General News
17 February, 2023
SMCP welcomes Susan
A celebration was held at Hopetoun’s Southern Mallee Cooperative Parish (SMCP) church earlier this month to induct Reverend Susan Pearce to her new position. SMCP representative Pam Clugston said the induction brought a gathering of church goers...
A celebration was held at Hopetoun’s Southern Mallee Cooperative Parish (SMCP) church earlier this month to induct Reverend Susan Pearce to her new position.
SMCP representative Pam Clugston said the induction brought a gathering of church goers from far and wide, and created a real feeling of blessing and celebration on this special occasion.
“We were delighted to welcome so many visitors, including Presbytery Chairperson Libby Gregory and Presbytery Admin couple Dr Julie and Mr Neil Fletcher,” she said.
“Graeme Semple, the regional Baptist Pastor for our area ,also attended and had a role to play, and Rev Siotame Paletuá, UCA regional presbytery representative from Mildura, who helped the local joint committee find Susan, was guest speaker.”
Some of the Elders and Parish Councillors met at 4pm with Siotame, Libby, Neil and Julie to reflect on the Salt and the Light from Matthew 5.
Siotame also preached on this passage during the evening’s service, telling us we are all the Salt and the Light to the World.
A shared meal prior to the service, and finishing the evening off with an abundant supper in the Hall, made for a lovely time of fun and fellowship.
Susan’s 92-year-old mother, Lorriane, traveled from Donald for the service and was presented with a gift.
Susan also had other family members attend, and friends from Phillip Island, where Susan lived in the 1980’s.
Digby Hannah, one of these friends, played and sang his own composition during the evening service.
Susan arrived on January 2, following 13 years as minister at the Stawell Uniting Church, and led her first worship service on January 15.
She will serve as minister at Rainbow and Hopetoun’s Southern Mallee Cooperative Parish for the next 3 years.