A new interactive mural has been created using the front street-facing wall of Anglesea Baptist Church’s Opshop, Seaside Seconds. The mural captures the beauty of God’s creation and seeks to share Christ’s message with visitors from near and far.

The 15-metre mural was painted by local artist Minerva Lamorgese and will add to existing artwork in the area, such as the nearby streetscape and horse-and-cart. It is visible from the road as visitors approach Anglesea, on Victoria’s southern coast.

Anglesea Baptist Church Rev Michael Varney said the Opshop was already a hub of activity as people come to both shop and volunteer finding community and connection. “The church ministry centre shares the same space and has allowed people to ask questions about Christianity and to share their needs. People know the Opshop is a part of the church with services and events advertised on the front counter. At the rear of the Opshop, as an extension to the book room, we created a quiet space for anyone to simply come and just rest, be still and be restored. The window looks out onto to some lovely greenery and there are bibles and a prayer box for people to share private needs for us to pray about. We just keep praying for them and leave the rest up to God.” The ministry centre window has rotating displays which, together with a large Bible, tell the story of God’s love for the many visitors that simply window browse as they walk along the footpath.

Michael sees the mural as an extension of the church engaging with the community and as a “gift to the community” to enhance local tourism. He is excited by the relationships strengthened between the church and local businesses, the local artist, Minerva, commissioned for project who shares the vision and sees it as her “gift” to the community, residents and the council during the creation of the mural. It has been exciting to see kids engaging with the animals in the mural, locals identifying where it is and offering many compliments. A QR code will link to the image and will provide information about the flora, fauna and a message of God’s love. “For us, it’s an opportunity to grow and support one another as members of Anglesea’s unique community and for the church to share the story of God’s love and justice for all.

A very successful “sold out” Opshop fashion parade where more than 30 local businesses donated prizes and a community grant from the Surf Coast Shire helped fund the project.