General News
4 July, 2025
Endings and beginnings
As part of the Southern Mallee Co-Operative Parish, members from the Rainbow Church travelled to Hopetoun on Sunday, June 29, to share in a Joint Parish Service.
With visitors from interstate, Rainbow, Jeparit and Hopetoun, the larger than normal congregation shared together over stories and song.
The day consisted of completion of the formal farewells for to the Mallee Parklands Baptist Congregation, with the Hopetoun plaque unveiled and a booklet compiled by Pam Clugston was dedicated and launched.
The booklet includes memories of people from 90 years ago up to today, and how the Church has impacted lives.
Mrs Clugston has titled it “Memories & Reflections of Baptist Churches in the Mallee 1891-2025”, and a copy will be donated to the local historical society, ensuring these stories will not be lost.
After the dedication of the plaque, people gathered over a meal to share friendship, stories and good food.
Representing the Uniting Church Presbytery of Loddon Mallee, Mrs Libby Gregory from Swan Hill contributed to the service, offering a prayer and blessing for the launch of the booklet and after the meal, leading a conversation to consider extending the ministry of Rev Susan Pearse for a further three years after 2025.
The decision was made together that this would go ahead and the whole of the Parish look forward to continuing together as witnesses to the love and grace of God in life and the world.
