The creek rippling over stones, the twittering of small wrens as they hop around on the grass, the rustle from the long strings of bark which hang from the branches and the crackle of the fire: all these were part of the Anam Cara Quiet Day at Billies Creek. The Latrobe Valley Meeting Place offered this quiet day to all who were interested. Attendees were from many different parishes and no parish. The beauty of the day and of the place spoke of God’s creation and the interrelation of God’s creatures.

Aboriginal pastor, Kathy Dalton, opened the day with a smoking ceremony. Kathy explained how important smoke is to her people to cleanse and welcome. Then the attendees joined in worship to the Great Spirit who made the world.

Pastor Kathy talked about the Dreamtime stories, about her people’s history and the history of her own family. She spoke of their strong connection to the land and community which sustains them in difficult times. Kathy showed some paintings by local artists and discussed the meaning of symbols and patterns.

She spoke of the loss of language and what that meant to her people. She is working with kindergartens and at church to help continue use of the language of her people. Kathy was happy to answer questions; this gave all an opportunity to come to a greater understanding of the spirit which sustains Aboriginal people.

Everyone had an opportunity to walk in the National Park along the creek and among the trees. Some walked as far as the little weir, originally built to supply water to Morwell. This was a quiet time of conversation, reflection and prayer.

After lunch Kathy spoke about her work and ministry. She showed the smoking pots and coolamons a local pottery group made for her. She told us of “meeting my people where they are”. In her role as Pastor, Kathy helps families plan funerals, naming ceremonies and weddings. These services use both Christian and Aboriginal spiritual symbols and prayers. At a funeral, Kathy must always say the final prayer to lay the spirit to rest.

There was a final time of worship, completed by all saying the Prayer to the God of Holy Dreaming. We had spent a day listening to God and through Kathy’s sharing gained a deeper appreciation of the experiences and spirit of our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. (Contributed by C. Raymond)

(Image: Colleen Wallace Nungari)