Serving with Heart at Goulburn Uniting Church

For many years, Goulburn Uniting has been serving the community of Goulburn and its surrounds through the Friday Café and Op Shop. These were run mainly by a couple of devoted women from the congregation. In 2012, when our long-term Minister retired, an interim ministry was established, and from that came the formation of a Community Engagement Team. 

A committee was formed from volunteer members of the congregation who had not previously been very involved apart from worship, but who were eager to be part of something new. Around this time, St Vincent de Paul, who had operated a shelter for many years, lost their funding and closed their shelter—leaving a big hole in the local support network. 

Through meetings, planning, prayer, and hope, the idea of a Drop-In Centre was born. On a wing and a prayer—and thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous member of the congregation—we began serving a hot cooked breakfast seven days a week. Showers were available, as were fresh clothes. Volunteers came from many sources: parents from my school, groups of high school students, members of other churches, and friends. It was amazing getting out of your nice warm bed—when the Goulburn temperature was -6°C—to provide for someone else. 

This continued for eight years. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always filled with hope and determination to ensure every day was covered. Then COVID hit—at a time when help was needed more than ever—and restrictions meant we had to close. However, this season of community involvement had already cemented relationships with a wide range of people. The Greek Orthodox Church became one of our major financial benefactors. 

The Friday Café has since blossomed and grown, attracting people from all walks of life—both to assist and to visit. It’s a space for meeting friends and finding companions in a non-threatening environment. Home-cooked treats, friendship, and acceptance abound. 

While scripture is not taught in schools in many areas, Goulburn is the exception. Our church’s involvement—both physically and financially—keeps our name alive in the community. 

Our Girls’ Brigade is blessed to have three vibrant, enthusiastic, and energetic leaders who inspire the girls with an amazing range of activities. 

The Community Garden is thriving and continues to attract new, creative gardeners. 

A group of dedicated people has formed a committee to welcome a refugee family to Goulburn. A broader community group is hopeful of resettling 10 Syrian families, and we are sponsoring one of them. 

We are a small, ageing congregation—but we get things done! 

I cannot help but feel: The power of the Lord is moving in this place… 

Dorothy Keegan