Pilgrimage of Living History

Saturday 9 February 2019Drysdale Uniting Church

“Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.”

Deuteronomy 32: 7 (NIV)

Drysdale Uniting Church—Reaching out with God’s love and care

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One more step

1 One more step along the way I go,One more step along the way I go,From the old things to the new,Keep me travelling along with you.

And it’s from the old I travel to the new.Keep me travelling along with you.

2 Round the corners of the world I turn,More and more about the world I learn.All the new things that I see,You’ll be looking at along with me.

3 As I travel through the bad and good,Keep me travelling the way I should.Where I see no way to go,You’ll be telling me the way I know.

4 Give me courage when the world is rough.Keep me loving though the world is tough.Leap and sing in all I do,Keep me travelling along with you.

© Sydney Carter and Stainer Bell Ltd.Used under license LicenSing # A262

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LITURGY FOR STATION ONE: FOUNDATIONS

Welcome and Introduction

Call to worship

We come, God of the Journey, a people from different places, different histories, and different lifestyles.We come hoping to find companionship for the journey, solidarity for the struggle.

We yearn, with Christ as our foundation, for a new way of living and relating... as neighbours not strangers, as brothers and sisters not ‘them and us’.We yearn to live fully celebrating both the diversity of our human family, and the unity of our call to love and justice.

We hunger, God of Abundant Life, for lives that have meaning and integrity, and for relationships grounded in mutuality and respect.We thirst for places to bring our doubts, our fears; places to express honestly who we are. We thirst for hope and encouragement as we struggle to keep Jesus as our foundation in the way of life-risking love.

With the gift of your grace we are nourished.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge today the Wathaurong people, the original custodians of this great land that God has provided for us, and as we start our pilgrimage we pay due respect to their elders, past and present.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3: 10-16

10 Using the gift that God gave me, I did the work of an expert builder and laid the foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each of you must be careful how you build. 11 For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid. 12 Some will use gold or silver or precious stones in building on the foundation; others will use wood or grass or straw. 13 And the quality of each person's work will be seen when the Day of Christ exposes it. For on that Day fire will reveal everyone's work; the fire will test it and show its real quality. 14 If what was built on the foundation survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. 15 But if your work is burnt up, then you will lose it; but you yourself will be saved, as if you had escaped through the fire.

16 Surely you know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you!

Reflection

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This may be the most direct statement of the eternal value of earthly work in all of Scripture. The work we do on earth survives into eternity. Paul is speaking specifically of the work done by the community of the church, which he likens to a temple. Paul compares himself to a “skilled master builder” who has laid the foundation, which is, of course, Christ himself. As Christians, we are also builders, sometimes without even being aware of it. Whether it be in raising children, in teaching, or in simply being a friend, we have all been largely responsible for building the lives of others in some way – have we used Christ as the foundation? Paul likens good work to gold, silver, and precious stones, and shabby work to wood, hay, and straw. Though some have tried to assign specific meanings to each of these materials, it is more likely that the difference is simply that some materials have the ability to withstand testing by fire while others do not. Paul is telling us that if we build on our foundation something that can withstand outside influences that may lead us away from Christ, we will stay strong. If we build with weak materials, even though our foundation is strong, if we allow ourselves to be easily led away from Christ, we fail God, and therefore we fail ourselves and those we are responsible for. The passage does not refer to the gold/silver/precious stones, or the wood/grass/straw as the foundation – Christ is the foundation. Paul tells us that Christ must be the foundation, but what we use to build on the foundation must be strong, and be able to withstand any test.

Paul is not making any judgment about any individual’s salvation, for even if anyone’s work fails the test, “the builder will be saved.” This passage gives hope to all. This passage is not about the relationship between a believer’s “good works” and his heavenly reward, though it has often been read in that way. This passage tells us that even if we fail to build a strong structure on the foundation, which we as humans would assume would disappoint God, because Christ is the foundation, salvation is for all.

Although Paul is writing about the work of building a Christian community, his words apply to all kinds of work. Paul regards Christian work to include what we do both within and outside the church. Whatever our work, it will be evaluated impartially by God. The final examination will be better than any performance review, since God judges with perfect justice—unlike human bosses, however just or unjust they may be—and he is able to factor in our intent, our limitations, our motives, our compassion, our humanity, and his mercy. God has called all believers to work for Him in whatever circumstances they find themselves, and he has given us specific gifts to fulfil that calling. He expects us to use them responsibly for his purposes, and he will inspect our work. And to the degree that our work is done in excellence, by his gifts and grace, it will become part of God’s eternal kingdom. That should motivate us to do as good a job as we possibly can.

