Baptist Mission Australia award for praying, walking, driving and time in the garden!
Last November, Baptist Churches nationally were encouraged by Baptist Mission Australia to pray for their community, neighbourhood and the world in the Walk the World campaign.
Jenny Mountney of Lifeway Baptist explains what happened.
Baptist Mission Australia’s November initiative of “Walk the World” and praying over a three-day period really captured the heart of the Lifeway community.
There were people praying as they drove the streets, walked the streets and undertook activity across the state, country and overseas. The intentional prayer focus was for our community, state, country and intercultural teams, wherever they were.
From the youngest in Sunday Tribes, to the most elderly, it is thought over 60% of the community took part. Nothing inspires people more than a challenge – and an amazing purpose – to bring our world to the Lord. We asked for healing and peace, strength and vision.
Baptist Mission Australia provided prayer guides, and children’s resources and activities. Our insomniacs prayed through their nights. The workers took moments in their day to walk and pray. The bushwalkers marvelled at God’s glory while counting steps and kilometers.
Watch Lifeway’s video report
Excited responses
It was an amazing weekend filled with hope and joy. Plus, we are excited to receive the award for Australian Baptist Churches Walk the World winners! So many amazing stories came from the initiative, and it is quite surreal that Lifeway Baptist was selected. A huge thank you goes to every person who supported, prayed, walked and rode praying for our world.
Teagan Dwyer-Riviere, Communications Manager at Baptist Mission Australia, said “Our team was so blown away by the amazing report you shared about how your whole church community got involved in Walk the World in November last year! It was so encouraging to read of the creative ways people of all ages, abilities and interests engaged in prayer. It sounds like it was a very rich time of prayer and community engagement.”.
Senior Pastor Nicholas Alexander was ecstatic. “It’s super encouraging for Lifeway, both for the mission’s team who work so hard, and for all of us in our prayer life.”
We at Lifeway are looking forward to receiving our first prize of a whole of church morning tea and guest speaker from Baptist Mission Australia. Fingers crossed this can take place in May Missions Month!
In 1938 Aboriginal leader, William Cooper, asked Australian Christian churches to set aside the Sunday before January 26th every year as Aboriginal Sunday.
While many would see the controversy around Australia Day as a comparatively new thing, William Cooper and a number of other Aboriginals first met for a day of mourning on January 26th 1938, and it was this event that prompted his call to the churches.
This year, on Sunday 22nd January, the three Citywide congregations gathered at the Domain Amphitheatre for an Aboriginal Sunday service led by proud Lia Pootah man, Paul Dare.
Paul says, “If churches want to take the teaching of Jesus seriously, then they can’t ignore the pain and injustice that Aboriginal people continue to experience, which gets focused at this time of year.
“Here in Tasmania, in particular, we need to face our past in order that our future can be different.”
Paul Dare speaking; Citywide gathered at the Domain amphitheater.
Spiritual Care Coord P/T Position
Baptcare are Hiring!
Baptcare are looking for a Spiritual Care Coordinator (AKA Chaplain) for Family, Disability and Health.
The position is part-time (0.8 FTE), and is based in Hobart.
For several years now, the small fellowship who gather at Marrawah Baptist Church have been operating on Sundays on an irregular basis. More recently, most of the congregation have shifted to Smithton, and are now attending the Baptist church there. Now, the membership has decided it is time to permanently close their doors.
A Thanksgiving Service will be held at Marrawah Baptist to say farewell, and celebrate 65 years of Christian work and mission that has taken place through this fellowship.
SUNDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2023 10 – 10:45am Pre-service cuppa 11am Service begins A light lunch will follow in the Marrawah Memorial Hall
Neighbourhood carol singing in the streets of Newstead
10am Sun 18th Dec
Carol singing in the church grounds, followed by a BBQ lunch. BYO Salad to share. Everything else supplied. Giving Tree envelopes supplied for giving to City Mission
9:30am Sun 25th Dec
Christmas Day Service Christmas offering to Baptist World Aid
Christmas is not always merry. Indeed, the season’s festivities can make some people’s despair feel particularly bitter.
