Community
Community groups, events and appeals that take place at Wesley Castle Hill,
and Wesley’s involvement beyond…
Dr. Shaheen Whyte, Rev. Carmel, Moderator Rev. Faaimata Havea Hiliau, Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, Ahmet Polat, Executive Director, Affinity Intercultural Foundation, Rev. Peter Walker, MC Kim Akhurst,
Senior Producer ABC Compass
Iftar Dinner held at Wesley
An Iftar meal is the breaking of the daily Ramadan fast for the Muslim community.
Islamic groups often invite people of other faiths to join with them in this meal.
Wesley was honoured to co-host the Moderator's Iftar Dinner alongside the Affinity Intercultural Foundation.
A fantastic evening of multi-faith, Afghani food and fellowship was enjoyed by all. The time together was a good opportunity to be 'United in Hope', as was the theme of the evening, and learn from each other's faith traditions.
Keynote speakers included Rev. Dr. Peter Walker, General Secretary of the NSW/ACT Synod, Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio OAM, Senior Associate Rabbi, Emanuel Synagogue, and Dr Shaheen White, who is the Senior Policy Officer for the Refugee Council of Australia. We enjoyed music from Wesley’s own David Sanders and Christina Bayssari, as well as Palestinian Christian musicians Majdi and Seraj Aljelda.
Parramatta Mission and Mt Druitt Preschool
As we celebrate the birth of Christ each Christmas, we are reminded of His call to love and serve those in need. Parramatta Mission is committed to ensuring that individuals and families facing tough times—whether due to homelessness, crisis, or mental illness—experience the joy of Christmas.
Over the last Christmas period, we delivered over 100 bags of grocery items to go into Christmas hampers for individuals and families. The 2025 collection has begun in November.
Each winter season, we collect and deliver bags of groceries, and warm clothing for the Mission.
Over the 2025 winter collection, we delivered 130 food bags, 400 clothing bags, 516 beanies and 179 scarves to Parramatta Mission.
For the Christmas 2025 collection, we contributed 125 bags of food and a number of Plates for a Mate.
Thanks to all those who contribute to these appeals.
Food bags ready to send to Parramatta Mission
Give Blood at Wesley
The Red Cross Blood Collection unit will be back at Wesley Church, in March 2026.
For dates, see the Events page when available.
Click What it means to give blood for 2 pages from the Red Cross
End the Violence
Wesley Castle Hill held its second candlelight vigil on the 30th of May 2025, in remembrance to honour those who have suffered violence.
March against Domestic Violence
Held on 2 May, 2025, in Castle Hill
Representatives from Wesley marched again with police and community leaders to demonstrate support for the community against the rising incidence of domestic violence. This march follows a similar event in 2024.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Do you or someone you know have a Drinking problem? AA can help.
AA meetings run every Thursday at 12:30pm,
and every Saturday at 5pm.
To learn more about what to expect at meetings, click here
Rev. Carmel Ieraci with Mayor Michelle Byrne, Deputy Mayor Frank De Masi, and MP Mark Hodges in the Council Chambers.
Prayers at opening of Local Council Meeting
The Reverend Carmel Sheraton led prayers for newly elected Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Deputy Mayor Frank De Masi and Councillors in the Hills Shire Council Chambers on 8 October.
Prayers for ‘God’s wisdom and blessing in their decision-making, compassion in their leadership and a spirit of listening to the diverse voices in the Hills Shire, as the work for the well-being of every resident, protecting the environment and building a future where all will thrive.’
Mayor Byrne thanked Reverend Carmel for all the work that Wesley undertakes in providing service to the Hills Shire community.
Rev Carmel Ieraci leading the service at St Stephens
Ecumenical Council of NSW
Sydney visit of Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay, World Council of Churches General Secretary
Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay visited Sydney on 25th of June 2024. A beautiful service of prayer for Christian unity was celebrated at St Stephen’s Uniting Church with two choirs – Fijian and Hindi, as well as a soloist Ben Speechly.
The service was led by Rev Carmel Sheraton, who is now (2024-2026) President of the NSW Ecumenical Council. Rev Jerry Pillay gave an inspiring sermon to a well-attended congregation from across the Christian spectrum.
The Hindi Choir who sang at the service at St Stephens Church, including Mike and Ann Kumar from Wesley.
Soloist Ben Speechly also sang, accompanied by Brian Lewis, both from Wesley.
Interfaith Prayer Service
Held on 2 May 2024 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
Representatives from Wesley attended this meeting with representatives of many other faith groups from the community.