Jenny Baxter, Author at Tasmanian Baptists

19 October 202223 November 2022

Deep Thought Oct/Nov 2022

Deep thought, Denise Stephenson Oct 2022

The Sound of Silence

Or perhaps, the ‘Fear of Silence’?

Deep Thought – A bi-monthly feature in ReCharge

Maybe we fear silence because we think it will be empty.
By Denise Stephenson

jesus was in the stern sleeping on a chusion. Mk 45:38 (NIV)
Fear of Silence, Denise Stephenson Deep Thought Oct 2022

Each morning I listen to a short, guided meditation using the Lectio 365 app. Every day, the morning begins with these words:

“As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.”¹

These words fall on me, inviting me to detach myself from all that has been happening, and all that will unfold during the day, inviting me to turn my attention from the storm of life and curl up beside Jesus in the stern of the boat. (Mark 4:35-41)

I long for quiet spaces. Constant noise, whether it is chatter, traffic, background music, exhaust fans (the worst!) makes me irritated, unsettled and distracted. But quiet spaces are becoming rarer in our public and private lives. People are, it seems, uncomfortable with silence and go to great lengths to avoid it.

Having been a Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader for over 22 years, I have seen how unsettled people become when a moment of silence begins to draw out from seconds to minutes. Many people become restless, anxious and fearful. The pressure is on to bring the silence to a close. In a group of people, someone often seems compelled to say something to end the silence.

Why do we fear silence so much?

Diving through the ‘surface’ of ourselves, of the noise and chatter of our lives, we find a deeper current of peace

Maybe it is because when we quiet our mouth, our mind goes into overdrive. All the thoughts buried under busyness have space to express themselves and they hammer at the door of our mind, demanding to be heard. This feels overwhelming, but if “we allow our mind to simply listen, we perhaps begin to hear our heart speak – faintly, beneath the clatter. It says, ‘I am so weary, so lost. I have no energy to redeem myself. How I long for rest.”²

When we dive beneath the surface of a stormy sea, we leave the turmoil on the surface. Only a few meters down, the water is perfectly calm. This image can help us as we come to prayer: diving through the ‘surface’ of ourselves, of the noise and chatter of our lives, we find a deeper current of peace.

Quiet prayer tunes in to the deeper current of our innermost desires and fears. When we bring this deeper self to God in prayer, God speaks in ways that bring healing, hope and strength.³

Counter-cultural?

"Gazing in silent wonder at the expace of a glorious sunset or sinmrise we feel our smallness in the face of God's greatness."
Fear of Silence, Denise Stephenson Deep Thought Oct 2022

The unsettling, uncomfortable experience of silence, or quietness, that we may experience arises from our unfamiliarity with this space.

Places that were once quiet (libraries, cinemas, churches) aren’t anymore. Quiet spaces are counter-cultural and becoming rare, and yet we need these spaces to give meaning to our lives.

Without the silent listening after our words of prayer, we cannot hear God’s speaking to our heart:

– A pause following a friend sharing from the heart, allows the words to be honoured. It stops us hurrying carelessly to words.

– In the silence, after someone breathes their final breath, we hear the release from pain and the sense the soul’s ending.

– In the quiet of waiting for another to arrive we experience our longing for connection.

Sitting in the stillness

Practicing stillness, quiet, and silence, grows a sacred space within

Maybe we fear silence because we think it will be empty. But silence can be rich with meaning, and emotion. It takes conscious intention to notice the quiet pauses in daily living.

It takes practice to sit in the stillness. You may think there is nowhere quiet in your life. You might be surprised. Moments of quiet are all around us – but we need to tune in to where these moments are. Turn off the tv, just for a moment – mute the sound during the ad breaks; take your earpods out and stare out the window; lift your eyes from the screen as you drink your coffee. Just take a quiet moment.

Practicing stillness, quiet, and silence, grows a sacred space within that resonates with the Spirit’s presence in us.

So, let’s pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-centre our scattered senses upon the presence of God.⁴

Denise Stephenson

Denise Stephenson is a Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader, who completed her formation training at Wellspring Centre (Melbourne) in 2000. She continues to practice as a Spiritual Director, leads prayer days, retreats and workshops, focused on introducing contemplative spirituality and practice to those who have not experienced it.
She has attended LifeWay Baptist Church for most of her life, being part of the Leadership team for many years, working as Office Manager, and then as Pastor for Spiritual Formation 2018-2020.
Since moving to Lymington in the Huon Valley in 2021, Denise and her husband Mark (in partnership with LifeWay Baptist Church) are exploring growing a community of faith centred round their Long Table, food, hospitality and contemplative practice.

Lectio 365 app https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/
Henri J. M. Nouwen
Margaret Silf, Taste and See: Adventuring into Prayer, Darton Longman and Todd, London, 2000pp10-11.
Lectio 365 app

More Deep Thought

A Change in Thinking for Changing Times by Laurie Rowston
Courage to Make a Difference by Mark Wilson
Just Mercy by Michael Henderson
On Becoming Wise Elders by Mike Frost

Read ReCharge

October/November 2022

CHRISTMAS IDEAS For Baptists from Crossover
AROUND THE CHURCHES October/November 2022
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY Report by Anthea Maynard
FAMINE In the Horn of Africa Melissa Lipsett, CEO Baptist World Aid
PRISON MINISTRY By Cameron Brett of Prison Fellowship Tasmania
FROM THE MISSION DIRECTOR: Does God Really Care? By Stephen Baxter
SCHOOLS MINISTRY: Mustard Lives Transformed by Jesus
CHURCH PROFILE: Newstead Baptist
October 2022 NEWS | November 2022 NEWS

Recent (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

Fear of Silence

12 October 202223 November 2022

Does God Really Care?

From the Mission Director

Does God Really Care?

That’s an important question I was asked recently. It was asked not out of personal concern, but about the future of planet earth. They had attended church for a time, and had heard “the Good News”. But from their perspective it didn’t sound like good news at all because it seemed to have little to say about environment, and survival of humans.

