PASTOR Graham Agnew describes his experience as guest speaker in front of the huge crowd at the 2013 Crosses on the Hill service at Coleyville as the highlight of his ministry.
His ministry has spanned almost 50 years and he has welcomed the opportunity to return as guest speaker at the Crosses on the Hill service on Good Friday, this year.
And preparations are well underway for the forthcoming non-denominational service,” says one of the organisers, Norm Kerle.
For those who have never had the chance to experience the annual service, it is held high on the hill at the corner of Eders Brothers Road and Rosewood-Warrill View Road and the outlook from the huge open-sided marquee is stunning.
A free bus service is run from Brassall and Rosewood and will deliver visitors right to the front ‘doorstep’ of the marquee, where they can take in the long view towards the three crosses which are lit up during Easter week.
There’s a free cuppa, cold drinks and hot cross buns and hot doughnuts to follow the service.
“We are very pleased that Graham Agnew has again agreed to be our guest speaker,” said Norm.
“He will speak on the topic ‘Responding to the Cross’.
“Graham is the minister of the Brighton Church of Christ in Adelaide.
“That church is known across the southern suburbs of Adelaide as a place of help and hope for people who have fallen on hard times.”
One of Norm’s role in preparing for the service, is to erect the three crosses on the hill at Coleyville.
“The three large crosses will be erected at the site in the near future and of course they will again be lit up all of Holy Week,” he said.
“We would welcome, and love to see as many as possible from all Christian denominations to join us in prayer, song and reading of the Gospel Message.”
The service begins at 9.30am and there’s lots of seating and programs provided under the shade of the marquee.
Norm is hoping that this year’s service will welcome a a record crowd.
“In the years preceding Covid, we had some 850 people attending this service and we would be pleased to see this number, or more, once again.”
Last year, the service had to be moved to Harrisville due to the rain.
This year, the alternate venue is the Aratula Community Sports Centre in Adam Drive.
“This is a magnificent hall with sufficient space to hold all of our people for the service and the morning tea to follow,” Norm said.
“We will again be providing a free bus service picking up at Brassall Village, Rosewood Cabanda village and Rosewood Uniting Church out to the service and back home.
“Please take advantage of this bus service if you are elderly or if you just don’t want to drive all the way.”
