Anglican minister Melissa Clark will soon move on from her beloved community of Woodend after seven dedicated years.
She loved her time in the village, and the village loved her too – so much so they are holding a community picnic at the weekend to bid her a proper farewell.
Woodend was the first place Rev. Clark was stationed when she was ordained, and she described that as “a gift”.
“I love the community. There is nothing like this community that I’ve seen anywhere else. I grew up in Sunshine, but I’ve lived in a lot of places,” she said.
“The people here understand their privilege and they use their privilege to give. There’s such a generosity of spirit here that is really beautiful to see. I get to be involved in that giving too.”
She said what she was most proud of having achieved in Woodend was letting the community know they didn’t have to go to church in order for it to care for them.
“Their church is willing to come to them. That is what Christians are called to do. We are called to go and care for others,” she said.
“I know that people who would not say they are people of faith would come and spend time either chatting to me or sitting in the church, just for quiet.
“It doesn’t have to be for prayer, it can be a refuge… this is a church that will continue long into the future.”
Rev. Clark has been integral in helping vulnerable community members connect with the services and supports they need in order to live happily and healthily.
“Leaving is very bitter sweet, because Woodend is home and it became home very quickly,” she said.
Elsie Lange
