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Tasmanian Anglican

May 2004

 

Easter Awakening 2004 connects with thousands around the Nation

 

 

Thousands of Australians have participated in festivals, prayer vigils and Easter marches in every state of Australia this Easter.

Mal Garvin, the National Co-ordinator commented, 'As the churches come together in marches and festivals each year, there is a community response of thankfulness and we continue to find that the media covers the marches faithfully and strongly in ways that reinforce the significance of the death and resurrection of Christ through the television news. The 'reclaiming of Easter' continues to be vital to our country and this year, 'The Passion' has shown the openness and even longing that exists to know more of Christ and who He is. It is a privilege for the Church to be visible in the heart of the community to give …expression to Him and to connect with those yet to know him.'

There were Easter festivals across the country, some regular events in the local calendar, some trying it out for the first time. One, in Waverley, Launceston, Tasmania, was a new one, in an area with considerable social need-it was a great day, attracting around 700 people and both delighting and encouraging the churches who worked together in this way for the first time.

Granny Smith

Others, well established, attracted between 5 000 (Gosnells in Western Australia) and 15 000, (Ipswich and Redlands in Queensland). At Ipswich, the team alone numbers 400 people and is drawn from every part of the church. At Hampton Park, an outer suburb of Melbourne, the churches were delighted with around 10 000 who turned up to their Palm Sunday weekend festival.

The story of the Granny Smith apple was shared, as a parable of the resurrection. Maria Ann Smith grew the first when she disposed of rotten crab apples. The new species grew on her compost heap and she remarked: 'Isn't it just like God, the very things we throw away were youthful and colourful.'

Delight

In Hobart, Bishop John Harrower led the parade along with the 88 young Uluru Pilgrims and the beautiful donkeys owned by the Bishop's wife, Gayelene. As they arrived at Parliament House for the celebration there was a sense of delight that the rain had not prevented Jesus Christ being seen through his people in the streets of the city! All three TV channels were present and all provided strong coverage in the evening news.

Bishop John wrote, 'I am writing to say how much I appreciate the Easter Family festival in Hobart. Over the years I have observed and participated in some of these events and …(can see) that they have contributed to the life-giving message of Christ.'

For further information on Awakening events and the Pilgrimage to Uluru, contact: 03 6229 1939 Awakening Australia http://www.awakening.org.au