news article
Civic and church personnel prayer breakfast
A Prayer Breakfast with a difference took place in the St John The Evangelist Anglican Church at Gordon on Thursday, September 18 at 7.00 a.m.. This was the first such Prayer Breakfast of this magnitude held in Ku-ring-gai and attracted Civic and Church leaders alike.
Members and leaders of the local churches met with representatives of the Ku-ring-gai Council and the local State Member of Parliament to hear about local events that have already proved their worth and are planned for the future.
The Ku-ring-gai local government area covers approximately 84 square kilometres or 8,446 hectares and contains nine suburbs, 16km north of the Sydney CBD, with an estimated population of 112,361.
Councillor Bruce Coleman organised the Prayer Breakfast to pray for three events organised by the local combined churches. They are The Carols in the Park, held in Bicentennial Park; the Festival, known as "Ignite the Flame", held at St Ives Village Green on ANZAC Day Holiday and The Green Tent Missions during the January holidays. You can guess the colour of the marquee!
The minister of every Christian church, every school Chaplain and Christian leaders were invited, as well as Politicians, Councillors and Council Staff.
Amongst the 80 guests, the Mayor, Councillor Ian Cross, the Council's General Manager Brian Bell and the Hon. Andrew Humpherson MP were especially acknowledged during the program which was led by the Rector of St John's, the Rev. Rob Sutherland.
Mr Sutherland said: "It's so good to be able to meet together to pray for events we're taking out to the community for young people, families and the elderly."
Jonathan Bradhurst , Manager and co-ordinator of the Combined Churches' Carols in the Park described the event as presenting "the real message of Christmas through a community event where everyone can meet together and enjoy themselves." Carols in the Park is a positive example of the churches working with local government, State agencies and community groups to deliver a first-class event for the community.
Carolyn Sinclair heard of other areas preparing Family Festivals for the Opening of the Olympic Games at a meeting of the co-ordinators, Fusion NSW. She realised nothing was being planned in Ku-ring-gai so set about planning a community event for ANZAC Day. It has become so popular that the crowds are growing year by year as families come along and enjoy the "loving attitude - a gift from the churches to the community."
Called "Ignite the Flame" the event features children's activities and a place where people can have fun together.
Matt Dalziel described "The Green Tent" event as "5 days when 50 churches link together to reach out for Christ." The Scripture story is portrayed through puppets, dramas and children's activities, culminating in Carnivalé Day, complete with a jumping castle, free sausages, visits from the Fire Board, the Reptile Man, a water slide ("depending on water restrictions") and - cappuccino!
In introducing the Prayer segment, Mr Coleman commented: "God is going to do far more than we expect."
With that, each participant went into a huddle around their table and prayer was offered for each of the events. This was quite a sight to behold. People unknown to each other previously now joined in their concern for events which have had such an effect on the lives of the people in the community of Ku-ring-gai.
What Ku-ring-gai achieved could be also adapted in many other areas as church and civic personnel show unity in uplifting the friendliness and friendship in their community.
20 Sep 2003
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