There is so much to celebrate at Wynyard Baptist Church!
As we head towards 120 years of serving our community, we look forward to how we as a body of believers can have a deeper relationship with Christ and a long-lasting impact into the lives of those who live in our community.
So often, the challenge to change can be disconcerting. However, WBC has embraced positive change through shared vision and ownership of that vision by all who attend the church.
There aren’t too many churches who haven’t had some heartache along the way, and we are no different. However, we also accept that God is bigger than any self-interest that creeps into churches. When we accept this and enable healing, over time God’s will and purpose always, like cream, rise to the top!
Welcoming to church team; Sunday School Anniversary; Carols In The Gardens; Chat n Choose Foundation Team Leaders; Helpers and servers on Christmas day
[All photos are captioned clockwise from top left]
Making a difference
At Wynyard Baptist Church we strive to live out the Tasmanian Baptists’ vision. This has resulted in a deep desire to make a difference in so many lives across our community.
Tasmanian Baptists’ Vision:
We envisage a Tasmania infused with the salt and light of the kingdom of God.
Our contribution to seeing the vision realised is through facilitating and developing innovative, diverse and transformative member churches and faith communities living out the Gospel.
WBC has an updated entrance; Over the road stands the church hall and ROC
Our week
Sundays Sunday School, Celebration Service, and Prayer for Revival
Mondays ROC Community Food Hub
Tuesdays Walking Group, ROC Community Food Hub at Somerset
Wednesdays Wednesday Get Together, Blokes Study
Thursdays Chat n Choose, Care Groups
Fridays ROC Community Food Hub
Saturdays ROC Community Food Hub at Somerset
There are other care groups as well during the week!
Christmas lights; more Christmas lights; Carols in the gardens x 2; Christmas Lunch was so good even Elvis came; Christmas lunch.
We have so many activities
This year we celebrate 30 years of Chat ‘n’ Choose with some of the original leaders and ladies still here, and regularly attending.
Other activities that reach into our community include:
Just Blokes Pizza Nights; Just Girls; Yearly Harvest Dinner and Auction; Good Friday Combined Churches Service in Gutteridge Gardens; RSL Chaplaincy; Carols in the Gardens and Christmas Day Lunch.
Wednesday Get Together; Men’s retreat weekend; Wednesday Get-together bowls; ROC Community Food Drive donations from Neville Woolley and The Lions Club; ROC Community Food Hub; ROC Community Food Hub; Firewood fundraising day; Presentation of a new AED to WBC by Roger Jaensch MP; Bus trips to all sorts of places
God is good!
As Senior Pastor I have strived to engage and encourage this church to be bigger than the individual, and to believe that God is good all the time. His provision of opportunity has been at times overwhelming. However, there is a deep belief God is at work and allowing us the privilege of serving Him. For His glory and for His honour!
I was called to WBC almost 10 years ago. As a part of that journey I knew we would eventually need others to help in the growing ministry. As a church we are so blessed to have Franz (and Heidi) come alongside Dawn and myself as we minister the Gospel of Christ together.
Associate Pastor Franz and Heidi Brosch; Pastor Owen and Dawn Muskett; Pastor George Muskett; Padre Owen Muskett on Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day; Legends were born in August!
I’m very grateful for the inspiration of my Dad, George, who finished this race and was promoted to glory earlier in 2023.
My prayer is that we would live out our calling and do the works of the Father for his sake and His Glory!
Blessings, Owen Muskett Pastor, Wynyard Baptist Church
Converge is an annual gathering of Australian Baptist representatives in Canberra to advocate on issues close to the heart of our movement and the represent the 1000+ churches nationally.
This year, nearly 40 Australian Baptists from across Australia gathered for two days of lobbying and advocacy. Nicholas Alexander (Lifeway Devonport), Stephen Baxter (Mission Director & Hobart Baptist pastor) and I, Anthea Maynard (Team leader Launceston City Baptist) attended as delegates through the support and generosity of Tas Baptists.
Key Objective
The key objective was to elevate the ongoing and protracted crisis in Myanmar as a priority. We were asking for action from our elected representatives. Groups of four delegates from different locations met with members of parliament to introduce the situation. They then presented three asks and shared a personal story by a person from Myanmar. With more than 20,000 Baptists from Myanmar in Australia, this is an important opportunity to support them. As well, we advocated as part of a wider, ecumenical effort (with the Catholic and Uniting Churches).
