Yass Valley Churches unite for historic Ecumenical Service

Fr Peter My at the combined church’s lunch following the ecumenical prayer service.

The Yass Valley witnessed a historic moment this month as Protestant churches closed their services to join an ecumenical service at St Augustine’s Catholic parish.

Parish Pastoral Council Ecumenism Representative Lara Kirk said the joy was palpable as Christians united in worship on Sunday, October 13.

“It honours Christ, who did not lay his life down to see his body divided,” she said.

“It gives great encouragement to each Christian faith community to know that we are not alone in our efforts to be faithful, to serve and to witness.”

Lara said the service was also evangelical for the wider community.

Representatives from local churches (L-R) Godfrey Muthomi – Vine Church, Helena Painting – Bookham Community Church, Dr Owen Graham – St Andrews Uniting Church, Pastors Keith Todd – Yass Community Baptist Church, Rev Luke Collings – Yass Valley Anglican Church

“It is a great witness to the local community – some people attended who are not currently practising Christians,” she explained.

“They were curious and looking for something more.”

Over 250 people gathered for the morning tea, prayer service and lunch.

“It was really encouraging,” Lara said.

“The Catholic Community rallied in providing great hospitality to our guests and many parishioners have commented on how touched they felt by the strength of the combined worship. The singing really felt like it was going to lift the roof off the church.”

St Augustine’s parishioner Steve Scroope said the occasion had been blessed.

“Of all our time in Yass, I cannot remember anything like it for our parish,” he said.

“It was a great day for Christianity in the Yass Valley.”

Bookham Community Church leader Helena Painting said it had been wonderful to unite in prayer.

“What a great gathering it was, coming together in fellowship, praising God in song and prayer and hearing encouraging, inspiring messages,” she said.

St Andrew’s Uniting Church parishioners Judy and Barry Banks said everyone had felt welcome at the service.

“The message was very encouraging, and we enjoyed singing the great hymns at the top of our voices,” they said,

“We look forward to another combined service.”