Uniting Church lives up to its name

TRINITY Uniting Church in Dandenong has played a leading role in my life.
I attended services in the Scott Street church and my first marriage to Ronald Kenneth (Ron) Stork took place in the church on my 24th birthday. My late daughter Melvena Kaye Stork was christened in the church and sadly, after her death, following 19 operations in 19 years for cancer, her funeral service was also in the church.
The church started in a blacksmith’s shop before worship moved to the present site at the corner of Scott and Robinson streets.
The Presbyterians also established a congregation in the early days of Dandenong, and in 1887 both communities opened brick places of worship.
With the growth of Dandenong from a sleepy market town to a bustling city with a multicultural population, I believe the churches have met God’s challenge to present the gospel in meaningfuly ways to different communities.
A veritable United Nations of faiths worship at the church and use its various buildings for fellowship and special celebrations.
A Fijian congregation has worshipped there for 22 years, with weekly services conducted in the Fijian language.
The Cook Island fellowship, a group affiliated with the Cook Island Christian Church, also meets weekly for worship and activities. The average weekly attendance is 60, with up to 200 people attending special functions and feasts.
Five years ago, a Hindi language group began conducting Sunday services and at his regular Sunday 10am service, Minister Upwee Tring leads worshipers from 17 different countries including Sri Lanka, Korea, Germany, various parts of Africa and Cambodia.
“We also have very good relations with an Arabic church which meets here every Sunday at 6pm,” said Reverend Tring, who himself was born in Indonesia.
Rev Tring believes one of Dandenong’s great strengths is its cultural diversity, reflected in the wonderful array of people from all over the world who share Trinity’s historic space.
“We’ve recently had a lot of refugees from Iran come to our fellowship meetings. I pick a topic, for example, how do you see your purpose in life, and starting from there, people share their own beliefs and listen to one another and then pray together. I really enjoy the discussion. People are very open about their spirituality.
“In Dandenong we really are at the forefront of interfaith gatherings. That different cultural and belief stystems and live and work together is quite special.”
An open door meal and Bible study evening is held each Friday at the church from 6.30pm.
The Interfaith Network of The City of Greater Dandenong last week celebrated its 25th year. For more turn to page 8.
Appeal for school uniforms
At the start of each new school year, I appeal in Moment with Marg on behalf of the Salvation Army shop in Dandenong for used school uniforms for primary and secondary school youngsters starting school in the area. Shoes are always among the items sought as are pens, pencils, stationery and books. The Salvation Army shop is in Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Phone 9792 2575.