On Sunday, 19th August 2012, at 9.30am St Paul’s was vibrant
with the fruit of the earth. People were
greeted on arrival with a wonderful sign made of fruit and vegetables,
exhorting them to “Give Thanks”. The
dais was resplendent with produce and non-perishable goods, given with thanks
for our good fortune and wealth of food.
During the service, we learned that the fresh produce will be used in
the local community to supply those in need with nutritious food. The non-perishables and monetary donations
will be transported to St George where the Presbyterian Church will distribute
them to people in need there.
The Right Reverend David Niven led the service, giving
thanks for the earth’s bounty and dedicating the gifts. The Sunday School children performed a poem
called, “This is the World that God made”, illustrating the process by which we
receive our daily bread.
In acknowledgement of the 149th Anniversary of
the church, Deaconess Dianne Parker presented the first of a series of cameos,
which will be presented during the sesquicentennial celebration year. We learned about the United Evangelical
Church, which was founded by settlers who arrived on the Fortitude in 1849. Although
this church was disbanded, it played a part in the beginnings of our own
church.
Chairperson of the Restoration Trust, Penny Floyd, told us
about the achievements and plans of the Trust.
The bird-proofing of the bell tower is complete but there were rumours
of repeat offenders which had to be followed up. The tower remains secure. Next in the plan has to do with making sure
the tower is strong enough to withstand ringing the bell; and removing stone
work which is in danger of falling.
Our service was beautified by the wonderful singing of “Accord”,
the vocal ensemble from Somerville House, directed by Celia Mylne and
accompanied by Carolyn Eisenmenger. The
girls’ performance was excellent and we thank them sincerely for their
participation.
Following the sermon, in which Mr Niven encouraged us to
“Praise the Lord, O my Soul”, the congregation enjoyed morning tea in the warm
winter sunshine in the front yard of the church, while the children enjoyed
Harvest Games. They played Rob the
Farmer, participated in Broom and Potato relays, an egg and spoon obstacle
course, apple dunking, tug of war and apple bobbing. It was hard to convince them to stop even
after the adults had gone into the hall to enjoy a delicious lunch of homemade
soup and bread rolls.
What a wonderful day it was.
With the weather reminding us how lucky we are to live in Queensland,
and the bountiful produce reminding us how fortunate we are in Australia, it
was only right that we praise God for his goodness and give thanks for his
kindness.