People

Meet our church leaders at Chalmers!

 

Pastor Nick

Hi, my name is Nick, and I have been the pastor at Chalmers Presbyterian Church since 2018. 

At Chalmers Presbyterian we take God and his Word seriously. As the teaching elder I do most of the preaching at Chalmers. 

We are committed to worshiping God as a body on Sundays, and as individuals throughout the week. God has brought wonderful people to Chalmers and it is a pleasure to serve at such a great church. 

I grew up in Geelong, but I have been in Melbourne since 2014, and Melbourne now feels like home. I am married to Joy and we have two beautiful girls. 

I love meeting new people, so I hope you’ll come for a visit one day. 

 
 

Caleb

My name is Caleb and I am one of the Elders at Chalmers Presbyterian Church. I grew up in the country town of Hamilton, in Western Victoria, and attended boarding school in Hawthorn. Since finishing school, I have completed a teaching degree and am now a high school teacher, teaching the amazing subject of Humanities!

Growing up I always knew about Jesus, but it wasn't until I was in late primary school that this knowledge switched from simply knowing about Jesus to actually believing in Him. Jesus is God's only son and because of his great love for us, he voluntarily came to earth, as a human like us, to save us from our sin, so that we could have an eternal relationship with God. Being a follower and disciple of Jesus is the best thing ever. It is not always easy but I am assured that whatever happens God is in control. He loves me more than I will ever know, and that He gives life to all who believe in Him.

I love being a part of the community at Chalmers because having Jesus at the centre of all that we do means that we are all individually part of Christ's body, where we get to live life together as Jesus intended. It is a great blessing.

Other than that, you will probably see me riding my bike around Hawthorn East, taking film photos or kicking the footy.

Colin

Hi, my name’s Colin, and I serve as one of the Elders at Chalmers Presbyterian Church. I joined the church in 2017, and my wife Jemimah and I live locally in Hawthorn East.

Coming from a largely non-Christian background, I became a Christian in my first year of University after I became convinced that my greatest problem in life was my rebellion against God, and that my greatest need was the forgiveness offered in His Son Jesus. It’s been my joy to walk with God from that time onwards.

Up until recently I worked in Campus Ministry at Monash University with the AFES, but am now undertaking full-time theological studies. I enjoy spending my spare time reading, drinking good coffee, and going for the occasional hike. I hope to meet you at church some time soon!

Rob

Hi, I'm Rob - I'm one of the Elders here at Chalmers.

I grew up in a Christian home but since my teenage years each year has been a new revelation of who God is, what he has done for me, and what that means for my life. Realising that Jesus is Lord completely reshaped my perspective on life and continues to give me purpose.

During the week I work as an urban planner - I'm really interested in cities and buildings (particularly old ones!) Otherwise, I like to spend my time making music and drinking good coffee.

I love the community here at Chalmers, because we're all united behind a common truth and a common goal. Together, we're trying to live authentic, faithful lives by God's grace.I hope you'll join us one Sunday.

Get to know some of the friendly faces from our Sunday service!

Alan

Hello! My name is Alan and I became a Christian in my first year of university. It was the unconditional nature of God's love that captivated my heart and drew me to follow Jesus, the servant king who died even for his enemies.

My wife, Steph, and I joined Chalmers in November 2020 after we got married in May. Since then, we have been very thankful to God for the faithful teaching and encouraging fellowship at Chalmers.

I enjoy playing video and board games, watching Japanese anime and learning about financial investments.

Amba

Hiya! I’m Amba and you’ll often find me doing something creative! I enjoy a good cup of coffee, spending time with friends, growing plants and a hang-on the-edge-of-your-seat thriller! But, more important than any of those things is Jesus and His good news of salvation! Jesus’ love in giving up his life to bring us to God never ceases to amaze me. I love being a part of Chalmers because this good news is preached faithfully, regularly and lived out within the community.

Anna

Hey, I’m Anna! I spent my childhood years in Wagga Wagga, and I’ve lived in Melbourne for the last 12 years. In 2021 I finished up my final year of studying education at Monash, and in 2022 I’ve started my first year as a high school teacher, teaching English and History.

I’ve been a Christian for most of my life, but started to take my faith more seriously when I moved out of home when I was studying. It was in this time that I first came across Chalmers Presbyterian. I have been attending Chalmers since late 2019. It’s been a great church to call home; the community here is incredibly welcoming, and takes God’s word seriously. It has been a great blessing to be a part of a church that is so supportive and caring, and that always directs me back to Christ.

