St John's, Bears Lagoon,
celebrated its 90th Anniversary in March 2001.
It is a simple weatherboard
church typical of many to be found throughout Northern Victoria. Its most
attractive feature being the stained native pineboard interior.
The church gets a fresh coat of paint every time there is a wedding.
As it was the
only church in the area it has always been used by all denominations which
have had an influence on the church in many ways.
The congregation has always been
very open to change and new ideas, and very much a family congregation with
grandparents, parents and children of the same family attending.
In the cooler months you will find the congregation enjoying a morning
tea of billy tea and toast by the camp fire.
The closure
of St Marks, Calivil in May, 2007 was a sad time for the congregation.
Since that time the remaining members of the congregation have become a
welcome part of the church at St. Johns, Bears Lagoon.
Many items of furniture from St Marks have been included in the furnishings at
St Johns,
the most prominent being a beautiful stained glass window in memory of the
pioneers of the Calivil district which has been carefully fitted into a window
at Bears Lagoon.
The credence table, two brass candlesticks and a brass Cross from Calivil also
enhance
the native pine interior of their new home.
A wonderful sense of fellowship and support exists at
St John's Bears Lagoon and a warm welcome is guaranteed for newcomers and
visitors.
A service of Holy Communion is held on the
1st Sunday of each month at 9.00am and the 3rd Sunday at 11.00am. Children's
activities are an important part of these family services.
Music also plays an important part in our
worship. We use both Together in Song and Covenant Songs.
The Parish comes together for worship and a
bring and share lunch on any 5th Sunday at each centre in rotation.
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