Both
Carlingford and Epping communities are involved in a wide range of
ecumenical activities with other Christian Churches in the area.
At
Pentecost 2004, a formal covenant was entered into by the Catholic
community at Epping, the Anglican Parish of Epping, and Epping Uniting
Church, Epping. This covenant gave formal expression to many of the
joint activities that were shared by our three communities and expressed
a commitment to continue these activities. As a result of an extended
relationship that developed between our Catholic community at
Carlingford and West Epping Uniting Church and Carlingford Baptist
Church in Advent 2008.
An
extended covenant, see below, is currently shared by our parish of Epping and
Carlingford, the Anglican Parish of Epping, Epping Uniting Church, West
Epping Uniting Church and Epping Baptist Church.
Each
of the churches in our covenant group share a series of five weekly
Ecumenical Liturgies during the Season of Lent. There is also a liturgy
at Pentecost and in Advent. The clergy from the Churches preach to their
neighbouring congregations once each year. There is also an annual
joint sitting of the Parish Councils of each of our Churches in the
covenant group.
Other ecumenical activities in our local area include:
- Carols in the Park: held each December is organised by the various Christian Churches in the area.
- Food
for Thought: Occasional lunch gatherings, known as Food for Thought,
originally an initiative of the Catholic community at Epping, St Alban's
Anglican Church and Epping Uniting Church but now supported by all
members of our covenant group, are held with various interesting
speakers being invited to discuss relevant issues.