Combined Church Service at the National Motor Museum.

An estimated 300 Christians from all the local Churches in the Torrens Valley attended the Combined Church Service, which was held on the banks of the River Torrens in glorious sunshine on Sunday, March 4th.

Bishop Greg O’Kelly SJ spoke of the history of the season of Lent in memory of the 40 days Jesus spent in the dessert fasting and praying before he began his Ministry.

The three things the church encourages us to do during Lent are to strive hard in our spiritual lives like athletes training for their sport, to do something to help our fellow man and to build up the community to be the loving family which God wishes it to be.

The service was led by Pastor Brian Teakle from the United Church assisted by Father John Edwards from the Anglican Church and Pastor Malcolm Wilson from the Baptist Church, with sound and music in the capable hands of the United Church community.

The program was typed by the Secretary at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, whose members also directed the traffic.
A collection was taken for the Chaplaincy Fund totalling $1130 and the three Christian Support Workers, namely, May-Lin Bormann from the Birdwood High School, Christine Crocker from the Kersbrook Primary School and Hayley Routley, newly appointed to the Gumeracha Primary School were in attendance.

Representatives from each of the churches came forward and placed their hands on the Chaplains whilst Father John prayed a special blessing.
Hayley spoke briefly about her work with its joys and challenges.

May-Lin led the children in a dramatisation of the Gospel Story of the Transfiguration of Christ, with the smaller children carrying a sheet on poles to represent the cloud which covered Jesus and the apostles.

Christine then prayed a special prayer for the children and their parents.
The Lobethal Christian Bookshop brought a large selection of books etc. and people were encouraged to purchase same to present to the schools for their libraries.

Most present stayed for a chat and a cup of tea after this very enriching annual event.

The new Christian Pastoral Support Worker,
Hayley Routhley (left) and Gumeracha Principal, Jan Carey.