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Associate Pastor, Matt Henderson – Hobart

Matt Henderson Hobart

Ministry Profile

Matt Henderson, Hobart

Associate Pastor Matt Henderson was inducted at Hobart Baptist Church in February 2022, so it’s high time to find out about him. Read on to discover where he came from, and what his ride has been like over the last year.

I was born in Fairfield, Sydney but I’ve lived in Tasmania since I was very young. My family moved around a lot and we lived in many homes right across Hobart. I also spent a lot of my childhood on my grandparent’s farm in Geeveston. Tasmania was a wonderful place to grow up, and although I considered moving interstate as a young adult, I’m now very glad that I stayed here.

I love the ‘smallness’ of Tasmania. Our community here in Tasmania is still small enough that it is possible to build and maintain strong and close-knit communities. We are so blessed to live on an island with so much natural beauty, and because Tasmania is so small, all of that natural beauty is accessible in a way you can’t find in many places in Australia, or anywhere else. Kylie and I believe that Tasmania is the best place in the world to raise children.

I grew up in a very loving family. My older sister has a disability, and because of this I grew up with a different perspective about diversity, inclusion and people with special needs. My wife, Kylie, and I met at a young people’s Bible study, eventually marrying in December 2006. Kylie and I have two boys, Daniel (15) and David (10). Both of our sons are on the Autism Spectrum. I also have an older son, Isaac (23). Kylie and I recently became grandparents. Our granddaughter’s name is Dawn.

Kylie works as Citywide’s Accounts Manager, and does similar work for HBC as a volunteer. Kylie feels led to serve churches in the area of finance, and she also assists a couple of other churches in the Baptist Union in this area.

Matt Henderson, Hobart at Isaac's wedding
The Henderson family at Isaac’s wedding in 2021

Growing Up

I was raised in a Christian family and became a Christian when I was nine, on a children’s camp at the Blue Lagoon Christian Campsite. Unfortunately, I had negative experiences of churches as a child, and did not attend a church for a long time. I became serious and committed about my faith and working for Jesus in my mid-twenties when I became involved with a community of Christian young adults and families and got involved with children’s ministry and camps.

Growing up, my family attended very traditional Brethren churches. I was attending Eastern Shore Brethren Assembly when I met Kylie, who was a new Christian attending there because her mum attended there. After we got married, we attended another Brethren church in Hobart, where I worked for a year as the Sunday School coordinator. However, we became increasingly uncomfortable with the teaching around the role of women in these churches. Then, after Daniel was born and began exhibiting early signs of being on the Autism Spectrum, we felt increasingly excluded from that community.

We spent a lot of time un-churched, as we didn’t know how to navigate fitting into a church community as a special needs family.

Finding a Church Home

We really struggled to find a church that was accepting of a special needs family. However, when we visited Citywide’s Lenah Valley campus in 2015, we were immediately blown away by how welcoming and accepting the people there were. We became part of a church family there for the first time. When Matt Garvin arrived in 2017, he showed both myself and Kylie a way of following Jesus that lit a fire for both of us to become more active in serving.

At Citywide I discovered, developed and built my skills, stepping into areas of service and leadership I had previously shied away from. While there, we experienced Christian community in a very different, and much more fulfilling way, than I had ever experienced before. We became more open as individuals, more open as a family, and more willing to share with others.

Matt and Kylie
Matt and Kylie, 2023

As a result of encouragement at Citywide, I got some theological training. This challenged me to develop and practice leadership skills While there, I learned a lot about being part of a community of Jesus followers. I learned that I had leadership skills and I learned a lot about teamwork and church governance.

Our time at Citywide was a pivotal time of personal growth for both myself and for Kylie. We grew up spiritually there, and some very special people mentored us. Citywide is a place and community we will always have tremendous love for.

What Matt does now

Now, I am the Associate Pastor at Hobart Baptist Church. I wear many hats, and it’s both challenging and a lot of fun. My first job is to learn. This is my first time serving in pastoral ministry, and there are a lot of mistakes to be made, and a lot of learning to do. I see my most important task as building relationships within the church community.

Our senior pastor, Stephen Baxter, has a lot of big picture stuff to do with Tas Baptists, so I try to handle as many of the small picture, but just as important, details at Hobart Baptist Church (HBC). Much of my work involves liaising between different teams.

I oversee HBC church service planning, including our livestreaming, and a lot of our social media interactions. As well, I work with Stephen on our vision and direction for HBC, and our teaching plan and roster. I also do fairly regular preaching at HBC.

Leaving a church community like Citywide where we had built up deep roots over seven years was a very costly and difficult change for us. However, we have found the community at HBC to be welcoming, accepting and full of wonderful people. The culture is very different and adjusting has taken a little while for us.

I am still adjusting to working in pastoral ministry. Thankfully, I love the challenge and it is a blessing to have a great mentor to work with in Stephen. I am quite introverted, so there are many aspects of my work I find challenging, but also rewarding.

From a family standpoint, working pastorally with special needs children is a different kind of challenge. It would be fair to say that even after a full year here, we are still adjusting – but its been largely positive.

Matt Henderson, Honart

It’s all about P-E-O-P-L-E

What’s the best piece of advice I’ve been given? Building a strong church community is not about structures or programs, it’s about the people and what Jesus is doing in their lives.

Kylie and I would both appreciate prayer for managing the balance between our ministry work, and the needs of our family.

Short ‘n’ Sweet

I am looking forward to . . . seeing people grow in their relationship with Jesus.

I am worried about . . . how negative the public voice of Christianity often is.

I am confident that . . . as I learn, I will make a lot of mistakes.

I am joyful about . . . the rich diversity at Hobart Baptist Church.

I would like to change . . . how we think about disability and inclusion in the church.

I am at my best when . . . I’m part of a team.

Matt Henderson Hobart

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Geoff Maddock in Tasmania

Walking alongside, Baptist Mission Australia in Tasmania

Local Mission

Relocating for May Mission Month!

Geoff Maddock

Geoff Maddock, is the Tas/Vic Leader for Baptist Mission Australia

MY GOALS AND CONNECTIONS

As the State Leader for Tasmania, it is my privilege to relocate to Tasmania for the month of May to walk alongside* our Baptist churches. 

First and foremost, I seek to listen and learn what God’s people in Tasmania are experiencing as they step out in mission – across the street and around the world! 

I’m also honoured to be sharing in church gatherings each Sunday across May and attending pastors’ gatherings and Tas Baptist events throughout the month. 

I’m also honoured to be sharing in church gatherings each Sunday across May

I would also hope to visit with anyone interested in intercultural mission (local and global) or curious about the work of Baptist Mission Australia as we adapt our organisation to a rapidly changing world mission context. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with a phone call, text or email to arrange a time with me.  I will be in the North West for the first 10 days, then around Launceston for the next 10 days, finishing my time with just over a week in the South of the state.

