NAIDOC Week is celebrated around Australia from 3-10 July, and celebrated at BDC this week with the theme “Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up.”

Our Diocese has recently affirmed their intention to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan to further build relationships and reconciliation amongst all the ministry units of our diocese. Repairing relationships and working for justice is core to the Christian faith, as Jesus said, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)

A NAIDOC Blessing

May our footsteps, on these ancient lands, 

remind us of creation and connectedness, in our search for truth.

May the Gum Tree, from its roots to its branches, 

remind us to dig deep and reach high, in our action for justice.

May the Eagle, who soars in the sky, 

remind us of the power, in our call for love.

May the expanse of the lands and seas, of the sky and stars, 

remind us of God’s timing in our faith in hope.

May the Holy three, Creator Spirit, Lord God, Papa Jesus, 

remind us of community.

So with grace, mercy, and peace, go in truth, justice, love and hope.

https://www.commongrace.org.au/blessing_brooke_prentis

We are also participating in learning and actions for Refugee Week. Our Human Rights Group participated in the Act for Peace Ration Challenge, raising over $14,000 (so far) and placing as the 8th highest fundraising school in Australia. The group led a very successful Pumpkin Soup fundraising activity in Week 7. We remember that Jesus and his family were refugees, fleeing persecution and crossing borders to travel safely. Our Coffs community is more beautiful due to the diversity that has come as refugee families have made their homes here. May we keep in our hearts and minds all those across the world who are desperately trying to find a safe home.

A Prayer for Refugee Week

Almighty and merciful God,

whose Son became a refugee

and had no place to call his own,

look with mercy on those who today

are fleeing from danger,

homeless and hungry.

Bless those who work to bring them relief.

Inspire generosity and compassion in the hearts of all of us. 

Amen.

Adapted from http://nouwen-network.com/prayersforrefugees.html 

https://brigidine.org.au/a-prayer-for-refugee-week/ 

Alpha is a course about learning about Christianity and exploring questions of faith. I will be running it for interested secondary students on Monday lunchtimes, and I am looking for some more students to join the team that is leading it. To find out more, email me ncooke@bdc.nsw.edu.au 

Weddings, Baptisms and Confirmations are always available for members of our school community – please contact the Chaplains to find out more.

Rev Naomi Cooke