The Christmas Bowl Appeal is our Mission Focus for December and we will be receiving a special offering for it at Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.
The money raised goes to “Act of Peace”. The international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia which has undergone many transformations since its inception in 1948. As an organisation, it is indebted to the churches of Australia for working together to promote our shared humanity across Australia.
Its services began in 1948 with the sending of food and non-food items to refugees and internally displaced people following the Second World War. On Christmas Day 1949, the Reverend Frank Byatt of Victoria placed an empty bowl on the dinner table and asked all present to give what they considered to be the cost of the meal. Frank urged his guests to reflect on their good fortunes and encouraged them to do something selfless for the people around the world who are victims of disease, poverty and violence.
This small but significant gesture of charity has resonated deeply with thousands of Australians and has shown that we all have the ability to make a difference, no matter how small the gift. This action became the very first Christmas Bowl appeal. It only raised £1808, but has now reached over $2 million each year.
December 4, 2011
Mission Focus