Religion

There was not a spare seat in sight for the closure service of the Cambooya Uniting Church ... over 70 people filled the church, to hear the Passion of Christ and give thanks for this tiny church’s contribution to Cambooya and the surrounding districts ... Rev. John said there was no more appropriate day in the Christian Calendar than Good Friday to allow ourselves to grieve.

It was ‘community’ on display for all to enjoy – the Maldon churches combined to come together as one to host the Beehive Chimney Good Friday Service.

A decade ago the future of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Cudgewa looked bleak. The floor was riddled with white ants and the inside was in great need of patching and painting. Much discussion was held on whether it would remain open considering the nature of the repairs needed and dwindling church attendance.

Bruce Stewart. The "Wonderland Walk" is short but steep in places and for many of us the best way to recover and relax after walking to the Pinnacle is to visit the nearby Halls Gap ice creamery next to Stony Creek ... Thinking of "ice cream" and "grateful thanks" reminds me of an old story told by a dad who said, "Last week, I took my children to a restaurant.

After 117 years of worship, Cambooya Uniting Church will be holding its final service on Good Friday, 29 March 2024.The service begins at 3pm and combines the Good Friday service with a special service to mark the closure of the congregation.

Despite the Salvation Army closing its doors in Kaniva, Pastor Sam Faavae is leasing the Church on a monthly basis until its eventual sale ... So far 25 people from Kaniva, Serviceton, Bordertown and Nhill have been attending the church.

A Saturday afternoon party, nothing out of the ordinary . . . except it was. The first of its kind in Donald, a community Christmas party – all welcome, bring a plate.

The results are in for the Tennant Creek Christmas Lights Competition, and it was a tough night for the judges from the Barkly Regional Council. There were so many amazing and spectacular entries, which made the decision-making process incredibly challenging.

During the Christmas season, everyone loves unwrapping presents, but not everyone enjoys wrapping them. However, if you are one of those people who dislikes wrapping gifts, you’re in luck! The Tennant Creek Girl Guides have a solution for you.

Stage right – a horse pops its head in. Stage left - baby goats await for their cue. On stage, a real baby sleeps in ‘Mary’s’ arms. ‘Joseph’ looks slightly perplexed. Bales of hay are propped.

This year a Combined Church Service was held at St David’s ... It was a night time Carols Service, which rarely happens in Allora ... The four Churches in Allora - Presbyterian, Catholic, Uniting and Anglican participated in the Service ...

Bruce Stewart. On Christmas Eve, 1906, Reginald Fessenden made the first radio broadcast in history … "A Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord". Luke 2: 11. These are the first words spoken on radio in human history.

Michael Darby, Bush Poetry Champion of Australia (2023), recites the famous Australian Christmas poem, Tangmalangaloo, by John O'Brien (Msg Patrick Hartigan). Audio produced by audio engineer, Peter Kukura.

Jenny Pollard. A mix of the traditional and the contemporary had Carols at The Rex hitting the right notes as Charlton celebrated the lead up to Christmas with a message of hope and a whole lot of fun and colour at last Sunday night’s “glowing” event.

“The Salvos have played an important part in the Kaniva community for a long time, so it is sad to see them leaving. From the fellowship the church offered to the much-loved Op Shop and the many times they provided outreach and help, often completely unheralded, their departure will undoubtedly leave a hole in the community”: Tim Meyer, West Wimmera Mayor.

Make Christmas memorable and creative by spending time crafting, dining out, decorating, giving and having fun with your friends and neighbours this December at the Birchip Neighbourhood House.

Kaniva Presbyterian Church was blessed to have a visit from Mobile Ministry Maintenance group. This group is made up of retired Christians with many qualifications to do volunteer renovations on Church properties, campsites etc.

Gina Murray. We are going through a time of change within our church. Our Rector (i.e. the Rector for the whole Parish of Lismore) has relocated to Gosforth and we are currently without a full time incumbent ... We are a very small congregation (usually about 15) and three years ago, the Grafton Diocese gave us notice that we had three years to increase our numbers or face closure.

The exhibition is of Orthodox icons and includes pieces from eleven Australian collections, including six public institutions: Mona, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Art Gallery of South Australia, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the University of Sydney, and the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology, Caboolture.  Contributions from private collectors come from Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, and London ... This exhibition is the most significant collection of Orthodox icons presented in Australia that can be recalled ... The overall effect is surely one of surprise for the uninitiated and awe inspiring for the person who understands the genre.

Rod Harding. On R U OK? Day (the second Thursday in September), fifteen people gathered on the veranda at the Coral Café, most of whom were hearing about the R U OK? movement for the first time. Amongst them were two tourists, Glenys and me – the rest were islanders.

Sister Monica Cavanagh who celebrates 50 years as a Sister of St Joseph and a Congregational Leader of the Order, is surrounded by members of the Allora Josephite Companions Group.