In Echuca-Moama we have the beautiful environment of the rivers, with the gums that line the riverbanks, and all the wildlife that congregates there.
As we immerse ourselves in this delightful environment, we can offer praise in our hearts for its beauty.
Yet there is a deeper presence in this world, one that we cannot physically see, but one that we can feel.
For the first inhabitants of this land we call Australia, there is a deep spiritual connection to the land.
As later comers we need to learn that the land is not ours to own but to look after as have the custodians done before us.
If we listen to the land, we may also hear the calling of the eternal Spirit in this land.
Appreciation of creation is one way of coming to believe in a higher spiritual power.
Another way of achieving this is by becoming acquainted with the lives of those who have responded to the call of the Lord God in Judaism, and Christianity.
The Holy Bible details the lives of men and women over many millennia who have responded to God’s Spirit calling them to act and achieving great things for humankind.
For Christianity, the supreme example of godly living is found in Jesus, whom Christians believe was fully human and fully divine.
His life here on Earth is detailed in the four Gospels of the New Testament in the Bible.
Christians believe that although Jesus was killed by being hung on a wooden cross, after three days he rose to life again, a new resurrected life, and that his Spirit is alive and well in the world today.
Jesus Christ’s Spirit wants to build a personal relationship with each one of us so that we can in turn personally connect with the Lord God.
As you come to know the person of Jesus through reading the Gospels, hearing it being preached, and allowing yourself to let Christ’s Spirit work in your life, you will begin to grow a personal relationship with God.
The best way of nurturing your relationship with God is through spending time privately in quietness waiting on God, reading the Bible, and joining with other Christians as they worship, hear the Bible preached and fellowship together.
There are many Christian communities here in Echuca-Moama.
May God’s Spirit direct you to one where you feel welcome and safe to share your life.
I encourage you to open your heart to the higher spiritual power that is living in this world so that you may experience the joy of having a personal relationship with your creator.
May you find blessing in your coming to know the Lord God through Jesus.
— Rev Michele Lees, Minister of Echuca Moama Uniting Church