, is Accredited with the Baptist Association of NSW and completed Interim Ministry and Intentional Interim Ministry training with Transitional Ministries Association of Australia. Jennie volunteers with Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network in Evacuation & Recovery Centres and lives on the Central Coast.
In her spare time, Jennie enjoys walking the beach or bush, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Staff
Cassandra Falson – Office Manager
part-time: Wednesdays
Cassandra is married to Mark and has three adult children – Erin, Lachlan & Amy. Cassandra has been a part of the West Ryde team in a part-time capacity since 2008. She enjoys working in a team to build God’s Kingdom and using her skills to help lighten the load of the pastors.
When not at work, Cassandra likes a good book or movie, walking along the beach or in the bush and spending time with her family, especially her young granddaughters.
Senior Leaders
Cameron Phipps – Treasurer
Cameron has been attending the church since 2001, and has been serving as Treasurer since 2005.
He is passionate about seeing people grow in their faith, and leads a weekly ‘Connect Group’ (Bible study) with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Cameron loves meeting new people, and in journeying alongside those who are curious about faith, or simply wrestling with the big questions of life.
Professionally, Cameron has held a number of Financial and Operational roles in the IT sector spanning 23 years. In 2020, he moved into the ‘not-for-profit’ space, and currently works for BaptistCare as Procurement Manager.
Cameron is married to Cindy, and is blessed with 4 children (Josh, Hayley, Aaron and Alyssa).
James Piper – Secretary
James has been part of various ministries and voluntary leadership roles since joining the church in 2010.
His professional experience includes senior engineering and leadership roles in the public sector.
James’ passion is to serve the church using his gifts and experience to support the Pastors to implement ministry strategies, evaluate ministries, and set and implement goals.
James is married to Jenny and has two young girls. In his spare time, he likes to cook and catch up with people for coffee.
Scott Hill – Property Leader
Scott has been attending West Ryde Community Church for over 30 years. He has served in various ministries especially youth ministries for most of those years, and the leadership of the church for the last 15 years. He always wants to ensure people feel welcomed and included in the church community.
He is transitioning from the accounting profession to aid & development after completing a degree last year. He loves to travel, meet new people and enjoys outdoor activities.
Marilyn Watts – Care
Marilyn has been active in multiple rolls at the church over many decades: from Sunday school Teaching; Girls and Boys Brigade Leader; Coffee Drop Inn & Playtime. Her current role involves coordinating practical care for those in need within the church family. She is married to Graham and has 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren. Her great niece lives with her and Graham.
She loves reading, gardening and movies but mostly enjoyed caravanning and travelling.