We considered visiting the Sisters having met them at Neidra’s funeral and the closing night of the Camden branch last year. So, when Jennie proposed a night sky viewing in August, we thought Theresa Park could be a good place with little ambient light.
Roslyn became our go-between, phoning, emailing and even visiting the site before arranging a suitable date. The weather forecast was a little worrying during the week for high winds and clouds but came the day and the clouds scurried away and the wind died down. Those who arrived early had time to look at the various buildings, including some covered shelters where we thought we would have afternoon tea. But that wasn’t the Sisters’ plan – they invited us into their main building, an old school house with a kitchen and large dining area. Here we shared in afternoon tea with tea and coffee supplied by the Sisters. The Senior Sister (Sister Elpida) and Sister Anayah spent the whole afternoon with us.
During the afternoon tea, I overheard a phone conversation where the Senior Sister mentioned the 3.00pm prayer service. As it was already 3.15 by then I checked whether she needed to leave. “Oh no, when we are finished here do come and join us in the chapel”. What a glorious time that was. There were three other sisters waiting in the chapel and one playing the organ. We were able to take part in their simple service, unlike any I had been to before. The theme was “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, starting with the familiar hymn and biblical prayers with other songs all new to us.
After the service Sister Elpida gave a history of the chapel (originally St Peter’s Anglican Church) and pointed out how they had restored it. We then proceeded to the Prayer Garden, moving through scenes from “Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. It is modelled after the Garden of Jesus’ Sufferings at their headquarters in Germany. The reliefs in the garden invite the visitor to quietly reflect on the great love of God in sending His Son Jesus to die for us, and on Jesus’ great love, to willingly endure such suffering for our sake. Great comfort comes from knowing that God identifies with us in times of suffering. With Him suffering and death are never the final outcome, but resurrection and eternal glory.”
Then back to the warm dining room and coffee and a snack before Sister Anayah came in to say the barbeque was ready – come and help yourself from the kitchen. All the while the sun is going down and Jennie, her husband Philip and Heather’s husband, Geoff ducked out to set up the telescopes. And we were even amazed at the sky without the telescopes – I think Heather saw about six satellites.
Through the telescopes we first focused in on the “Jewel Box” which is in the Southern Cross formation. Even with the naked eye this hazy patch between two bright stars was visible but with the telescope we could see more detail, a colourful collection of stars. And after everyone saw that we concentrated on the moon, getting a high-definition view of a crater.
Many thanks to the Sisters for welcoming us to their home. I believe they want us to return so they can look at the stars again – they all came out to the lawn to join us and the telescopes. Thankyou too to Jennie for arranging the equipment, three telescopes more than enough for the fifteen who enjoyed this very special outing.
