World Day of Prayer, 10.00am on Friday 7 March 2025, at St Dunstan's Anglican Church
“When we realize that God knows us, we can find peace amidst our fears. When we trust that God is always with us, we can find strength even in the midst of struggles. When we understand that we are unique and special, made wonderful by God, we can use our gifts and talents to serve and bless the world”.
This prayer, based on Psalm 139, was the theme for the World Day of Prayer held at St Dunstan’s Anglican church on 7 March. A table in the church decorated with colourful handwork similar to the tropical embroidery and garlands in this photo, reminded us that the women of the Cook Islands had prepared this liturgy.
Over refreshments after the service, we were able to renew old friendships and meet other Christians in our area, sharing in our ecumenical journey. Next year the service will be prepared by the Christian women of Nigeria and held in the Balwyn Road Uniting church.
Celebrating Christmas in Canterbury and surrounds
CAROLS IN MALING ROAD 21 DECEMBER 2024
'Joy to the world, the Lord is come', we sang to the shoppers strolling along Maling Road on the last Saturday before Christmas. Under the direction of Neti Puamau from Balwyn Road Uniting, 15 members of the Canterbury Council of Churches reminded those queuing to have their photos taken with Santa and others enjoying a latte, of the true meaning of this season.
CAROLS IN CANTERBURY, 8 DECEMBER 2024
And thanks to all who joined in Carols in Canterbury earlier in December, on a Sunday 8 - a beautiful early summer evening - see photos below.
Christmas blessings to all, from the Canterbury Council of Churches
'Joy to the world, the Lord is come', we sang to the shoppers strolling along Maling Road on the last Saturday before Christmas. Under the direction of Neti Puamau from Balwyn Road Uniting, 15 members of the Canterbury Council of Churches reminded those queuing to have their photos taken with Santa and others enjoying a latte, of the true meaning of this season.
CAROLS IN CANTERBURY, 8 DECEMBER 2024
And thanks to all who joined in Carols in Canterbury earlier in December, on a Sunday 8 - a beautiful early summer evening - see photos below.
Christmas blessings to all, from the Canterbury Council of Churches
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The congregation at the Mental Health Liturgy drew strength from the assurances found in Isaiah 40: 1 – 5, (God comforts his people), Psalm 23 (The Lord is my Shepherd) and Philippians 4: 4 – 9 (The peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus).
Prayers were offered for: good health that is given to us, for those who struggle to thrive, for those distressed by the past, dreading the future or who feel trapped and cast down by fear. Tapers were lit from the Christ Candle by those present as an act of hope and compassion that we hold for every person who suffers from mental illness. |
SEASON OF CREATION FORUM ON 1 SEPTEMBER 2024 HELD AT ST DOMINIC’S PARIS
Care of our environment is not a faddish new idea. St Franics of Assisi wrote in the 13th century: Dear mother earth, who day by day unfolds rich blessings on our way; all flowers and fruits that in you grow, let His glory also show. Scripture is full of references to God’s creation. The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and all who live in it. Ps 24: 1. In 2015, Pope Francis issued an encyclical Laudato Si’, concerning the human roots of the ecological crisis, courses of action, as well as education and spirituality.
An ecumenical forum was held at St Dominic’s Catholic Parish on Sunday 1 September on the topic of the care of our common home, to mark the start of the Season of Creation. Rev. Andrew Boyle and Dr Julie Edwards, the Chief Executive Officer of Jesuit Social Services, were the two speakers. The forum provided an opportunity for small discussion groups to explore the issues raised by the speakers, followed by fellowship with others from the Canterbury Council of Churches over a cuppa. Each speaker reflected on these important issues from their own personal perspective. Julie traced her journey from teenage activism to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the how care for the earth means care for the most vulnerable in our society. Andrew reflected on the lessons learned from the farming background of his mother’s family in marginal agricultural land in the northern Wimmera, as well as environmental damage in our extravagant lifestyle.
The words of this prayer sum up the Season of Creation and highlight the theme of the forum.
Triune God, Creator of all, we praise you for your goodness, visible in the diversity that you have created, making us a cosmic family, sharing a common home. Through the earth you created, we know love and nourishment, home and shelter. As we gather through this Season of Creation, to praise in gratitude, to lament in grief, to rage at injustice, bring us to repentance that we may live more humbly and simply, that others in this time and those who follow us, may cherish and be cherished by your good Creation.
An ecumenical forum was held at St Dominic’s Catholic Parish on Sunday 1 September on the topic of the care of our common home, to mark the start of the Season of Creation. Rev. Andrew Boyle and Dr Julie Edwards, the Chief Executive Officer of Jesuit Social Services, were the two speakers. The forum provided an opportunity for small discussion groups to explore the issues raised by the speakers, followed by fellowship with others from the Canterbury Council of Churches over a cuppa. Each speaker reflected on these important issues from their own personal perspective. Julie traced her journey from teenage activism to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the how care for the earth means care for the most vulnerable in our society. Andrew reflected on the lessons learned from the farming background of his mother’s family in marginal agricultural land in the northern Wimmera, as well as environmental damage in our extravagant lifestyle.
