ABOUT THE BALKARA PARISH SYMBOLS
BALKARA - the aboriginal word for 'native dove', reflects the spirit of the Uniting Church and compliments the dove in the Uniting Church symbol. The dove is also a sign of peace.
BALKARA PARISH EMBLEM
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Anguillaria Dioica (Early Nancy) - This sweetly perfumed perennial herb flowers in Spring and Winter in grasslands and well drained scrub. It has been chosen for its fresh spring beauty but also for the central star and crown like decoration symbolising Christ.
The five unopened buds represent the five churches contributing to the Parish - unopened but expectant to the new directions and new promise ahead.
The two opened blooms represent the two Parishes that amalgamated to form the Parish of Balkara.
Chalcophaps Indica (Emerald Dove) - This plump ground feeding dove of coastal Australia with iridescent green wings, red bill and reddish brown head and body, seems a fitting emblem of the Holy Spirit in Australia. The green wings symbolise new growth, the brown body reminds us we are a part of God's earthly creation and the red beak reminds us of the royalty of Christ.
The Cross - The central cross reminds us all are united as one before Christ.
BALKARA PARISH MOTTO
A PARISH FOR ALL NATIONS
Describes the role that the new Parish assumed as a direction from God and reminds us that we are a Parish open to all cultures – as reflected in the acceptance of the Tamil Church Melbourne and Cook Islands Congregations.
The Tamil congregation has now moved on but the Cook Island Congregation still are part of our Parish and Worship at the Uniting Church, 14 Burton Street Clayton.