2004

Monday 24th May 2004
Annual Christian Unity Celebration in Lake Macquarie
While in some parts of the world religion can be divisive, next Sunday evening (May 30) representatives of the Hunter’s Christian Churches will gather for an annual prayer service to demonstrate and celebrate their unity.

“In the Hunter the Christian Churches demonstrate a great understanding and respect for one another, and a willingness to pray together and work collaboratively,” says Reverend David Campbell, from Action of Churches Together in Solidarity (ACTS), the group responsible for organizing the service.

Held annually in Australia on Pentecost Sunday, the service concludes the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” (May 23-30), a week when many denominations throughout the region will combine to hold special gatherings to foster the search for Christian unity.

In the Christian calendar, Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, fifty days after the resurrection of Christ.

Visiting guest preacher at the service will be the Reverend Dr Jonathon Inkpin, National.Council of Churches in Australia Co-ordinator for the Decade to Overcome Violence. The theme of this year’s liturgy is taken from St John’s Gospel: “My peace I give you … not as the world gives … Let not your hearts be troubled”.

As has been the custom in previous years, the Hunter’s Heads of Churches from most Christian denominations will participate in the service. They include: Bishop Michael Malone (Catholic Church), Bishop Roger Herft (Anglican Church), Reverend Graham Gibbins (Baptist Church), Lieut. Col. Merv Rowland (Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army), Reverend Dr Brian Brown (Chair, Hunter Presbytery Uniting Church), Reverend Michael Grosas (Lutheran Church) and Mr Alan Norton (Church of Christ).

The Society of Friends (Quakers) will be represented by Mrs Marion Armstrong, the Seventh Day Adventist Church will be represented by Pastor Roger Nixon, the Contemporary Christian Centre will be represented by Pastor Paul Scarfe, and the Presbyterian Church will be represented by Reverend John Webster.

Newcastle based Cardinal Cassidy, President emeritus of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, will also attend the service.

ACTS are pleased to announce that after many years of participation in this “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service”, the Salvation Army will host the 2004 event for the first time. The Mayfield Salvation Army Band will provide the music.

Supper and fellowship will be provided after the service. People of all traditions are warmly welcome to attend.

2004 Hunter Region Ecumenical Worship Service
30th May, Pentecost Sunday, 7:00 pm
Eastlakes Salvation Army Centre, 360 Pacific Highway, Belmont

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