General News
15 August, 2024
Heartland Church is 40 years young
Over the last 40 years people have been attending church in the main street of Gilgandra at what was once the Gilgandra Monarch Theatre.
Over the last 40 years people have been attending church in the main street of Gilgandra at what was once the Gilgandra Monarch Theatre.
It’s a place where people have always gathered and whether that was to enjoy a movie or hear the Gospel preached, it remains that today.
Previous pastors attended a celebration in early August.
Pastors Ray and Carol Gale, Pastors Stephen and Riemie Gunsser, Pastor Ranald Cameron and Pastors Malcolm and Rhonda Shooter.
Travelling from Queensland, Toowoomba and Dubbo they joined with current senior pastors of Heartland Church Gilgandra, Craig and Simonea Barden.
From Faith Centre to Christian Outreach Centre to Heartland Church, the years in between have been celebrated.
The name may have changed but the vision remains the same.
There are many that have come and gone, some happy, some sad, some bitter, some to greater things, but all have had an opportunity to hear the gospel preached and to make Jesus their lord and saviour.
The church has been there when buildings burnt down to provide an office.
We have been a space for preschool and daycare. Many, yes many, food parcels have been given out.
Global care has been providing court support for more than 20 years. Lots of conferences, drug and alcohol and domestic violence seminars, craft groups and bible studies.
During the droughts we have been there, we have cried, held and laughed with many. Funerals and weddings too numerous to count.
Through all of this, it is our heart to see our town blessed with people staying in local motels for their accommodation and we always encourage shopping and eating locally.
Over the weekend the doors were open for the public to wander through and reminisce of the days gone by.
Greeted with a cuppa and some home cooked goodies, it was a great atmosphere to really appreciate the good times.
The building was transformed into the theme of the movie theatre and there was no doubt there has been many lights, camera, action moments over the years.
Friday night a prayer meeting was held as happens every Friday night in that place. We all prayed like we do many times a week, the churches of Gilgandra pray, for our town and those in it, for the Police and services, local businesses, community groups, the mayor and council, schools, those addicted, broken families, the hospital and doctors and surgeries, the hurting and grieving, the sick and loved ones.
We prayed that people would know Jesus as their lord and saviour.
That they would not be separated from his love, but feel and know their purpose, their calling, the plan that God has for their lives.
Saturday, we heard from Ray and Carol Gale, Malcolm and Rhonda Shooter and had plenty of time to listen to the incredible plans they had over the years for the church that were fulfilled.
Pastor Ranald Cameron shared briefly, reminding people not to blame God for things that go on in their lives or in the world and not to take offence.
Saturday evening a beautiful meal was enjoyed, prepared and plated to perfection.
The church auditorium was transformed into a restaurant to celebrate 40 years.
With a panel on the stage, we were entertained with question-and-answer time and over popcorn and ice cream cones, relationships were reunited.
Sunday church service saw Pastor Craig Barden preaching, honouring those that had gone before. After a time of worship and prayer we gathered in the dining room for the 40th celebration cake beautifully made by Windmill Bakery and a luncheon.
At 4pm Pastors Stephen and Riemie shared the gospel at the Healing Service, from blessing us with poems crafted by Steve to Riemie sharing scriptures of encouragement.
Many came forward for healing, to recommit their life to Jesus, to request prayer for an array of things. The presence of God was tangible, and many tears of healing flowed on the night.
We are so very grateful and honoured to see all those that have gone before us. The years they spent caring for others, giving to others, praying for others, blessing this wonderful town of Gilgandra as well as Armatree, Warren, Gulargambone, Coonabarabran and others in the area.
Many have been healed and made whole after hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached in Gilgandra, this church is only one of many that will continue to be here for others.
We will never know the impact that the prayers prayed here have had on this town.
It was great to see many old faces drop in over the weekend, travelling from Toowoomba, Coolah, Newcastle, Queensland, Narrabri, Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Collie, Tooraweenah, Warren and locally.
It was so good to see photos and memories of the days gone by, to sing songs from way back and enjoy each other’s company.
We are 40 years young, and we just want to honour God in all we do, see people walk in freedom and live a life worthy of the calling of Jesus Christ.
