JourneyOnline
BLACKWATER UNITING Church could be a great example for congregations looking for ministry opportunities to connect with the wider community.
The ministerial placement has not been filled for many years and Blackwater had part-time support from the Emerald clergy until about 2002.
The mining town congregation doesn’t have a children’s ministry but jumped at the opportunity when the Duaringa Shire Council needed somewhere to hold a workshop for Indigenous children.
Local Ghungulu painter Una Kanji was able to work with a group of youngsters when the church made a room available. That paved the way for more opportunities.
After the workshop was complete, the church was also used for a craft workshop for a disabled group in the town.
The Indigenous women met for a short while in the supper room too.
The congregation has now been presented with a painting.
The artwork is bordered by a series of handprints, signed by each of the children who attended the workshop.
As with many small rural congregations, Blackwater has seen tough times.
The faithful five gather for worship once a month, according to congregational leader Beth Baker.
“When something like this comes out of the blue it is such a beautiful thing,” she said.
When there is a need for somewhere safe for the local Indigenous people to speak to government workers about their concern for Blackwater they meet at the church.
Photo : Beth Baker and painter Una Kanji with the artwork for Blackwater Uniting Church. Photo by Lisa Hodge
