A closing Service of Thanksgiving and Decommissioning for the Milawa Uniting Church after 148 years of continuous
service to Milawa and district was held on March 22nd, 2015. This
decision was not an easy one but we were down to six regulars of which only two
were truly local.
This lovely old mud and brick church served its community
well over many generations. The
Milawa Uniting Church celebrated new life through baptism, love celebrated in
marriage and as a place to say farewell to loved ones at the end of their
lives. It brought comfort and solace to those who were sorrowing, fellowship and hope for those who came
and an opportunity to support and embrace the Christian faith. This enabled us
to be challenged and supported to care for the wider community as Jesus would
have us do as we looked to God, the Holy spirit, for guidance and reassurance.
The special service prepared by Rev. Christine Thomson was
moving and sensitive to the needs of the congregation as we grieved for this
sacred space, but we were thrilled to have so many people join us. The church overflowed with visitors
from across the parish and from Presbytery which also helped us celebrate the
life of this church. Following the service a sumptuous morning tea was held.
Special thanks to Rev. Christine and Fred Jungwirth for the
time and effort you put in to make this a very special occasion for the
dwindling Milawa Congregation and for all the visitors who came and sang like
angels which contributed greatly to the atmosphere on the day.
- by Joan Cochrane
Article from the Wangaratta Chronicle reporting on the closure of St. Andrew's -
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| Lyn and David Turner & Ian and Julie Hempel |
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| Jenny and Steve Shearer |
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| Arthur Meyers |
