April/May 2020

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With the COVID-19 pandemic reaching Australia's shores in March 2020, Australian churches were, for the first time ever, instructed not to meet.
Tasmanian Baptists responded admirably, and it was an unsettling time
However it also created unexpected opportunities - the bi-monthly email/PDF Tasmanian Baptist ADVANCE - Together in Mission, evolved into a weekly source of connection and encouragement. This was partly because there were no longer any services when a printed version could be distributed. But more, because increased connection with Baptists around the state was needed during that unprecedented time.
Re-branded ADVANCE | step by step, the publication was distributed weekly via email as an online resource from mid-April. And from the June/July edition, dropped back to fortnightly distribution, which continues into the future.
The response to the change is very positive! However, knowing there are many who would prefer a printed version, it will continue to be produced as a basic PDF format for the time being.
If you have any feedback or response - positive or negative - I would be pleased to hear from you.
Let's continue to pray that God will have His way as we emerge from these unexpected days.
Blessings,
Jenny
Subscribe to ADVANCE | step by step email >>>
Jenny Baxter
Tasmanian Baptists Communications Manager
jenny@tasbaptists.org.au
Moving Youth Group Online
COVID-19 Era: What Works?
Citywide and Wynyard Youth collaborate
Ray Hawkins - The Point Christian Fellowship
Poet-At-Large
Short Interview
Ray Hawkins, loves his retired, but not retiring, life!
Free Training for Educators, Kids Church and Youth Group Leaders
A Great Opportunity!
For Kids Church and Youth Group leaders
Pastors and Families Muster: Sept 28-Oct 1
Calling Camp Clayton
We Baptists are still coming!
(Just not in July)
POEM: Based on 1 Corinthians 13:12
I Long to See Him
By Ray Hawkins
Of The Point Christian Fellowship
Beauty Point
Out of Control? Lessons Learnt During COVID-19
Zahara Rehrmann explains
It was a beautiful wedding, so what could possibly go wrong?
It's time to support Global InterAction
Watch May Mission Month videos from our teams
Support your favourite GiA workers
Report: The Christ Option
Pastor's Muster
with Megan Powell du Toit
The Pastor's Muster at Lenah Valley in March had some great challenges for everyone to consider.
Happy Tears for Mother's Day
Maybe this year will be different
Jenny Baxter reflects on the tears - or lack of them - this Mother's Day
Devotions for you
Evenings with Ann
A series of devotions to encourage and strengthen hope and faith
What's Going On?
There's quite a bit happening!
Foster/Kinship Carers Book Club during May
Daily video devotions from Jenny and Stephen Baxter
Citywide's Weekly "Cogs" - Doing church online
Baptist services you can access online
Murals at Hobart gain attention
May Assembly for Tasmanian Baptists

Important Assembly Update
Our next Tas Baptist Assembly was due to take place on May 8-9, 2020.
Find out what's happening instead.
Our History: Baptism in Tasmania

The Defining Factor
By Laurie Rowston
Baptism used to define us as a denomination. So how did it begin? And what did outsiders think?
Be a Catalyst and Make a Difference!

You Can Help Change the World
Catalyst launches at Lenah Valley and Devonport inspired action enabling change in struggling communities overseas.
Regional RoundUp - April 2020
What's Going on Around the State?
As we transition to the COVID-19 world, churches are being creative and making adjstuments to continue to meet and care for one another.
Jobkeeper Program Information
Helping Your Church Stay Afloat
Rodney recorded a recent workshop for church administrators, explaining how to access government support.
Viruses, Bushfires and Acts of God
Is COVID-19 an act of God?
By Stephen Baxter
Insurance companies might think acts of God are now rife, but that's not the God we love and serve.
Biography: Gwenith Alexander
Faith, Flights and Fellowship
By Gwenith Alexander
What do you do when you're an ordained minister, your marriage breaks up due to a breakdown in health ...
Reflection: World Events
When Life Gets Hard
By Jeff Mckinnon
All of us are adjusting to a new reality in 'corona-time'. In our extended families, in our churches and in wider society ...
The COVID-19 Opportunity
Let's Be Transformed
By Stephen Baxter
Well, I've never experienced an Easter like that before! Jenny and I had plans to celebrate it with our daughter in Paris, on her YWAM base. Instead, we were in isolation...
Download April/May 2020 PDF versions
- April 15 Easter >>>
- From the MD - Our New Opportunity
- Profile: Rev Gwenith Alexander
- Reflection: Jeff McKinnon - When Life Gets Hard
- April 22 ANZAC Day >>>
- Regional RoundUp
- COVID-19 Update for churches
- Reflection: Viruses, Bushfires and Acts of God
- April 29 >>>
- Assembly Update
- History: Baptism in Tasmania
- Global awreness: Catalyst
- May 7 Mother's Day >>>
- Reflection: Jenny Baxter - Happy Tears for Mother's Day
- News: Evenings with Ann Herbert
- Local inspiration: Find a Church Service online
- May 14 >>>
- Reflection: Zahara Rehrmann - Lessons during COVID-19
- Global Awareness: May Mission Month
- Report: March Pastor's Muster
- May 21 >>>
- Interview: Poet At Large Ray Hawkins
- Opportunity: Free training available
- Update: Pastor's and Families Muster
- May 28 Youth and Young Adults >>>
- Reflection: Jenna Blackwell - What's Going on for our Youth?
- Moving Youth Group Online
- Report: Ulverstone Baptist Youth