Radford Choir sings at Parliament's Commencement Service
By Rev Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, a portion of the Bible read by the Prime Minister during the commencement service.
Every year parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and members of the community are invited to an ecumenical service to commemorate the Commencement of Parliament. The service is organised by the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship in partnership with the Australian Capital Territory Churches’ Council.
This year the service was held on Tuesday 6th February at the Presbyterian Church of St Andrew in Forrest. This unique service brings a sense of clarity and focus for our elected representatives who are called to a particular form of service and public life.
Radford College students were invited to sing at the service this year. An extra early start on the first day of the school year did not deter our singers and the co-curricular music team from arriving ready to sing for a 7:30am start.
Students, conducted by Dr Tracy Bourne and accompanied by Mrs Bronwyn Brown OAM sang, “The Lord’s Prayer” from African Sanctus by David Fanshawe. Their beautiful singing enhanced the worship for those gathered.
The Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP read from the Bible immediately after our choir sung. The Prime Minister said how special it was to have the Radford Choir sing as part of the service. Mr Albanese added that even though applause is not usually part of a church service, everyone was clapping internally!
After the service the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP greeted our students, a highlight for them and the Radford staff present. This was also reported on by ABC News.
We continue to pray for parliamentarians and all who work at Parliament House as they seek to serve the common good.
A prayer for good government from a Prayer Book for Australia (Anglican Church of Australia).
Spirit of justice and truth,
grant to our governments and all who serve in public life,
wisdom and skill, imagination and energy;
protect them from corruption
and the temptation of self-serving.
Help us to commit ourselves to the common good
that our land may be a secure home for all its peoples,
through Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace.
Amen.