Church of All Nations marked Reconciliation Sunday on Sunday 6 June, 2010.
Rev Willie Pickett, Chair of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress in Victoria preached on the lectionary readings for the day.
1 Kings 17:8-16, (17-24)
Psalm 146
Galatians 1:11-24
Luke 7:11-17
During the service the following act of commitment was undertaken by the representatives of the Indigenous Hospitality House, Congress and Church of All Nations.
Background
In 2000 the Indigenous Hospitality House began operation in units owned by Church of All Nations at 907 Drummond St, North Carlton. Since then it has provided accommodation for over a thousand indigenous people who are attending or supporting family who are attending hospitals here in Melbourne.
During 2008 and 2009 the House, Congress and the Church considered its relationship and it was agreed that a new relationship be entered into. The House is to be an activity overseen by the Victorian Congress. The House has entered into a agreement with Congress concerning this. The Church of All Nations will continue to provide the premises at 907 Drummond, and make an annual grant to Congress for the work of the Indigenous Hospitality House. The House and the Church of All Nations have an agreement to do this.
Today we give thanks to God for the work of the Indigenous Hospitality House and these significant agreements and covenants together. We rejoice that these new arrangements have been established between the House, Congress and CAN so that this work may continue and prosper.
As a sign of this local covenant I call on representatives of Congress, the House and the Church of All Nations to exchange the right hand of fellowship as sign of the commitment to this ongoing ministry of reconciliation and hospitality to indigenous people.
(Representatives shake hands.)
Prayer
We pray O God, that you will bless the life and witness of the Indigenous Hospitality House and these partnerships between Congress, the House and this congregation. May this covenantal relationship be a foretaste of that coming reconciliation and renewal which is the end in view for the whole creation.
Bless all those who serve in the IHH community and those who stay at the house.
This we pray in the name of Christ. Amen
