Serving the Common Good

By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain

The first followers of Jesus shared much in common. They prayed together, read the Scriptures, ate together, and shared their wealth and possessions. Like any group of humans, there were disagreements they had to work through. There were, however, practices such as prayer and serving others that kept their focus on God and the needs of those around them.

The Lord’s Prayer is a gift that we've inherited that connects us with God, with ancient followers, and with Christians around the world today. The prayer that Jesus taught is a prayer that can be prayed. It is also a pattern for prayer as we seek God’s presence for the needs of our world as well as our personal relationships.

Our Father in Heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on Earth as in Heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.

The line “your kingdom come” is a prayer for God’s way of justice, peace and love to prevail. The prayer for daily bread is also pertinent as we attune ourselves to the needs of people in our community struggling to meet basic needs.

Radford's Acting Director of Service Learning, Ms Kath Notley, says that our service partners, St Vincent de Paul and St John’s Care, are reporting that their cupboards are bare. They cannot meet the demand of people who are accessing their services.

Our student body, ably supported by Kath and other staff, are keen to help meet this need. The size of Radford means that we can respond in several ways while also coordinating our response. Stay tuned for a few of the student-led activities planned over the next few weeks and months.

As a college community, we support the organisation Roundabout in several ways. The Parents & Friends Association is co-ordinating a winter drive for the following items, which can be left at the Principal's Building, located in front of T.B. Millar Hall:

  • Pyjamas
  • Socks
  • Beanies
  • Jackets
  • Jumpers
  • Long pants
  • Long sleeve tops

Radford Reaches Out Report

Last term, Radford Student Council (RSC) in the Junior School and Radford Awareness and Service (RAS) in the Secondary School coordinated our whole-of-college fundraising appeal, Radford Reaches Out. A huge thank you to everyone who donated. It is very much appreciated. The amounts raised by the RSC and RAS are below.

Junior School

RSC raised $7346.90, which has been distributed as follows:

Some money has also been put aside to allocate throughout the year as students become aware of other needs that arise locally or further afield.

Secondary School

Through online donations and BBQs at the swimming and athletics carnivals, RAS raised $2473.08. This money has been donated to the Red Cross International Disaster Fund.

Again, thank you to all who donated and contributed to making Radford Reaches Out a success.

National Sorry Day

Wiradjuri woman Brenda Matthews will speak at Dirrum Dirrum Festival on Saturday, 12 August.

Friday, 26 May is National Sorry Day. We remember the countless lives that have been traumatised by the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. We remember that on 26 May 1997, the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Federal Parliament.

At this year’s Dirrum Dirrum Festival, we have the opportunity to hear Brenda Matthews, a Wiradjuri woman who was forcibly removed from her family in 1973. Brenda’s story is one of trauma and redemption as she wrestles with the legacy of being raised in two different homes. Brenda has published a book and documentary called The Last Daughter. Both are very powerful and compelling pieces of truth-telling.

Don’t miss the opportunity on Saturday, 12 August to meet Brenda and hear her story in person.

Reconciliation Day next Monday is a great opportunity for reflection, learning and action. Keep an eye out for Radford students at the Reconciliation Day event at the Arboretum.

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