THE CHURCHES Mount church packed for Ash Wednesday service

The Mount Macedon Uniting Church was overflowing for the Ash Wednesday 40th anniversary commemoration service on Thursday evening, 16 February 2023.

Rev D’Arcy Wood led a moving service that remembered the events and outcomes of that day, the outpouring of help and support from far and wide and the resilience of the community in recovering, rebuilding and continuing to grow. A number of people impacted on that day participated.

A brief history of the Mount Macedon Uniting Church, which was destroyed then rebuilt to reopen in just 14 months, reflected the strength and resilience of the whole community. The church was shared with the Anglican congregation for six years until the Church of the Resurrection was completed.

Over 80 people were present, including the Rev Graham Hall, the minister at the time and driving force behind the recovery of the congregation and rebuilding of the church. A great many people wanted to talk to him.

The mayor and other councillors, both Macedon and Mount Macedon CFA brigade captains and other CFA members as well as people from Gisborne, Bendigo,

Finding common ground

GISBORNE UNITING CHURCH

World War I had many consequences. One was the bewildered horror felt by many that allegedly Christian nations had waged war against each other. Among the various peace movements that flourished – or tried to – between the wars, some Christian leaders and thinkers began to build a framework for how dialogue could be achievable between hostile parties... hence the growth of Councils of Churches including Australia.

In Victoria, dialogues which began between Christian denominations soon also included people of other faiths. Hence we look forward to the visit of Imam Alaa Elzokm as this year’s Peter Barcham lecturer.

His topic is the common ground between Christians and Muslims in Australia. It is about how we talk with each other rather than about each other. Some common ground has already been found in the way various faith communities joined in flood relief over these past perilous months. Another has been open days at mosques and churches.

On Monday March 6 at Gisborne Uniting Church from 7.30pm you can hear more. Free admission and supper to follow. Enquiries to Janet or D’Arcy Wood on 5428 6700.

The late Peter Barcham would be very pleased. His interests were wide as the first Principal of Gisborne Secondary College where a hall bears his name, as a devoted musician, an active Probus member, a lover of paddle steamers ... and he even knew how to put a boat in a bottle. Peter was also a keen practitioner of dialogue with others and a builder of community. In this year, the 40th anniversary of the Ash Wednesday fires, we remember Peter and others who pulled this community back together after its trial by fire. Janet Wood

Romsey and the suburbs joined locals at the event. Donations of $661 to support the two local CFA brigades were received.

We are privileged to have been able to provide this opportunity to so many to remember and reflect on that day 40 years ago. We hope it brought comfort to anyone who still suffers as a result of their experiences.

Neil

Crafting together is a sociable way to help others.