Prayer

Lord, we know that these words, sobering and searching as they are, have not been sent to us to condemn us, but to encourage us to choose the right path, and to invest ourselves in ways that will fulfil the promise that you have given us. Help us to discover the wholeness of our life, heal the hurts of our relationships, and make us loving, compassionate, merciful and joyful Christians who can find the answers to life in your Word. Help us to manifest this increasingly as we go on day by day, guided and guarded by your Spirit, in Jesus name, Amen.

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Poem - His Plan for Me by Martha Snell Nicholson

When I stand at the judgment seat of ChristAnd He shows me His plan for me,The plan of my life as it might have beenHad He had His way, and I see…

How I blocked Him here, and I checked Him there,And I would not yield my willWill there be grief in my Saviour's eyes,Grief, though He loves me still?

He would have me rich, and I stand there poor,Stripped of all but His grace,While memory runs like a hunted thingDown the paths I cannot retrace.

Then my desolate heart will well-nigh breakWith the tears that I cannot shed;I shall cover my face with my empty hands,I shall bow my uncrowned head...

Lord of the years that are left to me,I give them to Thy hand;Take me and break me, mould me toThe pattern Thou hast planned!

Song (v1)

Setting out

Setting out on a pilgrimage is different from just travelling from A to B as commuter or tourist. We are pilgrims. As we walk, consider: what intentions, hopes, goals and, especially, what openness do you bring to this experience? Think about the history of our community as we move from this historical site through the changing landscape to the waterfront. Take notice of these different views as we walk. Let’s go!

LITURGY FOR STATION TWO: CHANGING LAND USE

Call to worship

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Here we are in the boundary of the new Curlewis residential estate. We have travelled from the rural to the residential. We are on the edge; a chance to reflect on the changing land use. Let us hear more from God’s word.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43: 16-21

16This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters,17 who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together,and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.20 The wild animals honour me, the jackals and the owls,because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland,to give drink to my people, my chosen,21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.

Reflection

The image on the front of our booklet is the famous “View of Geelong” in 1856 by Eugene von Guérard. From the Barrabool Hills we can see through to Corio Bay with no sight of houses. Today all you can see is houses. Growth brings with it the need to develop and expand. Where we stand was farming land up until only two years. The need to change land use is necessary with population growth – is that the right thing to happen? God tells us to conserve our resources and to be environmentally aware, but our Isaiah reading says that we should not “cling to events of the past”. How we keep both aspects in balance is like walking a tight-rope? Do we believe that climate change is something that is occurring? Isaiah says “you can see it now”. It is up to us to take action.

Our image to really look at today goes back to the arrival of white man on this land. The painting of “The Founding of Australia by Capt. Arthur Phillip” in 1788 also makes us look at the changing landscape.

Meditate on the image – what do you see and what does it make you think about?

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Prayer

For people who love the land and care for it well, making farming sustainable for future generations: Lord, hear our prayer.

For crop growers and livestock breeders, taking risks to grow food for a hungry world. Lord, hear our prayer.

For rural and regional networks, sharing information to overcome loneliness and isolation for those on the land. Lord, hear our prayer.

For strategists, planners, policy makers and advisors, offering new ways to grow food and care for the land in changing times. Lord, hear our prayer.

For health and happiness in the home life of all farmers, and for families to work together with love, respect and harmony, Lord, hear our prayer.

For wise financial planning, land care and asset management, so that farmers may be confident about the future of their farms, Lord, hear our prayer.

For good communication between country and city, so that we may understand each other's worlds and encourage one another, Lord, hear our prayer.

For strong and growing initiative and energy in country towns, so that farmers may share in life-giving communities, Lord, hear our prayer. Amen.

Song (v2)

On the way

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As we walk together to the next Station, let’s notice the different houses and what that might mean.

LITURGY FOR STATION THREE: SELLING PROPERTY

Call to worship

Thank you God for the land for sale here, once it was farm land producing food and now it will be houses. Before it was farms the Wathaurong people walked this land hunting and gathering food. For all who have enjoyed the produce of this place we give thanks.

Scripture reading: Ruth 4:3-4 from The Message.