Joy

I am very grateful to belong to our kind and gracious God, and the wonderful family and community at Chalmers. Being a Christian means I’ve been forgiven of my sins against God and brought into His family. And part of belonging to God’s family is belonging to one another, His Church.

I love the emphasis on Christ at Chalmers, and that we hear how great He is every Sunday. I am very thankful for the opportunity to gather each week to worship Him with others and to pray for one another.

I thank God that my two daughters are at church every week growing up with wonderful godly role models who share their lives with our family and are intentional about pointing the girls to Christ.

Louise

My name is Louise and I am a member here at Chalmers Presbyterian Church. During the week I work as a Procurement Analyst for a packaging and recycling company and in my spare time you'll often find me watching reruns of Friends or The Office.

However the most important thing to know about me is that I'm a Christian. I am known and loved by God and I am part of His family. This brings me a joy that will never fade or become boring (unlike watching the same tv show over and over again). I love being a part of the Chalmers community because in all that we do, God's love for us through his son Jesus is at the centre.

Sarah

Hello, I’m Sarah. I grew up in the Eastern suburbs attending a small Chinese church. In 2018, I ventured out “church hunting” and ended up at a megachurch. I felt so lost and longed to feel a part of the community. Around that time, a close friend suggested that I try Chalmers out - and it’s been a wonderful journey since then. It’s been such a huge blessing to be part of such a genuinely welcoming, generous and loving church family, who is serious about the Word of God, passionate about Jesus, joyful for the gospel and love sharing life together.

During the week, I work as a paediatric physiotherapist (with some of the most delightful children!). My hobbies include eating, crafts and more recently, bouldering. I love people and would love to see a world that knows Jesus; people of all shapes, sizes, colours, talents and abilities; including people who are disadvantaged, living remotely, unreached or marginalised. God is love, and he is in control of all that happens. He invites everyone to join his kingdom. How marvellous! I invite you to come explore Jesus for yourself and share in his family. Hope to see you soon :)

Shanta

I am Shanta, wife of the late Richard Jeganathan and Mother of Joseph and Mark.

We migrated to Australia in December 1980 from Sri Lanka. After 3 months settling in a flat in Hawthorn, I went in search of a church (as we didn’t have a car) and I saw Chalmers Presbyterian Church. I immediately rang the number on the sign out the front from a public phone. By the grace of God, we met a true christian man called Mr Graham Tassicker, who immediately took us under his wing, and started guiding and caring for us.

Because we had Chalmers we never had to rely on anyone for anything. That’s why we came back to worship here after Richard’s retirement as a Home Missionary (a Home Missionary is someone who serves as a missionary in a local Presbyterian Church).

I am 77 years old, and live locally in the same house I lived in with Richard for the last 8 years. I enjoy maintaining my small garden and I keep the house neat and tidy! I don’t have a TV, so I read a lot and get most of my news from my iPad.

At the age of 63 I started working as Lollipop Lady. I have arthritis but God has helped me to be of some service to the community. I have good neighbours who are always there for me if I ask them.

I get happiness and strength by worshiping God at Chalmers.

My Motto in life is FAITH has NO FEAR.

Steph W

Hi I’m Steph!

My husband Alan and I joined Chalmers in November 2020 shortly after we got married. We love the people here and love growing and serving alongside them!

We attend church because we love Jesus. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the reason why we fellowship together to worship God.

Here are a few other things that I love: apple crumble (with ice cream), a good pasta and falafels (yum!!)

Zoe

Hi I’m Zoe, and I’ve been attending Chalmers Presbyterian for about 5 years now.

I am in my final year at uni studying secondary music teaching. God-willing at the end of 2022 I’ll be a qualified teacher.

I’m so grateful to be a part of Chalmers. It is such a blessing to hear the truth in God’s word and fellowship with His people each Sunday. It has me helped grow in my faith to worship alongside my church family. I enjoy being able serve through music during the service too. I’ve also learnt to read the Bible and dive deeper into his word in our weekly bible studies.

I love Chalmers’ mission ‘To Proclaim Christ to Hawthorn East and beyond’ which aligns with God’s great commission and really shows what Chalmers is all about.

To know Jesus as my Saviour and be reminded of his great unconditional love for us is incredible!