by Joseph Smith
On July 4 Donald Robinson Village (DRV), the newest Anglican Retirement Village at Kirrawee, celebrated independence by commencing its own 5pm Sunday church service.
A church plant of St John’s, Sutherland, the service is organised by a committee of residents from the village and St John’s rector, the Rev Rod Harding, with the aim of being a part of the wider community.
“It is not just a church for DRV, but a church using the DRV facility for the Kirrawee community,” says Mr Harding.
ARV Management, DRV Manager Elizabeth Jones and Rod Harding were planning the church plant since July last year that is held in the purpose built chapel located in the village’s main common space.
“For some residents, independent external transport is difficult,” says Ms Jones. “A weekly church service here provides easy access for those in the village.”
Village residents who are able are encouraged to attend their own churches. “We encourage our residents to stay in the church they are presently going to, to remain part of their church family, but also to be involved in our church family here,” she says.
Retired teacher Kevin Carter leads a Bible study on Tuesday nights, which is attended by residents, including two retired clergy – well-known evangelist Canon John Chapman and the Rev Keith Grisdale. “It has been exciting to meet with other Christians to study God’s word in our new village environment,” Mr Carter says.
“Having ‘retired’ clergy ensures lively discussions, and a great sense of fun and enjoyment in studying God’s word.”
Mr Harding regards the 5pm service as “largely contemporary Anglican” and is using the same sermon series as the St John’s, Sutherland morning program.
“The majority of residents are Anglicans but because there are a number of residents who aren’t, we decided we wouldn’t push strong Anglican forms. We wanted to include the Baptists, Uniting, Churches of Christ and others who are here to not have them feel totally strange,” he says.
John Chapman, who has preached at several of the services, summed it up. “There’s a degree of informality because everybody lives so close to one another. It’s great fun and I enjoy going to church there as much as I do anywhere,” he says. “I consider I’ve landed on my feet.”