Geoff Maddock
0436 470 535 | gmaddock@baptistmissionaustralia.org

SCHEDULE OUTLINE

In the Northwest (Ulverstone). 30th April to 10th May
  • 30.4.23—Wynyard Baptist Church
  • 5.5.23—Tas Baptists Assembly (Newstead)
  • 6.5.23—Tas Baps Assembly (Newstead)
  • 7.5.23—Ulverstone Baptist Church
In the North (Launceston – Worldview Centre for Intercultural Studies). 10th to 22nd May  
  • 10.5.23—Launceston Pastors’ coffee catchup
  • 14.5.23—Newstead Baptist Church
  • 17.5.23—Launceston Pastors’ coffee catchup
  • 21.5.23—Gateway Baptist Church
In the South (Hobart). 22nd to 29th May    
  • 28.5.23—Citywide Baptist Church

I am looking forward to meeting with as many Tasmanian Baptists as possible, and walking alongside during May.

VIDEO: Watch below to find out more about Alongsiders.

*ALONGSIDERS

Baptist Mission Australia is intentionally developing an “alongsider”approach.

We do this around the world as our intercultural team members come alongside people in their local communities and embody the good news by word and deed, in ways that make sense in that culture.

We’re also committed to doing this as we come alongside mission partners across the world and in Australia. This is identified in our 2021-2025 Strategic Roadmap where we envisage “new dynamic missional-focused partnerships with Baptist associations and churches across our Australian movement.”

Following conversations with Tasmanian Baptist leaders, engagement with churches and our own discernment processes, we sense God’s Spirit encouraging us to make ourselves available to journey with Tasmanian Baptists on your missional reimagination journey.

[From the ‘Tasmanian Baptists Alongsider Statement’, May 2022]

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ReCharge NEWS April 2023

26th April 2023 | ReCharge News

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    Geoff Maddock Visits Tassie!

    As the Baptist Mission Australia State Leader for Tasmania, it is my privilege to relocate to Tassie for the month of May to walk alongside our Baptist churches. 

    Geoff and Sherry Maddock
    Geoff and Sherry Maddock

    READ MORE ABOUT MY DATES AND DESTINATIONS >

    First and foremost, I seek to listen and learn what God’s people in Tasmania are experiencing as they step out in mission – across the street and around the world!  I’m also honoured to be sharing in church gatherings each Sunday across May and attending pastor gatherings and association events throughout the month. 

    I would also hope to visit with anyone interested in intercultural mission (local and global) or curious about the work of Baptist Mission Australia as we adapt our organisation to a rapidly changing world mission context. 

    Please don’t hesitate to reach out with a phone call, text or email to arrange a time with me.  I will be in the North West 30th April-10th May. Then around Launceston 10th May to 22nd May. And will finish my time in the South of the state from 22nd May to 29th May.

    Following conversations with Tasmanian Baptist leaders, engagement with churches and our own discernment processes, we sense God’s Spirit encouraging us to make ourselves available to journey with Tasmanian Baptists on your missional reimagination journey.

    Geoff Maddock
    Baptist Mission Australia | gmaddock@baptistmissionaustralia.org | 0436 470 535

    Atrocities in Myanmar

    A call for prayer via Australian Baptist Ministries

    The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation condemns in the strongest terms possible the recent aerial bombing of civilian villages in Pazikyi, Kanbalu of Sagaing region in Myanmar, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 innocent civilians.

    This attack is a gross violation of international humanitarian law and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life.

    As members of the Baptist World Alliance, who stand for justice, peace, and respect for human dignity, we are deeply saddened at this heinous act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones, homes and belongings in this inhumane attack.

    We ask our member conventions and churches to pray for the people of Myanmar during these difficult times and to stand in solidarity with them as they seek justice and peace.

    READ: Full press release >

    Riverland’s Ministries

    There is so much going on at Longford! To find out more, or to attend/participate in any of these ministries please check their website (riverlands.org.au), call 6391 2202, or email admin@riverlands.org.au. Office hours are 9am-12pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.

    • 10-11am Mondays and Tuesdays, Libraries Tasmania, Adult Literacy – during school term)
    • 11am-12pm Mondays, Prayer Group
    • 10am-12pm Tuesdays, Threads of Friendship
    • 5.30-9pm Tuesdays Young Adults Group – off site
    • 10am-12pm Wednesdays, Bible Small Group
    • 9.30-11.30 am Thursdays, Stay & Play – during school terms
    • 3-5pm Thursdays, Girls Youth Group – during school terms
    • 11.30am-1.30pm. Thursdays, Bible Discovery Group
    • 7-8.30pm Thursdays, Bible Small Group – fortnightly, off-site
    • 10.30am-12pm Fridays, Neighbours – fortnightly
    • 7-9.pm Fridays, Riverlands Youth group – 3rd Friday of each month, during school terms
    • 11am-1pm Fridays, Meals on Wheels – operate Monday-Friday each week
    Riverlands Minsitries. Snr Pastor Rodney Marshall, Meals on Wheels, Sta & Play, Associate Pastor Liam Conway
    Snr Pastor Rodney Marshall, Meals on Wheels, Stay & Play, Associate Pastor Liam Conway

    Grief Companion Training

    Do you know people who are grieving? Would you like to learn how to support them? You could attend this seminar, being run by New Mornings at Ulverstone Baptist.

    WHEN 9:30am-430pm, Saturdays 20th May AND 3rd June 2023
    COST Day 1 only – $75 (Conc. $55) ) | Days 1 + 2 – $120 (Conc. $85)
    WHERE Ulverstone Baptist Church Hall, 60 Alexandra Road, Ulverstone, 7315
    INFO Contact New Mornings: griefsupport@newmornings.org.au | 03 6411 6212
    OR download the flyer:

    DOWNLOAD FLYER HERE

    What’s Going On – Summerhill

    For more information about any of these activities please contact Maddy Svoboda: pastor@summerhillbaptist.org.au

    • Primary school mentoring at Summerdale (as well as training of mentors), runs weekly throughout the week.
    • Playgroup, 10am-12pm, Wednesdays during school term facilitated by the Salvos.
    • Chat and Choose, every Friday morning during school terms.
    • Craft Group, Saturday mornings once a month.
    • High school Youth Ministry, 7-9pm, 2nd Friday of the month (when not involved with the combined youth initiatives).
    • Life groups, throughout the week.
    • A service in our local aged care facility. We hope to extend to another service soon.
    Summerhill Baptist Ministries

    Stand with the People of Myanmar

    FROM BAPTIST MISSION AUSTRALIA

    More than ever, the people of Myanmar need to know that others stand with them. They need to know they are not forgotten.

    Two years on from a military coup, Myanmar is rocked by violence, oppression and instability. The economy has collapsed, there are severe shortages of food, fuel and other basic supplies. Families are forced to separate, churches continue to be damaged. Pastors have been arrested. The military continue to ignore basic human rights. 

    Since the coup, more than 3000 people have been killed and 16,000 people detained. Almost 1.6 million people are displaced within Myanmar and 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers from Myanmar live in refugee camps on the Thai and Indian borders and within other towns in Thailand and India. 

    Please invite your faith community in sacrificially giving to our Stand with Myanmar appeal, so that together we can make a tangible and practical difference in the lives of people who continue to live with trauma and uncertainty.

    What’s Going on – City Baptist

    City Baptist Church in Launceston has people, as well as activities that people can connect with relationally.

    • Street chaplain (Stephen Avery), coming alongside those in need on our streets
    • Advocacy 
      • Housing provided for refugees (Ivan James)
      • The homeless and those fleeing Family and Domestic Violence (Kay Hunter)
      • Climate activism (Sally Staley, Wendy Miller and friends)
    • Drop in Centre in the Red Dove Café
      6pm-7pm Saturdays, 52 weeks per year (Jeff McKinnon).
    • City Baptist Community Garden –  69 Station Rd, St Leonards (Steve and Marie Pearce)
    • Learning Circle (hosted by Garry Billing and Jeff McKinnon) for those wanting to grow in discipleship, spirituality and mission (three-week sessions)
    • Young adult dinners with Jenna Blackwell
    • Friday Frolics – Intergenerational social outing on last Friday of the month (Merelyn Briton)

    Find out more here > | City Baptist on Facebook >

    Some of the faces at City Baptist, L-R: Tracey and Stephen Avery; Jeff McKinnon; Jenna Blackwell; Kay Hunter

    What’s Going on – Gateway

    The Baptist churches in and around Launceston want to work more closely together and point people to activities going on in other Baptist churches.

    Over the coming weeks reCharge NEWS will highlight one church’s activities, this week, with Gateway Baptist.

    Gateway Baptist, Craft Group, Artway, Basketball, Mentoring and lifeskills
    Gateway’s Ministries most weeks:
    Shekinah House Team

    Volunteering and low level counseling with homeless people
    11am till 3pm, Tuesday to Friday

    Bible Study

    Ladies study with coffee
    3rd and 4th Tuesday of each month  
    Wednesday group
    5:30 – 6:30pm Wednesday
    Eat, Share, Pray Midweek Group
    6:30-8:30pm, Thursday

     Artway            

    Art Therapy and Lessons 12 noon – 2pm Wednesday and Thursday   
    Craft Group 6:30-9pm, Wednesday               

    Walking Group

     Ladies 10am Thursday

    Baptist Basketball

    Saturday Evenings

    To enquire about any of these activities please email: noeleagling@gmail.com

    Easter Camp at Perth

    In 1954, Perth Baptist hosted an enormous Easter Camp!
    Thank you to those who responded about the year this photo was taken.

    Perth Baptist Easter Camp, approx date 10940s

    READ MORE Perth Baptist Church Profile

    What’s Going On – Newstead

    Walk this Way - Newstead Baptist
    Walk this Way 

    2-4pm first Sunday of the month

    Family friendly short walks aimed to be an intergenerational opportunity to create space in creation to walk and talk.

    Life Groups

    Tuesday Life Group 7-9pm in Prospect
    Thursday Life Group 7-9pm in Newstead
    All Welcome! Join a Life Group here >

    In the Community

    Chat’n’Choose 9:30-11:30am Thursdays, at the church.
    Crafts, Conversations, Friendship, Fun. Men and Women of all ages are Welcome.

    Drop-in Centre meets every Friday 1-3pm in “The  Lounge” at the church
    Games for all generations, just drop-in to meet new friends

    Alpha at Newstead Baptist Thursday nights from 1st June 2023

    To enquire about any of these activities at Newstead, please email info@newsteadbaptist.org.au

    Mid-Year Assembly

    Friday/Saturday 5th/6th May, Newstead Baptist (NB new venue!)

    The May Assembly is coming up very fast! All Tasmanian Baptist churches are eligible to have at least two voting delegates in attendance, plus pastors and Tas Baptist Council Members. As well, interested individuals are welcome to attend. However, all attendees do need to register.

    Assembly papers will be sent to Church Secretaries via email on Thursday 6th April.

    Program

    7-9pm, Friday 5th May: Dinner ($30)
    9:30am-3pm, Saturday 6th May: Morning tea and Lunch ($15)

    Payments and registrations will be due to the Tasmanian Baptist office by Monday 5th May 2023. As well as the regular registration process, we are trialing an online payment/registration system. So watch out for that!

    Views of October Assembly 2022
    Views from Tas Baptist Assembly, October 2022

    CROSSOVER Easter Resources

    FROM crossover.org.au

    This Changes Everything is an Easter series that’s ready to go. There are message outlines that you can take, leave or adapt. But the bonus is the artwork for promoting and inviting, easily editable to include your church details.
    All free, because Crossover is here to help you share Jesus.

    Ally & Sally is the shortest soap opera you’ve ever seen! 3x 1-min episodes you can show in church, or embed in your weekly email, or both. Each episode can stand alone, but the story builds – and twists – with a positive encouragement to share our great news.
    Perfect for showing right before promoting the Easter Offering in the three weeks leading up to Easter!

    watch ally & sally

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    Deep Thought April 2023

    The God of Bethel

    Deep Thought – A bi-monthly feature in reCharge

    The God of Bethel

    While Maddy Svoboda was away on leave over Christmas, God used the time to help him recall some moments of big impact in his life.

    In the Scriptures, there are familiar beats and rhythms that get hit on a regular basis. Examples include: “The Lord is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness”, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”, and “Do not fear”.

    Another one of the regular rhythms and sentences that comes up throughout the narrative of the Hebrew Scriptures is this refrain, “I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”. It comes up in some significant places.

    Over my recent time of long service leave, I was reading through Genesis and came to another phrase in Chapter 31 that, for the first time in my life, stood out to me: “I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land.” (Genesis 31:13 NIV)

    I was familiar with the refrain of “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”, but not so much “the God of Bethel”.

    What was happening here?

    Yahweh is speaking these words to Jacob, a man who had an incredible experience of him in a place he would name Bethel.

    In this place, he had a dream that there was a ladder or stairway going up to the heavens. There were angels going up and down the ladder. God reaffirms the promises made to his grandfather and father and they are made to him.

    When Jacob wakes, he cries out: “Surely the Lord was in this place, and I was not aware of it’ (Genesis 28:16 NIV). He anointed the rock he slept on as a pillar, and called the place Bethel or ‘house of God’.

    Moving right along

    Fast forward to Genesis 31, and we see God identifying himself as The God of Bethel. All of this is deeply personal to Jacob. Yahweh meets him where he is at, in order to call him to the next step of obedience.

    This is the beauty of the incarnation of Jesus: he meets us where we are at by becoming one of us and dwelling among us (see John 1:14).

    For me, he encountered me on the banks of the South Esk River in Hadspen after a horrendous 18th birthday party. Again, he encountered me at a Christian group camp shortly after where I was overwhelmed by the love of God.

    Questions for you

    As you reflect and pray, have a think about the following questions. You could even use your journal to write down your immediate responses.

    Perhaps God will meet you with the next step of obedience, as God did with Jacob.

    • How did God meet you where you were at?
    • What does this mean for your involvement in the mission of God?
    • What does this mean for those in your life, who Jesus loves and you are in relationship with?
    • How might God be wanting to meet them where they are at?
    Maddy Svoboda

    Maddy Svoboda is the pastor at Summerhill Baptist, and represents the Greater Launceston churches on the Tasmanian Baptists Mission Leadership Team.

    More Deep Thought

    Being Family Together by Christa McKirland
    The Sound of Silence by Denise Stephenson
    A Change in Thinking for Changing Times by Laurie Rowston
    Courage to Make a Difference by Mark Wilson
    Just Mercy by Michael Henderson

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    Passion and Perseverance are Essential

    Passion and perseverance are essential

    Leadership Elements

    Necessary ingredients for Thriving Churches

    Michael Henderson, a member of the Tasmanian Baptists’ Mission and Leadership Development Team, gives insight into some key aspects of leadership.

    One of the hardest parts of leadership for me is sustaining passion and perseverance. But they are both essential. 

    This is the call of leadership; to have both passion and perseverance. If you are to lead, you must have passion for what you do and some level of perseverance as you do it. Grit, in other words, as described in Angela Duckworth’s book “Grit”. (An excellent book by the way.)

    Leading must involve your passion. The person with the most passion is usually the leader. This is not the person with the biggest voice or most “charisma”, but with the most passion for the task at hand. Without passion, it is hard to have the energy to keep going. 

    AND FURTHERMORE . . .

    Leadership must also involve your own perseverance. You need to develop perseverance in yourself. Can you see things through, or do you want to give up before we get somewhere? Do your interests change too fast, or can you maintain focus?

    You must have both passion and perseverance to be a leader, a pastor.

    AND, as a leader/pastor you must develop both passion and perseverance in your church, in the community around you.

    Baptists expect the church to join with their pastors in leadership, decision-making and spiritual oversight. This demands, that as leaders, we have a vision of developing passion and perseverance in the leaders around us, and in the congregation who will make decisions with us.

    Baptists expect the church to join with their pastors in leadership

    IT GOES BEYOND YOU

    Don’t just focus on developing your own passion and perseverance. Remember to develop it in your church, your community. Help them see how it all comes together in the vision and mission of your church.

    If only the leader or pastor has passion, then this model will ultimately fail. If only the congregation has perseverance to keep going, then our model of church will fail.

    It is only when we all have a developed understanding of what our collective passion and perseverance is that we will truly lead together. It is only when this happens that we will ultimately change our communities and world. Anything short of this is just survival.

    BEING INTENTIONAL – WITH GRIT

    None of this happens by accident, but it can be developed if you are intentional about it.

    Download the series of questions to ask, “How gritty are you as leader?” And, “How gritty is your church community that is around you?”

    DOWNLOAD ‘GRIT’ QUESTIONS >

    Your answers, and how some leaders around you answer, will reveal a heap about your grit.

    If you would like to speak to me about grit, and developing it in yourself or your local church, don’t hesitate to get in touch: michael@tasbaptists.org.au

    Grace and Peace,

    Michael

    Michael Henderson
    Mission and Leadership Development Team

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    An Easter Exercise

    Sacred Agents Easter 2023 by Abdrew Turner, Crossover; Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash

    An Easter Exercise

    *Exscribo Divina

    SACRED AGENTS is a blog by Andrew Turner, Director of Crossover

    Ten or twelve years ago, while chatting socially with a woman who worked as a psychologist, I mentioned rather sheepishly that I had a fear of flying. “You should come and see me,” she said, “I can help with that.” Before I could deflect, she added, “You know, often it’s associated with a childhood trauma. Were you in an accident when you were young?”

    Indeed I was. Intrigued, I asked what could be done, and to her financial detriment she just said, “Well, come and see me if you like. But you might find that just having had this conversation will have helped.” What? A passing conversation of all of two minutes?

    But then the strangest thing happened. When I next flew – some weeks later – the fear was just gone. I am still absolutely amazed by this, that just a few words can have such power, power beyond argument or persuasion or logic. It’s like she had spoken directly to my nervous system.

    It’s time to get your pen and notebook!

    If you’ve been following Jesus for a while, Easter can be a little strange. We celebrate the heart of the good news, but it doesn’t seem like news anymore. We know how it goes. God bless all the preachers stretching their heads to come up with a fresh angle on this old story! But Easter can just come and go, if we let it.

    So here’s a little exercise I’ve found helpful to keep the heart from dozing: Copy out Mark 14-16 and Isaiah 53. Copying Scripture* is slow.

    Slow enough that sure, I notice little things I hadn’t considered so much before. But it’s not about that – it’s about letting the words hit me in a different way. I’ve just been immersing myself in the wonder of it all. Opening myself up to “just having had this conversation” with God.

    Making a difference

    My intention here isn’t to know more. Perhaps it’s to know better or deeper. My fear of flying wasn’t logical, and it wasn’t fixed by following logical steps. I did get information, but strangely sideways, so that it got deep enough in me to make a genuine difference.

    This is not just something we can do for ourselves, but with others too.

    Perhaps there’s someone in your life who’d be willing just to read through it with you? Not for analysis or explanation or even persuasion – you might find there’s other powerful ways that God works his healing magic both in and through you.

    Andrew Turner, Crossover

    Andrew Turner is Director of Crossover for Australian Baptist Ministries.Crossover exists to Help Australian Baptists Share Jesus.


    Please support the Crossover Easter Offering in 2023.
    FIND OUT HOW by checking our March News, OR visit Crossover Easter

    *You can call it Exscribo Divina if the people you’re trying to impress only speak Latin.

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    APRIL/MAY 2023

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    Youth Gather Monthly

    Launceston Combined youth 2023 - Baptist churches

    Youth Update

    Baptist Youth Activities in Greater Launceston

    What are our youth up to in the north of the State? Roger Radford (Summerhill) fills us in on the unified approach taken by Launceston and Longford churches.

    Launceston Combined Youth

    7-9pm, 4th Friday every month

    I am excited to share with you all the wonderful events that the greater Launceston area Baptist Youth has had in 2023.

    It has been an incredible year filled with fun, fellowship, and growth. We have had the pleasure of coming together and enjoying each other’s company through a range of exciting activities.

    The first event we had was Bowling, where we had a friendly competition and shared many laughs. We all appreciated the chance to let our hair down and relax in each other’s company.

    Our second event was held at Newstead Baptist, where we enjoyed a range of games that challenged our strategic thinking and teamwork skills. It was great to see everyone working together and having a great time.

    More recently, we had a Laser Tag event, where we gathered for an action-packed day of running around and dodging lasers. It was a great opportunity to let loose, have fun, and bond with each other.

    Plans for the year ahead

    As we move into 2023, we have an exciting lineup of events planned.

    On the 28th April, there will be a Sports and Skate event. Then Basketball games on 26th May, where we can show our competitive spirit and have a great time cheering each other on.

    There will also be a Trivia Night on 23rd June, which will be a fantastic opportunity to learn new things and share our knowledge with each other.

    We are still planning our fourth event on 28th July, and will confirm the details soon. Be sure to stay tuned for more information about this exciting event.

    Please come!

    I am grateful for the wonderful year we have had so far and am excited about the upcoming events for 2023. I encourage all youth to come along and get involved in these events. They are a great way to meet new people, have fun, and grow in faith together.

    For more information, please reach out to Daniel Hutchison (minister@newsteadbaptist.org.au), Liam Conway (liam@riverlands.org.au), Jessie Radford (jradford@summerhillbaptist.org.au) or Roger Radford (rradford@summerhillbaptist.org.au).

    Taking Great Strides in Basketball

    LBA Baptist

    Basketball in Launceston - Baptist Youth Activities
    LBA Mens’ Teams Huddle

    Launceston Baptist Basketball Report

    Over the New Year period, two of our teams, a men’s and a women’s team, attended the 50th National Baptist Basketball Carnival in Adelaide. We also sent one junior player who had the fantastic opportunity to suit up and play with an Adelaide team.

    Although none of our teams made it to the finals this year, it was a thrilling experience to be back at the carnival after a two-year hiatus due to the global situation. The camaraderie, sportsmanship, and faith-filled atmosphere were truly inspiring.

    In even more exciting news, the 2024 National Baptist Basketball Carnival will be hosted by Launceston! This will be a wonderful opportunity for our community to showcase our beautiful city and welcome fellow Christian basketball enthusiasts from around the nation.

    Season news

    Our LBA Baptist regular season has recently kicked off, and we have seen significant growth in participation.

    This season, we have six A Grade men’s teams, four A Grade women’s teams. Plus ten B Grade men’s teams, and five B Grade women’s teams.

    Games are on Saturday nights at Elphin Sports Centre and Newstead College, and we encourage everyone to come out and support our talented teams.

    Questions? Info? Want to get involved? Reach out to Jessie and Roger Radford at Baptist@Launceston.basketball.

    We are looking forward to a fantastic season and the continued growth of our LBA Baptist Basketball League.

    Radford Family; Baptist Youth Activities

    Roger Radford
    At left, Jessie, Roger and their kids

    Baptist Youth Activities

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    April/May 2023

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    Associate Pastor, Franz Brosch – Wynyard

    Franz and Heidi Brosch

    Ministry Profile

    Introducing: Franz Brosch

    Associate Pastor Franz Brosch was inducted at Wynyard Baptist Church on Sunday 12th February, 2023. He will work alongside Senior Pastor Owen Muskett. Franz and Heidi are excited to be in Tassie, after God brought them on quite a journey!

    A long time ago in a country far, far away . . .

    I was born and grew up in a town in Southwest Germany called Mühlacker. It wasn’t exactly a rural setting, but still a reasonably small and well-connected community, with neighbours having chats across their fences. Our suburb was beautifully located, surrounded by fields and forests, and it had a river flowing through. It was a good place to grow up.

    At the age of 20, I moved 40km away to Karlsruhe – a city of 300,000 – in order to study Computer Science at university.

    My wife Heidi and I moved to Tassie after having spent the last eight years in the Camden area, near Sydney. It has been lovely to explore our new hometown, Wynyard, and its surrounds.

    We love the stunning beauty of the sea shore, but also the rolling hills and mountains inland. We have also enjoyed getting to know the community here. People are friendly, and everyone has time for a chat!

    Franz and Heidi Brosch
    Franz and Heidi Brosch

    Both Heidi and I come from relatively small families. I have my parents and two older brothers living back in Germany. All of them have visited us at some stage after our migration to Australia in 2012.

    Since it was only Heidi and me who came out, we are thankful for modern technology. It enables us to stay in touch through phone calls and video chats.

    As far as I can think back, I have always believed in God. As a child I was part of the Catholic Church. However, in secondary school a group of evangelical students invited me join them. They met in the breaks between classes for prayer and Bible reading. Being part of this group greatly increased my understanding of the Gospel.

    As an adult, I joined an evangelical church, where I was baptised. While I had been baptised as an infant, I took this step to make a conscious declaration of my faith.

    The path towards leadership

    My first career was in IT, working as a software engineer. I loved the work, yet over time it became increasingly clear I was not really passionate about it. I wanted to dedicate myself more fully to Christian ministry, but I did not know which direction to take.

    After moving to Australia, the Lord brought us in contact with a number of Christian ministries and communities. This gave me a much better understanding of what it would mean to pursue vocational ministry. Looking back, I think all these experiences worked together to make me ready to accept leadership responsibility for a community of believers.

    I think all these experiences worked together to make me ready to accept leadership responsibility for a community of believers.

    Having served as a ministry intern at Narellan Community Congregational Church, near Sydney, for three years, I felt it was time to seek a new ministry position to broaden the scope of my experience.

    I was hoping I would still be able to serve under a senior pastor, rather than on my own. Plus, I wanted to work part-time, to allow for the completion of my ongoing theological studies.

    At Wynyard Baptist Church, exactly such an opportunity opened up! I am excited the church accepted me as their new Associate Pastor. Heidi and I moved to Wynyard in January 2023, and I started work in February.

    Loving, teaching, serving

    I have received so much valuable advice over the years, and it is impossible to single out one piece of advice above all others. But one that proved to be crucial was for me to take up theological studies. The advice came first from Heidi. Then from a friend who noticed my growing love for God’s Word, and my desire to understand it more deeply.

    My Master of Divinity studies at Morling College have shaped me a lot. They have greatly increased my readiness for vocational ministry in the Church.

    Having only just started the Associate Pastor role at Wynyard Baptist, the working out of my focus areas is an ongoing process that will still take time. At the moment, I am working three days/week, and spending time getting to know all aspects of the life and ministry of the church.

    I love worship, and have been playing the keyboard in our Sunday services. As well, I am on the church’s preaching roster. More things will come in time.

    I am greatly excited to see that God uses deep passions within me, such as worship and teaching, to serve his people and to bring fruit for his kingdom. I love the fact that I can spend my time and energy in ways that really matter and have eternal value.is becoming more and more post-Christian.

    Many of the older ways of reaching the lost are simply no longer effective. Part of the challenge of ministry today is thinking of new ways to re-engage people with the message of Jesus.

    My challenge

    I feel the work of ministry can bring out the worst of our brokenness, both in myself as well as in others, as it is a ministry from and to the heart. The process of spiritual transformation can be frustratingly slow and suffer all kinds of setbacks.

    The challenge, then, is to keep looking to Christ and trusting him to take our efforts, imperfect as they are, and use them to continue to build his Church.

    At this stage, I would appreciate prayer for the continued process of settling in at Wynyard Baptist Church, as well as life in Wynyard.

    Pray my ministry in the church will grow and mature over time, and that as a church we will be a blessing to the community, to all those whose lives we touch. Pray, too, we will cooperate well with other churches in the area in proclaiming the Gospel, and many in our town turn to Christ.

    And briefly

    I am looking forward to . . . the year ahead with Wynyard Baptist Church.

    I am worried about . . . the increasing secularization of Australia and other Western nations.

    I am confident that . . . coming to Wynyard was the right step to take.

    I am joyful about . . . the beauty of creation across Tassie.

    I would like to change . . . myself to do more exercise and eat less sweets.

    I am at my best when . . . what I do corresponds with the passion that God has laid on my heart.

    Franz Brosch

    More Ministry Profiles

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    ReCharge NEWS March 2023

    22nd March 2023 | ReCharge News

    Click Item to Read

      CROSSOVER Easter Resources

      FROM crossover.org.au

      This Changes Everything is an Easter series that’s ready to go. There are message outlines that you can take, leave or adapt. But the bonus is the artwork for promoting and inviting, easily editable to include your church details.
      All free, because Crossover is here to help you share Jesus.

      Ally & Sally is the shortest soap opera you’ve ever seen! 3x 1-min episodes you can show in church, or embed in your weekly email, or both. Each episode can stand alone, but the story builds – and twists – with a positive encouragement to share our great news.
      Perfect for showing right before promoting the Easter Offering in the three weeks leading up to Easter!

      watch ally & sally

      Mid-Year Assembly

      Friday/Saturday 5th/6th May, Newstead Baptist (NB new venue!)

      The May Assembly is coming up very fast! All Tasmanian Baptist churches are eligible to have at least two voting delegates in attendance, plus pastors and Tas Baptist Council Members. As well, interested individuals are welcome to attend. However, all attendees do need to register.

      Assembly papers will be sent to Church Secretaries via email on Thursday 6th April.

      Program

      7-9pm, Friday 5th May: Dinner ($30)
      9:30am-3pm, Saturday 6th May: Morning tea and Lunch ($15)

      Payments and registrations will be due to the Tasmanian Baptist office by Monday 5th May 2023. As well as the regular registration process, we are trialling an online payment/registration system. So watch out for that!

      Views of October Assembly 2022
      Views from Tas Baptist Assembly, October 2022

      National Neighbour Day

      Sunday 26th March 2023

      REENGAGE, REIMAGINE, REALIGN. These are familiar words for Tasmanian Baptists! And what better day to reengage with your local area than on National Neighbours Day.

      As you choose to connect with your local community, let’s be “Neighbours Every Day”, and celebrate National Neighbours Day.

      The day comes up on the last Sunday of March every year. It is a “call to action for everyone in Australia (individuals, community groups, business and governments) to take everyday actions that create social connection and foster respectful relationships,” says Nick Tebbey, National Executive Officer of Relationships Australia.

      Neighbuiors Every Day Campaign by Relationships Australia

      Relationships Australia believe respectful relationships are essential for the wellbeing of children, families, individuals and communities. They advocate and promote the importance of respectful relationships, with respect to positive individual mental health outcomes and general community outcomes.

      See Relationships Australia (Tasmania) for counselling services and other resources.

      Revival – in Tasmania?

      In the US there has been much talk about the revival at Asbury University in Kentucky. However, nearly a century ago, a revival happened here too!

      Back in 1924 , Sheffield Baptist was the place where the Holy Spirit came with an outpouring over four years. Sadly, the revival then died out – some would even say it was killed. There is much we can learn from the story.

      Tasmanian Baptist Historian Laurie Rowston speaks with Matt Garvin (Citywide) about this unprecedented, and never repeated, era in our past.

      WATCH video, below | DOWNLOAD the Sheffield story to read

      Vale Rev. Richard Measham

      24th June 1948 – 7th March 2023, Brisbane, Queensland, after a long illness.

      Richard Measham

      Richard Measham was born in Salisbury, England, and grew up in rural Tasmania in Smithton. In their youth, he and his brother Jack were befriended by the Rev. Bill Day of the Independent Baptist church in Smithton. They both eventually entered the Baptist Christian ministry.

      Initially, Richard qualified as a diesel fitter. Then, in 1973 Richard commenced study at the World Evangelism Crusade in St. Leonards, Launceston, with a view to overseas mission work. However, the mission work was not to be. While on mission experience in Rosebery, on Tasmania’s west coast, he met Helen Smith, a Primary School Teacher.

      Subsequently, in 1975, Richard went to the Petershead Baptist church in Adelaide and worked there part-time for 18 months, while Helen trained at the Sydney Missionary and Bible College. Richard then returned to Tasmania and became Assistant to the Rev. Robert Beeston at the Memorial Baptist Church (now Gateway).

      Married life

      Richard and Helen married on 17th January 1976. They began at the Claremont Baptist Church in February 1979. Richard was ordained to the Christian ministry on 15th September 1989.

      In 1993/94, Richard was President of the Tasmanian Baptist Union. In 1993 he commenced at the Moonah Church and served there until it closed in 2003. He became the ABMS (Australian Baptist Missionary Society) Secretary of Tasmania. As a result he took a one-month overseas trip to China, Bangladesh and Hong Kong. Later, another trip, to Africa, both on behalf of the Society.

      Helen died on 11th October 2013. They had two children, Andrew and Christy. Richard married again, this time to Nicola Stacey, and in 2021 they moved to Queensland. Richard is remembered has a man with a pastor’s heart.

      Laurie Rowston

      • Memorial service: 2:30pm, Wednesday 15th March 2023, Philip Stephens Funerals, Rosny
      • Burial of Richard’s ashes: 1:30pm, Thursday 16thMarch, 2023, Circular Head Lawn Cemetery, Stanley

      Domestic Violence Resources

      The Safer Spaces Toolkit

      An endorsed project of Australian Baptist Ministries, The Safer Space Toolkit is aimed at resourcing pastors and church leaders to address domestic abuse and build relationally healthy communities.

      This project started as a result of recognising domestic abuse resources were often available only by region, and there was a need to create a resource that could be accessed by any pastor anywhere, with access to the Internet.

      The project working group is made up of Baptist women from around the country who have expertise in pastoral leadership, theology, teaching, domestic abuse and project management.

      FIND OUT MORE: Preaching tools, training sessions, videos and user guide.
      WATCH the introductory video, below

      Heartlands News – Autumn 2023

      Heartlands aims to speak about things of the heart to women of our heart-shaped island.

      Read About

      • World Day of Prayer success
      • Northern event, Friday 17th March
      • Women in Leadership
      • WANTED! Team member in the South
      • Learn to Live with Less

      READ Heartlands | SUBSCRIBE to Heartlands

      DOCO: Is the Church a Blessing?

      From Launceston Alive

      A colourful portrait of brokenness, and hope of repair, this video assembles a narrative kaleidoscope of lost youth, drug addiction, refuge from war, disability and those searching for a brighter path through imperfection.

      The 48-mintue documentary features Kay Hunter, Maddy Svoboda, Guy Barnett and Jeff McKinnon – and many other local Christian leaders.

      SU Tas Chaplaincy Challenge

      COAST TO COAST WALK, CYCLE, RUN, SWIM

      SU Tas Coast to Coast Chaplaincy Challenge 446 kms, 11 March to 30 April

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      February/March 2023

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      ReCharge News March 2023

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      Around the Churches, Feb-Mar 2023

      Around the Churches February/March 2023

      Every two months you can catch up with the latest news in Tasmanian Baptist Churches.

      North

      CITY BAPTIST, Launceston

      Community focus

      We continue to gather at Worldview as our interim meeting space. Throughout February we focused on the call back to community.

      Our drop in centre meal continues at Red Dove café at Pilgrim Uniting on Saturday night. Steven continues his chaplaincy role to the street community. We would appreciate prayer for him and for Kay Hunter (who works with vulnerable women).

      We continue to prayerfully discern appropriate gathering spaces as we seek to transition back to the city of Launceston – prayer for this, relationships on the edges of our community, and for future innovative ministries is much appreciated.

      Steven, Red Dove Cafe (screenshot). Kay Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023
      Steven; Red Dove Cafe; Kay

      GATEWAY

      Devotional together

      On Sunday 12th March, each family in the church was given a booklet which is a 31-day devotional by Ray Hawkins (The Point Baptist) called Captured By Calvary.

      We are going to complete this Bible study together, reading it day-by-day, culminating on Easter Sunday. On the Sundays between now and Easter, congregation members will be invited to share about their thoughts on what is covered in the devotional.

      NEWSTEAD

      Walk this way

       Pastor Dan organised our church’s first ‘Walk This Way’ event.  We are planning to have them regularly with the first one being held at Heritage Park.  The weather was warm and so was the fellowship.  It was lovely to see a couple of friends from Scripture Union joining with our congregation members and chatting together along the route.  The second one was held at  Trevallyn Dam on the 5th March.

      Other events

      Pastor Dan met with the Little Fish volunteers to talk about the new program which has commenced and working well.

      Simon McCormack  is leading the work at our church  putting in a new conveniently located disabled toilet.

      Elaine Carins and the rest of the Senior’s Drop in Centre crew were treated to one of Maureen Battesse’s delicious strawberry filled sponge cakes this month to celebrate Elaine’s birthday.

      Walk this Way, Little Fish, Birthday Cake Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023
      Walk this Way; Little Fish volunteers; Elaine Carins

      SUMMERHILL

      Time to take a break

      Maddy Svoboda

      Our pastor, Maddy Svoboda, was on Long Service Leave for the past few months. We’re all grateful for his dedication to our church over the years and are glad he can take a well-earned break. In his absence, we have been blessed to hear from many inspiring speakers from within our congregation, who have shared their insights, experiences, and faith with us.

      Maddy has now returned, just in time for our church camp at Poatina Village on the 24th/25th February. It was a wonderful weekend of fellowship, worship, and meditative prayer. It also allowed us to reset, realign, and get to know each other on a deeper level.

      The camp was a great opportunity for us to come together as a community and reaffirm our faith. We were reminded of the importance of connection, support, and empathy as we shared stories, sang and prayed together.

      We are also grateful to the organisers of the church camp, who worked hard to ensure that all safety protocols were followed, and that everyone felt welcome and included. It was heartening to see people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences come together and build meaningful relationships.

      PERTH

      Community picnic

      On the Saturday before Christmas 2022, we arranged a Community Picnic. We had over 300 people come and be part of it. They then came to our Christmas Carol Service that night – over 200 people filled the church to overflowing!

      Sunday nights at Perth

      On the last Sunday in February, we commenced what will be a regular Sunday evening activity. There will be a meal once a month, and afternoon tea on the other weeks. The content will be The Chosen television series.

      READ MORE about Perth Baptist in their recently released church profile >

      Perth Baptist Church Profile

      Northwest

      LOWER BARRINGTON

      Now livestreaming

      We give thanks to God that we have had Starlink installed and are beginning to livestream our services via YouTube to reach out beyond our boundaries. It is very exciting that we have had responses even from overseas. It is such a blessing for a little country church in Tasmania.

      Jeff Percival speaks at the Lwr Barrington pizza night
      Jeff Percival speaks at the Pizza night

      Pizza night

      On 24th February our Pastor Jeff Percival was guest speaker at a free Pizza night for men at Sheffield Town Hall with over 100 men attending. A great Gospel message was shared with them all.

      LIFEWAY, Devonport

      Lifeway were recently announced as the national winners of Baptist Mission Australia’s Walk the World campaign!

      READ ABOUT IT HERE >

      ULVERSTONE

      Christmas

      The UBC family celebrated Christmas together on Christmas Eve with an entertaining skit, musical items and carols. We were able to host lunch on Christmas Day for those in our community who otherwise would have been spending Christmas alone. This was a lovely day, with about 65 attending.

      Christmas Eve at Ulverstone 2023; Fabruary Baptisms Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023
      Christmas Eve at UBC; Baptism at the beach

      Picnics and Baptisms

      We have enjoyed the warmth of summer and gathered together for two church family picnics in Fairway Park. This has been a wonderful way to celebrate who we are. Not bound or defined by a building or location. Simply being who we are and who we are called to be.  It was a great opportunity to connect with each other and meet new people. The highlight of these two picnics however was to celebrate with three of our young people, Charlotte, Josiah and Kailem by witnessing their baptisms at the beach.

      Gone to Glory

      We mourned the passing of long-time member June Woodberry in January. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

      Kids Church

      After a few years without having a children’s ministry it is an absolute joy to see Kids Church start up again. We are so grateful to Claire and Abbey for serving in this way and we love watching our UBC kids as they excitedly leave our church service to enjoy their program.

      Shmuel Junger

      In February we were privileged to spend an evening listening to Shmuel Junger. Shmuel was born and raised in Israel and spoke about his amazing personal story and updated us on the unique challenges facing the brave pioneers who have settled in Judea and Samaria.

      BURNIE

      Matty, Ashley and their girls

      Appointment of new Pastor

      Late last year, Burnie Baptist called Matty Coppin to a full-time pastoral position.

      Matty, Ashley, and their two girls accepted the call, and are winding things up in Edmonton, Canada. They plan to arrive in July or August of this year. Please pray for a successful property sale, and a smooth international move.

      Praise God with us at Burnie, as we are very excited about Matty and Ashley’s arrival.

      WYNYARD

      Christmas joy

      There was a large gathering of people at Carols in Guttridge Gardens on Christmas Eve. This is an annual event, organised by our church and enjoyed by all who attend in a lovely setting near the Inglis River.

      Approximately 100 people, from both the community and the church who are alone at Christmas, enjoyed a lovely Christmas dinner catered for by our church on Christmas Day in the ROC building.

      Coffee makes a difference

      We continue to support two children in India with Baptist  World Aid with money from cappuccino sales on Sunday mornings after church fellowship.

      Welcome Franz and Heidi!

      Franz and Heidi Brosch
      Franz and Heidi Brosch

      We are delighted to have welcomed our Associate Pastor Franz Brosch  and his wife Heidi into our fellowship on Sunday 11th February. We look forward to working with them, and getting to know them, as they share the ministry with Pastor Owen.
      READ: Getting to know Franz Brosch >

      MARRAWAH

      Thanksgiving service

      Marrawah Baptist held a Thanksgiving service on Sunday 5th February as it closed its doors after 70 years of faithful service in the community.

      People, young and old, packed out the building to celebrate the life, service and impact of the church over so many decades.

      Mission Director Stephen Baxter spoke, and the morning was MC’d by Dan Evenhuis (Citywide) who has fond memories of leading the Marrawah youth group.

      READ MORE about Marrawah’s Thanksgiving service >

      Thanksgivng service at Marrawah - the people gathered Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023
      Marrawah Thanksgiving service, 5th Feb 2023

      Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023

      South

      CITYWIDE

      Aboriginal Sunday

      On Sunday 22nd January, Citywide closed our doors, and our three congregations combined to celebrate Aboriginal Sunday in an open air service on the Domain.  Paul Dare preached and inspired us to continue on our journey of understanding and acknowledging the painful history of Tasmanian Aborigines. 

      In the early European settlements the native Australians showed the new settlers how and where to find water, and in exchange the Aboriginals had access to flour and salt.  We celebrated this tentative exchange by drinking water together and eating damper.  The service culminated in sharing a picnic lunch together.

      Mission Partnership

      We are excited in the new partnership we have formed with Baptist Mission Australia to work together in reaching the Hindu community of Hobart, primarily through the community services our Nepalese congregation offer to new arrivals. 

      We have received a generous grant from BMA towards purchasing a van and employing a Community Support Worker for two-days/week for two years.

      Lunch time Forum

      Rev Prof Rene Enrich, Principal and Professor of Practical Theology at Whitley College, spoke at a lunch forum on his specialized subject, Sexuality and Theology in Conversation.  Rene stimulated and challenged those who attended, to allow the Spirit of God to reshape our thinking. 

      READ: Citywide Annual Report 2022

      Celebrations
      • MARRIED:  Josh Garvin and Jen Paull on 31st December
      • MARRIED:  Kevin Chalk and Sonya Latham on 8th January
      • ENGAGED:  Mitchell Semmens and Sophie Garvin on 17th January
      • BAPTISED:  Sophie Griffiths on 19th February at Lenah Valley
      Tas Baptist NEWS February 2023 showing Citywide Baptist and their three congregations, gathering on Aboriginal Sunday
      Citywide gather on the Domain for Aboriginal Sunday

      CLAREMONT

      T2 Women

      Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023 T2 Women at Claremont Baptist
      T2 Women

      Claremont’s ladies group, T2women, had a wonderful start to the year with a garden party under ancient elms  in one of our member’s beautiful historic garden. The weather was glorious, the tea delicious and the conversation delightful as we shared our favourite flowers, poems and songs about flowers.

      T2 comes from Titus 2:3-5 which encourages the women of the church from all generations to learn from each other. Our hope is to grow our faith through friendships. 

      Together with IC Church

      We held a combined service with IC Church and shared lunch afterwards. It is hoped we might do this more often. Pastor Mohan from Singapore was the speaker so an extra blessing to know we can worship with brothers and sisters from around the world. 

      Church review

      Currently we are doing a church review looking at our current ministries, their effectiveness and how we can build on these strong foundations into the near and long term future. 

      IC CHURCH, Glenorchy

      Five baptisms!

      On Sunday, 8th January 2023, Intercultural Church (ICC) at Glenorchy started the new year by celebrating the baptism of five young members of the congregation. It was very exciting to see these young men make a public declaration of their decision to follow Jesus.

      Some very different faith journeys were involved – from growing up in a Christian household to coming from a non-Christian background.

      Aasan, from Nepal, wanted to find out about Christianity so contacted the church via its website. Graham, one of the ICC elders met with Aasan and helped lead him to Christ. Aasan started attending the church and it was not long before he asked for baptism.

      Franklin (from Hobart) in his own spiritual journey, had also reached a decision to be baptised.

      Aasan and Franklin were joined by three brothers, Yosief, Musse and Fitsum who were originally from Sudan but have been Australians for six years now.

      From many different parts of the globe but now brothers in Christ – sharing a bond that will last for eternity.

      IC Church baptisms, Feb 2023; Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023
      Aasan is baptised; L-R: Aasan, Yosief, Fitsum, Musse and Franklin.

      HOBART

      Events at HBC

      On Saturday 18th February, City Bible Forum used our building as a hub to host the Life@Work Conference.

      Then, on Monday/Tuesday, 20th/21st February, we hosted the Tasmanian Baptist Pastor’s Muster, where Dr Christa McKirland of Carey Baptist College, Auckland, spoke.
      Find out more about the Muster >

      It is great to have our new facilities used for gatherings such as these.

      Fundraising for Ukraine

      On Wednesday 22nd February, a piano recital was held at Hobart Town Hall to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees, who are being assisted by Ukrainian Pastor Anton Kaluzhny in Kyiv.

      The event was MC’d by Sean Priest. Kelvin Smith and Timothy Prajogo performed – all from HBC.

      READ MORE about the fundraiser in February 2023 NEWS >
      DONATE to fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees >

      Sanctuary Sunday

      We are looking forward to celebrating Sanctuary Sunday/Harmony Day on Sunday 19th March as we celebrate our broad ethnic diversity. We are grateful for contributions the Karen, Filipino, Indian, Vietnamese, Anuak (Ethiopian) and other nations make to our fellowship.

      Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023; Hobart Baptist Harmony Day 2022; Pastors Muster Feb 2023
      Some of the national dress worn on Sanctuary Sunday-Harmony Day 2022;
      Pastor’s Muster, 20/21 February 2023

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      February/March 2023

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      Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023