World Day of Prayer

From Randall Bourchier: The World Day of Prayer took place this year on Friday March 1. Each year, the service is hosted by a local church congregation – and this year, Mooroolbark Christian Fellowship had the privilege of hosting the service and as we don’t have our own church premises, the local Anglicans generously allowed us to use their sanctuary and church hall for the occasion.

Marg Lewis and a group of ladies started working alongside members from other Mooroolbark churches in planning the service in which representatives from all participating congregations play a role.

The service commenced with the Leader proclaiming: Bonjour, bonjour, bonjour. We are happy to welcome you in the name of our sisters from France who have prepared this worship service for us all. We would like to tell you about them and about where they come from.

The theme of the service was I was a stranger and you welcomed me, and readings, thumbnail sketches of refugees and immigrants, songs, prayers and responses revolved around the theme.

Our guest speaker was Dave Hernandez, the Pastor of Healesville Liberty Family church, who has become a good friend and colleague to several of us and meets with us regularly for prayer and fellowship.

Dave addressed the theme, emphasising the unconditional love and inclusiveness of the Father for humanity. Our mission and outreach should both picture and lead towards reconciliation with the Father. He spoke about the generous welcome he had experienced in moving from France to Australia as a child, returning to France in the years approaching adulthood and then settling in Melbourne with his wife and young boys several years ago.

MCF ladies cooked up a storm – with a luscious spread for morning tea. The decorations with a French theme were elegant and colourful – and Barry Austin performed a piece of special music beautifully!

At the close of the service we handed next years’ service to incoming hosts the Salvation Army through a commissioning prayer.

Many commented about how moving the service had been and the glimpse the service gives us of the Body of Christ at work together.