16th January 2019
Not sure what to do on January 26? Here’s some thoughts and ideas
The Christmas and New Year break is over and many are back at work. But it’s not long until the next holiday in the calendar – January 26.
January 26 is a day of both pride and pain: there’s so much to celebrate about Australia – but for many, “Australia Day” is a difficult day. If you’re confused about how your church should respond to #AustraliaDay, you’re not alone.
Here’s a few ways to help sort through the confusion and acknowledge the day:
1. EXPLORE and SHARE the #prideandpain timeline which includes 7 Facts you might not know about January 26
2. WATCH and SHOW the #prideandpain video (47secs) during a service. It explains the timeline and helps Australians understand what January 26 means for many Indigenous people.
Download video here: https://vimeo.com/250725456
3. START THE CONVERSATION with these useful Church Resources put together by Australians Together:
– Sharing Our Story – A four-episode video series for small groups
https://australianstogether.org.au/churches/resources/
– Sharing Our Story Leader’s Guide which includes group session devotionals, reflection, discussion activities, useful facts and links to help your church group get the most out of the series https://australianstogether.org.au/churches/resources/sharing-our-story-leaders-guide/
– Four Introductory sermons with a single purpose and message – to help churches understand Indigenous injustice, and to explore why Christians in Australia should care. Each sermon takes a slightly different approach to this message, giving you the option to choose the message that best suits your congregation.
https://australianstogether.org.au/churches/more-church-resources/sermon-resources/
4: ATTEND a #ChangeTheHeart Prayer Service in Melbourne:
Essendon
Friday, Jan 18 at 07:00 PM
https://www.facebook.com/events/523133724831338/
Blackburn
Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 09:30 AM
https://www.facebook.com/events/1998146103541838/
Bendigo @ Long Gully
Thursday, Jan 24 at 06:00 PM
https://www.facebook.com/events/336913813708539/
Mornington Peninsula @ Fisherman’s Beach
Thursday, Jan 24 @ 07:30 PM
https://www.facebook.com/events/2271426889769126/