Churches help fill the Christmas Bowl

Churches across Australia have again given generously to the Christmas Bowl, helping to rebuild communities and save lives in some of the most conflict-ravaged regions of the world.

The Christmas Bowl is the annual program of Act for Peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia. Funds raised will support Act for Peace’s partners who are helping over one million people affected by conflict worldwide.

Act for Peace Executive Director Alistair Gee said, “In the coming year, thanks to the Christmas Bowl, Act for Peace will be able to implement food security programs in Zimbabwe, provide health care in remote northern Pakistan, support refugees living in camps along the Thailand–Burma border, and much more.”

Churches in New South Wales and the ACT have thrown their support behind the Christmas Bowl. There were almost 300 people at the launch of the Christmas Bowl on the Coffs Coast, an ecumenical celebration held at St John’s Anglican Church Coffs Harbour.

The liturgy, based on the Christmas Bowl worship resources prepared by Act for Peace, and featuring information about projects in Zimbabwe, Sudan and South Sudan, the Philippines, Afghanistan and Burma, was presented by readers from the various churches on the coast. The Salvation Army Band, the Coffs Harbour City Choir and the St Augustine’s Men’s Choir accompanied the carol singing and provided several solo pieces.

“The Christmas Bowl was made and presented by Year 3 students at Bishop Druitt College, with help from their class teacher and the College chaplains. It was a superb evening,” said Jan Macleod from the Coffs Coast Ecumenical Council of Churches.

“The support of churches for the Christmas Bowl each year is truly wonderful,” said Alistair Gee. “As well as raising much-needed funds for peace building work, it is a powerful expression of churches working in unity for the sake of the world. Thank you!”

For more information on Act for Peace, visit the website.