Oakleigh Anglican Church (OAC) is a two centre (Holy Trinity and Emmanuel) parish within the Diocese of Melbourne, which is itself part of the Anglican Church of Australia, which is itself part of the world wide Anglican Communion. This means that OAC benefits from having a firm and agreed theological base that stretches back ultimately to the days of the early church trained, licensed and accountable ministers support structures and expertise beyond local parish resources.

We believe that all of life is ‘sacred’ that is, lived in the presence of God.  With that in mind, we seek to share our lives: getting to know one another; spending time with one another; so that we can be truly united in our faith in Jesus Christ.  To this end, we have monthly lunches after the 10.30am service is concluded as an opportunity for members to get to know one another better, and for people who are new to our community, or who are visiting, to have the opportunity to meet and speak to members in a relaxed and informal way. 

Further to this monthly meal, we endeavor to offer opportunities for the community to come together socially, at other times, and in other contexts, be they concerts, murder mystery nights, scavenger hunts, spit roast meals and any other appropriate context for getting to know one another, sharing our lives together, and for opportunities to speak of what God is doing or has done in our lives. Our annual camp held over a weekend in the second half of the year is a great opportunity to get involved in parish life and have a fun time away. Such social events will be posted in the News/Events section of this website.

Ministers in 2012

Today our ministers form a Ministry Team that has several unique features:

1. In 1998 Holy Trinity invited Greg and Sharon Footit - a husband and wife team - to take up the ministry in Oakleigh. This remains a unique arrangement within the Diocese of Melbourne.

Greg: formerly an art teacher, became an Anglican minister (made priest in 1986) when he was in his 30's and has served in three parishes (Moreland for 8 years, Frankston and Carrum Downs for 4 years, Holy Trinity for 5 years) and now OAC for a further 5 years. Greg has overall administrative responsibility for the community, and has particular pastoral oversight for the needs of the older members.

Sharon: became an Anglican minister (made priest in 1993) and after having her training years ministered with Greg at Frankston and Carrum Downs through to OAC today. Sharon has particular responsibility for the 'family ministries' focusing on those with children not yet teenagers.

Together they have complimentary gifts and expertise, and bring a wealth of life experience and Gospel passion as they minister to OAC. Having become Christians together in the late 1960's, and married in 1972, they now have two married children, Melanie and Ben, who, along with their respective partners (Klate and Angela), and four grandchildren, all of whom worship at OAC as well. As hobbies Sharon enjoys reading, friendship and family life. Greg still paints and exhibits his work, and relaxes with gliding and golf. From an evangelical heritage both Sharon and Greg share a passion for preaching and teaching from the Bible and asking how the teachings of the scriptures apply to life today in the 21st century.

2. A new position created in 2010 is 'Youth Coordinator' which is held by Angela Footit.

Angela: came to OAC on placement for her Diploma of Theology in 1999, and has been part of our community ever since!  As youth coordinator she oversees all youth programs and leaders and runs the junior youth group, Muckrackers. Angela is married and has two young children. She enjoys sewing and spending time with friends.

3. A new position created for 2011 is 'Children's Minister' which is held by Michelle Budhathoki (Blake).

Michelle: came to the parish as a young adult and has been on a discovery journey with God. She is currently studying at Ridley College and is learning to look at the servanthood of ministry from the insight of leadership. Her particular responsibility for 2011 expanding the ministry to children at OAC.

4. A newcomer to the team is Kevin Eames.

Kevin: is the son of a well established parish family, and has grown up within parish life. Having completed his secondary education he is following further study in NSW (youthworks course). When in Melbourne he will be assisting Angela in running the youth programs.