g e t t i n g t o k n o w. . .
Driver River Uniting Church What we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from our children, we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. – Psalm 78:3-4 Situated in the farming district of Verran on the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Driver River Uniting Church has a rich and diverse history spanning over 100 years. The original church building was established in 1911. This wood and iron structure was built on land donated by a local farmer and served as a school and meeting place as well as a place of worship. The church was named after Driver River Creek, which flows through the neighbouring farms, and has provided a beautiful setting for many church services and picnics. In 1961-62, the current clay-bricked, tiled-roof chapel and hall were built to accommodate the growing congregation. Today, the Driver River congregation includes people from a wide variety of denominational backgrounds. The congregation ’s members regularly join together for worship, sharing their gifts and talents to bring glory to God. Driver River belongs to the Hope Net mission network and is a member of the Assembly of Confessing Congregations. The Return to Contents
church is part of the County Jervois Parish, which includes the Arno Bay Community Church, Cowell, Coolanie and Cleve Uniting Churches. While Driver River does not have a minister at present, the congregation is blessed to have talented lay preachers within the congregation. These preachers also travel to other churches in the County Jervois Parish to offer encouragement and inspirational words. The Driver River congregation is overseen by a ministry team who meet on a monthly basis to ensure that the spiritual, physical and financial needs of the church community and building are being met. Other teams within the church focus on providing physical assistance, community gift baskets for those in need, and maintenance of the church building. The community is also active in coordinating camps, family fun nights, prayer buddies, fundraising events such as the annual strawberry fête and concert, and a food stand at the biennial Cleve field days. Many of these activities are excellent forms of community outreach. Some members of the congregation also assist with religious education classes at the local area school in Cleve, and provide support for the Christian Pastoral Support Worker at the school.
Driver River is home to worship leaders and musicians of all ages, each bringing the congregation into worship in their own way. Contemporary songs make up most of the worship music, but traditional hymns and songs also feature occasionally. The Sunday School at Driver River is led by a number of willing parents. During school term time, children between the ages of three and 12 are involved during the early part of each Sunday service before leaving for classes in the church hall. The Sunday school currently caters to over 30 kids, many travelling long distances to take part. Driver River also holds a family service on the first Sunday of each month. When the congregation ’s children enter high school, they may begin to attend the youth Bible study group. Held once a fortnight during term time, the group meets after school on Fridays to enjoy a meal and Bible study. At present, approximately 25 teens attend each fortnight. Driver River Uniting Church is united by their vision to “actively grow in our faith, equipping all, for the building of God ’s Kingdom” and their mission to “humbly live a life built on God ’s word and truth, and to pass it on to the next generation through a living example.”
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