Religious Education and Social Justice

Remembrance Day 11th November

Each year, on 11th November, we pause to reflect on the end of World War One when an Armistice was signed ending four years of continuous warfare. In the four years of the war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of them had died. Each year on this day Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11:00 am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place; and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: to you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep,  though poppies grow in Flanders fields.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; 

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

NAIDOC WEEK 8th-15th November

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. It is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people, and participate in a range of activities and to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

This year's theme for the week is Always Was, Always Will Be which recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. The people are spiritually and culturally connected to this country.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.

To follow the celebrations or find out more information, visit the NAIDOC Week website.

Psalm 23 

Aboriginal Style 

by Uncle Rev Ron Williams

My big fella boss up in the sky 

is like the father Emu. 

He will always look after me 

and take me to green grass,

and lead me to where the water holes are full and fresh all the time.

He leads me away from the thick scrub

 and helps me keep safe from the hunters, dingoes and eagles.

At night time when I am very lonely and sad,

I will not be afraid,

for my Father covers me with his feathers

like a father emu.

His spear and shield will always protect me.

My big fella boss always gives me a good feed

in the middle of my enemies.

In hot times he makes me sit down 

in a cool shade and rest.

He gives me plenty of love and care

 all of my life through.

Then I will live with my big fella boss 

like a father emu:

that cares for his chicks in good country, 

full of peace and safety

Forevermore and evermore.

May God bless us all and keep us safe.

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader