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Tasmanian Anglican

November 2003

 

 

 

 


Latvian and Lithuanian national costumes added colour to the celebration of Launceston's Good Neighbour Council. Photo courtesy Launceston Examiner

 

Giving thanks for friends and neighbours

from the Parish of Holy Trinity, Launceston

 

 

On Sunday 28th September Holy Trinity, Launceston was ablaze with the colour of national flags and costumes when 270 people attended the sung Eucharist to celebrate the 54th anniversary of the establishment of the Good Neighbour Council in Tasmania, and to thank God for the contribution of migrants to the Tasmanian community.

The service began with a procession of flags of thirty-eight countries carried by people in national costumes. The flags were placed on either side of the high altar as a thanksgiving for the lives of the migrants in their former homelands.

The music was directed by the organist, Alan Byron, with singing led by the Holy Trinity Choir, joined by the Launceston Male Choir. Mrs Stella Goiser, President of the Launceston branch of the Good Neighbour Council, and Alderman Annette Waddle, Deputy Mayor of Launceston, read from the Bible and Mrs Lesley Kingston led the Intercession.

The celebrant was Archdeacon Emeritus Warwick Letchford, assisted by the Rev'd R. Douglas Stancombe OAM and Mr Colin Hingston.

Welcome those who feel alienated

In his sermon Rev. Philip Blake recalled for the congregation the 'end of time' picture in Revelation of people from every nation united in acknowledging their Lord and Saviour. Their allegiance to Jesus Christ had overcome their diversity.

'They had come through very difficult times, but in the presence of their God nothing could prevent their spontaneous burst of praise! We meet today in all our diversity to worship together, but on reflection it has not always been possible to achieve this,' he said.

Dr Blake then referred to differences of opinion in New Testament times about the eligibility of people to belong to the people of God, as between Jews and Samaritans, and to barriers set up by languages.

'We are called to love each other in spite of our differences, to work together, to welcome those who feel alienated, and to rejoice in our sense of belonging and in our worship.'

Refreshments in the parish hall after the service provided a great opportunity for renewal of friendships and neighbourliness and for exchanging memories.