Sunday’s combined churches service at Yass Soldiers’ Memorial Hall saw about $2,500 raised for charity organisation Samaritan Purse to be used for their work in the Ukraine.

Local churches haven’t held a combined event, besides the Christmas Carols and online services, since December 2019.

Helena Painting, facilitator of the Bookham Community Church, member of the Yass Baptist Church, and Secretary of the Yass Ministers Group, estimated there were about 250 attendees. The ministers meet once a month to discuss similarities across all the denominations like scripture, youth group and events.

Helena Painting (Supplied)

“I think Yass is quite unusual in the way that the churches gather and meet together, and they have traditionally done that over many, many years,” Helena said.

“The ministers support each other too both spiritually and in friendship”.

Helena said it was a joy to gather and anyone is always welcome to the regular services of any of the wonderful churches in the Yass community.

Pastor Gary Brown from the Vine Church emceed the event, gave the message and spoke about the unity between the combined churches.

A combined band led everyone in worship song to start and close the service.

Helena said turning to God in prayer is a tangible way of dealing with the difficult and helpless situations in life.

A Prayer for Ukraine written by Archbishops Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell was read out:

God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today.

We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Amen

Anglican Reverend Steve Neuhaus prayed for our local community across the Yass Valley giving thanks to God for keeping ourselves, each other, our families, those with whom we work and learn, our neighbours and our friends, as well as our church and worship communities.

There were also prayers and readings from all church representatives – Bookham Community Church, the Gathering 2582 from Murrumbateman, Encounter Church, Yass Vine Church, Yass Community Baptist Church, Yass Valley Anglican Church, St Andrews Uniting Church, and St Augustine’s Catholic Church.

About 30 children were kept entertained in the wing of the hall and a gold coin BBQ was a hit with free tea and coffee and plethora of slices and cakes a welcome finish to the event.

Helena said the event was joyful, encouraging and well attended commending the unity of the local denominations.

“It’s good to have the unity of the combined churches in Yass, it’s quite lovely and quite unique.”

By Brianna O’Rourke