Peace Pole Dedication at Blackburn North/Nunawading Uniting Congregation. Nunawading, Victoria, Australia
The Blackburn North/Nunawading United Congregation or (BNNUC) hosted a Peace Pole Planting Ceremony. A very special celebration in which all were included and ancestry was paid homage. The joyous occasion took place on July 21st, 2019.
It was a vision of Cherril and Jeff Randles, who had the dream of having a Peace Pole at their church, since embracing the mission when they discovered one while walking through the Riverfront town of Bright. Cherril and Jeff were instrumental in making this dream a reality for their congregation.
Cherril spoke of the ceremony recalling “a special Dedication Service with the theme “Blessed are the Peacemakers” which included details of the Peace Pole Project and its history. Then singing of “Imagine” by two young Tongan boys and all gathering outside for the dedication and unveiling of the Peace Pole”.
The Peace Pole was designed to be all inclusive, with the languages of English, Hindi, Chin, as the church is shared with refugees from the Chin State and Myanmar. The Church offers monthly Hindi Services as well. The final language being Woiwurrung, chosen to “honor the custodians of our land, the indigenous Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation”. The Woiwurrung language is not widely spoken today due to colonisation.
The colors on this very special Peace Pole included black, green, yellow, blue, white and red, significant in their presence on every flag of the nation’s chosen.
Everyone was given a small white candle, all adorned with “May Peace Prevail on Earth” with the same colors of Peace Pole.
The Chin representatives saying the Prayer for Peace in their native language. The Reverend Lauleti Tu’inauvai is of Tongan nationality.
A beautiful tribute and special occasion for the all inclusive congregation at BNNUC. For more information on events and services provided please visit:
www.blackburnnorthnunawadinguca.org
May Peace Prevail in Australia.
May Peace Prevail on EarthPhotos and News credited to Cherril and Jeff Randles, as well as Blackburn North/Nunawading United Congregation