This was the case for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of America’s best-loved poets of the 19th century – and the subject of a new film I Heard the Bells, to be released in select Australian cinemas on 1 December.
Sick and tired of giving trinkets to people who already have everything?Why not give a Better World Gift instead!
Better World Gifts do much more than meet immediate needs like clean water, food, health and income. They allow people to live with dignity. They can also end poverty, not just for individuals, but for whole communities.
These are gifts that give hope.
Each gift you give supports the community-driven work, run by BWA’s Christian partners.
It’s about making a bigger, lasting difference by helping individuals and families develop long-term livelihoods, health, education and leadership skills . . . and that’s a big picture!’
You will help end poverty, thanks to the lasting impact of your Better World Gifts, along with the wonderful work of people on the ground.
NEED HELP?
Visit the Gift GeneratorHERE> Everything is supplied to help you pick the perfect gift card and make a difference on behalf of your loved one.
The range includes physical gift items for your friends and family (eg. tote bags, journals, colouring books). As well as gifts to give to communities who need your help (eg. chickens, blankets, emergency shelter)
Help is supplied so you can select the perfect gift Filter for age group, passions/interests, global region and price range.ad ReCharge
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Love Out Loud Kids’ Videos
Love Out Loud is a Christian charity, established to produce Christian videos for kids everywhere!
Featuring 100 videos of 25 minutes duration on the Love Out Loud fresh new website. Lessons are designed to be streamed into a} School Scripture Lessons, b) Kid’s Church, or c) for Parents at home to use with their family.
All content is available on the website and is 100% free for home and church use. YOU WILL ENJOY …
Click on the ‘SIGN UP’ button in the top bar to subscribe to a plan.
Enter your details and follow the prompts to complete your registration.
Click on the activation link in the confirmation email to verify your account.
You are now logged in and can access the lessons by clicking on the ‘lessons’ button in the top bar.
You can edit your profile and update or cancel your subscription by clicking on the ‘My Account’ button in the top bar, followed by the ‘Edit Profile’ button.
Melissa Lipsett, CEO Baptist World Aid, explains the impact of women empowered to change their world.
It’s illegal, but 40 per cent of girls in Nepal are married before they turn 18, and seven per cent before they turn 15. The Nepalese government is hoping to eradicate child marriage by 2030, but is this even possible? Will this ever change?
I believe it will. Here’s why
I recently returned from Kapilvastu in West Nepal. It’s a region that has major development challenges and a general lack of adequate services. For example, there are no toilet facilities or running water in people’s homes. There are few opportunities for people to generate income and, sadly, high levels of gender-based violence and child marriage.
The challenges are overwhelming, but here’s the thing: communities ARE overcoming them. Baptist World Aid works with local Christian Partners who share our belief in the dignity, value and equality of all people (Gen 1:26-27).
Our Partners bring the locals together in community groups, and it’s the locals who lead the transformation of their communities. Ninety per cent of these community leaders are women. They’re known as self-help groups, and they’re courageously changing their world.
Our Partners bring the locals together in community groups, and it’s the locals who lead the transformation of their communities.
What self-help groups do
Working as a committee, with elected positions such a chairperson and treasurer, members collaborate to make the changes they want to see in their community. These women showed me how they had depolluted their pond and water source.
Some of them have started small businesses. And I heard stories of how they confronted perpetrators of domestic violence as a commanding group of 17! I saw leadership, determination and courage from the same people who were, until recently, considered less than their husbands, brothers and sons.
Emerging from poverty
Every one of these women, these “change makers”, has a story. Many were married as children and didn’t have the opportunity to go to school. Quite a few are now mothers, surrounded by little people with constant needs that are hard to meet. In the past they might have given a daughter in marriage to ensure she—and her remaining siblings—would survive.
But the gains they’ve made in emerging from poverty means they now say, ‘No more! We will not allow our daughters to suffer as we did’. And they mean it.
‘No more! We will not allow our daughters to suffer as we did’.
