Melinda Sandon

Our final alumni reunion for 2025 brought together the 2005-2008 cohort, with 55 graduates gathering – some travelling from as far as Brisbane, Melbourne and Tasmania. These alumni now serve across a wide range of ministries, including churches, universities, mission organisations, parachurch ministries, and navy and aged care chaplaincy. It was a wet and windy day, but the warmth and enduring friendships of the group made up for the general sogginess after the College tour! 

Our reunions give graduates an opportunity to be refreshed and encouraged, hearing how God has been faithful to their peers as they persevere in serving him. It was encouraging to hear that that was the experience of at least one of the delegates from the 2005-2008 reunion: 

“After 20 years, it was so good to see that even though some of us have grey or white hairs, some of us have adult kids and some of us have struggled with some very, very difficult things in the interim, so many of us are still following Jesus and committed to the work of building his kingdom. I came away from the day very encouraged. Hopefully it won’t take another 20 years for us to get together again!”  

Moore aims to be your College for life, fostering enduring connections between graduates and providing resources, further study options and partnership in training the next generation of gospel workers.  The influence and encouragement of a graduate remains the single most significant factor in someone choosing to study at Moore. Our alumni continue to play a crucial part in God’s answer to the prayer that he would send more workers into his harvest field. 

Are you in a College cohort celebrating a significant milestone in 2026? Please contact us at [email protected] if you’d be interested in us hosting your reunion. 

The Centre for Christian Living’s Smartphone Disciple workshop in October explored this question through biblical reflection, teaching, and small-group discussion. Rather than offering “quick fixes,” the evening encouraged participants to think deeply about how smartphone technology forms and ‘disciples’ us to see and live in the world in a certain way. And then to consider how, as disciples of Christ, we should respond with wisdom and love.

Attendees appreciated Tony Payne’s clear teaching and how they were encouraged to develop a biblical framework to think through the topic. As one attendee explained:

“It was a thought provoking and biblical approach to the intersection of technology and how Christians live.”

People left the workshop with an increased conviction to reflect on their way of thinking and living:

“It helped me see technology isn’t neutral, it shapes our mindset.”

“I’m more aware of how my phone affects my relationships and attention.”

Many appreciated the interactive format and gospel-centred framework for thinking about everyday faithfulness in a digital world.

If you missed it, a podcast version of CCL: The Smartphone Disciple will be released on the CCL Podcast in February 2026, allowing you to listen and reflect at your own pace.

Over the past few weeks, we have farewelled Simon and Margie Gillham as they prepare to move into CMS accommodation and begin a year of preparation before heading to Uganda to serve at Uganda Christian University. As we look back on their ten years at Moore College, we thank the Lord for their friendship, their ministry, and the way they have lived out the gospel so openly among us.

Grateful for a Decade of Service

Friend and fellow Faculty member, Peter Orr was reflecting on the Gillham’s lasting impact on the College community; how Simon and Margie have served faithfully and quietly, never seeking recognition, yet leaving a deep and lasting impact.

• Simon has strengthened the College academically, pastorally, and administratively, leading with clarity, gentleness, and prayerfulness.

• Margie has encouraged many through her warmth, hospitality, and care, especially among students, Faculty families, and staff wives.

Many of us feel the loss of their steadiness, sense of fun, and gospel-hearted generosity. But the same love for Christ that made them such a gift to our community is what now sends them out. This isn’t the end of friendship, just a new chapter in watching God use them elsewhere.

A Colourful Chapel Farewell

A memorable farewell gathering was a chapel gathering where the community arrived in bright, joyful colours to celebrate the Gillhams. Students shared from their hearts the impact the Gillihams have made on the community and the love and genuine care they have shown to them. It was simple, heartfelt, and full of warmth.

Simon spoke with his usual mix of humility and humour, sharing about the privilege of studying here, the unexpected path that led him onto Faculty, the months of prayer behind their decisions, and the “quirky but united” nature of the College.

He reminded us that they haven’t simply decided to leave, they have chosen to go. To go where God is leading, trusting Him with what feels too big, and asking us to pray.

Mark Thompson also offered a thoughtful tribute, reflecting on Simon’s service as pastor, teacher, scholar, administrator, and Vice Principal, and highlighting his humility, excellence, and heart for global mission.

Uganda Christian University – home to about 300–350 students, will no doubt be blessed by the Gillham’s steady presence and gospel-shaped care.

Saying goodbye is bittersweet. But we send them out with confidence in God’s goodness and deep gratitude for the decade they have given us.

Simon and Margie, thank you. You will be dearly missed, and always part of our Moore family.