STMRCG 9 Nov09-ECUMENICAL SERVICE FOR THE MARY RIVER

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MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2009
ECUMENICAL SERVICE FOR THE MARY RIVER
Father Mark from the Noosa Catholic Parish has been so moved regarding the plight of the people in The Mary Valley after the State government decision to build the Traveston Dam, he offered St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Pomona for an ecumenical service.

Several Mary Valley residents attended Mass in Pomona and the community is well aware of the heartbreak many have suffered since the dam announcement in 2006. The community has struggled with accepting a dam that will only be a few metres deep, will have high evaporation and seepage loss due to alluvial plains, and further endanger many species and put the Great Sandy Strait at risk.

Over 160 people packed the small country church and took part in a service that moved many. Dr Eve Fesl, aboriginal elder whose mother was born on the banks of the Mary River, gave a traditional welcome to country, and began the service with song. The congregation then joined in singing ‘The Great Southland’.

Father Mark’s opening prayer reminded us of God’s calling to protect our natural environment and asked God to help us cooperate with others in a spirit of love and fellowship. Genesis 1:20-30 was beautifully read by Kandanga resident, Patricia Gabbana, one of the Mary Valley Catholic residents who will be forced to sell their land if the dam is given the green light this week by Environment Minister Peter Garrett. The Gabbana’s fertile land has supplied fruit and vegetables to Brisbane and Sunshine Coast for over 24 years. The very imminent dam decision is weighing heavily on the minds and hearts of many of the people attending this service. The Uniting Church minister, Ainslie Bos, read the Responses. Reflections of World Traditions were shared in the ecumenical service. Two acapella choirs, Cooloola Voices and Pomona Community Choir joined together with 30 strong voices singing “Down to the River to Pray” and “Go Tell it on the Mountain to let the river flow!”

A stirring reflection was given by Reverend Iain Watt, Uniting Church Minister who has offered support to the Valley residents for the last three and a half years. Rev. Watt spoke of the social injustices done to many residents in the Valley, describing their strong feelings of powerlessness and loss of hope. He followed this moving reflection with prayers for healing and peace, praying for those deeply affected to date. The General Intercessions prayed for the country’s leaders in Canberra, that that make informed decisions, and that the Mary River will be left to run unheeded to the Great Sandy Strait.

The service concluded with the Lord’s Prayer followed by the final hymn “Peace in the Valley”.

As folk mingled outside the church, local duo Linda and Mark entertained the crowd with spirited music. A sausage sizzle and afternoon tea served by the St Patrick’s community gave time to share stories and re-connect some of the community that has been torn apart by the dam decision. A busy stall provided further information for those wishing to support the Save the Mary Campaign. God’s constant love for us all was certainly evident and felt by many who gathered on this occasion. Thoughts were expressed such as “this style of service could be the way forwards in the future- all faiths putting aside differences to care for the planet."

Father Mark and Rev Iain, in conjunction with Adele and Adrienne from Save the Mary River Group are willing to assist other Church Communities to use the prayer service for the Mary River, to pray for the day that all the trouble and sorrow will pass, and there will be "Peace in the Valley" again.