Billabong

What a great name for an Aussie Church. Liz and I went there last Sunday to meet up with some old friends. One couple that we've known for quite some time and another friend who has made this her church home. It's quite a unique church plant, sponsored by the Uniting Church of Australia. We absolutely loved being there. Moreso because the service emphasis was on women serving Christ. For that reason almost all of the service participants for the day were women, including the speaker. A humorous video clip was shown at the beginning of a woman singing, very rapidly, the 250 words that a Mum is likely to say in a day. Words that may be repeated everyday!!! The title of the Encounter message was, 'Mere Women'. A seasoned female Pastor and missionary gave the talk and questions were invited from the congregation. People participated in a quite lively way. Also a chinese person from mainland China shared how she found Christ while a student here in Australia and how she is received in the workplace as both a 'boss' over men and a Christian. That was very refreshing and inspiring. God is so good, reaching into the life of this person so schooled in communism. The children, once they returned from their specialised class time joined in the worship and seemed to be right up with what was going on, even in the sharing of communion. Perhaps the whole atmosphere was enhanced by the fact that the service took place in a big white marquee (ten) on land that includes a genuine billabong, and a sheep to boot! All in all it was a great experience and Christ honouring conversation continued at the 'cuppa' time afterwards. Will certainly be returning there as time permits.