5 minutes with Rachel

Tell us a little about you

I’m a single Mum to two amazing teenagers, Katie and Andy, and an adorable little Shoodle puppy called Charlie. I come from a close-knit extended family and feel blessed to be surrounded by people who’ve shaped me into who I am today. I’m also a very proud aunt to eight gorgeous nieces and nephews, and I value my friendships with my girlfriends deeply.

I’ve been a teacher for over 20 years, teaching English, History, Comparative Religions and Christian Studies, and I’m deeply passionate about helping young people grow into who they’re called to be. Music is another lifelong love. I’ve sung in my church choir as lead soprano for over 30 years and have been part of St Mark’s Darling Point since before I was born.

Do you have a favourite Bible passage? If so, what is it and why?

As a traditional Anglican, I find it almost impossible to choose just one, so I tend to think in lectionary categories. I’ve always loved Jeremiah 29:11: its reassurance that God’s plans are for hope and a future has carried me through many seasons. As a mother, Psalm 139:13–14 speaks profoundly to me: the image of God knitting us together and calling us fearfully and wonderfully made is deeply moving.

My favourite Gospel passage is the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). Mary’s song so beautifully proclaims God’s faithfulness from generation to generation: it is pure hope and promise. But my all-time favourite is Revelation 21:1–7, especially verse 4: the promise that God will wipe away every tear and end suffering. Together, these passages remind me of a God who is both all-powerful and all-loving. And that is one of the most comforting truths I know.

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

Honestly, I’m not sure I do this as well as I should. But I’m deeply grateful that even when I falter, God keeps His eyes fixed on me and gently draws me back. I try to begin each day in prayer, usually with a cup of coffee while patting Charlie. Singing is another place I meet Jesus deeply, whether singing with Katie at home or in the choir on Sunday mornings.

What would you like the next generation of Christian women to know?

That God has a plan to prosper them and give them hope and a future. That they are fearfully and wonderfully made. That their souls’ purpose is to glorify God. And that one day He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. And that no matter what the world tells them, they are loved beyond measure, they belong to God and He is theirs. He delights in them living out His calling on their lives.

What’s one thing that you love about your local church?

St Mark’s has been my spiritual home for my entire life. That community truly is family to me. There are so many people there who know my whole story and have walked alongside me in every season. I also treasure our traditional Book of Common Prayer Choral Communion service: the liturgy, music and teaching together have profoundly shaped both my faith and my sense of belonging within the body of Christ.

What did you learn about God during a hard time in your life? 

Almost 12 years ago my marriage ended, and I suddenly found myself a single Mum to two very young children. It completely reshaped how I saw myself, and I initially feared it meant I could no longer serve God as I thought He’d called me to. Through the love of wise people and much time with God, I learnt that wasn’t true. God was the constant in a world that felt like it had unravelled: the source of my strength as a mother, daughter and teacher. Unchangeable and unchanging. George Herbert’s poem Love III captures it perfectly: “Love bade me welcome… so I did sit and eat.” It remains a profound reminder of God’s gracious invitation, especially in seasons when we feel unworthy.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about teaching and helping young people become the best versions of themselves. I’m also passionate about all God’s people, women and men, being able to fully live out His calling on them. And I’m deeply passionate about preserving and strengthening traditional liturgical choral worship in Australia, which I believe is a powerful way to glorify God and nurture both personal and communal faith.

What do you enjoy doing when you rest?

Reading good literature (and occasionally not-so-good literature), cross-stitch and knitting, baking for students and friends, and spending time with my children and puppy. I especially love gentle walks near the water where I live, usually with classical or choral music in my ears.