As I travelled through the area, it was evident that wherever poverty was effectively diminished, girls were in school.
One extraordinary facet of these self-help groups is that are made up of traditionally antagonistic social groupings, but there is no infighting. They are too busy changing the world.
During 2022, the Mission and Leadership Development Team were very busy, supporting Tasmanian Baptist churches.
So … how are Tas Baptists going? Read on to find out.
Click for a MaLD Reflection
Mission Director
STEPHEN BAXTER
On the Front Foot
As I look forward to 2023 it is with great hope and with a deep sense that significant challenging times lie ahead of us. These challenges are reflected in the significant change to the religious landscape of Tasmania over the past 20 years.
The latest Census figures show how those nominating as “Christian” has dropped from 69.9% in 2001 to 38.4% in 2021; and over the same period, those nominating as “no religion/secular belief” has risen from 17.2% to 49.9%.
In the five years between the 2016 and the 2021 Census, those of “no religion/secular belief” overtook “Christian” as the largest religious grouping.
This is such a dramatic change, I’m sure I cannot fully appreciate what it means for our mission and ministry. Nevertheless, I’m convinced God has been preparing us for this moment.
How Tasmanian Baptists are responding
These changes have not caught us by surprise. More than a decade ago we deliberately embarked on transitioning to become a mission-shaped movement. More recently, our focus has been on building a team of new generation pastoral leaders. Although there is still more to do, we are making significant gains.
So, where to from here?
The Tas Baptist Council is currently in the middle of a review. They want to listen to our churches in this moment, and hear from God, to clarify our next steps. It is hoped a report will be ready to present to next year’s Mid-year Assembly in May.
My encouragement to us all is the words God spoke to Joshua, “be bold and courageous”.
Given the changing nature of society, complete with some significant economic challenges thrown in, I suspect the years ahead will be quite demanding and tough. Yet, God is with us, and this turns any threat into an opportunity. We are not caught on the backfoot, but are instead progressing with confidence.
So let us move ahead full of faith, hope and love.
Every year feels big (and small) when thinking about church, community, and leadership.
It’s like thinking about family. There is no winner. Just the time-period of a year spent sustaining a community, growing leaders, deepening relationships, and dealing with setbacks.
I find it simultaneously rewarding, and challenging. As well, it is easy to let the setbacks dominate any discussion, because they are the easiest to remember.
Which is why at the end of every year I focus on what brought me joy.
Tas Baptist Pastors and LEADERS’ Musters
Courage | Presence | Proximity
I loved our March get together in Hobart, and our discussions on Courage. They set me up for the year in so many ways. I particularly loved our end reflections, and conversations I had with many, as we mutually encouraged one and other.
As the year has gone on, our conversations around Presence (Burnie) and Proximity (Launceston) have felt large. It feels like it is a constant conversation at the moment, where we are calling each other into presence and authenticity.
It brings me joy to spend time with you.
How we have carried courage, been present, and responded to our calling is something that gives me great hope as we head into 2023.
Blessings and Grace and Peace to you this Christmas.
There is a deep, quiet, and joyous sense of gratitude in my spirit about our Tasmanian Baptist community and what God is doing among us.
This year I have had the privilege of noticing an increased sense of team among our pastors, and walking alongside people as they courageously choose to follow God and his ways. I have seen an increase in bravery and vulnerability, understanding of self and of God, and a willingness to listen to and follow the promptings of Holy Spirit.
There is a stirring that God is doing something fresh, and we get to participate and co-create. No doubt there will be more challenges ahead, but what a privilege this is!
As we turn to 2023 …
I sense an invitation for us to know God better through the presence of Holy Spirit.
There is an invitation to find guidance for better ways of engaging. To find guidance to better engage with our communities and those around us with hospitable love and transformational grace.
I sense courage (bravery + vulnerability) and deep friendships will be integral to leaning into the kingdom of God, with patience and perseverance. I also sense an invitation to lovingly and prophetically speak into younger generations. To pull down the barriers in ourselves and our faith communities as we learn to know God and each other afresh.
