The way back

On the Saturday of my last trip, I attended the Riverina Presbytery meeting in Finley.  Part of the day was going through the great work of the committee, which included reading their reports, and discussion about other aspects of the running of this presbytery.  We then had a light lunch which was provided by the good folk of Finley. I had helped with some of the prep work the night before in the kitchen - I was given the washing up to do.  In the afternoon we had the Grand Launch of the "Faith In a Basin Future", a project about sustaining vital and resilient communities in the southern Murray-Darling Basin for future generations.  This has grown out of the Murray-Daring Basin Group that has been meeting over the last couple of years - running forums and tours - but also joining with a number of like-minded groups such as Uniting and Catholic Earthcare.  There is an Advisory Group that have been working hard to get this multi-linked project up, aimed at young people between the ages of 16-35.  They call themselves "Community Action Teams" (CATS).  I'll put a contact link at the end of the blog so you can read for yourself . The sad part of the day was when the battery died on my camera which meant I ended up getting some videos but only one photo.  I'll try to borrow photos for this blog, from someone who was there.

Using my phone to search, I found a place to drink from  - a well on the side of the road near the Black Stump

The old phone is not working all that well but I did get to take a few shots here.  However if I had known what was happening up the road I would have kept going!  I arrived in Hillston for a picnic on the lawn under a tree. It was Julie's last day at church as she was getting ready to move to the inner suburbs of Bathurst.  I went into town and picked up some coffee and food for myself, then joined the crew in the shade of the trees.

Hillston manse 



The road from Hillston to Cobar - a picture say's it all! On and on it goes.

I hit Cobar ready for a quiet night with Jo and Lou but there was a big night for Paris on in the town's main park and Jo led the prayers for that city.  I know I have a friendship with Jo but it was wonderful and moving.  I was introduced to the Mayor who is a lovely lady.

 

     

Above is phone shots of the candle light service at Cobar.  Well done Jo!  Outside services are always hard with people spread throughout the park grounds.  I caught up with David and Julie the next day, as well as Jo and Lou.  Good conversation, looking at a number of issues relevant to all our work.

Last Sunday evening the Uniting Church in Narrabri hosted a combined church service, which was well-attended.  I was asked to speak on my work as Rural Chaplain and I can thankfully say that no-one fell asleep during my message!  Shalom Phill Matthews

Faith in a Basin Future project: FBF project Manager nbarber@unitingcarenswact.org.au