Thursday House Church in Melbourne - How We Gather Series

Thursday Church in Melbourne grew from a mutual need.

Climate change was highlighted with devastating bushfires in Victoria over the summer of 2019-2020. Life’s uncertainty was disquieting.  Connectedness felt during church camps at Kallara nurtured the desire of a few to meet together in one of their homes. Emma Ghazarian’s mother-in-law Libby Torus, a non-member at the time, was searching to deepen her faith. She offered for them to meet in her home. Emma responded and reached out to Adam Wade, a President of Seventy at the time, who helped facilitate the first few meetings where they could share love, seek comfort and find guidance exploring the scriptures with their questioning. Sometimes neighbours and friends who were of different faiths joined in. 

In 2020 Covid hit – a pandemic, creating further uncertainty and causing lockdowns. Online was the only communication until restrictions were lifted. Loss of personal connection created a void.   

When lockdowns eased sufficiently in Melbourne in 2021, a visit to Evangelist Roger McLaughlin was the catalyst for Thursday Church with Emma as facilitator.  Roger now opens his home fortnightly. There are usually 6-8 of us as we sit around the table for a comfortable time of roughly two hours, sharing over a cuppa, We deepen our connection as we understand more of each other’s lifestyles, direction and commitments.  

Members describe our time together:

  • It’s our ‘Spiritual Home’. This time together allows the Spirit to breathe and for us to respond. We’re open to each other in a less structured gathering of social and spiritual connection. It is our ‘safe space’ where we share our stories with freedom to express and open up to one another. In emotional moments, we can cry comfortably.

  • There is healing, peace, openness and acceptance as we study, dissect and explore various topics.

  • Our understanding of spiritual growth through studies and scripture deepens. Where two or three are gathered, it is very worth it.

It’s also a place for Prayers for specific needs, occasionally for the “Laying on of Hands”, a sacrament for Healing. We often share in Communion with Deacon Libby’s personal touch in sacred presentation, often with her freshly baked unleavened bread. We have the joy of receiving guest ministry at times. We celebrate birthdays with cake and candles, laughter and joy. 

All are welcome in this place.

Merna Short