Questions for you to ponder …
What is God’s invitation to you for 2023?
What does it look like for you to carve out time to dwell in God’s presence?
Who are the safe people that you can increase vulnerability with?
How can you build relationships with people of different generations?
God is not a Santa in the Sky A short, fun, poetic Christmas video (3m) by Glen Scrivener
2. Peace, Hope and Joy at Christmas
Outreach Christmas video (3m 18s) produced in conjunction with Olive Tree Media
SERMON/MESSAGE RESOURCES
Missing Peace?
This Advent and Christmas series was developed by Crossover. It is adaptable for use in all kinds of churches, highly invitable, and full of the great news about Jesus.
The series title, Missing Peace? is, of course, a two-sided play on words. It calls to all who thirst for peace, and hints at a ‘missing piece’ which is Christ the cornerstone.
Resource Includes
Five message outlines can be used in any order, with each standing alone.
Missing Global Peace
Missing Relational Peace
Missing Personal Peace
Missing Everyday Peace
Finding the Missing Peace
Easy-to-edit artwork for invitations and promotions
ABOVE: Assembly October 2022, L to R – Paul Manning (BWA); Sherry and Geoff Maddock (BMA); Stephen Baxter and Ben Cochrane; Worship time; Those Gathered!
After two years online, the annual faith and the arts school in Poatina will be held in-person!
Whether discovering FATA for the first time or returning – you can explore how to infuse faith with art, and art with faith.
The FATA team are praying for God’s grace on the time of encouraging, up-skilling and living in community.
Get ready to continue your creative journey …
The Gatherings Team are planning a spiritual and creative journey that will have attendees chewing on how, why and what we communicate, with our diverse creative languages.
Keynote Speaker: Lucinda Coleman
TOM and PAT
A new book by Ivan Jordan (Yolla Baptist)
Forward by Rev. Tim Costello AO
Front Cover
Tom Fleming is one of my heroes; a man who suffered under the Japanese in WW2 but turned his suffering into service of the Warlpiri people at Yuendumu. I am proud to be a Baptist Minister because of the character and witness of this spiritual giant. Ivan Jordan has given us a jewel in providing understanding of one of the most significant chapters of Christian mission in this nation’s history
Tim Costello
ORDER DETAILS
Back Cover
RRP is $35 less 40% for trade, plus freight. If Church groups order five or more copies, they will qualify for the 40% trade discount. Order here >
ORDER DIRECT
Phone: 08 9362 5955 (Intnl +61 8 9362 5955) Tuesday and Friday 1pm to 5pm W.A. time
Email: books@hesperianpress.com Please ensure the following are included in your email or letter to Hesperian Press:
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them”
John 7:38 (NIV)
The recent Crossover Spring Appeal, Streams of Living Water, is a huge success! A big thank you to those who signed up to give to Crossover on an ongoing basis.
Director of Crossover Andrew Turner (who conducted Tas Baptists’ recent leadership review) explains what the appeal is all about in this video. OR you could read Andrew’s letter to churches.
The generosity of supporters gives Crossover the ability to:
Create new resources (like the new Christmas resource, Missing Peace?)
Run events (such as hosting the recent online Australian Baptist Prayer Gathering)
Provide encouragement to Aussie Baptists (it’s time to read the new article about young adults exploring church!)
And offer invaluable training (more and more churches are using the Plan A resource).
Every dollar given is a blessing. Each donation comes closer to Crossover’s goal:
To see our Baptist movement baptising twice as many new believers each year by the end of the decade.
Streaming GOOD. Television
Find out about GOOD. TV
Australian Christian Channel have a free streaming service to provide positive entertainment options.
In an ever-changing world it’s great to know some things do not need to change. There is so much good to look forward to, which is why the people at GOOD. are committed to providing positive entertainment options so people can always watch something they can trust and rely on.
This is more than just a wide variety of programs. It includes a standard of viewing bringing more goodness into your life, with content to provide you with peace of mind. And will make you feel good at the same time.
GOOD. provide quality movies, TV series, documentaries and much more. You have the choice you want, without the stress of the not-so-good stuff that you do not want for your family.