Our campaign “We Must Not Forget About Myanmar” has postcards outlining the three asks to Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs. These postcards will be available through Baptist World Aid and Australian Baptist Ministries (see below). We hope that 20,000 printed postcards will end up on the desk of the Foreign Minister.
With different humanitarian crises happening around the world, the emergency for the people of Myanmar has fallen off the radar of the international community. This is our opportunity to make a difference. The United Nations Humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths recently said, ‘successive crises in Myanmar have left one third of the population in need of humanitarian aid’.
Justice beyond ourselves
This was my first experience of Converge. It was a unique opportunity to work alongside Australian Baptist representatives from diverse roles and locations to highlight the needs and recent experiences of the people of Myanmar. It is my prayer awareness and support will grow, along with members of parliament noticing Christians advocating for issues justice beyond ourselves.
Anthea’s Lobby Group: Melissa Rule (BUV Head of comms), Biak Nei Xing (Coffs Harbour), Rev. Daniel Bullock (BUV Director of Mission and Ministries), Anthea, Sui Sangte Chung (Perth WA).
In my group, there were two delegates from the Myanmar Baptist community. Sui, from Perth WA, has recently graduated from nursing. She arrived in Australia as a refugee with her mother at the age of eight. Sui shared of her recent trip to some refugee camps on the Indian border. Sui encountered stories from elderly ladies who had fled their villages due to airstrikes. This year, airstrikes have increased dramatically in Myanmar to a current total of 289. Stronger, focused sanctions are needed to limit the capacity of the Junta to trade.
Biak was the other delegate, from Coffs Harbour NSW. She shared how her mother’s and father’s villages were burned to the ground in September this year. This was very distressing for her and her extended family.
The overall response by parliamentary representatives was engaging and positive. The Myanmar delegates were encouraged, and grateful to raise their voice with other Australian Baptists.
Baptist World Aid have activated a disaster appeal to respond to this unfolding crisis and enable local Christian Partners to provide urgent assistance to civilians affected by the conflict as soon as humanitarian corridors are open.
Together, we’re grieving the violence that is causing immeasurable suffering, and mourning with those whose loved ones have been killed or are being held captive. We’re distressed for the one million people who’ve been displaced, and all those innocent civilians living in fear across the region today.
Baptist World Aid request the help of the Baptist Family. Donations will enable local Christian Partners to provide urgent assistance to families affected by this conflict as soon as possible.
Baptist churches across Israel and the Palestinian territories, including Gaza Baptist Church, have requested fervent prayer for peace. ‘Let us follow paths of peacemaking that unequivocally reject terrorism or any acts that target civilians,’ the Baptist World Alliance said, in a statement on behalf of churches in the region, ‘Let us generously provide help and support with the compassion of Christ.’
Please join us in praying for peace, hope and security for the entire region, so all can enjoy fullness of life as he intends. We’re yearning for the day the prophet Isaiah spoke of when swords will be beaten into ploughshares. (Isaiah 4:1)
Hiroshima Survival
Original Documentary: Australian Veteran’s Incredible Story
Westbury Baptist have established mainly music in order to connect strategically with families in their local community.
Children and their parents enjoy songs and activities together. Parents and carers discover others in their community and form friendships.
Through the program, Westbury Baptist will have an opportunity to reveal Jesus through their interaction and engagement. Together, with the support of mainly ministries, they’ll be creating a joy-filled community of belonging.
First time free, then $5 per family. Ages 0-4 plus parents/carers.
Westbury Baptist Church, 53 Franklin Street, Westbury, TAS 7303
Doors open at 9:45 and music starts at 10am, followed by morning tea and play time.
Family and friends were warmly invited to attend the memorial service of Mal Garvin at 11:30am on Thursday 12th October at Citywide, 400 Cambridge Rd, Mornington.
READ: An article about the service on Thursday 12th October, including an overview of Mal’s life. WATCH: The entire service on YouTube.
Follower of Jesus, loved and loving husband of Jenny. Loved and loving father and father-in-law of Matt and Leeanne, Liz and David, Danni and Dan, Nathaniel and Renee. Proud and loved Papa of Maddi, Josh (and Jen), Dan, Sophie (and Mitch), Simeon, Anya, Zoe, Josuahm, Ollie, Bridie, Lilly and Tim. Friend and mentor to hundreds across the country and around the world.
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.
FIND OUT MORE: Preaching tools, training sessions, videos and user guide. WATCH the introductory video, below
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.
Compliance Reminder
Is your church ChildSafe?
The Safe Church deadline is fast approaching! 1st January 2024 is the date to meet all the Safe Church requirements, as set out by the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act approved by parliament in May 2023.
