Greg Footit
Greg grew up in Lilydale and attended Croydon High School from 1962 – 1968. In his senior years his interest in the visual arts began to emerge under the influence of a faithful Art Teacher called “Mrs Thompson” – who gave him encouragement (and the run of the art wing.)
He completed a Diploma in Fine Arts (ART AND DESIGN) in 1970, majoring in painting and printmaking. Major influences at this stage were Fred Williams, Vincent Van Gogh and others. During this period Greg developed his passion for the Australian landscape.
Sharon Footit
A spiritual odyssey – Sharon
Born: Carlton 1952- lived in Box Hill – youngest of 6 children
1958-63 Went to Springfield Road Primary School. Moved to Croydon at the end of 63
1964 – 1969 Attended Croydon High School – met Greg 1st day of school, engaged to be married in end of Matriculation year. It was during this time that I experienced the voice of the Holy Spirit in my life, in a vision that sent me looking at the Christian Faith for guidance and direction.
1970 – After conversion, but without deep knowledge of the faith I now held onto, the Holy Spirit's voice continued to guide me. My faith was based on hearing and responding to the experience of God's presence, through still small voice within, or in dreams and visions.
1972 – Married Greg – Supported him financially while he worked on Diploma of Art and Design. Both of us committed to Christ, and involved in Charismatic renewal within Anglican Church we attended. Greg started as art teacher at Lilydale Technical School; we moved to Lilydale, started family; Melanie born in 1976.
1977-78 – Great upheaval in our lives, New Years' Day 1978, Greg was struck by lightning while working on my brother's house in Anglesea. Recovery slow, many hurdles, faith continued to sustain us.
1979- Ben, our son, was born in March.
1977-86 – Worshipped at Lilydale Anglican, heard the call of God to commit our lives to being leaders in the Anglican Church.
1986 – Greg Ordained Deacon and appointed Deacon-in-Charge of St. Augustine's, Moreland, so we moved to Brunswick. This began an amazing journey for me. I began studying at Ridley Theological College, was asked to lead services at Moreland, and then asked to preach and finally to go for selection to be ordained. It was a journey into the unknown, but I felt God's hand on my life and each decision that was made.
1990 –Ben became ill, and was diagnosed with a brain tumour This experience was the ‘watershed' of faith and understanding that I now hold to, particularly in understanding ‘Job', and faith that cries out in need.
1993 – Ordained Deacon, and appointed to St. John's, Bentleigh as Assistant Curate.
1994- Appointed with Greg to St. John's, North Frankston and St. Luke's, Carrum Downs. I was to head up the church plant at St Luke's. It was here that my passion for listening to the Spirit of God, in utilizing God's creative energies began in earnest, mainly in the dramatic arts. I set up a drama group with teenagers, and part of our worship each week, included dramatic presentation, using humour, or challenge to draw out the point of the theme for that day. At this time, the material we used was written by others, as it was at Moreland, but started the process.