Boaz then said to his relative, “The piece of property that belonged to our relative Elimelech is being sold by his widow Naomi, who has just returned from the country of Moab. I thought you ought to know about it. Buy it back if you want it –you can make it official in the presence of those sitting here and before the town elders. You have first redeemer rights. If you don’t want it, tell me so I’ll know where I stand. You’re first in line to do this and I’m next after you.”He said “I’ll buy it”

Reflection

The rest of the story tells of Boaz telling his relative that the land comes with the responsibility of caring for Naomi and Ruth. The relative changes his mind and Boaz buys the land. Later Boaz and Ruth marry. The selling land is different to in many countries. Today in Australia if you have the money, yours and maybe a mortgage then you could buy some land.Sometimes this comes with conditions. Things like a heritage overlay that means you have to build to suit the period of the rest of the street or you cannot build on an easement. What about must have your front garden planted with natives.What would God and his son Jesus like as a covenant in the sales of this land?Would they request that when the houses are built the owners are good neighbours and take care of each other? Would they request that some of the land be used for public rentals, so everyone can have a home?As we continue our pilgrimage ponder this question.

Prayer

We thank you God that we live in a land which lets us buy land.We thank you for the shelter we have in our houses and the warmth and love in our homes.We pray for the homeless and refugees who have nowhere to call home.

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Give us some ways that we may help change the situation so that everyone would have a place to call home. Amen.

Let us bless the houses that will be built here and the people who will live in them.

Blessing

Bless this house with friendships.Bless this house with gratitude.Bless this house with forgiveness.Bless this house with understanding and patience.Bless this house with a sense of humour.Bless this house with the ability to withstand any storm.Bless this house with lots of love.

Song (v3)

On the way

We set forth again taking in the views of the houses that we have blessed.

LITURGY FOR STATION FOUR: REMEMBRANCE OF WAR SERVICE

Gathering and conversation

Scripture Reading Ephesians 6: 10-17

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Prayer

Lord God we pray for world peace, that wars may cease as we remember those whom you have gathered from all war torn lands into the peace of your divine and eternal presence. May that

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same peace calm all our fears , bring justice for all people and establish harmony and goodwill among all nations, bless our country and this community with lasting peace this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflection

St Paul like all who first read his letters were all familiar with the sight of a Roman legionnaire in full armour equipped for battle walking around the streets and countryside. Paul uses military imagery also in 2 Timothy “of having fought the good fight”. Paul applied the different parts of the infantryman’s armoury in the battle against evil. Here in Ephesians he writes about another kind of battle, the war against the evil that aims to fight off Satan’s fiery darts of doubt so active in our world and church today. Paul urges us to put on the whole armour of God. Wars are evil. Today we are seeing Christians across the earth being persecuted and killed. All of us are now engaged in a battle to hold fast to the basics of the Christian faith and to our belief in Jesus the Crucified who lives. When the Hymn book TIS was finally completed, I was disappointed that they had left out the much loved hymn “Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war;” because its language spoke of soldiers and war and not peace. But the war Paul speaks about was not about guns and nuclear weapons, it is the war against evil that is impacting on all societies and families today.

Deeply imbedded in our nations DNA is our relationship with our indigenous sisters and brothers and the remembrance of Anzac and Remembrance Day; as one newspaper recently highlighted “Keep the Anzac stories alive this Remembrance day”. This led to a record turnout at the 100 years Remembrance services in both city, regional centre’s and country towns across the nation, and certainly this was the case here in Drysdale

The Anzac battle however was not a victory, but of the unbelievable spirit, courage and valor of those who landed on Gallipoli , where it is said some 60,000 Australians died against impossible odds; their courage and sacrifice can never be forgotten; for many left our nation never to return That same Anzac spirit has remained with our armed forces in every war our nation has been engaged in since and gained the reputation of a nation that will strive to bring peace no matter the cost, wherever evil conflict is found.

The War memorial monument erected in High Street is the point of gathering each year now for the service men and women who were killed in action in World War One, World War Two and other campaigns.

There is however another memorial Pillar in Drysdale that I am told is unique in our entire nation. This Pillar is to be found in the Drysdale cemetery. The memorial Pillar lists the names of 30 Imperial veterans and their regiments who once lived in the United Services Home. The inscription on their last resting place reads!

