Refugee Sunday

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December 2006

Refugee Sunday

By Ann Martin

In recent years, the observance of Refugee Sunday on the last Sunday in August has become an important part of the church life of the Enabler Supported Ministry Parish of Channel and Cygnet.

Giving prayer, financial and moral support to refugees and asylum seekers is a ministry which many in the parish feel called to, not only once a year, but as an ongoing commitment. The Revd John Middleton is deeply involved in ministry to survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, both here in Hobart and in Rwanda.

John and several other parishioners are members of the Rwandan-Australian Friendship Asociation (RAFA) whose mission is to help genocide survivors. To raise funds RAFA has formed the Rwandan Coffee Club to retail ethically produced African tea and coffee in Australia. For Refugee Sunday it was decided to focus on Rwanda, with a special service and a luncheon to launch the Rwanda Coffee Club.

Two extended Rwandan families currently live in Hobart, and all of them came to the service.

Another special reason for celebration was the arrival in Tasmania, only three days before, of Maurice, a member of one of these families. His application for refugee status in Australia had been supported by RAFA.

With great joy we welcomed Maurice and all our other Rwandan friends, as well as RAFA members from Hobart, our own local community and special guests Terry Martin MLC and Lisa Singh MHA.

As this was the only service in the parish on that Sunday, we were joined by members of our Snug and Woodbridge congregations. John Middleton spoke about the causes of the Rwandan genocide, the horrors of the killing, and the present situation in Rwanda, where Tutsi Rwandans still suffer, not only from the physical and emotional scars of their ordeal of 1994, but also from continuing persecution and discrimination. John's address was at times disturbing, but as Christians we need to be disturbed, as a reminder of our commitment to justice, equality and love for our neighbours. A special feature of the service was the blessing of the Rwandan Coffee Club project.

More members of the Cygnet community joined us for the launch of the Coffee Club, extending the celebration into a time of outreach too.

A highlight was a display of Rwandan dancing in national dress, with the newly arrived, (but obviously not too jet-lagged) Maurice enthusiastically taking part.

Since its launch the Rwandan Coffee Club has had very encouraging support, but more is always needed.

To find out more click here. Ann Martin is Co-ordinator of Mission and Outreach, Parish of Channel and Cygnet Ministry Support Team.

Maurice (L) with the Rwandan Dancers, celebrating Refugee Sunday at Cygnet. To purchase excellent Rwandan coffee and tea visit the Rwandan Coffee Club.

	The Anglican Church in Tasmania Search
	a healthy church...transformingLIFE
	Home About Contact us News Issues Parishes Prayer Calendar Youth Resources

				December 2006

		Refugee Sunday By Ann Martin In recent years, the observance of Refugee Sunday on the last Sunday in August has become an important part of the church life of the Enabler Supported Ministry Parish of Channel and Cygnet. Giving prayer, financial and moral support to refugees and asylum seekers is a ministry which many in the parish feel called to, not only once a year, but as an ongoing commitment. The Revd John Middleton is deeply involved in ministry to survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, both here in Hobart and in Rwanda. John and several other parishioners are members of the Rwandan-Australian Friendship Asociation (RAFA) whose mission is to help genocide survivors. To raise funds RAFA has formed the Rwandan Coffee Club to retail ethically produced African tea and coffee in Australia. For Refugee Sunday it was decided to focus on Rwanda, with a special service and a luncheon to launch the Rwanda Coffee Club. Two extended Rwandan families currently live in Hobart, and all of them came to the service. Another special reason for celebration was the arrival in Tasmania, only three days before, of Maurice, a member of one of these families. His application for refugee status in Australia had been supported by RAFA. With great joy we welcomed Maurice and all our other Rwandan friends, as well as RAFA members from Hobart, our own local community and special guests Terry Martin MLC and Lisa Singh MHA. As this was the only service in the parish on that Sunday, we were joined by members of our Snug and Woodbridge congregations. John Middleton spoke about the causes of the Rwandan genocide, the horrors of the killing, and the present situation in Rwanda, where Tutsi Rwandans still suffer, not only from the physical and emotional scars of their ordeal of 1994, but also from continuing persecution and discrimination. John's address was at times disturbing, but as Christians we need to be disturbed, as a reminder of our commitment to justice, equality and love for our neighbours. A special feature of the service was the blessing of the Rwandan Coffee Club project. More members of the Cygnet community joined us for the launch of the Coffee Club, extending the celebration into a time of outreach too. A highlight was a display of Rwandan dancing in national dress, with the newly arrived, (but obviously not too jet-lagged) Maurice enthusiastically taking part. Since its launch the Rwandan Coffee Club has had very encouraging support, but more is always needed. To find out more click here. Ann Martin is Co-ordinator of Mission and Outreach, Parish of Channel and Cygnet Ministry Support Team.		Maurice (L) with the Rwandan Dancers, celebrating Refugee Sunday at Cygnet. To purchase excellent Rwandan coffee and tea visit the Rwandan Coffee Club.