There are many in our community who feel the same. The way we tell the story of Jesus just seems irrelevant to their key worries.

Sometimes our telling of “the Good News” is heard as “believe in Jesus and get a free ticket out of earth to heaven”. When it is heard that way, God sounds disconnected, detached and quite disinterested in what happens in our lives, here on earth today.

Our emphasis on ‘heaven’ has neglected earth, and turned it into something like an incidental waiting room for the afterlife.

Setting to Rights

This is far from what Jesus taught. In his book Simply Christian, N. T. Wright states, “Despite what many people think … the point of Christianity is not ‘to go to heaven when you die’ [rather it is] to put the whole creation to rights”^[1]. Paul says the same things when he writes, God’s purpose is “to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.^[2]

However, this is far from what Jesus taught. In his book Simply Christian, N. T. Wright states, “Despite what many people think … the point of Christianity is not ‘to go to heaven when you die’ [rather it is] to put the whole creation to rights
(Does God Really Care?)

God’s purpose is “to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Paul’s focus is not on getting from earth to heaven. In fact, it is the other way round — it is about getting heaven down to us.

If we think of all the things that go wrong in the world, it’s easy to picture a huge gap between heaven and earth. But that’s not how the Bible describes it. Heaven is not a long way away; it is very close.

In fact, Jesus was always on about seeing what God was up to in the world. He often declared the “kingdom of heaven has come near”.^[3] But despite all his miracles and healings, people struggled to see it.

An inquisitive religious teacher Nicodemus came to see Jesus. Although impressed by what he saw in Jesus, he wanted to know more. Jesus said to him that, “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”^[4]To observe and understand what Jesus was on about, to see God’s kingdom at work, Nicodemus needed a new set of eyes.

“To observe and understand what Jesus was on about, to see God’s kingdom at work, Nicodemus needed a new set of eyes.“

Change Your Mind!

And it wasn’t just Nicodemus. We all need a new set of eyes.

Jesus announced, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Mt 3:3, 4:17). The English ‘repent’ isn’t a great translation of the original Greek, metanoia. But at least it’s better than the Latin translation (Vulgate) which reads, “Do penance! For the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

Martin Luther was sure penance was not what Jesus meant, and translated metanoia as ‘change your mind,’ which is better than our ‘repentance’.

Metanoia comes from two Greek words, metá meaning “beyond” or “after”, and noeō meaning “perception”, “understanding” or “mind”. So, an even better translation is perhaps “think beyond”. This means Jesus was saying, “prepare yourself for what is about to come—open your mind, your heart, your eyes.”

Future Potential

“Jesus’ emphasis was not on the failings of the past, but upon the potential of the future“

The Good News is not that Jesus has come to whisk us away to heaven. Rather he came to reunite heaven and earth. His purpose was for heaven and earth to interlock and overlap. To be woven together in a vibrant tapestry which Paul calls “the new creation”^[5].

Jesus didn’t come to make us sorry for our sin, although that is a helpful part of the process. Instead, he wanted us to be excited by a fresh start. His emphasis was not on the failings of the past, but upon the potential of the future.

God deeply cares about the future of our world, and that is exactly why Jesus came. He calls us to a new life focussed on love for each other in the power of the Spirit. If we all lived that way, then the future of the earth would be ensured. Surely, this is Good News, and surely this is what our world needs to hear.

Stephen Baxter
Mission Director
Tasmanian Baptists
stephen@tasbaptists.org.au

[1] (p. 217).
[2] Ephesians 2:10
[3] For example, Matthew 3:3, 4:17, 10:7
[4] John 3:3
[5] 2 Corinthians 5:17

Read ReCharge

October/November 2022

CHRISTMAS IDEAS For Baptists from Crossover
AROUND THE CHURCHES October/November 2022
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY Report by Anthea Maynard
FAMINE In the Horn of Africa Melissa Lipsett, CEO Baptist World Aid
PRISON MINISTRY By Cameron Brett of Prison Fellowship Tasmania
DEEP THOUGHT The Sound of Silence By Denise Stephenson
SCHOOLS MINISTRY: Mustard Lives Transformed by Jesus
CHURCH PROFILE: Newstead Baptist
October 2022 NEWS | November 2022 NEWS

Recent (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

Does God Really Care?

10 October 202222 November 2022

Heartlands Spring 2022

HEARTLANDS news is the quarterly email for EmpowHer – a network of Tasmanian women growing and encouraging each other in their God-given potential.

Table of Contents

Diary Dates

Check the details on these events by scrolling down.
Have you subscribed to Heartlands to find out about events in your region?

Pro-Tip: DOWNLOAD invitations to invite your friends by email, or print some for your church, or another group.

DAY OF PRAYER, northwest

Ulverstone Baptist
10am, Saturday 22nd October
RSVP Mon 17th Oct gabefife@gmail.com

DOWNLOAD Northwest, Day of Prayer Invite

DAY OF PRAYER, south

Claremont Baptist
2pm, Saturday 22nd October
RSVP Sat 15th Oct jenny@tasbaptists.org.au

DOWNLOAD South, Day of Prayer Invite

MORNING TEA, northwest

Monclair of Latrobe
10am,Saturday 12th November

DOWNLOAD Morning Tea Invite

World Women’s Day of Prayer

Late October/Early November 2022

World Day of Prayer 2022, Heartlands Spring 2022

Heartlands Spring 2022, Day of Prayer 2022

President of Baptist Women of the Pacific Elissa Macpherson explains what the Day of Prayer event is all about.

This event was launched by the Baptist World Alliance Women over sixty years ago, after World War II had shattered unity between the nations.

Action for You

FOMO or JOMO?

Do you suffer from FOMO? It is so easy to have a Fear Of Missing Out!

