Becoming an independent Anglican Church meant it was important to find a new name to clearly communicate our identity in the local area. Previously, Life Anglican Riverstone was connected to Life Anglican Quakers Hill. As the Parish of Riverstone was established once again as an independent Anglican Church, it became clear that sharing a name with the other neighbouring Churches was confusing people who were trying to connect with us.

History

Why not a traditional name?

St Paul’s Anglican Church Riverstone

To some in our community, we will always be “St Paul’s Anglican Church Riverstone”. And of course we could have returned to that name. It is however a well-used name in Churches everywhere and having already stopped using the name Saint Paul’s, pursuing a more unique name seemed wise.

Riverstone Anglican Church

In some ways we will always use the name “Riverstone Anglican” to some extent, after all, we are officially the Anglican Parish of Riverstone. We wanted to do more to establish our identity in the local community than just our geographic location. We love Riverstone and the people of the suburb but we also recognise our reach is bigger than the suburb itself.

Why “New Light”?

New Light in the Bible

The eternal light brought something new.

Jesus is the eternal light but brought something “new” when he was born as a human, pointed people back to God in his teaching and made a way to God in his death & resurrection.

Jesus brings new light to the believer.

Believers become a new light to those around them.

Jesus is the true light amonst many alternatives

People seek many things as a source of light in their life. Other religions, finances, possessions, relationships, recognision, success. Jesus makes it clear that he is the only true light.

The New Light is the True Light.

The New Light in our Church

New Story for our Church

As a historic Church that struggled for many years, now revitalised, we feel like there is
“new light” in the life of the Church.

The New Story of Our Area

A historic town, Riverstone declined since 1980 after losing its primary industry. Now
swallowed by Sydney’s growing North West, the surrounding area is seeing new Life.

Mission in a Renewing Area

As Riverstone’s town centre infrastructure lags behind the surrounding suburbs, we
desire a name communicates our revitalised community with the many young families
moving in.

Mission in an increasingly Multicultural Area

“Light” is an image of positivity, spirituality and life in many cultures and religions, but in particular amongst people from India, Hindus and Buddhists. Our prayer is that “New Light” might support our mission in reaching these people groups with the Light of Jesus.