The 2009 Meeting of the Presbytery of WA began with a joyful celebration of life’s journey at Floreat Uniting Church.

The Bible readings for the service included Genesis chapter 12:1-5b, in which the elderly Abraham is called to journey. Ex-Moderator Robert Watson delivered a sermon, on behalf of the Moderator, Rev Ken Williams, reminding those gathered that all Christians are called by God to keep journeying.

Indeed, said Robert, the Uniting Church’s foundation document, the Basis of Union, calls it to be a “pilgrim people”.

Along the journey, however, there are milestones, and a number of these were celebrated during the evening, including the formation of the new Congregation Mission Support Unit.

The Associate General Secretary (Mission Support), Rosemary Hudson Miller, along with members of the new Congregation Mission Support Unit, came forward and Robert acknowledged the many changes members of the new Unit have had to work through during the transition period. Sadly, a number of members of the team were unable to attend the event due to illness and family commitments, but they were represented by photos and symbols.

The Presbytery also welcomed new members of the Unit —Rev Denise Savage, Jeff Savage and Rev Brenton Prigge from the First Third Team; and Wendie Wilkie and Rev Alistair Melville from the Rural Ministry Team.

Balloons in Presbytery colours were released to represent the spirit which leads these people in their ministry.

The service was also used as an opportunity to recognise milestones for many people who celebrated 25, 40 and 50 years in ordained ministry. Robert Watson thanked these people on behalf of the Presbytery, saying, “We bless you for the ministry you have offered and ask God’s blessing upon you as you continue on your journeys of faith to exercise your ministry in what way is appropriate for you in the future.”

Balloons in Red, Silver and Gold were released to celebrate these milestones.

Finally, the Presbytery recognised the retirement of Rev Marion Millin, who for the past three years has been Joint Associate General Secretary (Pastoral) working alongside Rev Ian Tozer. Marion is about to take a well-earned long service leave travelling in the UK and Europe before officially retiring later this year.

In responding, Marion thanked the “holy trinity” of her pastoral team Rev Ian Tozer and Barbara Bennewith, along with her husband Martin who has supported her in her role, including driving her over many kilometres as she has visited rural and remote areas of the state.

Balloons were also released to celebrate the new-found freedom Marion will experience in her retirement.

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