Op shop to support religious education

A new op shop has opened in Umina to assist in funding a religious education program at Brisbane Water Secondary College.

The Op Shop was officially opened on March 22, in front of a large crowd of local residents and supporters of the program.

The Religious Education Ministries is a joint venture by the Combined Churches of the Peninsula and has been operating for more than 23 years, according to REM board member Mr Gary Beitsch.

"The purpose of the program is to provide Christian education teachers to the local high school who currently employs four religious teachers," Mr Beitsch said.

"The teachers are young, gifted people who in their teaching provide our young people with a solid foundation in which to build their lives on.

"The program has been very successful for the 23 years of its existence.

"The Op Shop will provide a further opportunity to raise much necessary funds to keep this work going as the program receives no government funding.

"The shop is open five-and-a-half days per week."

The Op Shop is located in Berith St, Umina, next door to Stephensons Real Estate.

Press release, 8 Apr 2010 Gary Beitsch, Religious Education Ministries