BUSHFIRE RECOVERY AND RELIEF- PARISH PROJECT

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BUSH FIRE EMERGENCY

The Parish has been very active in the co-ordination and support of the Wandong community as a result of the fires.

Through our support of the Parish of Hume, the Rev’d Carmel Hunter has received a discretionary fund to assist her in day to day ministry. Assistance has also been made to help logistic support through Anglicare Vic.

Donations can still be made through the Diocese of Melbourne to assist in the on-going recovery process.

A link to the form for donating directly to the Diocese is found below-please feel free to download and give directly to the Anglican Benevolent Fund.

A Pentecost Reflection: by Vicar, Dennis Webster

Even in the midst of such death and destruction, there is new life, new challenges, and some of the greatest examples of love that we have seen. Fire, our enemy and friend, has, like the Pentecost flames from above, united us in a way, through our adversity, to use a language that is universal, without dialect, and understood from all perspective and experience. That language is the most precious of all, the language of love.

It was that same language that overcame all barriers as the Holy Spirit enabled all to hear God's love for us in Christ Jesus. That same love inspires us to reach out to those who have suffered; that same love compels us to look beyond the scars of the fire and wind of February 7th; that same love is the deep fire of the Holy Spirit that continues to drive us, like the new growth that springs up from the ashes, showing to us newness of life.

A prayer for those affected by Bushfire:

Hear our prayers, Lord,

hold us, cradle us, nurture us, and encourage us.

As we look into the dark hills of ash and burned bush,

stir up within us the gifts of compassion to respond

to all who have lost loved ones,

to all who have lost property,

to all who have lost livestock and pets,

dreams, hard work, family home and friends.

As the green blade rises from the charred earth,

pour your Spirit upon us

that we may begin again,

reborn, and renewed,

scarred, but not defeated.

As your Son had compassion,

so may we also share the same with all in need,

holding them in our prayers

as you hold them in your hands.

This we ask in Jesus name,

who cries with us, for us,

and brings us to new life. Amen.

Diocese of Melbourne Form

Christ Church Anglican Church,

Marysville

April 19th, 2009.

Photograph: Andrew Follows

(Visually-impaired photographer)

See Andrew’s on-line gallery