Shepparton, Stanhope & Kyabram

March 1, 2009 (click on pics for larger view)

A pleasant 2hr10min drive to Kyabram on Saturday afternoon meant that we could have an evening meal with an old family friend who is a member of the Stanhope congregation, before lodging in the local Motor Inn for a peaceful night's rest.

Under the leadership of Kyung Ee, the three congregations regularly share in a joint service for the sacrament of Holy Communion, followed by a fellowship lunch, and that's what we joined them for at the Stanhope Church. It is such a wonderful thing to see three congregations of God's people who so obviously enjoy each others' company and make the effort to share together in spiritual upbuilding and encouragement.

I preached on the first of the 10 Commandments, linking in with Romans 1. The Apostle always lays a firm theological / gospel basis before he turns to what our response might be. It's all about God first and we come a distant second. The 10 Commandments are the same, being set in the context of what God has done for our salvation (I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt) before moving into what we ought to do in response.

I used my own industrial experience as a sermon illustration, even though I was quite worried that it might not translate readily into the country situation, but I was pleasantly surprised how many people in the congregation either currently work in local factories (mostly fruit / canning) or used to. Plenty of folk said afterwards how much the illustration had spoken clearly to them.

I was impressed by the spiritual quality of the elders and several other members of the congregation that I spoke to during lunch. Each congregation is small, but you've got to think that they have a positive future when you consider the calibre of their leadership.

After lunch, Kyung led us back to his manse in Shapparton via the church in Kyabram and the new church in Shepparton. They each have great stories.

The Kyabram congregation had taken the church building with them into the Uniting Church in 1977, but a remnant of stalwart Presbyterians had never ceased to worship and were eventaully able to buy the building back when the Uniting Church closed down about 15 years ago.

And the Shepparton congregation is currently growing. They have recently finished building what will eventually be their church hall but currently serves as church and hall. It is a glorious little multi-purpose building that reflects a positive, out-reaching mindset in the congregation - led by their minister Kyung. They soon hope to add a more substantial church building, which in itself will be a beacon to the surrounding community, telling of the life and vitality that is to be found in worshipping God through Jesus Christ.

Duncan had a great time playing with David and Sophia, including an extended shot on the Wii once we made it back to the manse; while Alison and I just loved spending time in the company of Kyung and his wife Sarah. They have such a strong sense of calling and commitment to the parish and the community, despite Kyung being weighed down a little bit too much by current responsibilities at Presbytery level.

We eventually left about 5pm and got home at 7:30pm, notwithstanding a stop for ice cream (it was still a very hot evening) in Nagambie!