On 22nd March 1992 the Broadwater Road Centre was officially opened and dedicated by the moderator, in a service of celebration that was attended by over 1000 people from the Mt Gravatt parish, local church leaders, political and community leaders and members of the community. By all accounts it was a special service that highlighted the journey, the faith risks and the miracles that allowed our church to arrive at that date.
In the address given by Allan Bulloch, titled “The road we travelled”, we hear of the journey to rationalise the resources of 5 overlapping congregations, firstly to form the parish (1986), and finally to come together on one property (1992) to “maximise the efficiency and economy of resources to allow for greater mission activity in the Mt Gravatt area”. On that day there was a lot of excitement and energy for this new season – but there was also an opportunity to remember, to look back and give thanks to God for the many miracles that had made the day possible.
Thirty-three years later we are ending the season of the Broadwater Road congregation. It’s a time to reflect, to tell our stories & to honour the heroes of the faith who have led us on this journey. Hebrews 11 tells us that we are surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses who lived by faith and who are cheering us on as we follow the same path. Like the celebration of 1992, we are being led into a new season of amalgamation – not because of any failings, but by the Holy Spirit with the same motivation of faith and mission.
In John 12:24 Jesus said, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. As we say goodbye to the season that was Broadwater Road and Living Faith Uniting, it’s natural to grieve as we relive the memories, but it is also a time of excitement and anticipation – where God plans to do something new, under the banner of Living Water. So, let’s keep moving forward and trust in God who has got us safely this far, because our future is secure in God’s hands. (For more of this message pick up the closure service at 37:37)