^‘…Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others…’

(Philippians 2:2-4)

A key to building a stronger community and stronger relationships is connected to our willingness to value the interests of others. The passage above highlights how Jesus had every opportunity to place himself in a high and exalted position of power, yet he chose to not use this position to his own advantage, choosing instead to take the nature of a servant, focusing his attention on the interests of those whom he is serving; including each of us. From the stories we’ve heard about Jesus, we know he connected with all sorts of people; from the rich to the poor, the educated to the uneducated, people with leprosy, men and women and so on. When we consider that he did not need to do this, being in the very nature God, there must be something in this that serves to empower our lives both collectively and individually.

We can often find it difficult to value the interests of others because other’s interests clash with our own value system: what we do, what we own and what friendship group we’re part of. The problem with this kind of value system is that it is vulnerable. Who we are is more connected to our interests, not on what we do, what we own, what qualifications we do or don’t have or by who our friends are. If we were to describe ourselves, can we do so without making reference to our possessions, our qualifications or anything else that can change in the future? What is it about you, that says you are valuable that can’t be taken away from you? When we know the answers to these questions, we start to see the value in others much easier; not for what they can do for us but rather who they are as valuable people. 

As a means of introduction to our new Chaplain, Pastor La’Brooy, I thought it would be worthwhile highlighting some of his interests, what keeps him busy and what aspirations he has for his new role.

 Previous to coming to Newington, Pastor La’Brooy served as the Associate Uniting Church Chaplain at Macquarie University for the past five and a half years. He currently serves on the Board of ‘UnitingWorld’ for the last five years and is a member of the World Methodist Council, representing the Uniting Church. Pastor La’Brooy has been a Youth Minister in a local and regional context, and has worked on the organisation committee of the National Youth Gathering of the Uniting Church. He is an Elder and Church Councillor in his local congregation and has served on various Uniting Church Presbytery and Synod Committees.

In his own time, Pastor La’Brooy enjoys the theatre, watching cricket and rugby and is finishing his Arts/Education degree at Macquarie University. He is both the RE teacher and Chaplain at Newington, Lindfield, and is keen to engage across the broad life of Newington College, connecting with students, parents, staff and old boys alike.

Pastor La’Brooy looks forward to connecting with the Newington community throughout the coming months, as he seeks to serve as a chaplain, looking to value the interests of others.

Rev. Geordie Barham 
College Chaplain