It’s certainly a wonderful world

Contributed by Robyn Atwell

THE Glasshouse Country Uniting Church was alive with colour and anticipation on Friday, 19th May, as the different cultures in the church were celebrated. Entertainment with performances and food from a variety of nations created an atmosphere of sharing and fellowship, which warmed the cold evening.

As usual, food was abundant with one guest suggesting that the event should be held over three evenings, to give everyone the opportunity to taste everything. The planning and preparation of the food from different cultures was done by congregation members and the kitchen was full!!

A highlight of the evening was grace said in five different languages: Gugu Yalanji, Motu, Africaans, Amharic and English. It was a reflection on how people from all over the globe, who are so different, can all be grateful to and worship the same God.

The audience enjoyed songs from Ireland (Dianne), Russia (Inessa), Gugu Yalanji (Deline Briscoe) and Festuri entertainers, Toria Mason and DC Connection, who represented the French Caribbean island of Martinique.

Inessa has three albums to her name and has performed at some of Australia’s largest festivals, like the Canberra Multicultural Folk Festival and the Woodford Folk Festival. Her last song, a folk song she sang as a child in Russia, was sung with such joy! Deline, from the Daintree region of FNQ, has worked with some of Australia’s most celebrated artists, including the late uncle Archie Roach & Aunty Ruby Hunter, Lou Bennett, Paul Kelly, Yothu Yindi, Topology, Iain Grandage, Mission Songs Project, and many more. Her voice was mesmerising and when she sang with her nine-year old daughter, a song her daughter, Merindee, had written about a beloved pet that was killed, the audience was very moved. Toria and DC Connection did not only provide lovely original music, but also did much of the setup.

Drumming from PNG was well-received as Airileke Ingram who performs all over the globe, led his family in various rhythms, accompanied by dancing from Gaba Gaba (PNG) and Torres Strait. Fortunately, the dancing kept them warm because the colourful costumes they wore did not! Jada Leuga performed a graceful Samoan dance in costume.

Our Ethiopian member, Tigist, shared music, food and coffee from her Amharic tradition and spoke about the amazing festivals held in her home country.

One of the most enjoyable benefits of an evening like this is the sense of belonging and connection that working together can precipitate. Inessa will be at the Black Box theatre in Nambour on June 3, and Deline will appear at a free concert at Buderim Park on Sunday June 11 at 5:30pm.

Festuri will once again be held in Beerwah in October.

Are you talking to me?

IN A world of headphones, mobile devices, social media, we can fool ourselves into thinking we are connected. And yet, at the same time, we can become disconnected to the world around us. The world with real people in it. We all want to be noticed and acknowledged. We all want God to see us, but do we look to Him? God went to creative lengths to get our attention (Romans 1:20).

Jesus came to earth to show us the way to God. Jesus taught us to pray and through prayer, how to connect with God.

Our father in heaven hallowed be your name.

Know who you’re speaking to.

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven...

Know what you are asking.

Give us this day our daily bread...

Know where your provision comes from.

Forgive our sins as we forgive others...

Know how to obtain freedom.

Lead us not into temptation...

Know the direction of your life.

But deliver us from evil...

Know God know peace.

Jesus is teaching us some great principles for life. We shouldn’t just ask God to know who we are, let’s take the time to know who He is, so He can help us navigate the life He has given each one of us.

This prayer isn’t a one way conversation with God. Whenever we stop to pray this prayer, even though we are talking to God, take a moment to ask the next question “Lord what are you asking of me?”

This is the time to go again! Keep coming to God, He will not reject you.

If you are looking for Church, we look forward to seeing you Sunday at Church on the Rise Beerwah.

Catholic Weekend Masses

Saturday 5pm: Peachester Rd, Beerwah

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY CALVARY CONGREGATION

You are most WELCOME to join us 9.00am each Sunday Reed Street, Glasshouse Mtns (next to RSL) Sunday School, Women’s Fellowship, Bible Study

Contact: 5439 9341 or 5496 9671 www.glasshousemountains.lutheran.org.au

Sunday 7am: Caloundra St, Landsborough

Sunday 9am: 45 Cedar Street, Maleny Ph: 5430 9390 9am to 1pm Mon-Fri www.caloundracatholicparish.net