Training has begun in every region of the state. If your church has not yet begun the process, you are encouraged to get onto it urgently.
As a refresher, you could read the article by Administrator Rodney Marshall which was published in June: Safe Churches Update >
Well done to all the teams who participated in the online quiz night on Saturday 2nd September. A big thank you from Crossover for joining in!
Crossover raised just over $1,100 from the night.
Special mention to the top 3 teams:
1. Knightsbridge Baptist Church SA 2. Richmond Baptist Church SA 3. Lifeway Devonport Tas
State Leaderboard:
South Australia/Northern Territory
Tasmania (Woohoo! Go Tasmania!)
Western Australia
Queensland
New South Wales/ACT
Victoria
Funeral Notice
Farewell Markus Sebastian
1963-2023
Friends and relatives were invited to attend the service to celebrate the life of Mr Markus Sebastian at Gateway Baptist Church 22 Wellington Street, Launceston on Friday 29th September 2023, commencing at 11 am.
The service was conducted by Rev. Michael Eleveld, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Launceston. This invitation was extended to those who knew Markus. He would have loved to see people he knew there.
Please also be in prayer for Stephanie Sebastian (SU Tas), daughter Charlie and son Michel.
Australian Christian Book Awards 2023
The Australian Christian Literature Awards encourage Christian writing and publishing that helps people discover Jesus in a way that is authentic and culturally meaningful. The SparkLit Awards recognise and encourage excellence in Australian Christian writing and publishing.
Held recently in Melbourne, the awards revealed some amazing writers along with their books. Check out the shortlisted books as well, because they also produced some gems. (Maybe there’s some Christmas shopping in the wind today?)
WINNER! Australian Christian Book of the Year 2023
Biblical Critical Theory:How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Cultureby Christopher Watkin A philosopher uses the Bible to analyse and interpret contemporary Western culture.
WINNER! Australian Christian Teen Writer 2023
Caleb MacLaren from Victoria won the 2023 Australian Christian Teen Writer Award with his screenplay The Journey.
In a modern twist on the Noah’s Ark story, this script follows four companions as they navigate an empty world devastated by an alien attack.
Fostering Hope
Mentoring Program in Hobart
The next Fostering Hope training day is in Hobart on Saturday, October 14.
Fostering Hope are a community organisation whose work comes from the Bible and the teachings of Jesus to ‘visit’ and ‘care for’ orphans and widows, to put the lonely in families, to love the fatherless, to care for children, and to love the neighbours in the communities. Tasmanian Baptists partner with Fostering Hope partner to provide foster care to Tasmanian children.
Through their Mentoring Program, Fostering Hope seeks to provide a “friend with purpose” for kids in care.
If you are looking for a way to live out your faith in caring for those in need, you can make a difference for a child in care. Please get in touch to talk about how to be equipped with training, connected with a child, and provided with ongoing support as you mentor. With just a few hours a month, you can significantly impact the life of a child in care for the better.
National Baptism Week will be an opportunity for churches, youth groups, small groups and ministries across Australia to celebrate, explore and offer baptism. Check out the short explainer video and Ideas Guide, as well as baptism resources on our new Baptism Hub. Joining in is very simple – no need to register or report back – you can use Baptism Week in your own way.
Anna-Maree Richardson has worked with Tas Baptists as the Assistant Administrator since November 2022, and it is high time we found out more about her. Read on . . .
Tasmanian life
I was born in and Launceston and I grew up there. It was a quiet life, my family didn’t travel much and so most of our time was spent in and around the Launceston area, or going to St Marys to stay with parents.
I grew up attending an Anglican church and attending Sunday School and church there. But it wasn’t until I went to college, and I made a friend who invited me to some Youth Group events at her church that I learnt more about having a relationship with God. At 17 I became a Christian.
I am married to Matthew, and we have five children. Alysha is 22, Shay is 19, Ivy is 15, Nyah is 10 and Toby is 9. Alysha has been living in Queensland since 2020. We all share a love of the beach and camping. Tasmania is such beautiful place, I love travelling and seeing different parts of it; my favourite thing would be our beaches despite our cold water.
I do a lot of housework and parenting mostly. But I also like to do crafts, read and go to the beach and I love spending time with my family.
Tas Baptist life
What do you do for Tas Baptist Churches? I am the Assistant to the Administrator, and I do accounts, organise catering for Council Meetings and Assembly and also take the Minutes at these Meetings. I am excited to meet new people and learn more about Tasmanian Baptists; what is happening around our churches in Tasmania; support the Council and Tas Baptist staff, and our greater Baptist community where I can.
