On my last Saturday evening in Australia, I walked down Havlin Street toward the Bendigo congregation for the evening meal. Through open windows, “For Everyone Born” drifted out—one of those hymns I’ve heard around the world. Our hymnody is a thread that binds us together across the globe.
Over 15 years ago I visited the Green Cathedral for the first time. On a hot summer day, we met up with a friend for lunch in Forster and while in the area we were able to walk around the Tuncurry church and explore the famous Green Cathedral. Coming back this time, I was excited to experience the new Tiona Chapel and worship at the Green Cathedral. It was incredibly heartening for my first worship experience there to be witnessing two baptisms and confirmations! Later in the afternoon we gathered at the Tuncurry congregation for lunch and a communion service. It was wonderful to meet so many who had traveled from surrounding congregations and towns for the baptisms and communion.
During the week between Forster and Bendigo Lach and I were able to travel to Nambucca Heads and Bowraville, Lach’s dad’s hometowns. The day after I arrived in Australia, Tony passed away back in Missouri. We were able to gather with our Australian family- Uncles, cousins and neighbors and shared a meal in his honor. We drove along the familiar country roads and visited places that shaped him that he later had shared with us. I think I will never truly understand why he left the beautiful Nambucca Valley for Graceland College and Lamoni, Iowa, but I am so grateful he did.
Meeting the members of the LEAD cohort and the ministers that are helping to shape their experiences was a highlight of my time in Australia. Hearing their unique stories and what has brought them together, the dedication they have to their families and their commitment to creating spaces and ways to gather in Community of Christ was energizing. During their weekend of exploration, it was fascinating to hear their unique reflections on the enduring principles, hymnody, how the church can be relevant today and how to work through hard conversations. It is vital that the church in Australia has taken steps to develop new leaders and support current members and leaders with continued training and opportunities to gather in new ways.
Finally, as a board member of the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation, I’m excited that the Foundation is sponsoring a September tour across the country to meet with congregations and visit historic locations. If you have the chance to connect with the bus participants, I highly encourage it. They are interested in not just the beginnings of the church in Australia, but how the church is lived out today. Sharing your stories and perhaps hearing a few of their experiences create important bonds in the life of the church.
Christin Mackay
