The leaders of five Christian churches will come together over the coming months to conduct a series of free gatherings for the first time across south-east Queensland.
Each of the six gatherings will include presentations by three of the following Christian Church leaders: Archbishop John Bathersby (Roman Catholic), Archbishop Phillip Aspinall (Anglican Church), Reverend Bruce Johnson (Uniting Church), Reverend Noel Noack (Lutheran Church) and Reverend David Loder (Baptist Church).
The gatherings, under the theme ‘Living Jesus’, will be held across Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts from February onwards.
Catholic Archbishop John Bathersby said the gatherings were a unique opportunity to be inspired by the faith of Church leaders sharing the impact Jesus has had in their lives.
“I am delighted to have the privilege of publicly speaking about Jesus and His vision,” Archbishop Bathersby said
“Through His life, death and resurrection He gave us a new world and made us new people.
“Today many people are searching for good news and the life of Jesus can satisfy their desire completely,” he said.
Anglican Archbishop Philip Aspinall said all community members were welcome to attend.
“In a world full of stress, sorrow, anger, disappointment and even despair, these gatherings can help those enduring hard times,” Archbishop Aspinall said.
“The new year leading up to Easter is a time of year when many people reflect on their lives and make resolutions to improve. These sessions may also offer some direction and guidance.
“The theme ‘Living Jesus’ will explore how we listen, treat and look after people. It will be a time where people can come together and listen and connect with others in their community.”
The idea for the tour arose at a Heads of Churches meeting in 2010, when Archbishop Bathersby invited fellow leaders to join in this series of events and express their views on their faith in Jesus as a prelude to Easter.
The gatherings follow similar programs led over the past two years across the Roman Catholic Archdiocese by Archbishop Bathersby.
ECUMENICAL GATHERINGS: DATES, TIMES AND LOCATIONS
Sunshine Coast: 15 February 2011 at St Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs.
Brisbane East: 23 February 2011 at Cleveland Baptist Church, 240 Bloomfield St, Cleveland.
Brisbane Central: 2 March 2011 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 369 Given Tce, Paddington.
Brisbane West: 15 March 2011 at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Brisbane St, Ipswich.
Brisbane North: 30 March 2011 at Grace Lutheran College, Anzac Ave, Rothwell.
Gold Coast: 12 April 2011 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 3 church leaders, multimedia, witness sharing, a question and answer panel and concludes with prayer by 9.30pm.
Some further information is available on the website http://www.livingjesus.org.au
Released by the Catholic Communications Office
January 20, 2011