Revd Swadling arrived from Alice Springs and has not wasted any time getting to know his new church members.

The church was packed for his welcome service last Sunday.

Revd Swadling said he was looking forward to spending many years in Singleton.

“I am only 35-years-old so I can still relate to teenagers and hopefully the many christian families and any locals who find the stress and grind of daily life a struggle,” Revd Swadling said.

“I have worked on the wharfs in Brisbane and on a prawn trawler in the Torres Straight so I feel I will be able to relate to the many shift workers and their families.”

Reverend Swadling who prefers to be called Sam has always had his sermons available on the Alice Springs Baptist Church website and is now busy having the same access set up for the Singleton Church web site.

Sam believes that the church must embrace any new technologies and give people the flexibility to listen to God's word when they choose. “Having a sermon on a flash drive in the home or in the car can be an excellent way to release pressure and help people change their focus from the daily grind onto their christian faith,” he said.

The induction service will be held at 9.30 am and past and present members and members of the Singleton community are invited to attend.

Sam has moved to Singleton with his wife Bethane and their three children Abs, Grace and Elke.