Crosslight - Edition April 2020

Orbost
It’s the third weekend in February and
Arnie’s co-leading a Saturday afternoon
retreat for the Orbost Elders with Rev
Nathaniel Akoi Atem. I’ve walked in as
they’re discussing how the First People
lived in harmony with earth, water
and fire and how much we could have
learned and still can.
The talk turns around to individual and
collective feelings of helplessness and of
being overwhelmed by the disaster that
unfolded around them. They’re quick to
say that as a church they did nothing and
have nothing to offer that’s relevant or
required. As the conversation continues
it seems that’s not the truth. Nathaniel
consulted the church council and stayed
on to offer prayer and pastoral support
while his family evacuated to Melbourne,
his son pleading to stay to look after his
father.
Don belongs to Rotary and they’re
rebuilding sheds and fences. Grace is the
“God lady” at the Bowls Club and she’s
trusted with stories of struggle. Each
Sunday as the fires raged around this
small, strong congregation they faithfully
conducted worship, hosting the Fijian
Army Unit and delighting in their gift of
song.
Seventy-five people came to “Chat n
Chew” in February; more folk than usual
wanted to share in the hospitality and
community of good food and company.
There’s a yearning to open the church
doors more often, allowing access for
others into their space of healing and
hope. Still in the grip of drought despite
the visible greening they resonate with
resilience. Farming families have long
memories. David has to leave the table
before the blessing. He’s got a truckload
of silage outside to deliver to the dairy
before dinner.
What now?
Hold these stories with prayer and care,
and the many more that have been
shared already and are yet to be told.
Donate money with no conditions. When
we are no longer on high COVID-19 alert,
visit and worship with the local folk.
Stay, spend money in the towns and
support the small businesses. Plan a
church camp at our park at Lake Tyers. In
six months, as winter opens into spring,
ask what you can do to help.
If you have skills, gifts and graces in
chaplaincy or pastoral care to offer,
for a short or longer time, contact the
Gippsland or North East Presbyteries.
Prepare a disaster plan for your
congregation, agency, school, presbytery
or synod. Have a meeting, think of
scenarios, buy what you need. Make
networks with your local Emergency
Services and find out how you might fit
in with their plans.
These stories hold the holy, the
presence of the risen one amongst us.
Our world has been fundamentally
changed by this horrendous bushfire
season. Now is the time, more than
ever before, to take off our shoes, stop
stomping over this fragile, ancient earth
and tread lightly, live lightly, love greatly.
All of us are bushfire affected. This is
holy ground.
Blessing
(from the Funeral for a Home)
“The God of compassion,
who grieves with us and
with the land,
for all that has been lost,
bless you with love and comfort,
now and for ever,
In the name of the creator,
sustainer and giver of life.
Amen.”
Rev Jennie Gordon lives in South
Gippsland with husband and ministry
partner Rev Arnie Wierenga. Recipient
of the national Romanos the Melodist
Prize for religious poetry,
she co-wrote Dad & Daughter,
Prayers and Poems on the Gospel
with her father, Rev Ron Gordon.
Need help? Contact Lifeline
on 131114
WHERE YOUR
money
is going
MORE THAN $250,000
has been raised through the
Uniting Vic.Tas Bushfire Appeal
to support the immediate
needs of people affected and
deliver long-term recovery
efforts.
ABOUT $70,000 of
that tally has been raised by
congregations. So far Uniting
has been able to provide:
✓
✓
✓
✓
food and petrol vouchers
to individuals and families
toiletries that were in
short supply
back-to-school items
materials for Uniting Vic.
Tas early-learning centres
to help young children
cope in the immediate
aftermath
✓P2 masks for people
struggling with the poor
air quality.
You can still donate to the
Uniting Vic.Tas Bushfire
Appeal to support
long-term recovery at
unitingvictas.org.au
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