Ladies Friendship Group

BRIEF HISTORY

In 2003 at an Interfaith Meeting it was decided to take steps to extend the hand of friendship to the Moslem women in the community.

To promote understanding, trust and friendship between women of different faiths and religions in Geelong.

The Moslem Community were very supportive and held two luncheons to launch discussions, then at a luncheon sponsored  by Interfaith it was decided to hold monthly meetings. With the help of Diversitat, a room was made available at the Virginia Todd Centre on the last Tuesday in month 10.30 - 12 noon.

MEETING FORMAT

Silent prayer  

Audible Prayer

Notices and items of interest

Refreshments

Subject for discussion (conducted by a member of Interfaith or invited Speaker)

Followed by questions and general discussion.

OUR PRAYER

Fill our hearts with a peace which each of us can help to spread,

Let us be of good heart holding fast to what is good, just and right.

We will strive to do good to everyone. 

We will support the weak and help those who are afflicted and suffering, especially those who are homeless and unemployed

We will honour and respect all creation.

We will love and serve God and allow His peace and blessing to be with us always. 

 Amen

MEETINGS

From 2004 to April 2009, more than thirty seven meetings were held

SUBJECTS DISCUSSED

• Guerrilla warfare in Iraq. 

• Dismay at the destruction of Baghdad

• Beliefs and Practices of Church of Latter Day Saints.

• Aboriginal history and tribal lore

• Life stories and spiritual journeys including Pranic Healing.

• Life in Pakistan contrasted with present life In Australia

• Life of Doctors wife and her young family in India

• Faith and traditions of Fiji, with personal experiences

• Plea for help for troubled young people in Nicaragua, Canada, Australia  .

• Life and problems facing goal inmates by State authorised visitor

• World Organisation for World Peace “May Peace Reign on earth”

• Journey to Italy, Macedonia, Croatia  seen through Italian eyes.

• Islam our questions answered about faith and traditions, family life

• Woman’s point of view - Sikh faith traditions including life in Geelong Details of a trip to Nepal ‘roof of the world’

• Sharing of spiritual insights, matters close to the heart and poems 

• Weddings, traditions, ceremonies, and clothing.

• Moslem wedding in Pakistan

• Hindu wedding in India,

• Greek Orthodox wedding in Australia.

• Romantic Sikh Wedding,

• Film of Baha’i  Wedding service 

• Fiji Wedding and

• Christmas celebrations  plus music

• Help for Afghanistan refugees, their rich family traditions, and problems faced.

• Spirituality Centre provided by Geelong Hospital for Staff, patients and visitors

• Learning how to help the disabled without infringing on their personal liberty

• Spellbinding talk of life in Iran, escape across the desert, arrival in Australia   

• Lighthouse Interfaith Health Ministries and Sign

• Chi Do art of moving prayer

• N.I.L. plan to help disadvantaged people in Geelong to obtain interest free loans.  

• Talk on life experiences and daily living as a practising Buddhist.

• Women's Federation for World Peace - ideals and efforts to achieve World Peace

• Diversitat Community Partnership Worker reported of help for ageing immigrants

• A visit to London came alive with a talk about people and major landmarks

• A  Country Fire Authority Officer talked on Safety in the Home and bush fires.

• Up to date report  on political climate in Fiji and how the locals are coping.

• Considered seriously how our Human Rights are being challenged - compulsory

• Fluoridation  family law courts  media  misrepresentation

OTHER ITEMS

Knitted beanies and scarves, for youth in Corio  

In support of the Peace movement made a series of squares illustrating ‘Peace’ for the ‘Seeds of Peace Quilt’ which has been on display in various places in our community

COMMENTS

As Members of the Friendship Group we have participated in an incredible journey, finding genuine friendship and i interest in day to day affairs.

Listened to interesting comments and given insights into others experiences.    We have marvelled how brave, helpful and persistent people have been to help others achieve freedom. It has given us a good opportunity of seeing different aspects of life from another’s point of view.

We have handled magnificent ‘special’ wedding garments, examined exquisite jewellery and family treasures from other countries

Discovered new talents. Learnt how to communicate and how to listen. 

Happiness in finding we all are seeking similar goals, of peace and harmony in families, employment, good government, freedom and safety.

Lorraine Mahon and Shirley Carroll

OUR PRESENT STATUS

 While it is felt that these meetings have a great potential to make a difference in the community, we need a wider spectrum of religions and faiths to gain the maximum learning experience to benefit our Community.

A decision has been made to put the Friendship Group into recess to allow changes to be made to its charter and method of operation.

INVITATION

If you would like to participate in the future of the Friendship Group bringing various faiths and religions together in harmony, so all gain a greater understanding and comprehension of differing points of views.

More importantly, if you have ideas how this Friendship Group could be made more active and achieve more unity and harmony

Please register your interest by    email  shirleyc@pipeline. com. au