General News
2 June, 2026
What’s happening here?
The Hopetoun congregation of the Southern Mallee Cooperative Parish has had a very exciting time over the last two weeks, with special celebrations.
Across the world, Christian Churches on May 17 remembered the Ascension of Jesus Christ, when He returned to the Father, and on Sunday, May 24, celebrated the day of Pentecost.
Pentecost is 50 days after Easter and 10 days after the Ascension, when the Holy Spirit of God came in power on the first disciples.
This power is symbolised in tongues of fire and a rushing wind, and the disciples were given gifts they hadn’t had before.
Without learning the language, they were able to speak in other languages so people could hear God’s good news of love in their own tongue.
Echoing the colour of fire, people often wear red, and this was the case in Hopetoun.
Welcoming people from Melbourne and Kerang as well as locals, it was a great time of worship, giving thanks and sharing.
Enjoying a meal together after the service was very special.
The church had another wonderful day the previous Sunday, when two people were baptised and welcomed into the church family.
As well as people from Hopetoun, others came from Geelong, Melbourne, Donald and Swan Hill to celebrate this special event.
While there was great sadness as the three couples mentioned previously were farewelled, joy and peace were also emotions of the day, evidence of the Holy Spirit at work, as a church full of people rejoiced together.
Rev Susan Pearse said, “There can be peace in sadness and even joy when God’s Spirit is with us!”