Around the Churches February to March 2025

Mar 26, 2025
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Around the Churches February to March 2025

South

Citywide Baptist Church

Dinners Together 
Citywide has resumed its monthly Dinners Together for 2025. These continue to be great times of fellowship held in different homes, with a different mix of people and hosts each month. Guests bring something for the main course, while hosts provide desserts. The food is kept simple, and it works well. 

Annual General Meeting 
The AGM was held on 16 March, during which two new Trustees were added to the team and six new Elders joined in. The church was encouraged by the number of people willing to step into these responsible roles. Four new members were received, and three renewed their membership commitment. 

Reading the Annual Report, presented in the form of a Yearbook, brings great delight and encouragement as it reflects the breadth of all that Citywide does through its ministries. God’s surprises and blessings continue to be a source of joy. Praise Him! 

At the AGM, the church agreed to release Senior Pastor Matt Garvin for three days per week so he could take up the role of State Director. While this is a significant challenge, the church, in a spirit of generosity, seeks to bless Baptist churches across the State through his leadership. 

PHOTO: Nepalese Worship Team leading worship in the combined service prior to the AGM 

Another ongoing challenge involves the vacant block of land owned behind the Mornington premises. The church has been seeking God’s guidance on the best way to steward this land for His Kingdom. The proposal currently being explored is to develop an intentional community with multiple units to house people living with disabilities, women and children, and senior single women. It is an ambitious goal and a challenging commitment, pushing the church beyond its comfort zone. Prayers from the wider family are appreciated as the church seeks God’s will in this endeavour. 

Claremont Baptist Church

Claremont Baptist continues to experience growth and was delighted to welcome Steven, Glenda and Robyn into membership in February. 

In January, the church enjoyed a picnic at the newly developed Tolosa Park Reserve. The annual combined Men’s and Ladies’ Groups Breakfast also took place—it’s always a joy when friends and family are able to share in such events. 

Peter Shurley gave a wonderful evening of music during the launch of his new CD, Wait!, and also preached and performed again during the morning service. The church is thankful that God continues to gift people with the ability to compose new music. 

As the church becomes more unified as a multicultural gathering, it continues to be richly blessed and encouraged. There is anticipation for the celebration of Harmony Day on 23 March—naturally, food will be involved once again! 

PHOTO: Harmony Day display in the Stable outside the church

Hobart Baptist Church 

Filipino Pop-Up Restaurant
Members of the Real Talk! Bible study group at HBC—Karen, Mae, and Jing—recently found a creative way to give back to the church and express their gratitude for God’s goodness. Inspired to serve using the talents God had given them, the trio envisioned a pop-up restaurant event that would both introduce Filipino cuisine to the church community and raise funds to meet a practical need within the church. 

The idea took shape in early February, with the group deciding to focus on Filipino food. Mae, known for her skills in baking fresh bread, coconut bread, ube treats, and cassava cake, teamed up with Karen, who specialises in savoury dishes. Together, they formed a group chat with fellow Filipinos who regularly attend HBC and shared the vision for a “pop-up resto for a cause.” 

Each participant contributed a small capital amount—later reimbursed—to help cover initial costs. In total, approximately $450 was raised to purchase ingredients, utensils, and other necessities for the day. 

Momentum built quickly. The group efficiently organised roles, planned the menu, set prices, and arrived early on the day of the event to prepare. Working together in a cooperative spirit, the team sold out of all the food they had prepared. 

The event raised a total of $1,537, with $1,200 given as an offering to the church. The group expressed deep gratitude for the support they received from the HBC family, friends, and extended community. 

Reflecting on the experience, Jing said, “God is so good to us, and even as we try to give back to God, He blesses us again.”  

  • HBC news
    Filipino Pop-Up Restaurant team
  • Serving after the service
  • Filipino Pop-Up Restaurant contributors
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North

The Point Baptist Church

The Point was thrilled to witness three baptisms on 23 February at Greens Beach and to hear the powerful testimonies of those being baptised. 

The Gideons participated in the service on 9 March, sharing about their work spreading the Word of God. 

The Creation Discovery Centre has now welcomed over 6,000 visitors and has provided many witnessing opportunities. One such encounter involved a couple who visited in early March and stayed for two hours, openly sharing that they felt lost and were searching for something unknown. Pray that they come to know Jesus through the tracts and resources they received, having recognised that there must be a Creator. 

PHOTO: The Point baptisms at Greens Beach.

Northwest

Latrobe Church

With great joy, Latrobe Church witnessed the baptisms of Sharon and Eva on 16 February. It was a thrill to see these two women following their Lord’s example through the waters of baptism. There is much to thank the Lord for!

PHOTO: Sharon and Eva. There is much to thank the Lord for. 

On 9 March, the church held its harvest festival—a wonderful opportunity to share the abundance of food God has provided. Proceeds from the sale of goods, along with leftover items, were donated to Gran’s Van in Devonport, which supports those in need in the local area. 

PHOTO: Harvest Festival abundance on display

Ulverstone Baptist Church

With a theme inspired by the kids’ movie Inside Out and the phrase “Jesus is your source of JOY this Christmas,” Ulverstone Baptist Church participated in the Ulverstone Christmas Parade and was awarded the prize for Best Community Group Float. 

Following the parade, and in partnership with other Ulverstone churches, UBC band members had the joy of leading the community at the Ulverstone Carols held at the sound shell. 

The UBC family celebrated Christmas together on Christmas Eve and hosted a Christmas Day lunch for community members who otherwise would have spent the day alone. 

Leadership Summit 
A Leadership Vision Day retreat was held in March, with guest speaker Cam Buchanan. The event was open to anyone wanting to invest in UBC. The day focused on aligning vision for mission and equipping and empowering attendees for ministry. Four key biblical values were explored as foundational to church ethos: Mission, Fellowship, Service, and Discipleship. 

Kids Church, Men’s Events and Picnics 
UBC kids have been engaging in activity-based learning about creation, even painting their own mural of God’s creation on the church building. 

Meanwhile, the men gathered on the banks of the Forth River for a relaxed evening of fishing and a BBQ dinner. Monthly UBC picnics on Sunday afternoons continue to be well enjoyed. 

From the Pulpit 
Pastor Louis has recently been delivering a series titled Breakthrough, challenging the congregation to identify and move beyond the barriers that may be holding them back from growth, spiritual freedom, and the fullness of life. 

Around the Churches February to March 2025

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