The Joy of Missing Out, Heartlands Spring 2022 — **You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and**
**clothed me with joy.** *Psalm 30:11 (NIV)*

We don’t want to miss out what’s on social media. So we scroll, and keep on scrollinig.

We don’t want to miss out on that delicious cake or muffin. So we stack the kilos on.

We don’t want to miss out on that special moment, or this event, or the other big gathering. And in the process wear ourselves out.

But check this: THERE IS ANOTHER WAY!

Have you heard of JOMO?

The “Joy Of Missing Out” is easy too.

Stop scrolling, and ease your anxious heart.

Say NO to that cake – and enjoy a slimmer you.

Take a break from endless commitments, to make some space to rest your body, soul and spirit.

Instead of being fearful of missing out, choose JOY and relief in taking time out. Today.

Women Making a Difference

From one Generation to the Next

Love Beyond our Backyard

Three generations of northwest Baptist women leave a wonderful legacy across the world.

Sophia Russell recently chatted with three women from the same family from Wynyard: Shirley Wilson, daughter Cindy and granddaughter Kelsea Clingeleffer. Kelsea is the International Programs Coordinator at Baptist World Aid.

Heartlands Spring 2022

10 October 20229 November 2022

2022 World Day of Prayer

Praying for Baptist Women

14th October – 13th November, 2022

Women from more than 100 countries will gather around the first week of November for World Day of Prayer. This event was launched by the Baptist World Alliance Women over sixty years ago after World War II had shattered unity between the nations. Once again, this need is as desperate as ever, especially for the many Baptist women in Ukraine and Russia.

Here in Tasmania, two regional events are planned for Saturday 22nd October.

NORTHWEST: 10am, 22^nd October at Ulverstone Baptist.
SOUTH: 2pm, 22^nd October at Claremont Baptist

PARTICIPATE IN TASMANIAN EVENTS

Many Papuan women will walk up to three days through the jungle so they can be part of the World Day of Prayer.

What’s the World Day of Prayer?

The World Day of Prayer sets aside a time in which women and men pray for their global sisters. The Prayer Guide lists prayer requests from all over the globe, requesting God’s intervention over issues of domestic violence, human trafficking, armed conflict, and areas devastated by natural disasters.

DOWNLOAD THE PRAYER GUIDE

Here in the Pacific region, many will gather to be part of this global movement. Over a thousand will gather in Papua, with many women walking up to three days through the jungle so they can be part of the World Day of Prayer.

Yet, others will gather in churches and homes in Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, PNG, Vanuatu, and Tonga. The Pacific Island have the highest rates of domestic violence in the world so the need for prayer is desperate.

Financial Support

As part of the gathering, women will bring a monetary gift which will be used to finance the work of Baptist World Alliance Women, and also our regional branch, Baptist Women of the Pacific. International projects supported by the Baptist World Alliance Women include a women’s outreach in Iraq, a safe shelter for women in Jamaica, and nurses aid training in Myanmar.

Within our own region, offerings have funded a gardening project which enabled Fijian women to feed their family and community during Covid-19. Purchased sewing machines for women in Vanuatu, and funded literacy programmes for women in the highlands of PNG.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECTS | HOST YOUR OWN EVENT

Elissa Macpherson
President, Baptist Women of the Pacific
president@bwpacific.org

WATCH

Invitation to Day of Prayer by BWA Women Executive Director Merritt Johnston

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5 October 20224 April 2023

Mustard Schools Ministry

Tasmanian Youth

Supporting Our High School Students …

… In Their Mission Field

"The Mustard Lunchtime Groups totally changed my life because it gave me an oopportunity to explore Christianity."
Claire

Mustard is a non–denominational ministry focused on transforming lives through Jesus in schools and in particular empowering students to step up and be leaders in their school communities.

We encourage and support students to run student-led Lunchtime Groups where they can come together, discuss faith and explore the bigger questions in life.

Pastors, teachers, chaplains and mentors are all incredibly important in developing faith in youth, but these days there is a limit to what they can do in the school setting. Therefore, the most powerful influencers are the students themselves.

When students are equipped and encouraged to lead their peers to Jesus, they can have a huge impact in both state and private schools.

HOW DOES MUSTARD SUPPORT STUDENTS?

"It was daunting to start our Mustard Lunchtime Group, but through the support of Mustard we figured it out" Angelina

Once we have connected with students who are willing to be bold and lead a Lunchtime Group in their school, we support them in a number of different ways:

Personalised mentoring. This includes helping students plan their group, liaising with school leadership, training to lead Bible discussions and praying with them.
The Mustard Hub web-app. This gives students access to a range of Bible study resources that work well in the limited time of a school lunch break.
Connect them with a network. Other students from around Tassie can encourage share their experiences.
Partnering in private schools. We cn also partner with Christian students in private schools to help run chapel services, or big group presentations. This way they can share the gospel in creative and engaging ways.

We would love your support in our ministry across Tasmania.
You can partner with Mustard by:

1. Connecting us with students

Do you know a student who would like to lead a Lunchtime Group? Can you connect us with a youth group, a youth camp, church or school. Then, we can visit and invite youth to consider starting a Lunchtime Group!

If you are a teacher, chaplain, or staff member at a school, you could play an integral role in supporting a Lunchtime Group.

2. Praying for students

The Mustard Schools Ministry is alive and active in Tasmania

There is a prayer network praying for our student leaders, and a special prayer chain for our students during exams. You can receive prayer emails and help cover these brave young people in prayer.

You can sign up to receive prayer emails here: https://mustard.org.au/pray.

3. Financially

We rely on the generous donations of individuals and churches to employ our State Director, Nicole Mayall. Funds are also needed to help resource our Lunchtime Group leaders.

You can become a grower through a one off or regular donation by signing up at: https://mustard.org.au/donate

4. Volunteering

“Looking back, it feels like God has brought me a full circle. When I started in Year 12, I wasn’t a Christian, then through Mustard I became a Christian and now I’m working at my school as a Chaplain and I help support the Mustard Lunchtime Group.”
Claire

Mustard needs volunteers! Help mentor lunchtime students, sing, act or speak at our big group schools’ presentations and provide administrative support.

For more information about Mustard, or how you can help, please contact Nicole Mayall at nicole@mustard.org.au

Nicole Mayall attends Citywide Baptist Church.

Mustard Schools Ministry

Read ReCharge

October/November 2022

CHRISTMAS IDEAS For Baptists from Crossover
AROUND THE CHURCHES October/November 2022
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY Report by Anthea Maynard
FAMINE In the Horn of Africa Melissa Lipsett, CEO Baptist World Aid
PRISON MINISTRY By Cameron Brett of Prison Fellowship Tasmania
DEEP THOUGHT The Sound of Silence By Denise Stephenson
FROM THE MISSION DIRECTOR: Does God Really Care? By Stephen Baxter
CHURCH PROFILE: Newstead Baptist
October 2022 NEWS | November 2022 NEWS

Recent (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

28 September 202223 November 2022

PROFILE: Newstead Baptist Church

Newstead Baptist Church Profile

Taking the Leap

As we begin this journey

I am so thankful for this first nine-months as the Pastor of Newstead Baptist Church (NBC). Though the total journey has been much longer, it is nice to see Gods faithfulness bringing everything together so that we can launch into 2023.

Hi, I am Dan Hutchison. Back in April 2021 I first opened the door to the possibility of moving on from Citywide with the prayer and heart to follow Jesus wherever He wanted us as a family to be. Together, with my wife Maria and three kids, we felt Jesus’ call to take on the role as pastor at NBC.

In the interview, I was very clear that I still have much to learn but felt with the experience and training here in Tasmania, I was ready to take the leap. Newstead Baptist were also willing to take the leap as we both dreamed of what the future could hold, seeing a shared desire for God’s Kingdom.

Trusting God to go deeper

The Hutchisons on Induction Day, 9th Jan 2022

On Induction Day, I was overwhelmed by the hospitality and servant-hearted people we have at NBC. I highlighted the three rivers that come together in Launceston, and the North Esk river that moves through Newstead and our call as disciples to trust God to go deeper with Him, that together we will see Newstead / Launceston flourish.

At that time, one of the ways my family was being challenged to trust was that we had not yet moved into our home in Newstead. As we waited, we were blessed with the provision of a unit at Worldview Centre for intercultural studies. We were there for seven-months, and are grateful for the connections and partnership formed. One of the ways we collaborated was inviting Dan Misdom, the Principal, to share during May Mission Month.

God’s fruit is growing!

I am also thankful for organisations like Crossover and Baptist Mission Australia for the content they provide. Sermon series and advertising which you can see we use for our services and on our Facebook page. Preaching-wise I have enjoyed preparing our sermon series on Australian stories (The Coming of the Light), and The King’s Apprentice: Our Moments with the Master.

Most of all I have enjoyed getting to know the people at NBC and strengthening our connections with our community. Over the last few weeks, we have been discerning and working together on our next three-year strategic plan. We are very excited to see what fruit God grows.

P.S We are now in our house, enjoying settling-in, walking everywhere, and connecting with our neighbours.

Dan Hutchison
Pastor, Newstead Baptist

Newstead Baptist Church Profile

A brief history

Changes, changes, everywhere

Reflection by a long-time member

Over recent years, Newstead Baptist experienced an unsettling period of change with several short-term pastorates and losses of some members and ministries.

While without a pastor in 2019/20, visiting speakers assisted with Sunday services, current ministries continued and, as members worked together and encouraged each other, a warm, more settled community was re-established.

Early in 2020, Stephen Baxter, our Baptist State Mission Director worked with the congregation to seek God’s leading for the church.

The outcome of those talks gave the church two areas to focus on:

Reaching and ministering to younger families
Extending the Seniors’ ministries

Then, Covid-19 descended and in response to pandemic restrictions, services and Bible studies ceased. In common with everyone locally and globally, there were feelings of isolation, separation and loneliness.

It was, however, encouraging to see the lovely ways people continued to contact and keep in touch with each other. On-line services helped. It was great to know that outside viewers, who did not normally attend any church, also ‘tuned in’.

Despite the restrictions of social-distancing, hand-sanitising, check-ins and masks, it’s been wonderful to return to shared fellowship together for Sunday services, study groups and other activities.

Newstead Baptist Church service
Our spacious hall
Covid-style luncheon
Dan Hutchison being inducted by Maddy Svoboda, 9th Jan 2022

A new start

We also conducted a search for a new pastor during this time. At the end of 2021, we appointed Daniel Hutchison, with his wife Maria and children Skylah, Octavia and Boaz. On the 9th of January 2022, we welcomed them to Newstead Baptist Church.

As Daniel and the people begin working together, we continue with current ministries.

Seniors’ Drop-in Centre
Chat ‘n’ Choose craft group (celebrating 30 years)
Little Fish (Sunday morning kid’s program)
Neighbourhood Heartbeat (community newsletter delivered to 1500 local homes
Three life groups

As we move forward, we look forward to the development of new ministries.

We’re grateful to have several rooms on our premises. These are utilised by community groups for tutoring, dancing, scouts and cubs, water colour painting, exercise groups and so on. These provide us with local contacts and offer the opportunity to expand our outreach activities.

In a recent workshop with Craig Farmer (Partners in Ministry), we shared our dreams for the future, and visualised the church in five years’ time. Now, we move forward together. We seek God’s guidance in planning programs and activities to further His Kingdom in ‘our little corner’.

READ RECENT CHURCH PROFILES

Read ReCharge

October/November 2022

CHRISTMAS IDEAS For Baptists from Crossover
AROUND THE CHURCHES October/November 2022
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY Report by Anthea Maynard
AROUND THE CHURCHES October/November 2022
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY Report by Anthea Maynard
FAMINE In the Horn of Africa Melissa Lipsett, CEO Baptist World Aid
PRISON MINISTRY By Cameron Brett of Prison Fellowship Tasmania
DEEP THOUGHT The Sound of Silence By Denise Stephenson
FROM THE MISSION DIRECTOR: Does God Really Care? By Stephen Baxter
SCHOOLS MINISTRY: Mustard Lives Transformed by Jesus
October 2022 NEWS | November 2022 NEWS

Recent (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

Newstead Baptist Profile

21 September 202226 October 2022

Floods in Pakistan

FLOODS IN PAKISTAN

Baptist World Aid: Keeping you informed

By Jo Kadlacek

Monsoon rains regularly affect the north of Pakistan. However, this year recent rains, combined with melting glaciers, have created catastrophic flooding. Over 1,400 have died since June, a third of whom are children, and the floods have affected 33 million people. Sadly, the death toll rises daily.

Almost a third of the country has been underwater. As well, more than three million children are in danger of waterborne diseases, malnutrition and drowning. According to UNICEF, these kids need urgent humanitarian assistance.

Long recovery

Floods in Pakistan
‘Pakistan needs our prayers and our coordinated help to bring immediate relief and begin the difficult but crucial work of long-term recovery.’ Laura Fontaine, International Programs Manager at Baptist World Aid

‘There is no question Pakistan’s tragic floods will require a long-term response. A recovery that will take years,’ said Laura Fontaine, International Programs Manager at Baptist World Aid. ‘That’s why we have begun the immediate work of partnering with other Christian organisations and their local partners who are currently doing food and shelter distribution.’

Crops and livestock are destroyed and infrastructure between many villages is now non-existent. Pakistani officials say more than two million acres of agricultural land is flooded, preventing remaining farmers from planting new ones. They are calling the floods the worst in the region’s history.

‘Where do you drain the water? It’s an ocean. It’s a merciless sky.’
Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s Climate Minister

Pakistani government’s response

The government distributed water pumps in recent weeks, but the equipment is overwhelmed, according to Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s climate minister.

‘Where do you drain the water?’ Rehman said. ‘It’s an ocean. It’s a merciless sky.’

The flooding comes at a particularly difficult time for Pakistan. Economic downturns, poverty and food shortages have troubled the country.

‘The human toll is unimaginable in every way,’ Fontaine said. ‘Pakistan needs our prayers and our coordinated help to bring immediate relief and begin the difficult but crucial work of long-term recovery.’

PLEASE PRAY FOR PAKISTAN:

That children would be safe, reunited with family, and have psycho-social support;
For quick and safe delivery of humanitarian aid, despite flooded roads;
That God’s people would provide ongoing support, prayer and assistance for the Pakistani people in the years to come.

DONATE TO PAKISTAN APPEAL

Jo Kadlecek moved to Australia from Boston six years ago. She lives in Sydney with her husband and their dog, Clark Kent. Jo is the senior editor at Baptist World Aid Australia.

Read ReCharge

August/September 2022

Ministry Profile Ben Cochrane, Somerset
Deep Thought 21st Century Mission by Laurie Rowston
From Andrew Turner of Crossover Census Overview
Stand Sunday 2022 Make a stand for foster carers ~ During September
Church Profile Claremont Baptist
From the MLT Achieving Lasting Social Change
Love Beyond our Backyard Three generations of generosity in Wynyard

September 2022 NEWS
August 2022 NEWS

DOWNLOAD Recent Issues

FLOODS IN PAKISTAN

21 September 202212 October 2022

ReCharge NEWS September 2022

21st September 2022 | ReCharge News September 2022

Table of Contents

Walk the World

Baptist Mission Australia, November 11-13, 2022

Walk the World is an invitation for your church, families and people of all ages to get out in your local area and pray for your neighbourhood and the world.

This is a fun and interactive new way for you and your church, family or small group to have a Kingdom impact! Watch the video to find out more.

Across the weekend of 11th -13th November 2022, commit to praying as you walk, run, wheel, cycle, imagine or drive around your area. Pray for God to be at work in your community and in communities around the world.

As you do, our teams in Africa, Asia and Australia will be praying for you too!

Resource for all ages are coming soon. These are being developed to help equip and inform your prayer time as an individual, family or group.

Everyone is invited to get involved! Watch, share or download the video here >

Voice of the Martyrs

IN TASMANIA, 10th to 22nd November 2022

Marcel Enuica is the Tas/Vic representative for Voice of the Martyrs, an Australian ministry which began in 1969. He will be in Tasmania from 10^th-22^nd November and would like to visit your church!

His ministry is to serve and work with local churches to help them understand persecution. He explains how they can prayerfully and practically respond to the challenges and opportunities it presents.

He explains what persecution is, what it isn’t and provides stories as the voice for those who are in prison, those who are persecuted, and those who have paid the ultimate price for their faith.

Marcel could work with your church to plan a prayer meeting, service, or movie night. Perhaps your church could organise an event or movie night, and invite other churches in the area.

Movies available

Sabina telling the story of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand – watch the trailer:

Tortured for Christ – watch the trailer:

If you’re interested in either of the movies, they can be made available for free on the night. You can also contact Marcel for a private link to look at them beforehand.

Contact Marcel: menuica@vom.com.au | +61 457 689 169

INVITE MARCEL

Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast

23rd November 2022 | Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart

The Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast brings together like-minded people from across Tasmania to pray for our State, our leaders, parliamentarians, businesses, schools, communities, and community organisations, our families, youth, and children. In the name of Jesus, we ask God to grant us the will and wisdom, the creativity and strength we need to care well for each other and to see Tasmania flourish in every dimension.

Hosted by Tasmanian Baptists’ Mission Director Stephen Baxter, you can join this special moment of unity and humility.

This year’s speaker is passionate Tasmanian, Robyn Moore. Robyn began her career as an educator, then explored her love of recording and entertainment in Sydney, becoming Australia’s most versatile voice-over artist in iconic commercials, award-winning syndicated radio comedy and in animation series, seen around the world.

She calls herself a “RE-MINDAVATOR” rather than a motivational speaker, and was recently recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list with an AM for services to the performing Arts and to Charitable Organisations.

Early-bird registrations close Friday 14th October 2022.

FIND OUT MORE / REGISTER

Pilgrim Artists Festival

JUSTICE AND MERCY

4th-14th November 2022

The sixth annual “small festival of art, music, and words” will be held in 2022 at the Huon Valley Hub. The workshops, live art, concerts, panel discussions, and award events will occur on the first weekend of the festival, with the exhibition continuing through the 14th.

Pilgrim Artists Festival, ReCharge News September 2022

The Pilgrim Artists Festival 2022 seeks submissions reflecting on Justice and Mercy.

Entries are accepted from Christian artists worldwide, of all ages. Your entry need not be explicitly religious, but should engage meaningfully with this year’s prompt.

If you are over 18, submit by 1 October and your submission is free. Late adult submissions incur a fee. We cannot accept adult submissions after 22nd October. If under 18, your submission is always free, and you may submit until 29th October.

See entry forms for further details, including terms and prizes.

MORE INFORMATION / SUBMIT

Farewell Nancy Jones

8th May 1936 – 20th July 2022

Nancy Jones of Pamela Court Summerhill, passed away on the 20^th July 2022 after a short illness.

Nancy was born in Hobart and attended the Macquarie Street School. In 1958 through to 1962, Nancy trained as a nurse’s assistant while studying to be a nurse in Aged Care. That same year Nancy moved to Launceston and met and married Clarrie Powell who had built a house in Walkers Avenue, going on to have two children, Karenlee (stillborn) and Shane.

In 1984 she met Des, and married him in 1985. Des’s son David became part of the family, and it was at this time that Nancy decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. This included bringing up two of Des’s grandchildren Kirsten and Ricky who they adopted in 1991. She made it her mission to improve the lives of others.

While living at Hagley, Des and Nancy attended the Longford Baptist Church. They were involved in assisting with work among young people, especially at the annual camps at Liffey.

Des and Nancy and their two children, Kirsten and Ricky, attended the Newstead Baptist Church very regularly through the 1990s. Nancy was a passionate about craft. When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she could be found at the Newstead Baptist Church Chat ‘n’ Choose craft group.

Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend Nancy’s Memorial Service at 11:30am on Sunday 11th September at Newstead Baptist Church.

Grief Seminar, Devonport

9:30am – 4:30pm, Tuesday 13th September

New Mornings is hosting a Grief Seminar in Devonport on Tuesday 13^th September in partnership with other local services. A comprehensive program includes three educational streams for:

People who are grieving (at least three months after a loss).
People wishing to learn how to better support others.
People who support grieving clients in the course of their work e.g. support workers, community workers, pastors, chaplains, pastoral carers, nurses, carers, youth workers, teachers.

Please DOWNLOAD THIS FLYER to forward on to your leadership team, congregation and other contacts.

COST OF GRIEF SEMINAR:

Service providers: $95 early bird until 9th September; $135 standard after 9th September
Community members: FREE! Due to extra funding received this week. Use Promo Code: SPEC-NM3 when you click the REGISTER button

Please contact the New Mornings office (6411 6212 or admin@newmornings.org.au) for:

Group booking discounts for five or more members of your team
Registration discounts in case of financial difficulty
Difficulties in accessing online registration
Any other queries

Hear Pastor Peter Kasirivu

WHEN: Friday 2nd September 7-8.30pm
WHERE: Gateway Baptist Church, 22 Wellington Street, opposite Morty’s
FREE EVENT: with a love offering

Peter J. Kasirivu is the founding pastor of Gaba Community Church Uganda, and the founder and president of Africa Renewal Ministries. Peter is also the founder and chancellor of Africa Renewal University in Uganda. Peter is a born-again Christian, having come to salvation in January 1981.

He traveled to more than 15 nations, teaching leaders as well as preaching the Gospel. Peter is known for his passion for developing leaders through his weekly TV program on LTV known as the Excellent Life. As well as he runs the annual outreaches to Uganda’s many universities.

His greatest love is to help and encourage up-coming leaders. Peter has so far written two books, Your Vision Is Your Future and The African Pastors’ Handbook.

Carols in Your Backyard

Your church can run a local carols outreach, without the cost and complexity of professional musicians and staging!

Carols in Your Backyard is a professionally produced and recorded live-stream event for pre-evangelism at Christmas.

Produced by Gymea Baptist and now in its third year, it will be available free and unbranded. Gymea has decided to commit to the live-streamed format of carols due to its potential to reach more people than a traditional carols event and its ability to foster genuine relationships formed in smaller settings.

You can stream Carols in Your Backyard wherever you can set up a screen and speakers: in a park, church hall, car park, lounge room, or backyard.

Expressions of interest are open now. Send Belinda Lakelin an email and she’ll be in touch with resources and the stream details. belinda.lakelin@gymeabaptist.org.au

Read ReCharge

August/September ReCharge 2022

Disaster Strikes Floods in Pakistan – Baptist World Aid
Ministry Profile Ben Cochrane, Somerset
From Andrew Turner of Crossover Census Overview
Stand Sunday 2022 Make a stand for foster carers ~ During September
Church Profile Claremont Baptist
From the MLT Achieving Lasting Social Change
Love Beyond our Backyard Three generations of generosity in Wynyard

ReCharge NEWS August 2022

DOWNLOAD Recent Issues

recharge-news-september-2022

ReCharge News September 2022

14 September 202211 January 2024

Around the Churches, Aug-Sept 2022

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

Around the Churches this year so far

February/March 2022
April/May 2022
June/July 2022

North

CITY, Launceston

On the move

City's last service and Fellowship Lunch at Christchurch, Frederick Street Launceston — City’s last service and Fellowship Lunch at Christchurch, Frederick Street Launceston

On 28th August City Baptist held its final service in the historic Christchurch building in Frederick Street. This was a wonderful time of celebration and thanksgiving. The congregation reflected on the amazing 180 years of stories encapsulated in the old buildings.

Ivan James led those present through the long history of Baptists in Launceston, and Kay Hunter led a time of remembering and thanksgiving for the current congregation. A lovely fellowship lunch in Milton Hall capped off a great day as the doors were closed for the final time.

On Sunday 4th September City Baptist found their way to the Worldview Centre auditorium at St Leonards. This will be their home for about six months or so. Anthea Maynard and Jenna Blackwell led the Gathering in recognising our corporate calling as we step consciously into a new, liminal space.

Our Drop-in Centre ministry has also moved to a new venue, the Red Dove Café at Pilgrim Uniting in the city centre.

GATEWAY

Comings and Goings
Farewell to the Beeston family, Andy, Penny, Mikaela and Emalyn. We officially said goodbye at the service on the 7^th of August. We shared lunch together after the service.
Congratulations Gayatri & Sanjay Sagar on the arrival of Ruhi Sagar, sister to Brianna born 15th August 2022.
Congratulations to Gateway’s A Reserve Men’s Basketball team on reaching finals. They played in the Baptist Grand Final on Saturday 27th August, and were runners up to the Free Reformed Men’s team. Final result 26 to 40.
Our sincere love and condolences are extended to all the family of Chris Sundstrup who died at home on 31st August. Chris was a valued member of Gateway, a willing contributor and much appreciated Church Treasurer.

GEORGE TOWN

Guest speakers visit
Pastor Abdul-Karim Kamara brought the message to George Town Baptist Church on Sunday Morning 28th August. He asked the question “How Keen Are you to Serve the Lord?” It was a challenging and uplifting message.

Erik McKitrick addressed the Men’s Breakfast in August, explaining how we can effectively share the gospel in ways that are easy and inoffensive to others.

Wade Miller, whose family once owned the Hillwood apple and berry farms spoke at the September Breakfast meeting.

NEWSTEAD

Men in the shed
One recent Friday, the men were treated to some time in the shed with the master, Phil Marston, telling his story of the blessing of procuring these machines that enable him to manufacture anything out of metal. One such labour of love is his Lila (purple) 1948 Dodge Fargo which we got to have a look and listen to. Phil also demonstrated the art of cutting a thread on a bolt.

The men left with a couple of reflections: A master who has been doing the job for a long time knows his tools and what he is working with, reflecting Jeremiah 18:1-17 the Potter and the clay. Finally, when change comes, when our eyes are on God and not our situation we come out the stronger and blessed.

Spring into action!
Newstead Baptist is springing into spring starting a new series: The Kings Apprentice: Our Moments with the Master, and providing resources to participate in a 40-day prayer guide.

On Sunday August 28th we had a meeting to develop our strategic plan for the next five years.

Pastor Dan is also glad to be moved into their new house in Newstead, and took a couple of weeks off to settle in.

PERTH

A Very Special Service
On Sunday, 4th September we celebrated our Church’s link to the Eskleigh Foundation which has, amongst its other services for people with a disability, this residential home in Perth.

Originally, our Church Hall was built by David and Mary Gibson and opened 160 years ago. When it grew too small, they built our Tabernacle in 1888, in which we continue to meet. When their large family home got too big for them, they gave it to the community as a place for adults with severe or multiple disabilities.

Several residents and their carers attend our morning service and where suitable other events during the week.

How the day went

On this particular Sunday, we had three buses turn up at 9:05 with a sense that the morning was going to be special.

How different to attend a service where our friends met, welcomed, and prayed for us. Two helped take up our offering with great enthusiasm, and another prayed her special prayer of thanks.

Ron, a carer who has continued to work past his age of retirement to bring them to our service, spoke of the impact coming to church has on the residents. To him, he believes that every Sunday morning has an impact. He referred to the scarfs and other things knitted by our members and the other gifts given to them over the years.

We were blessed to sit and be ministered to so enthusiastically by our lovely friends.

The theme of the service was Kindness, with a link to 1 Corinthians 13 with the encouragement for us all to seek out our neighbour as the Good Samaritan did, and show that special kindness that comes from God’s love to all we encounter people every day.

It is such a blessing that one of our members works at Eskleigh, and has a day-to-day relationship with the staff and residents. Rob arranged and led the service, followed by a great morning tea and fellowship.

Northwest

LATROBE

Chocolate Winterfest
The weekend of 14^th August saw the return of the Latrobe Chocolate Winterfest, after a two year absence because of Covid. The Latrobe church over the years has taken part in the festival by inviting the Choir of High Hopes from Launceston to come and perform in the church on the Sunday afternoon. This year it was wonderful to have them back again. 25 choir members came and presented a wonderful afternoon of songs and items.

A “chocolate themed afternoon tea” followed, which everyone loved. Many people contributed to the amazing food on offer which included biscuits decorated with music notes in keeping with the music from the Choir. This was a great opportunity to be part of the community, and to be a witness to the people of Latrobe.

WYNYARD

Getting together
Just Blokes meets quarterly with some very interesting speakers. In June we heard from a former policeman who spoke of his work and his journey of overcoming cancer.

Just Girls. In June, our ladies met for breakfast at a cafe in Burnie, then onto some retail therapy in Devonport. In July, we met for lunch and enjoyed an interesting PowerPoint presentation. It was given by a local lady who has lived and worked overseas for many years.

Wednesday Get Together meets twice monthly. It’s a great time of fun and fellowship with carpet bowls and board games, a shared morning tea and a cake to celebrate those who have had birthdays.

Child sponsorship. We continue to support two children through Baptist World Aid with money from our cappuccino sales on Sunday morning after-church fellowship.

