Welcome to Our New Worship & Mission Centre

(Published in News First, July 2006 - monthly church newsletter of the Warragul Uniting Church)

Dear friends,

As I write this I am still on a bit of a high after the Opening Worship; at our new home on Sutton Street.

With close to 300 people present our worship was lifted by our younger and older singing groups, visual displays and the powerful singing by the whole congregation. Though modern in design, the building is enhanced by the various Christian symbols of cross, table, baptism font, windows etc. that give the worship space a sense of the holy.

I remember at my induction in March of last year that I said my ministry would be a team effort and of course the building had indeed been a team effort, several teams in fact.  The building team made up of Lindsay as project manager, Stan as treasurer and supporting with experience, wisdom and faithful vision have been John and Les. This group has met weekly for almost 12 months to bring this vision to fruition.  Their work and the work of others in the garden and moving and sorting and more building work has been outstanding and I am humbled by the abilities and commitment of so many.  We thank you.

The kindergarten section of the Centre is complete and approved and will now be in operation.  Once again a wonderful team effort as the committee, parents and staff worked so hard to complete the task in time for final inspection.  They now have a wonderful kinder building and playground to compliment the committed and competent staff we enjoy.  Congratulations!

In amongst all of this excitement and good feeling the reality of living continues to touch us.  I am thinking of those of our number who are hurting or struggling with difficulties and many are offering real support in these areas, another wonderful team.  East Timor continues to be unsettled and as we pray for these people, our hearts are still full of distress for them.  I pray for peacemakers and a spirit of reconciliation.

Congratulations to Judith on receiving the Paul Harris Rotary Award for service to the community.  As her church family we all rejoice and celebrate this recognition of a wonderful life.

Many photos were taken at the opening worship and we would be pleased to have copies of the ‘better’ ones for records and sharing.  Ross  and Ken video taped much of the service and I hope copies will be available for those who were unable to be present.

I continue to see the Spirit of Jesus active in the lives of so many and am confident that this congregation will continue to grow in faith and the work of the Gospel.

Yours in Christ,

Chris