A SPIRIT of celebration filled the Nambucca Heads Uniting Church on Sunday 31 August, as more than 50 people gathered for the official commissioning of Pastor Filikesa Kamotu.
He steps into a dual role, leading the local church congregation and serving as a Chaplain with Uniting Pacifica.
The service brought together churchgoers of the Nambucca Valley and beyond, including many parishioners who made the journey from Parramatta, where Pastor Filikesa previously served.
Pastor Filikesa takes over from Rev. Joanne Smalbil, who recently retired after three and a half years of faithful service.
Under her leadership, a strong collaboration was built between Uniting and the local congregation, a legacy Pastor Filikesa is committed to continuing and strengthening.
Alongside the pastor’s wife Lisa and daughter Nichole, special guests at the commissioning included Mid-North Coast Presbytery Chairperson Stephen Nicholson, Uniting Chaplaincy Lead Rob Atherton, Forest Chaplain Rev. Jason John, and Madalin Parish from the Mid-North Coast Presbytery Standing Committee.
Also in attendance was the departing Rev. Smalbil, who was warmly acknowledged for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the Nambucca Heads community.
A key feature of the commissioning was singing, performed largely by visiting members of Sydney’s Pacific Islands community.
“The singing was absolutely beautiful and brought a tear to the eye, I hope we have more of it at the Uniting Church,” a member of the congregation told News Of The Area.
By Mick BIRTLES
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
