May 21, 2008

Commemorative service for victims of China earthquake and Burma cyclone

The Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania will host a service to commemorate the victims of the earthquake in China and Cyclone Nargis in Burma on Friday May 23 at Wesley Uniting Church, Melbourne.

Director of Cross Cultural Ministry and Mission the Rev. Don Ikitoelagi said, “As we gather together to commemorate the victims of Cyclone Nargis and the earthquake that has rocked south-west China, the Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania offers our sincerest condolences to all affected by this tragedy.

“To those communities that have been devastated, and to their family members and friends in Australia, we offer our deepest sympathies and prayers at this time of great distress.”

A special candlelight service will take place in the midst of the service, in which the congregation will be invited to light a candle in remembrance of the victims.

The Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania has responded to both disasters by establishing the SHARE Community Appeal — China earthquake and the SHARE Community Appeal — Burma.

An offering will also take place at the service in which donations will be channelled via the SHARE Community Appeal — China Earthquake and the SHARE Community Appeal — Burma to the National Office of the National Council of Churches (NCCA).

The NCCA is a part of the worldwide Christian response of ACT International, which is a global emergency response network supported by the World Council of Churches and the Myanmar Council of Churches.

This commemorative service is being organised by the Cross Cultural Ministry and Mission team, the Cross Cultural Multi-cultural Mission and the Ministry Committee of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.