A CROWD of more than 400 “hungry people” – Catholics and Christians from other denominations – overflowed St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church at Sippy Downs, on the Sunshine Coast, in the first of series of Brisbane archdiocese talks around the theme “Living Jesus”.
Organiser and Faith and Life Vicariate team member Mike Humphrys said the turnout at the February 15 gathering had supported Archbishop John Bathersby’s enthusiasm for a series of ecumenical talks on the theme.
“The Sippy Downs gathering had an incredible buzz and palpable sense of excitement,” Mr Humphrys said.
“What made the turnout even more remarkable was that the event was held on a week night.
“People came from all over the Sunshine Coast and further north from places such as Gympie.
“One can deduce a real hunger for events of this kind with such a response.”
Five major Christian Churches have been taking part in the talks which continued on Wednesday (February 23) at the Cleveland Baptist Church and will be held at Brisbane, Ipswich and Gold Coast venues until April 12.
Archbishop Bathersby, Anglican Archbishop Phillip Aspinall, Queensland Uniting Church Moderator Bruce Johnson, Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District President Reverend Noel Noack and Queensland Baptists’ General Superintendent Reverend David Loder will all be giving presentations in the series.
Archbishop Bathersby, addressing the Sippy Downs gathering, said his enthusiasm for sharing his relationship with Jesus had grown over the years.
“Last year I asked myself why was it not possible for the Heads of different Churches, not just myself, to speak as a group about Jesus Christ,” he said.
“After all, Jesus is the foundation of our faith, and although we may have different understandings there is just so much that we might be able to share with people as we learn from them as well as from our speakers.
“When I mentioned the idea at our Heads of Churches meeting last year, I was delighted by the willingness of the Heads of Churches for us to speak together about Jesus in different churches and halls.
“I have no doubt God will bless our desire to spread the good news of the Gospel to others who might learn something from us and, please God, experience the sheer joy and peace of letting Jesus live within us.”
Other speakers at the Sippy Downs gathering included Archbishop Aspinall, Rev Johnson and Sunshine Coast residents Anna Vencio and Paul Ford.
Mr Humphrys said the basic theme in the talks was that often after difficult times there came the realisation of Jesus’ support.
“All speakers in some way saw Jesus had carried them through difficult times,” he said.
“There was also mention of the small quiet voice of Jesus … of discovering Jesus in the midst of life’s journey and the richness it brings.
“Archbishop Aspinall spoke of trying to discern whether it was God’s will whether he became a bishop – he felt too young and too inexperienced to begin with.
“He felt Jesus was talking to him through some scripture.
“He said yes and at only 38 became an assistant bishop in Adelaide.”
Mr Humphrys said Rev Johnson had finished his talk with a challenge to all present.
“Bruce Johnson said ‘we’ve shared our faith with you, now it’s up to you to go out and share your faith with others’,” he said.
The enthusiastic collection of more than 1600 prayer cards by those attending, to pass onto family and friends to promote other talks in the series, was an indication of a desire to share this faith, Mr Humphrys said.
Other “Living Jesus” gathering dates are:
Brisbane Central: March 2 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 369 Given Terrace, Paddington.
Brisbane West: March 15 at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Brisbane Street, Ipswich.
Brisbane North: March 30 at Grace Lutheran College, Anzac Avenue, Rothwell.
Gold Coast: April 12 at Newlife Uniting Church, 4 Greenwich Court, Robina.
Each gathering begins at 7.30pm preceded by a time of hospitality over a cuppa from 7pm.
The evening includes prayer, presentations by three Church leaders, multimedia presentations, witness sharing and a question-and-answer panel, and concludes with prayer by 9.30pm.
For further information go to the website livingjesus.org.au or contact Brisbane archdiocese’s Catholic communications officer Adrian Taylor on 0419 027 769.
The Sippy Downs “Living Jesus” talks were simulcast on Christian radio Rhema FM105.1. A podcast of the talks is available at www.rhemasuncoast.com