LEST WE FORGET

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“Those who lie here fought for the Empire in the wars of the nineteenth century, the Crimean, Balaclava , the charge of the Light Brigade, the Nile and other wars, and who were former residents of the United Services Home, established 1891”.

The grave site was recently refurbished by the War Graves Commission. The Crimean war started in 1853 and ended in 1856. A number of British Imperial soldiers and sailors found their way to Australia, many destitute and suffering and homeless, struggling to exist in our capital cities. Good will among Victorians led to doing something to help them and land in Drysdale was given to build a place for them to call home. Up until a few years ago an annual remembrance service was held to remember these veterans at Drysdale cemetery on 25th October each year, with people from Geelong RSL sub branches and beyond, a brass band playing and 20 or more people, coming dressed in original red and blue army uniforms, rifles loaded with bayonets drawn and a large canon was fired across the fields during the service. The Rev Tre Ugalde (Chaplain of the Rats of Torbruk) and I were both privileged to lead the prayers at these services on your behalf and the Drysdale community.

But it was the establishment of the United Services home in Crimea Street on the 25th March 1891, modelled on the Crimean veterans’ hospital in Greenwich and Chelsea in England that wove a permanent connection between Drysdale and many families and Regiments of the Armed Services of Great Britain. Originally the home catered for 8 veterans (soldiers/sailors), but over its life time there were 103 residents of the Imperial Forces who became part of the Drysdale Community. Dr. Frederick Pacey of Drysdale was appointed medical officer to the home and he carried out that role for 30 years after its opening. Thirty of the veterans’ bodies are buried in the Drysdale cemetery. The home was closed in May 1917 and remains in Crimea Street, and is now occupied and owned by a local resident

Bruce Ruxton OBE, President of the State RSL, on the Centenary of the United Services Home on the 12th February 1991, said “Drysdale is very much a part of our history and the Veterans Cemetery and the old United Services Home are a relic of our past heritage and both will give glimpses into the past for future generations”

In our pilgrimage walk today we do not pause to glorify war, but to recall those gallant men and women who served our nation, the British Empire and Commonwealth; many paying the supreme sacrifice and for those who sought to care for those Imperial soldiers and sailors who came to live in our nation. Today we have people like our own Jenni Nickelson and others who continue that work through Legacy to ensure that war widows and families are cared for and not forgotten That is what Onward Christian soldiers is all about, doing the caring work our Lord calls us to do in His name and marching on against the inroads of evil seeking to destroy our way of life and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ who proclaimed, Gods kingdom on earth will come. This is our faith, this is our hope this is our calling to declare where we live, love, work and die.

Song (v4)

Moving on

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As we travel to our next station we think about the similarities of our track to our journey through life.

LITURGY FOR STATION FIVE: EXPLORATION

Call to Worship

Great is our God and greatly to be praised.Creator God, you are the source of life and motivation.May we journey in faith and love, rejoicing and eager to serve you as we continue on our way as your Pilgrim people.

Scripture Reading: Luke 9: 1-6 New International Version (NIV)

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Reflection

As we look across the water to the You Yangs let us be mindful of the disciples and what they faced as they were sent out on their mission.It is said that this is the third tour of Galilee by Jesus. On the first tour he was accompanied by Peter, Andrew, James and John whom he had called first. On the second all the Twelve were with him, and on the third, he was alone after sending out the Twelve on their own mission.Jesus announced his Kingdom by both preaching and healing, and he sent his disciples out to do the same. Their purpose was to blanket Judea with Jesus’ message, and by travelling light they could move quickly. Their dependence on others had good effects as well. It clearly showed that the Messiah had not come to offer wealth to his followers, and the disciples had to rely on God’s power and not on their own provision, as well, it involved the villagers and made them more eager to hear God’s message.So they went out, from town to town, proclaiming the Good News and restoring people to wholeness wherever they went. It really was the beginning of the church. And it was the work of making God’s Kingdom a reality; God’s will being “done on earth”.This same mission is entrusted to each one of us although it will obviously be adapted to our life situation.We are called, individually and in community to proclaim the Gospel by word and lifestyle.

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Prayer

You call us, Lord, to leave familiar things and to leave our “comfort zone”.May we open our eyes to new experiences,may we open our ears to hear you speaking to usand may we open our hearts to your love.Grant that this time spent on pilgrimagemay help us to see ourselves as we really areand may we strive to become the people you would have us to be.Amen.

