Along with many businesses and residents of Picton, St Mark’s Anglican Church went underwater last Sunday night. The pews, and other furnishings floated up 2 metres in the air and then came down again as the water subsided, creating a muddy horrible mess and an unusable building. The historic 123-year-old pipe organ has swallowed a lot of mud and debris, and many of the headstones in the cemetery have been badly damaged in the storm. It will be a long recovery and restoration process before the beautiful Church will reopen.
However, St Marks has stood for more than 160 years, and it will stand for many more centuries to come. This Sunday we’ll be holding a service of Reflection, Prayer and Hope, following on from this terrible storm. This will be an opportunity for anyone and everyone to join us to reflect on what has happened, come together in prayer, and be reminded of the hope and security we can have in God through Christ in the midst of the ups and downs of life. The service will be held at 9:30am in the Wollondilly Shire Hall, Menangle St, Picton. 100% of the money collection taken during the service will go to the Mayoral Relief Fund.
Rev Ben Boardman says ‘We are very aware that other Picton businesses and residents find themselves in a far worse situation than us. I have been urging Congregation members to help others in town with greater needs than our own. In the midst of this tragedy it’s wonderful to see the resilience and community spirit of Picton as I’ve worked alongside many volunteers in the clean-up effort. The declaration of disaster and offer of concessional loans from the government is wonderful. However, the reality is that even once the clean-up is complete and life has moved on, there will be residents who have completely lost their homes and business owners who have lost their livelihood. I can’t measure or completely comprehend what that must be like. Be assured, you are in my prayers, and I am always available if you need a listening ear. Jesus offers forgiveness, love, hope and security in a world of uncertainty.’
While the Church is being restored, it is hoped that Church meetings will be held most Sundays in the Shire Hall (depending on availability). Please check the Church website or call 4630 8888 for any updates.
Everyone is welcome this Sunday for a service of Reflection, Prayer and Hope following the Storm: 9:30am at Wollondilly Shire Hall, in Menangle St, Picton. For further info, please check the Church website (www.pwac.org.au) or contact us on 4630 8888.