As well, GOOD. is FREE, without any hidden costs or monthly bills.
Women gathered to pray at Day of Prayer events around Tasmania
On Saturday 22nd October, women gathered at Claremont and Ulverstone Baptist churches to pray for women around the world. They also gave funds to assist with Baptist projects in our Pacific region.
In each location, small groups prayed for international regions about specific prayer requests. These included prayers such as:
Nations recovering from COVID (Carribean and Asia)
Domestic abuse (Pacific and Caribbean)
Unexpected pregnancy support programs (Latin America and Canada)
Shelter for victims of human trafficking (Asia/Azerbaijan)
Reconciliation for indigenous people (Australia and NZ)
Peaceful elections (Africa)
Baptist women are doing astounding work across the globe!
In the recent budget, the Government announced $1.4 billion of additional aid to our region over the next four years!
Micah Australia welcomes these increases while continuing to call strongly for further urgent aid to help fight famine in the Horn of Africa, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria.
WATCH: Micah Australia’s Tim Costello (Exec. Director) and Matt Darvas (National Director) respond to the Budget from Canberra
Fostering Hope’s vision is to find a family for every child who needs one.
Tasmanian Baptists work with Fostering Hope to encourage churches and families to both provide, and support, foster carers.
Along with recruiting new carers, Fostering Hope supports people on the journey with connection, training, pastoral care, and mentors for children. As well, they offer trauma-awareness training for churches so they can be safe places for all children and adults.
Currently, Fostering Hope are looking for more fostering families to offer homes for children who need them.
There is also a need for respite carers to offer extended family and community around full-time foster and kinship families and we just don’t have the families to ask.
Children without the protection of their parents are the most vulnerable in any community. These children need families and communities to offer them hope, healing, and a childhood free of adult stresses and full of fun.
If you would like to know more about Fostering Hope’s work, or have someone from the team talk at your church or run a trauma-awareness training, please get in touch.
The Forest Underground: Hope for a Planet in Crisis
The winner of the Christian Book of the Year Award 2022 is The Forest Underground: Hope for a Planet in Crisis, by Tony Rinaudo.
The book tells the story of a revolution in reforestation that is transforming the lives of subsistence farmers around the world. An inspiring and irresistible story of one man’s obedience and God’s faithfulness.
The awards are presented every year by SparkLit.org, who aim to advance God’s Kingdom by empowering Christian writers, publishers and distributors.
City’s Sunday Gatherings are well settled in our temporary home at Worldview College, St Leonards. On Sunday 6th November, Sunday Jenna Blackwell coordinated a picnic in Princes Square and led a great devotion before we wandered the city centre on a prayer walk.
Our Saturday ministry to street community is thriving in its partnership, and has a new home with Pilgrim Uniting Church.
Jeff McKinnon concludes 46 years of pastoral ministry on 31 December. A ‘handover service’ will take place on 9 January 2023.
Next year is looking like an exciting adventure under the pastoral leadership of Anthea Maynard and Jenna Blackwell.
L to R: Jeff McKinnon, Anthea Maynard, Jenna Blackwell
Northwest
ULVERSTONE
Father’s Day Father’s Day was a day of joy and as we honoured and celebrated our UBC men. An entertaining video presentation was created by some of our UBC family members re-enacting their own father’s sayings and behaviours.
Dr Kameel Majdali We enjoyed the teaching and wisdom of Dr Kameel Majdali (pictured) who, with prophetic insight and practical spiritual encouragement brought Biblical clarity to the times that we are living in today.
Church Anniversary On the 25th September, our Sunday service celebrated 117 years of God’s goodness and faithfulness to UBC. A video presentation took us back in time reflecting on all the pastors that have served with us up to present day.
The choir presented an item they had recently prepared and performed for a Bible Society concert. Of course, it’s not a celebration without food, so a BBQ lunch was enjoyed by all.
Table Tennis Our table tennis season came to an end with about 30 people participating this year. The grand final night concluded with a trophy presentation and pizza.
