JourneyOnline
WHAT do you get when you mix 50 dozen scones, fencing wire, a Skype connection, and a stack of $20 notes inside a school hall?
You get the Toowoomba Uniting Churches' combined celebration recognising 100 years of ministry in remote Australia, which began with John Flynn, the man on the $20 note.
Members of the Lifeworks, St Stephen's, Wilsonton, Meringandan, Cambooya, and Middle Ridge congregations (plus visitors from a local Anglican church, one Sydney and three other Queensland Uniting Church congregations) gathered on Sunday 16 September for morning tea and a combined worship service to give thanks to God for a century of ministry to remote Australia through Frontier Services and its predecessors.
Former Patrol Padres Rev Aubrey Baker and Rev Des Williams also took part – as did Rev John Case of the Bourke and Wills Patrol operating out of Charleville via Skype, which was a highlight of the morning.
Approximately $3500 was raised to support the ministry of Frontier Services.
The Brisbane congregation of Wellers Hill–Tarragindi, a partner of the Burke and Wills Patrol, also celebrated the centenary with a special themed service organised by their ladies' fellowship.
The congregation took part in the "cover the country" campaign by putting a donation in the specially provided John Flynn $20 envelopes, and covering a map of Australia with them.
Photo : Rev Peter Arnett and the Chair of the Queensland Frontier Services Auxiliary, Janet Franklin, “covering the country” at the Wellers Hill–Tarragindi celebration. Photo courtesy of Matt Gees
