On church going

Nikki Nicols got involved with her local church because she didn’t want it to close.

​By Nikki Nicols
 
MY INVOLVEMENT with the Wonthaggi Uniting Church began with my living close and watching the many funerals the church congregation hosted. Then it was watching the children running around the lawns and building cubby houses.
 
Over time, however, the funerals ceased and the church became quiet. I said to my neighbours that I need to get involved in the church as I didn't wish to see it disappear. It had so much meaning to people in the town and its many members have given so much over many years.

Nikki Nicols on Bunnings duty, helping to raise the funds
needed to keep the church going.

Since becoming a congregation member I have valued the sense of peace when I enter the doors. It allows me to reflect on who I am and how I have conducted myself for that week.
 
I value the gentle protection of the church walls and the safety it provides. I love singing together some of the beautiful hymns and songs with lyrics that always seem pertinent for that moment. I enjoy the safety of the people who gather as we are all experiencing the difficulties this world currently presents.
 
We do not practise a lot of formal liturgies, except communion once a month, but our talks are all encompassing and given by members of the church community.
 
We have not had a full-time minister in the 18 months I have been there but that was what I fell in love with.

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“We had so little but there was a fellowship that pulled us together and led us to heartfelt talks, with the children participating. That gave us the cup half full.”

The gatherings with our Inverloch brothers and sisters once a month with cakes and the rituals of doing dishes together creates a feeling of community and belonging.
 
I have had different experiences in my seeking the meaning of life but walking through the doors of our church on the hill each Sunday reminds me of a higher power of guidance, love and fellowship.
 
On the 17th May we have a new minister joining us for three years. We are looking forward to having his leadership.

​We have hosted concerts, with artists coming from near and far. The guests enjoy afternoon tea after 'Saturday afternoon Concerts '. Details of what's coming up are on the Inverloch church Facebook page.

Wonthaggi Uniting Church is hosting concerts and other events to reach out to their community.

We also have choir practice with Dani Paulson on Thursday nights and Tracey Millers 'Light of Day' choir on Wednesday mornings.
 
We do sausage sizzles to help fund our continuing existence and coming soon is a Postie clothing and fashion parade.
 
With all the work each congregation member provides, it allows us to pause and reflect on the value of belonging to a spiritual community with values and love.