The words of this prayer sum up the Season of Creation and highlight the theme of the forum.
Triune God, Creator of all, we praise you for your goodness, visible in the diversity that you have created, making us a cosmic family, sharing a common home. Through the earth you created, we know love and nourishment, home and shelter. As we gather through this Season of Creation, to praise in gratitude, to lament in grief, to rage at injustice, bring us to repentance that we may live more humbly and simply, that others in this time and those who follow us, may cherish and be cherished by your good Creation.
Winter Breakfast, Saturday 27 July
Thanks to Rev Tim Costello and all who contributed to our 2024 Winter Breakfast on Saturday 27th July.
As one attendee summarised the event:
Over a delicious cooked breakfast, approximately 50 people at the CCC Winter Breakfast at St Dominic’s Catholic church were challenged by Rev. Tim Costello about the insidious effects of gambling. Tim shocked us with stories of the ways in which the gambling industry’s tentacles pressured politicians and sports administrators to resist reforms to its industry which causes so much misery. The statistics that sport betting in Australia is 20% higher than in other countries in the world, and that 75% of the world’s pokies are in pubs and clubs in Australia are very sobering figures. Tim highlighted that gambling related taxes assist State Government budgets, as well as the link to crime, and domestic violence which this addiction can cause.
Our speaker who is the Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, [https://www.agr.org.au] urged us to write to our Federal MPs to bring in sports betting reform [Murphy Report] and to our state governments to legislate for a cashless card which would provide a limit to the amount which can be gambled, as well as eliminating money laundering by criminals.
[Our annual winter breakfast is on the last Saturday in July - Sat 26 July 2025 is next]
Stations of the Cross, Good Friday 2024
A crowd of several hundred gathered on Good Friday, 29 March 2024, for our annual Stations of the Cross at Highfield Park. There, in the glorious autumn sunshine, we reenacted this sacred ecumenical commemoration of the events of Good Friday, followed by sharing a hot cross bun and with an Easter egg hunt for the children.
The Canterbury Council of Churches [CCC] was very pleased that the Executive Director of the Victorian Council of Churches, Rev. Deacon Sandy Boyce, attended our “Walking the Stations of the Cross” in Highfield Park on 29 March. She is pictured below with Rev. Salesi Faupula of the Balwyn Road Uniting Church which is a member of the CCC. Rev. Boyce had attended a regular meeting of the CCC just a week before where she spoke of her work with Victorian churches of all denominations.
The Canterbury Council of Churches [CCC] was very pleased that the Executive Director of the Victorian Council of Churches, Rev. Deacon Sandy Boyce, attended our “Walking the Stations of the Cross” in Highfield Park on 29 March. She is pictured below with Rev. Salesi Faupula of the Balwyn Road Uniting Church which is a member of the CCC. Rev. Boyce had attended a regular meeting of the CCC just a week before where she spoke of her work with Victorian churches of all denominations.
World Day of Prayer, Friday 1 March 2024
Thanks to all at Highfield Road Uniting Church for the liturgy and hospitality on 1 March 2024 to mark the World Day of Prayer.
Each year we pray in solidarity with people from a particular country, and this year it was with the people of Palestine, with the theme “I Beg You... Bear With One Another in Love” (Ephesians 4:1-3) . This was particularly poignant in light of the October 7 attacks on Israel and the continuing military response and consequent suffering of the people of Gaza. See below for images of our gathering.
During the liturgy Andrew Telfer spoke by video about the deep challenges for the Palestinian people that the World Counci of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Program seeks to address - here is a link to that video.
The graphic shown here is by artist Halima Aziz: "It represents three Palestinian women praying together in nature in a peaceful place. " During the liturgy we prayed and committed ourselves to be agents of peace and justice, in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Each year we pray in solidarity with people from a particular country, and this year it was with the people of Palestine, with the theme “I Beg You... Bear With One Another in Love” (Ephesians 4:1-3) . This was particularly poignant in light of the October 7 attacks on Israel and the continuing military response and consequent suffering of the people of Gaza. See below for images of our gathering.
During the liturgy Andrew Telfer spoke by video about the deep challenges for the Palestinian people that the World Counci of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Program seeks to address - here is a link to that video.
The graphic shown here is by artist Halima Aziz: "It represents three Palestinian women praying together in nature in a peaceful place. " During the liturgy we prayed and committed ourselves to be agents of peace and justice, in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
A great introduction to Christmas: Carols in Canterbury, and at Maling Road
Thanks to all our musicians, singers, sponsors and participants for our 2023 Carols in Canterbury, enjoyed on a mild summer evening on Sunday 10 December.
And thanks to all who gathered at Theatre Place , Maling Road on 17 December for unaccompanied Christmas carols led by Graeme Cross. This was a wonderful witness by about 18 voices from the Canterbury Council of Churches to the true meaning of the season. The final carol was the very fitting invitation: O come, all you faithful, joyful and triumphant.
2023 Mental Health Liturgy - 'Life to the full'
Our annual ecumenical Mental Health Liturgy was held on 29 October at St Dunstan’s Anglican church. The service drew on the traditions of the Church of South India in which their vicar was ordained. The congregation were invited at the conclusion of the service to light a taper or a small lamp and put it on the altar rail as a symbol of the light of Christ bringing compassion and understanding to those suffering mental illness. Click here for a copy of the Order of Service.
Professor David Kissane AC, professor emeritus in psychiatry at Monash University, gave the address suggesting ways in which local congregations could identify and support those with this illness. The Uniting Church has produced booklets on this topic which can be downloaded here. The liturgy was followed by supper where new friends were made and we were able to share our hopes for Christian witness in this area. |
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The Voice
Thanks to all who contributed to our 2023 Winter Breakfast, on the topic of The Voice referendum:
* The St Dominic's community for their hospitality
* Dr Garry Deverell for an informative and engaging presentation on the referendum issues
* All who attended for creating a positive ecumenical environment.,
For those who weren't able to attend there are some materials from Dr Deverell available on YouTube, including Understanding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice
A number of our member Churches have other events to explore more deeply The Voice proposal for Australia - see flyers set out below.
Evening Prayer on Pentecost Sunday, 28 May 2023
Thanks to Fr Paul Rowse and the friars at St Dominic's Catholic Church for inviting participation in their Vespers on Pentecost Sunday. It was an evening to experience Dominican spirituality during Vespers that was celebrated at the time the disciples received the Holy Spirit [John 20: 19 – 23]. The evening illustrated the text: That they all may be one. The reading from Ephesians 4: 3 – 6 was most appropriate for our witness to the world.
Commemorating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
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On Sunday 21 May 2023 Highfield Road Uniting commemorated the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in a service led by Rev. Rod Horsefield with the preacher Rev. Robert Gribben. The prayers of the people were led by Denis Fitzgerald from St Dominic’s Catholic church. Two icons from the Romanian Orthodox church were lent for this occasion as was a Solomon Islands crucifix from St Dominic’s.
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Stations of the Cross in 2023 - undaunted by the rain!
Despite the threatening skies, our Stations of the Cross proceeded well on Good Friday. There was a crowd of about 120 people who walked around the oval praying, singing and listening to the Gospel at each of the 14 stations. The rain started at the 13th station, but we managed to complete the liturgy! It was uplifting to see so many people from different denominations proclaiming the faith in such a public way.
World Day of Prayer, 3 March 2023 |
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Thanks to all who joined us to mark the World Day of Prayer, on Friday 3 March at St Dominic's Church, 816 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell. As one participant noted:
The service was meaningful and uplifting. I felt that we could empathize in the life challenges of the women of Taiwan. On any news broadcast, it is only the international politics of such countries which are described. The buzz of conversation over morning tea was great, as guests met old friends and made new contacts. In our discussions, we realized that we shared so many things in common as we all sought to serve our Lord. |
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Carols in Maling Road, Saturday 17 December 2022, 11.30am
Carols are part of our celebration of the core of Christmas, Christ's birth. Our Carols in Maling Road last year were enjoyed by singers and onlookers alike. Click here for an enjoyable video rendition from 2021 of Joy to the World.
Carols in Canterbury was celebrated on Sunday 11 December 2022
Now in its 20th year, carols moved indoors this year because of the weather, but that didn't dim the celebration, as the photos below indicate.
Follow these carols on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/carolsincanterburygardens
Christmas blessings to all!
Now in its 20th year, carols moved indoors this year because of the weather, but that didn't dim the celebration, as the photos below indicate.
Follow these carols on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/carolsincanterburygardens
Christmas blessings to all!
Mental Health Liturgy
on Sunday 11 September 2022
Thanks to Sr Ros Cairns and to all who participated in our Mental Health Liturgy on 11 September.
Sister Ros Cairns’ homily was meaningful as she was able to share her experiences in mental health social work /chaplaincy and link it to the Christian faith.
The buzz of conversation over supper indicated that everyone was glad to meet others at the service and reflect on dimensions of the impact of mental illness in our communities.
Click here for a selection of prayers and reflections from the Liturgy, and see our blog for a further reflection on the event.
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Canterbury Council of Churches Winter Breakfast
Thanks to Fr Frank Brennan sj for his presentation on 'The Christian Churches and the Russian Invasion of Ukraine' at the Canterbury Council of Churches' winter breakfast on 30 July 2022. Click here to listen to his presentation, and click here to read a summary. |
