Forty Years as One

Time has a habit of revealing new things. Forty years ago, when it was thought that the Baptist and Uniting Churches in Rainbow and Hopetoun wouldn’t survive, a vision of a new beginning was created.

Contributed By Susan Pearse

Graeme and Nola Smith of Rainbow and Val and Noel Carra from Hopetoun cut the anniversary cake in Rainbow on Sunday, March 22. The Southern Mallee Co-operative Parish Church celebrated its 40th anniversary with the former and current Pastors, representatives, and community members.

With conversation, work and prayer, under the guidance of the Ministers, Rev Garry Lock (Baptist) and Brian Morgan (Uniting), a dream became a reality, and the Southern Mallee Co-operative Parish was born.

Inspired and led by God’s Spirit, the two churches, in Rainbow and Hopetoun, continue to work together and worship and connect with their communities.

Over forty people were present at a service of Thanksgiving and a sumptuous spread afterwards.

Those returning included 4 Ministers/Pastors and wives, and Lay people from various parts of Victoria.

The service and lunch included the contributions and involvement of members of the congregations and those who had come especially to celebrate and give thanks.

“It was wonderful to have original members from forty years ago and people new to our congregations, sharing their experiences and building new connections,” says Pam Clugston, Chair of the Parish Council.

“We are very grateful to all who came and were involved and look forward to the ongoing life of the Southern Mallee Co-Operative Parish.”