T.U.C.K Between the months of June to the end of September it has been a privilege to host a space for TUCK (The Ulverstone Community Kitchen) to operate. Partnering with businesses, organisations and members of our community, we were able to provide a safe space for those in need to enjoy a free meal.
We look forward to being part of the TUCK team with the hope of being a blessing and encouragement to whoever may be reached throughout the winter months of 2023.
Gabe, and Pastor Louis Fife
FAREWELL: Josephine Viney
26th September 1936 – 23rd August 2022 By Glenys Preston
After many months of failing health, we at Ulverstone Baptist Church were saddened when our dear friend Josie passed away.
Together with her husband Neville, they ministered on the African Continent for 19 years with service at a Leprosy Hospital in the Sudan, on a medically equipped vessel on Lake Chad, and finally house parents to missionaries’ children in Nigeria.
In 1979, the family returned to Tasmania and settled in Ulverstone where Josie’s nursing expertise saw her employed at the Ulverstone Hospital, followed by assisting in the establishment of the Palliative Care Unit, based at the Mersey General Hospital in Latrobe.
Josie became a much loved and respected member of UBC with involvement including leading a ladies bible study group, a member of the missionary team, deaconesses and Sunday school teacher.
Hospitality was a prominent part of Josie and Neville’s lives, providing meals and fellowship to many, as well as spiritual support to countless needy people in their home, while added hospital visitation of encouragement was administered during times of suffering.
We thank God for the blessing which has been ours in having Josie in our personal and Church lives, knowing that she is at peace and rejoicing in the presence of her Lord and Saviour who she loved and faithfully served.
MARRAWAH
The Marrawah leadership team recently met with Rodney Marshall and Michael Henderson to plan the Thanksgiving Service.
Marrawah Baptist to Close For several years now, the small fellowship who gather at Marrawah Baptist Church have been operating on Sundays on an irregular basis. More recently, most of the congregation have shifted in to Smithton, and are now attending the Baptist church there. Now, the membership has decided it is time to permanently close their doors.
Thanksgiving Service Marrawah Baptist will host a thanksgiving service early 2023. During the morning there will be time to say farewell and celebrate all the years and work and mission that has taken place through this fellowship.
Church Camp We had another successful family camp at Poatina at the end of September. Well over 100 attended with great interactions between our three congregations. Our focus for the weekend included some Psalms for teaching and reflection, including Psalm 23 alongside the riverbank.
The highlight of the many activities was the soccer match between the Australian and Nepalese congregations – a cause of much fun and spectator delight. The Saturday night family concert also brought forth some special talent.
L to R: Citywide Soccer teams; Saturday night concert; Walkers near the top of kunanyi
Mission Trip to Nepal Pastors Paul Rai and Dan Evenhuis embarked on a two-week mission trip to Nepal at the end of October. The purpose of the trip was to visit the rural pastors and the children’s home we support, and to firm up the registered local supports to ensure that our charity status is not compromised.
In addition, this is a fact-finding venture to ensure our support and ministry into Nepal can be focused where it is most needed. A climb from Lenah Valley to the summit of Mt. Wellington/kunanyi on Saturday 15 October in support of Nepali mission was well supported.
Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes On 16 October in our service, our congregations engaged in packing 200 shoe boxes for the Operation Christmas Child ministry. We have an active collection for the boxes throughout the year in which many engage generously to make and donate goods.
Farewell Service for Peter Clarke
It was with much sadness that we celebrated the life of Peter Clarke on 12 October. Peter served many years as an Elder at Lenah Valley, and then at Citywide after our merger.
At the service, tributes to Peter acknowledged his life from as far away as Zambia. Many people’s lives were blessed and impacted by Peter’s ministry, all of which flowed from his close relationship with Jesus and his desire to serve him well.
Peter has left a hole in our lives at Citywide, but we know that he is now excitedly fulfilling his faith and rejoicing with his Lord.
