Visit to St John’s Uniting Church, Wahroonga

Eighteen members of the Islamic community joined the morning worship service at St John’s on 13 November. After the service members of the congregation welcomed the Islamic visitors to the Morning Tea when in an informal setting people got to know one another, shared stories and made many new friendship.

Christmas came early at St John’s with fresh air and new friends

On Saturday 2 December a “Christmas Dinner – Celebrating Goodwill and Peace” was held at St John’s. Members of the congregation welcomed twenty people from Brahmakumari, Muslim, Buddhist, Roman Catholic, Sikh, Jewish and Sufi communities. Everyone enjoyed a three-course dinner catered by ‘House of welcome’, a non-profit organization in South Granville that welcome, shelter and empower asylum seekers and refugees regardless of their age, gender, sexuality, nationality or religion. A Christmas message was given by Rev Dr 

Manas Ghosh highlighting God’s love and hospitality that were extended to everyone in the manger from shepherds to the wisemen regardless of their status or religions. The children of St John’s entertained everyone with beautiful carol singing. It was a great celebration of Christmas with the wider interfaith community, and everyone had some wonderful time and made some new friends.

Pilgrim Visit to St Andrew’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Lidcombe

On Saturday 3 November Rev Ghosh led a diverse group of people from Armenian Orthodox Church, Coptic Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic and Uniting Church, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Sufis to visit St Andrew’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Lidcombe. The objective of the visit was to offer them our love, and to express our solidarity and peace at this very difficult time in their homeland. We were graciously welcomed into their sacred space and joined the Vesper service, were anointed with Holy Oil and were given the Holy Communion. It was a moving service. Later we joined them over delicious refreshments where Rev Ghosh led a prayer service when all visitors held a Peace Candle brought by Rev Ghosh and everyone offered prayers from their respective faith traditions for peace in Ukraine, Russia and the world. The candle is kept in the church as a symbol of love, friendship and peace between the Ukrainian Church and the Interfaith Community. The sense of friendship, love, goodwill and solidarity were palpable. This was the first visit by any group of people since the war started in March and it was greatly appreciated by the Ukrainian Church. Thanks be to God.