Horsham Uniting Church minister sings city's praises

He has found ways to help people and a community to love.

Reverend Ioelu is originally from Samoa and moved to Australia 13 years ago.

He worked in Melbourne as a moulding technician for seven years before taking on theological studies.

He graduated from the United Faculty of Theology in Melbourne as a Uniting Church candidate for ministry after three years of studies.

He has a Diploma of Ministry and Bachelor of Theology.

"This time last year I was starting my first appointment in Horsham," Rev Ioelu said.

He said his father was a minister of a Methodist church in Samoa.

"It wasn't my dream job but I knew it was in my blood," he said.

"I couldn't escape it."

Rev Ioelu settled in Horsham with his wife Ala.

"We love it here," he said.

"We've been made very welcome in the community."

Rev Ioelu said he had thoroughly enjoyed his first year in Horsham.

"It has been very exciting," he said.

"I found myself open to more possibilities of ministry I could offer."

Rev Ioelu said he found the highlight for him was funerals.

"It's about being able to help and joining the family when they have lost a love one," he said.

"It is a very tough job, but it is very rewarding."

During his first year, Rev Ioelu has spoken to groups and organisation about his background, his Samoan culture and his faith.

His talks always include music in his narrative.

On July 27, Horsham Uniting Church will host an evening that celebrates Rev Ioelu's first anniversary.

Singing My Journey will reflect on his time in Horsham, including the many groups he has visited and his first year in full-time ministry.

It will also feature the Samoan Uniting Church Community Choir from Keysborough, Samoan dancing and the Wimmera Community Choir.

"Looking ahead, the ministry needs financial support so this will also help raise funds to support the church," Rev Ioelu said. "We are inviting the Samoan community from Horsham as well and there will be lots of dancing and music."

He said he was looking forward to the celebration.

"It will be great to see the Samoan community, and in the past 12 months we have been doing lots of singing in the community, so this is about the past year coming together in a bigger event," he said.

Rev Ioelu said he hoped to stay in Horsham.

"I hope to stay on longer than what is expected," he said.

"My appointment is for three years, but we have fallen in love with the place."

Singing My Journey will be at Horsham Uniting Church from 7pm to 9pm.

Organisers said tickets were $20 for adults, $15 for concession, $10 for children or $50 for families. Tickets were available from the Horsham Uniting Church office.