HOBART
From top: Mabuhay singers Children’s talk; Vietnamese fellowship; Karen choir
Sanctuary Sunday, 25th September The first Sanctuary Sunday since Covid was a wonderful morning. For those who hadn’t experienced one before, it was a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity and international nature of the HBC family – all together in the one place at the one time.
During the morning we welcomed the Korean Hobart Vision Church, now meeting in the Tab on Sunday afternoons. And also the Vietnamese Fellowship, who in September, became one of ‘sanctuaries’, along with the Karen church, Mabuhay (Filipino) and Anuak (Ethiopian) fellowships.
National costumes, visiting friends, and lots of encouragement enabled all to enjoy the blessings of being one in Christ. A splendid morning tea followed the service!
Bella Lay Beautiful 11-month-old Bella Lay has Leukemia, and her treatment is well underway. Bella, and parents Than Tun (Damo) and Lay Ber, have moved to Melbourne for treatment. This takes them away from their jobs/income and makes it expensive for family to visit.
Married for less than two years, both parents are part of our Karen community, having come to Tasmania from Myanmar via refugee camps in Thailand. You can support Bella and her parents by donating to a Go Fund Me fundraiser >
ABOVE Clockwise from top left: Sherry and Geoff Manning (BMA); Assembly attendees, Saturday; Friday dinner; Stephen Baxter prays for newly registered pastor Ben Cochrane (Somerset); Saturday lunch; Friday night.
Tasmanian Baptists
Reflection on Assembly
FRI/SAT, 28th and 29th October 2022
By Anthea Maynard
Assembly was a humbling, inspiring and encouraging experience, as diverse representatives from across lutruwita (Tasmania) gathered to share food, stories, reflections, prayers, songs and questions together.
We had a range of presenters including Mission Director Stephen Baxter, Sherry and Geoff Maddock (Baptist Mission Australia), our historian Laurie Rowston, and Paul Manning (Baptist World Aid). Plus, a well-organised business session, led by Peter Clark on Saturday afternoon.
Friday night sessions
Sherry and Geoff Maddock
Sherry and Geoff Maddock spoke on “God’s placed love”, with examples from their lives as a family on mission. This resonated with me as I am deeply affected by place – geography, ecology, faith, history, culture, food and stories.
Sherry also shared about her vocation of tending and keeping, cultivating and flourishing, which is embodied in her work as a gardener. I love the idea of creating spaces of hospitality for people to encounter one another and God, especially in living landscapes.
Stephen Baxter
Our Mission Director, Stephen Baxter, gave a “State of the Union” address, outlining a current picture of the Baptists in the Tasmanian community.
He also summarised a consultancy report about Tasmanian Baptist churches by Andrew Turner of Crossover called “Ready to Really Move”. It highlights the need to transition from ideas of deconstruction to construction; closed to open faith communities; and theoretical to tangible faith-life engagement.
God’s Mission – Missio Dei
Laurie Rowston
On Saturday morning, Laurie Rowston spoke passionately about the history of Baptists in Tasmania. He has now completed comprehensive research and published eight associated books. This work is a gift to Baptists in Tasmania, with the hope to see people come to know Jesus.
Geoff Maddock spoke again, this time about world Christianity and how the church joins into God’s bigger mission (MissioDei) that goes beyond borders and boundaries.
He said we are invited to have an attitude of curiosity, offer hospitality, and open our lives to others. Smaller groups then identified and discussed what the major issues were in our world and society. We also discussed how our missiology, ecumenism and interfaith relations influence our response.
Geoff reminded us that there are no God-forsaken places or people.
Resourcing churches
Paul Manning
Paul Manning shared about Baptist World Aid’s work of supporting communities to face challenges associated with poverty.
There is an opportunity to identify and challenge unjust systems within our society and beyond, as Jesus said he came to give life in fullness. The updated Ethical Fashion Guide has just been released and opens our eyes to the slavery and ecological destruction that our consumer actions have.
The polity and relationships of the Baptist movement are refreshing, enabling and Spirit led. I found that attending the Tasmanian Baptist Annual Assembly this year was a privilege.
Anthea Maynard Ministry Team Leader City Baptist Church, Launceston
