A new Chinese ministry in Camberwell
By Fr Jobby John
18 April 2026
St Dunstan’s, Camberwell, has established a new Chinese ministry, having discovered that almost 16 per cent of new residents in the area are Chinese, with eleven per cent of them speaking either Mandarin or Cantonese. Some Mandarin-speaking newcomers to the area were already attending the parish’s kindergarten and Mainly Music program,
Image credit: supplied.
So in February, Michael Joy joined the parish as an authorised stipendiary lay minister. Michael comes from St Peter’s, Box Hill, where he helped build a Chinese Bible Study group. At St Dunstan’s, he has already overseen a Dumpling Gathering as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Image credit: supplied.
In Chinese culture, this festival is as significant as Christmas is in the West. Making dumplings is a traditional activity practiced in almost every province of China throughout the celebration, from Lunar New Year’s Eve to the 15th day of the first lunar month. More than 40 people attended the St Dunstan’s event, kneading the dough, preparing the filling, rolling out the wrappers, and folding the dumplings together under the direction of some experienced dumpling makers invited to teach the art. Several St Dunstan’s parishioners also joined in. As it was a family-friendly event, six youngsters took part. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful time together, sharing the delicious homemade dumplings, traditional Chinese cold dishes, tea, and snacks.
Image credit: supplied.
At the close of the event, Michael shared his vision for the Chinese ministry and encouraged everyone to join the new Chinese Bible Study the following Sunday. It is now a regular event, held after the main 11:30 am service, with five to six people now attending regularly – a great beginning.
Image credit: supplied.
More activities are being planned, including a prayer meeting and a table tennis club which could bring families together and build friendships. The parish prays and hopes that God will bless the growth of this ministry and the parish.
The Rev’d Jobby John is the Vicar of St Dunstan’s Anglican Church, Camberwell.