What challenges do you have – at work and at home? At work some of the challenges are getting all the small things together for events such as Assembly. There a lot of small things that need to happen for things to work smoothly. Home is very similar with six people all living together, and such a range of ages! It is about making everything fit together for things to run efficiently.
After being out of the workforce for 21 years to raise our family, a lot has changed. Technology has certainly progressed, and everything is very different. I am lucky to work with amazing patient people who are always encouraging and helpful. I continue to learn new skills, and learn how things work at Tas Baptists. Pray for me to continue to learn and grow in my new role.
The best advice I have received is that everything is easier if you break it down into smaller parts, especially if you are overwhelmed or things seem too hard.
Short ‘n’ Sweet
I am looking forward to . . . Summer, it is my favourite time of year.
I am worried about . . . my children and their happiness.
I am confident that . . . God has a plan 😊
I am joyful about . . . family, they are so important.
I would like to change . . . how quickly life goes.
Andrew Turner of Crossover reflects in his Sacred Agents blog.
I’ve been working on baptism resources lately, and it’s mainly straightforward. But there are curly issues too, like the question, “When is a person ready to be baptised?”
There are extreme answers to this. Some denominations say ‘At birth!’ Others, concerned about post-baptism sin, have concluded ‘Just before death!’ You’ve likely narrowed it down somewhat from those extremes, but the question remains.
If we baptise people on their first interest in Jesus, how do we know it isn’t merely a crush? Six weeks later they might be into Buddha or basket-weaving. It’s not a new phenomenon – the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) speaks of flash-in-the-pan believers as one of four main types of people who hear the gospel.
But if we delay, how long? For there’s another type (thorny ground) who hang around much longer but in the end are similarly unproductive. And Jesus’ next Parable (The Wheat and Weeds) speaks to the difficulty of discerning which is which anyway.
Baptism, historically
In the 3rd to 5th Centuries, churches enrolled new believers into several years of instruction in faith and morals. Their way of life was closely observed. The final hurdle was to learn the creed and be able to recite it by heart. Then baptism. There’s something admirable about the commitment to intentional discipleship, but there’s something troubling too.
The scandal and wonder of the gospel is that people can be reconciled to God instantaneously. The returning prodigal isn’t required to spend a few years in the workers’ quarters, proving his reformation. He gets the ring of family-belonging only five minutes after turning up in rags.
The scandal and wonder of the gospel is that people can be reconciled to God instantaneously.
Andrew Turner, Crossover
Learning vs Earning
Discipleship is a process, certainly. But it’s at our peril that we shape it (or allow it to be perceived) as a staircase up to acceptance with God and inclusion with his people.
So what’s the choice? Shall we be casual, or die-hard? Lax, or strict?
It needn’t be so binary. Why not have a rigorous system for strengthening new believers, but place baptism at the start rather than the end?
There’s a new life to learn, but it’s not something we earn. Dallas Willard aptly put it, ‘Grace is not opposed to effort, it’s opposed to earning.’
When the Ethiopian eunuch says ‘There’s a pool of water – what’s to stop me being baptised?’ we don’t see Philip answering, ‘Well you’ve only passed the Isaiah exam.’ But neither does the New Testament see disciple-making as dipped-and-done. Baptism has always been an initiation – a start line.
Some will start and then stumble. But the danger of baptising someone who may fall away is vastly outweighed by the danger of withholding baptism because they might. It is best, I think, to baptise all who are willing to follow Jesus . . . straight into a supportive and disciplined community.
Andrew Turner is the Director of Crossover. Crossover exists to Help Australian Baptists Share Jesus.
Both remembering and forgetting are important actions
Our country is currently grappling with the referendum. The question of the past is at the core of why this referendum is taking place, and why it is so difficult to discuss. Ponder on these thoughts as Australia moves closer to the referendum date.
By Rev Dr Megan Powell du Toit
Nations, families, relationships, and individuals all have pasts and memories. We all know the difficulty of a relationship in which hurts of the past are continually brought up and rehashed, with no real resolution. On the other hand, it is also a common experience to be frustrated by situations in which the past is ignored, even though it continues to affect the present.
Memory is an oft-visited topic within the stories we tell. Apple TV series Severance, released last year, imagines a company in which people are able to sever their work memories from their outside work memories. It is sold as an ideal work-life balance in which work does not impinge on your outside life. But human life is not so easily divided, and memory is core to identity. Memory is essential to living as a moral human being in the world.
