Entertainment

#ChangetheHeart

On Monday, 25 January 2021, You are invited by one of our most senior Aboriginal Christian Leaders, Aunty Jean Phillips, to gather together to pray in unison to #ChangeTheHeart

Tune in to this unique, national service led by Aboriginal Christian Leaders simulcast on tv, online, and radio.

The simulcast will be available in your state at the following times:

ACT, Vic, NSW, TasQLDSANTWA
7:30pm6:30pm7:00pm6:00pm4:30pm

For more information or to sign up head to: https://www.commongrace.org.au/tunein

Twelve Days of Christmas: The Story Behind These Strange Gifts?

‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is a much loved, sung, and acted out carol around this time of year. Who hasn’t listened to the song? There have been many adaptations to the song throughout time and even different takes on what the song’s meaning is. 

One historical theologian, Associate Professor Dr. Bronwen Neil, from the Australian Catholic University, has said that the song may have actually been closely tied with religious teachings. 

She tells a story about one theory that suggests that the song gave Catholics in England a way to teach their kids knowledge of the saints and doctrines when Protestants were cracking down on the Catholics. Neil said each item in the song is a metaphor – or secret code – for a Bible story.

In this theory, the twelve days have really good meaning and reflect the story of Christmas well. Journey with us over the next 12 days to learn about the song’s meaning and follow along with some fun actions to help make Christmas even more meaningful to you. 

To help break it down, this is how it goes…Day 1

Sources: 

Summary of story 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-15/the-12-days-of-christmas-a-secret-code-for-persecuted-catholics/8123428

https://cathnews.com/cathnews/61-archive/28013-is-there-a-secret-code-in-the-12-days-of-christmas

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/deaconsbench/2018/12/no-that-story-about-the-12-days-of-christmas-isnt-true/

Source for the daily messages 
https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/the-twelve-days-of-christmas.html

 

Indigenous art celebrated as part of NAFA COVID Safe

Delve into the art, music, and culture of Townsville’s Indigenous community when Townsville City Council presents A Celebration of Dance this Saturday.

Produced in collaboration with Big Eye Theatre, A Celebration of Dance is a one-night-only performance as part of NAFA COVID Safe.

Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the performance was well worth seeing.

“A Celebration of Dance is a real showcase of our region’s incredible first nations culture,” Cr Greaney said. “We’re lucky here in Townsville to have incredible groups like Big Eye Theatre who are able to deliver cultural performances that embrace, promote and educate the wider community with first nations dance and music. This performance is free to attend, but capacity is limited and bookings are essential for COVID contact tracing, which helps keep our community safe.”

A Celebration of Dance runs from 6 pm to 8.30 pm at Dancenorth on the corner of Stanley and Walker streets this Saturday, 31 October.

To book your free tickets, head to acelebrationofdance.eventbrite.com.au.

Last call to showcase Townsville’s hidden gems

There is just one week left for locals to submit a video of their favourite Townsville destination to go in the running to win a $500 staycation or a $100 gift card to spend at a local business.

Residents are being encouraged to make the most of the beautiful winter days (and nights) and take videos of their favourite spots across the region.

Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney encouraged residents to be creative and get involved.

“So far, Council has had over 80 submissions to the competition, and they showcase some unique and diverse parts of our region,” Cr Greaney said.

“The competition closes on 31 July so there is still some time for anyone wanting to participate to take a video of whatever part of the region you decide to visit before the closing date.

“I’d love to see more people showcasing how gorgeous this part of the world is in winter so that we can share that with the rest of Australia.

“We have a very passionate and creative community so I’m sure we will see some more fantastic entries before then.”

Entries will be used to create a Townsville Tourism show reel to market the unique facets of the Townsville region and attract tourist and holidaymakers into the city as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

For more information and to enter the competition, visit: www.townsville.qld.gov.au/shines