Song (v1)

Moving on

Let us embrace the silence as we walk; to receive not only the sounds of nature going on around us but to hear the whispers of the Spirit coming into our minds and hearts of the joy in belonging to the Body of Christ together.

LITURGY FOR STATION SIX: FISHING LINK

Scripture Reading: John 21: 4-14

4 Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So, they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. 7 That disciple whom

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Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

9 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Reflection

Jesus said – “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”

Importance of listening, acting, seeing, sharing the abundant catch!

A simple call to change! A simple act of hospitality!

Communion Service

Invitation

Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast!”

We come to the table of Christ, with gladness and thanksgiving, for the good things we find here (fish and loaf).

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We come to the table of Christ, with praise and celebration, for in creation; God welcomes and sustains our living.

We come to the table of Christ, for his wisdom of life is sufficient for life in all its fullness.

We are made in God’s image; and God breathed the breath of life into each one of us. We live and move and have our being because God invited us to participate in Jesus’ journey.

Jesus gently and naturedly offers an alternative option to the fishermen, allowing them to see, to smell, to taste your compassion. Your role as a host was evident then as it is now. We offer praise and thanksgiving; for opening our eyes to the abundance of your grace.

Gracious God bless this fish and bread that sustains us on this pilgrimage. Amen.

Sharing fish and bread

Prayer

Thank you, God, for again we are fed by your bounty. All honour, praise and adoration be to our God; for your abundance is always shared, and our souls are always fed by your gentle hand. Amen.

Thanks

Blessing

At this ending of our pilgrimage we give thanks to God for – The meaning behind our theme of Living history The weather that has allowed us to be together Those who prepared the liturgy Those who have participated in walking and driving, sharing and taking part.

Above all God, we are grateful that we have been able to share with you our thoughts, spoken or unspoken, about the value and beauty of your world. To you we pray, Amen.

Grace before lunch

Leader: As we pause for lunch in this place, may we be nourished with this food, and the food and fellowship God provides.

Pilgrims: Thanks be to God for food and fellowship enjoyed. Amen.

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Acknowledgements:

This resource was developed at the initiative of the Drysdale Uniting Church, following the success of the Pilgrimage to Living Water developed by the Uniting Church in Australia, Assembly Spirituality Network in 2011, and the development of following Pilgrimages by Drysdale Uniting Church as the Pilgrimage to Living Stones in 2012, the Pilgrimage to Trees of Life in 2013, the Pilgrimage to Sea of Life in 2014/15, the Pilgrimage to Living Land in 2016, the Pilgrimage of Sky and Air in 2017 and Pilgrimage of Bypassing or Passing by in 2018.

This year’s liturgy has been written by Rev Temukisa Amituana’i-Vaeluaga, Graeme Dryden, Denise McLaverty, Wayne Myers, Jenni Nickelson, and Rev Robert Stevenson. Use of this material in other places is welcomed with acknowledgement given to Drysdale Uniting Church for its production.

The painting used on the cover page is “View of Geelong” 1856 by Eugene von Guérard (1811-1901) and located in the Geelong Gallery. http://collections.geelonggallery.org.au/collections/#details=ecatalogue.4937

In the reflection for the Liturgy on Foundations reference was made to www.theologyofwork.org and www.raystedman.org .

The poem used for the Liturgy on Foundations is His Plan for Me by Martha Snell Nicholson from http://www.cavaliersonly.com/poetry_by_christian_poets_of_the_past/poetry_by_martha_snell_nicholson

The painting used during the Liturgy for Changing land use is “The Founding of Australia by Capt. Arthur Phillip R.N. Sydney Cove, Jan 26th 1788” by Algernon Talmage (1872-1939) in 1937 located in the Tate Gallery. https://www.tate-images.com/results.asp?image=N04877

The prayer used in the Liturgy for Changing land use is adapted from the Farming Communities prayer of the Anglican Church in Australia. https://acen.anglicancommunion.org/media/61501/Farming-Communities-Prayers-of-Intercession.pdf

The Bruce Ruxton quote in the Liturgy for Remembering war service is an extract from “A Drysdale Romance” by Eric Hourn. Copies can be purchased from the Springdale Centre and provides an insightful history of the United Services Home.

The words for the song, “One more step” are by © Sydney Carter and Stainer Bell Ltd. and used under license LicenSing # A262

© Drysdale Uniting Church, PO Box 240, Drysdale, Victoria

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