A 20-year-old movie comes to my mind as I think about the significance of the past. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a film in which two people decide to undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories. But the film suggests reality and identity are more complex than that. Forgetting parts of the past will not bring about the desired change. The sun does not shine for the amnesiac.
In the Scriptures
How is the past treated in the Bible? The concept of remembering is laden with the idea that memory affects action in the present. When God remembers the people of Israel, it means God keeps the promises made to them.
Memory is connected to faithful love. God sees their troubles and acts to save. In Exodus 2:24 tells how the saving act of the exodus occurs because “God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob.”
The people of Israel are also to engage in remembering. They are to remember the God who saved them and not to lose heart. They also have a law code which insists upon their active remembering of their past as enslaved people.
This memory is to continually result in just action in the present towards others. For instance, in the Deuteronomy 5 account of the 10 Commandments, they are to keep sabbath along with both servants and foreigners, for they are to “remember that you were slaves in Egypt.” (v15).
Action in the present
Yet we are also told, God will remember our sins no more (e.g. Jer 31:34, Heb 8:12). Forgetting, like remembering, is about action in the present. This means that God will not act in judgment against them. This is the consequence of what Jesus has done on the cross.
Yet we are also told, God will remember our sins no more
Our sins have been borne by Jesus. So, sins cannot ever be treated as if they did not occur. They are “forgotten” here because restitution has been made.
After weeping recently, I was comforted when I recalled that God wipes away tears as we enter the time to come (Rev 21:4). That is, the tears are not forgotten. They are lovingly tended as we enter into new life.
So, what do we do with the past? The past, and our memories of it, are part of who we are and how we love. As we exist within our various communities, we are called to remember, and forget, in ways which seek the good of all and enact justice.
Karen Wilson is the President for Baptist World Alliance Women. She lives in Perth WA, and is the keynote speaker for the EmpowHer Day of Courageat Riverlands, Longford on Saturday 18th November.
When I stepped into the position of President for Baptist World Alliance Women 2020-2025, I sensed God asking me to find and/or create spaces for women and men to flourish together.
This would mean creating ministries that are open to both, affirm both, have mutual respect for one another, and give equal voice one to the other.
Silent contributors
For too long, women have been asked to be the silent contributors to the Kingdom. Their ministries and efforts have been greatly appreciated, yet their voices have been hushed. That time has now finished. It’s a new day.
For too long, women have been asked to be the silent contributors to the Kingdom.
Back in July 2019, the Baptist International Conference on Theological Education met in Nassau, Bahamas. The decision was made to not only re affirm the resolution of the Baptist World Alliance entitled “Women”, adopted in Nassau in 1988 but to take it further[1].
There was a call for churches, and church leaders, to repent from the teachings and practices through which they have prevented women from flourishing as human beings created in the image of God and full members of the body of Christ.
The call went further – to be open to the Holy Spirit to bring conviction, inspire discussion, and provoke transformation in individual lives and communities by affirming the God-given call of women for service in the church, so their stories may take rightful place in the wider story of Christ’s body in the world.
The All-encompassing Challenge
The challenge? For all of us to learn, and then use, language which is affirming to both women and men in worship, communications, and publications. In addition, to work intentionally to create equal space for women in all leadership roles in the church, Baptist conventions and unions, and across the entire Baptist World Alliance.
As I look at the place women have in our Baptist churches, and with this call being proclaimed globally, I believe there is a need for us to understand how to stand together and discuss issues together. As well, we all need to learn how to make room for one another, and how to avail each other of the others’ gifts.
God has a Kingdom-purpose for the entire body of Christ to flourish – male and female alike – and we are being ushered into that era where we will see it come to pass.
I, for one, am excited that we get to not only see it, but be catalysts of change to bring this transformation.
So what do I see?
I see a global ministry where women and men . . .
Champion one another and stand together (Zeph 3:9)
Understand the responsibility in the Kingdom and encourage one another forward (1 Thess 5:11)
The NAYBA Impact Audit of Tasmania is due by Friday 22nd September!
As you may be aware, the audit will measure the collective social impact of the faith community in Tasmania, and put a monetary value on the time and resources that are dedicated to serving those in need.
The survey is designed to be as easy as possible. It should only take about 15 minutes to complete, plus some time to gather the relevant information.
Before diving in, please visit the FAQ page to ensure you have all the necessary details at your fingertips. This will also help you decide if there’s someone who should complete the survey on your behalf. You could also watch the instruction VIDEO.
