On Saturday 10th December 2022, Cowra Baptist Church and friends farewelled Pastor Austin Griffiths and his wife Gaylene. The night was filled with wonderful memories and tributes and not to mention a lovely BBQ meal and farewell cake. Lots of laughs and tears.
The Griffiths family came to Cowra in January 1996 to commence ministry with Cowra Baptist Church. Austin had previously worked as a youth pastor. His love and passion to work with youth continued here and his impact on many teenagers was highlighted in a video tribute from many past “youth” on the night. After 27 years of faithful service, Austin and Gaylene are moving to Heathcote-Engadine Baptist Church in the south of Sydney.
The Griffiths’ family have always been actively involved in the Cowra community: Cowra Public School P&C, scripture teaching at Cowra, Mulyan, Woodstock and Wyangala Public Schools, Cowra Clergy, Carols by Candlelight, twilight soccer and junior soccer and junior cricket. They could also be seen on Wyangala Dam, fishing and enjoying water sports. Austin has been instrumental in the establishment of Cowra Summer Breakout which had been held annually for a week in January at the showground. Look out for Breakout again this January.
During his time as pastor, the church moved from meeting in Brougham Street to the renovated warehouse at 2 Bourke Street. This flexible space has allowed them to run programmes more effectively such as Wisdom Plus (day programme for seniors), Playtime (for toddlers/preschoolers), various bible study groups, hold concerts and functions etc. Due to Covid, the church also started recording Sunday’s bible talks which are available on the Cowra Baptist Church YouTube channel.
Austin was often working behind the scenes to ensure the needs of the congregation and also community contacts were met, most recently helping Congolese families settle into the community and distributing parcels to flood victims. Austin’s final “official” service in Cowra will be the Christmas Day Service at 9am at 2 Bourke Street. Take the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas and also say goodbye to Austin and Gaylene. Cowra Baptist will miss them greatly but wish them well and are excited to see what God has in store for them.
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