District Apostle visits Redcliffe, Queensland

Sep 2, 2020 | Events

On Sunday, 23 August 2020, District Apostle Peter Schulte conducted the divine service for the congregation of Redcliffe. On that occasion he was accompanied by Apostle Trevor Williams, District Elder Uwe Hoffmann and District Evangelist John Thorne. In the current situation where we have to impose our COVID Safe plan, our church buildings have limited capacity for members able to gather. Hence, it was the case that all members of the congregation could not be present to experience the festivities of the day. The congregation’s string ensemble created an environment for contemplation and meditation as preparation for the commencement of the divine service.

The accompanist played Hymn 28, “We love the place, O God”, as the opening hymn for the divine service. District Apostle Schulte’s sermon was based the Bible word that we read in Luke 7: 33–35, “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by all her children.”

The District Apostle’s message was that with understanding for the teaching of Christ we embrace the gospel and apply it to all the circumstances of our lives. The District Apostle explained, the people at that time of Christ criticised John the Baptist because he abstained from certain foods and, they criticised Jesus for what he ate and drank. This can be explained with the colloquialism; “Damned if you do, and damned if you don’t”. In summary the District Apostle stressed that we can have a life with all its responsibilities and faith as well. We do not have to give up one to have the other. That will just be an excuse for either not living your faith or being an irresponsible individual.

On this occasion, acts that were to take place during March earlier this year were carried out. The rector of the congregation, Evangelist Graham MacKrill – who had been an active minister for 44 years – was placed into well-deserved retirement. During his time of active ministry, Evangelist MacKrill served the children of God with kindness, patience and understanding. He had also made a considerable contribution to the development of the music work in the congregations throughout the Australia.

Priest Shaun MacKrill was appointed as the new rector for the Redcliffe congregation. Deacon Scott Andrews was ordained into the Priest ministry and Brother Siva Chetty was ordained into the Deacon ministry.

Another significant event on this day was the blessing bestowed on Priest Brett and Sister Natalie Schulte, who celebrated their silver wedding anniversary.