South

CITYWIDE

God is our Refuge and Strength Ps 46:1 — Psalm 46:1 was a key verse
during the DV Awareness Training

Domestic Violence Awareness We recently held a day seminar to inform us about domestic violence. This is to begin to prepare us as a church to minister to people who have suffered in this way. 25 people were educated, inspired, challenged, and began to see possibilities of how Citywide might develop a ministry in this area.

Alpha Citywide are in the middle of an Alpha course, the first we’ve offered for many years. We are delighted over 50 people attend, of whom approximately 12 are first time questioners and open to seeking God. Please pray with us for Kingdom growth.

Life Group Leaders’ Lunch We recently held the first of quarterly lunches for Life Group Leaders for training, encouragement and sharing of group issues. At Citywide, 10 different groups operate involving 100 people. We want to increase our support of these valuable groups who facilitate a large part of our pastoral care.

CLAREMONT

Farewell Heather
Claremont are sad to announce that Heather Elise Hunt died on Saturday 23rd July after a short illness. She was aged 94.

You can read of Heather’s incredible work during the formation of Claremont Baptist. It was published in the recent Claremont Baptist Church Profile >

HOBART

Youth car wash
HBC Youth, combined with the Boys’ Brigade, are raising funds to support a Karen teacher in a Thai refugee camp. So far they have raised over $1100, including $450 from a Saturday afternoon car wash and coffee event. Nice work everyone!

Alpha Course
A Sunday afternoon Alpha course began at Hobart on 31st July, and will continue through until 9th October. Please pray for the participants, especially for those who are new to faith. It has been a very encouraging time of seeking and searching the answers to important life questions.

Living Hope
For the last few months our sermons have focused on Peter’s letters with Living Hope – Changing Your Life for the Better. Jesus-followers are called to a Living Hope – hope that is alive and a hope that is lived.
As well, we have ceased our pre-recorded YouTube services and are now live-streaming. These are available from 10am Sunday mornings on the Hobart Baptist YouTube channel.

Read ReCharge

August/September 2022

Disaster Strikes Floods in Pakistan – Baptist World Aid
Ministry Profile Ben Cochrane, Somerset
Deep Thought 21st Century Mission by Laurie Rowston
From Andrew Turner of Crossover Census Overview
Stand Sunday 2022 Make a stand for foster carers ~ During September
Church Profile Claremont Baptist
From the MLT Achieving Lasting Social Change
Love Beyond our Backyard Three generations of generosity in Wynyard

September 2022 NEWS
August 2022 NEWS

DOWNLOAD Recent Issues

Around the Churches August-September 2022

7 September 202212 October 2022

Ben Cochrane – Somerset

Ministry Profile

Ben Cochrane Moves In

Ben began as the new pastor at Somerset in March 2022. Having had a few months to settle in, it’s a good time to touch base and find out more about him.

Pastoral beginnings

I was born in the Northern Suburbs of Brisbane and am the second of four siblings. My dad was (and still is) a pastor in the Pentecostal Church, so much of my childhood revolved around the church. My parents modeled for me a sincere passion for Jesus and a costly commitment to His people.

Ben Cochrane, and Sharmani, with their daughter Margo

Because I grew up in a Pastor’s household, I was exposed to the Gospel from an early age. However, after experiencing a number of personal crises in my late teens, I started engaging with my faith with fresh eyes. All of a sudden it was as if the Lord Jesus became real to me in a way that He hadn’t in the past. Since then, I have been on a spiritual path of discovery in the Lord.

My wife, Sharmani, and I arrived in Tasmania in March 2022. For some years we felt drawn to this beautiful place and to serve God’s people here. It all came together when an opportunity arose to serve as Pastor of Somerset Baptist.

Sharmini and I love the wild beauty of the North-West. The cooler climate is also a welcome change from the sweltering humidity up in Queensland. But what we enjoy most about living here is the people. The locals have just been so warm and generous towards our little family.

Changes, changes everywhere

The best piece of advice I have ever received is to be patient! God works in His own time! Because I have the tendency to rush and be impatient, this was some sound advice.

I am the pastor of Somerset Baptist. As a pastor of a small church, you tend to have to wear my different hats! But I consider the primary focus of my role to be helping others follow Jesus. In a world that is rapidly changing, this is getting harder and harder to do.

I spend my time shepherding people. Depending on the given week, this may look different. It may look like doing an Alpha Course with someone exploring the Christian faith. It may look like visiting an older member in a nursing home and encouraging her in her faith. Or even meeting up with a younger member for a coffee and reading the Bible together and thinking about how it applies to our lives.

All this variation is part of what makes ministry exciting.

I get excited by witnessing God’s transforming power at work in the lives of everyday people. This might sound really basic, but I get a front row seat to this!

My big challenges focus around how our culture 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 having to think of new ways to re-engage people with the message of Jesus.

Please pray for our family as we continue to settle into a new community. Pray for boldness to step out of my comfort zone and make connections with people in Somerset. And, most especially, pray for patience.

And briefly

I am looking forward to . . . seeing God show His faithfulness.

I am worried about . . . whether I have what it takes.

I am confident that . . . God has my back!

I am joyful about . . . watching my family grow and seeing God’s transforming grace in people’s lives.

I would like to change . . . my pessimism.

I am at my best when . . . I’ve spent five minutes in silent prayer, and had my morning coffee!

With thanks to Frans Ammerlaan (Sassafras) for his assistance in compiling this interview.

Ben Cochrane

More Ministry Profiles

Read ReCharge

August/September 2022

Disaster Strikes Floods in Pakistan – Baptist World Aid
Around the Churches News and events statewide
Deep Thought 21st Century Mission by Laurie Rowston
From Andrew Turner of Crossover Census Overview
Stand Sunday 2022 Make a stand for foster carers ~ During September
Church Profile Claremont Baptist
From the MLT Achieving Lasting Social Change
Love Beyond our Backyard Three generations of generosity in Wynyard

September 2022 NEWS
August 2022 NEWS

DOWNLOAD Recent Issues