The Echo » Faith

Local Schools Help Solomon Islands

admin — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:43:50 +0000

If you are travelling in the Solomon Islands in the near future you may see some familiar school uniforms.
Schools in the Solomon Islands recently received an influx of much needed uniforms due to the generosity of Blue Mountains Grammar School and Katoomba Public School.
Uniforms, surplus to needs at both schools, were shipped to the Solomon’s through contacts with St Hilda’s church in Katoomba. Rev Ray Robinson from St Hilda’s explained; ‘Schools in the islands only have very basic resources and many children can’t afford uniforms. When visiting recently I saw children wearing hats made of banana leaves.’ He said people were so grateful for the assistance given. ‘I hope this will be the beginning of further opportunities to care for our pacific neighbours.’ Members of St Hilda’s have made a number of trips to the islands in recent years to assist in the work of the churches there.

Jesus. All About Life

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:25:34 +0000

Local churches are joining more than 1500 churches across NSW in the ‘Jesus all about life’ campaign that will run to the end of October.
The internet, signs and banners, and TV commercials are modern methods being used to communicate a timeless message, that Jesus Christ has the answers to everyday life. The message is getting through with more than 8,900 fans so far on the web Facebook page.
“While many people have been put off by what they see to be the failures and irrelevance of the church in the modern scientific age, research shows that most Australians do have some kind of a belief in God”, says Ray Robinson, Rector of St Hilda’s Anglican Church, Katoomba.
“This campaign is an opportunity for people to discover what Jesus was like for themselves. By contacting a telephone number or web address highlighted in the advertising, a simple and very readable book will be sent free of charge explaining the life story of Jesus and the evidence for Christian faith. The book also contains stories of well known Australians and what faith means to them. Local churches can also provide help.”
The Rev Bob Dennis from Blackheath Baptist church was very enthusiastic about the initiative of the campaign; “Like most Australians we are concerned about the increased rates of depression, binge drinking, domestic violence, and other maladies that plague our communities. We believe that the answers are spiritual, not just financial or political.”
Pictured setting up banners from the Upper Mountains Ministers’ Association are Rev. Ray Robinson (St Hilda’s Katoomba), Rev. Bob Dennis (Blackheath Baptist), Rev. Ian Allen (Lighthouse Church, North Katoomba).

St Alban’s Anglican Church Leura

admin — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:38:56 +0000

Leura Then & Now
On Sunday 15th March at 9.30am the people of St Alban’s Anglican Church Leura will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the church building. Bishop Peter Watson will be the guest preacher at the celebration service. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The foundation stone of the present Church was laid by Archbishop Saumerez Smith on 13th March, 1909, his last official act as he died shortly afterwards. In the cavity under the stone were deposited a copy of The Sydney Morning Herald, the Daily Telegraph, the Blue Mountains Echo, the Parish Notes, a copy of the appeal for the new church, a coin of the realm, together with a statement on a scroll of parchment.
The Rev. G.A. Chambers conducted the first service on 25th July, 1909. It replaced the first Church of England Church in Leura which was a small timber structure next to “The Ritz” in The Mall. The church building was extended in 1932 with the Peace Memorial Sanctuary. Fire gutted the Church on Friday 8th November, 1991. Only the walls of the original building remained but restoration work was carried out and it was re-opened on Sunday 20th June, 1993.
The present minister of St Alban’s Church, the Rev. Greg Olliffe, said “this building has served the community well over the past century. It holds a special place in the lives of the many who come in Jesus’ name to worship God within its walls. Long may it be here to offer hope and comfort to our community.”

Advent Pageants – Young People bringing Christmas joy to the heart of the community.

admin — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 10:21:24 +0000

On the last Friday in November singing filled the air as Katoomba enjoyed its fourth “Schools in Harmony” Advent Pageant, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas with 60 other communities across Australia who were also having pageants in the centre of communities that day. Students from Katoomba North Public School, Blue Mountains Christian School and young people from Leura Day Options and St Hilda’s “Kidz Play” paraded past the Katoomba Cafes in search of room at the Inn for Mary and Joseph to have their baby Jesus. After several humorous knock-backs by “Inn Keepers” at the Katoomba Florist, Zuri, Go-Lo, Katoomba Jewellers and the Carrington itself, the only room available was at Carrington Square!

The children then performed in a concert and enjoyed a mini festival with facepainting, balloon sculptures and games put on by volunteers from local churches and high schools. Thankfully the water-balloon volley ball and tug-o-war were fit in before the rain really set in and people huddled under shelter buzzing with excitement from what had just happened. “Can we do that again?” piped up a little voice as we were packing up. The children loved different parts of the event but especially having a role in acting out the Christmas story. A big thanks to Salvation Army for the yummy barbeque that kept everyone well fed, and to all the children, parents, teachers, shopkeepers and helpers that came to make it such a special day. For information about next year’s Advent Pageant, contact Emily Sorrell at the Fusion on 47515911 or email bluemountains@fusion.org.au.

Local Churches

admin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:54:41 +0000

Katoomba Churches, Leura Churches, Wentworth Falls Churches

Katoomba Churches
St Hilda’s Anglican Church 4782 1608
St Canice`s Catholic Church 4782 2804
Uniting Church 4758 8295
Lighthouse Church 4782 1352
Bethany Gospel Hall 4782 5956

Leura Churches
St Albans Anglican Church 4782 4503
St Bonaventures Catholic 4782 2804
Uniting Church 4757 3435

Wentworth Falls Churches
Holy Trinity Anglican Church 4757 1516
St Frances Xavier Catholic 4782 2804