
By Ed Merrison
MONBULK’S newest church has welcomed a new minister and left its door open to people from all denominational backgrounds.
Reverend Valerie Baker, the minister for the Open Door Community Church, had her induction on Sunday, 14 May after arriving in the parish with husband, Geoff, a couple of weeks earlier.
The church was created by the amalgamation of The Patch Church of Christ and the Monbulk Uniting Church.
“There have only been a few services so far, but people are very excited and looking forward to what the future holds as a church,” Rev Baker said.
The Bakers already agree that they made a good choice in coming to the Hills, and said they had been warmly received by residents.
“It’s a beautiful place to live. I love the scenery and it’s very peaceful and quiet,” Rev Baker said.
Rev Baker was previously minister for the Church of Christ in Ararat, where she sat on the town’s festival committee and high school chaplaincy committee, and was involved with Carols by Candlelight, which attracted crowds of over 4000 last year.
Rev Baker also played a role in various children’s and youth groups and was part of prepare-enrich programs for couples approaching marriage.
In her new parish, Rev Baker is looking forward to overseeing and extending the work of the Monbulk Care Network, and said she would wait to identify other areas of community need.
“It’s important to look at what the needs of this community are and then fit in with those needs rather than set up those things here.
“If people would like to meet with me, I’m willing to do so. The church’s name is Open Door and we will be open for listening and helping people through their difficulties and towards wholeness in their lives and walking the journey of life with people,” she said.
Open Door Community Church is situated on the corner of Moxhams Road and David Hill Road, Monbulk.