The survey remains open until Friday 22nd September. Once you’re ready, click the following button to get started:
The next Fostering Hope training day is in Hobart on Saturday, October 14.
Fostering Hope are a community organisation whose work comes from the Bible and the teachings of Jesus to ‘visit’ and ‘care for’ orphans and widows, to put the lonely in families, to love the fatherless, to care for children, and to love the neighbours in the communities. Tasmanian Baptists partner with Fostering Hope partner to provide foster care to Tasmanian children.
Through their Mentoring Program, Fostering Hope seeks to provide a “friend with purpose” for kids in care.
If you are looking for a way to live out your faith in caring for those in need, you can make a difference for a child in care. Please get in touch to talk with about how to be equipped with training, connected with a child, and provided with ongoing support as you mentor. With just a few hours a month, you can significantly impact the life of a child in care for the better.
National Baptism Week will be an opportunity for churches, youth groups, small groups and ministries across Australia to celebrate, explore and offer baptism. There are lots of ways to get involved. Check out the short explainer video and Ideas Guide, as well as baptism resources on our new Baptism Hub. Joining in is very simple – no need to register or report back – you can use Baptism Week in your own way.
Olive Tree Media, want to resource and empower Christians to engage their friends and neighbours in conversations about faith. That’s why they partnered with Crossover and Baptist churches to resource and equip churches for National Baptism Week, 15th – 22nd October 2023.
Especially designed for use in the lead-up to National Baptism Week, Next Steps is a quality resource suitable for churches, small groups and youth groups.
It is designed so anybody can run it at any time within your church to share stories of faith, invite discussion and give people an opportunity to consider their ‘Next Steps’ when it comes to faith and life with Jesus.
· A 4-week small group series across the life of your church · Mid-week church-wide course – where people can all come to watch and discuss together · Run stand-alone groups facilitated specifically as a pointed discipleship tool readying people for baptism · As a series your church works through in your Sunday services
WATCH: NEXT STEPS trailer
Celebrate with Burnie
Induction at Burnie Baptist
Burnie Baptist Church congregation invites you to join with us for the induction service of Pastor Matty Coppin.
WHEN 2pm, Sunday 24th September, 2023 WHERE Burnie Baptist Church, 59 Mount Street Burnie RSVP For seating and catering purposes by Friday 15th September. To Kathy Fogarty | 0408 340 110 | burniebaptist@bigpond.com
You are also invited to a time of fellowship and refreshments following the service.
Fun_raiser!
Trivia Night at Gateway
Gateway Baptist are hosting an evening fundraising event featuring trivia questions, fun, food and good company, and a silent auction with lots of goodies available!
You, your friends and family are all welcome to join in and raise funds for Operation Christmas Child. It will be $10/person to participate.
The Trivia Night will take place at 7pm on Friday 29th September 2023
WHERE Artway Studio and Gallery, behind Gateway Church 22 Wellington Street
RSVP/MORE INFO By 25th September to help with catering. Jill Ashdown 0439 354 849 | Christine 0409 632 641
We are so thankful for all of you who continue this journey with us as we continue to to seek to be hands, feet and voice of Jesus here in Sangklaburi in western Thailand.
We are in the wet season and the three-month period of Buddhist Lent. In our attached newsletter there’s lots more information and links to a video and a booklet for special prayer for Thailand during this season. This season has similarities in every Buddhist country and community.
Published three times/year the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation Digest is full of interesting articles about the work and thinking of Baptists in our region.
The current issue is all about RELEVANCE in our current culture. The relevance of church, of youth ministry, of overseas missions, and of humanitarian aid. READ IT HERE (18MB) >
Every two months you can catch up with the latest news in Tasmanian Baptist Churches.
North
BEAUTY POINT
Texan Visit 2023
For the 11th time in 14 years The Point Baptist hosted a Texan mission trip. Chris and Heather Horton, from the Lake Fork district, east of Dallas, headed the visit.
This year Chris and Heather were accompanied by daughter Dempsey, and her good friend Heaven. Dempsey has stayed on for 12 months to lead the youth work in the church.
Texans at Launceston Gorge; Chris speaks at the Men’s Night; Heaven (L) and Dempsey (R)
Over three weeks in July, numerous events included men, women and children, all with the aim of sharing Jesus. After great family concert, the youth held an impromptu and very entertaining karaoke session. The school holiday basketball camp connected with local youth.
Reconnecting with people was a real focus of the trip. It was encouraging to see some on the fringe of the fellowship attending church again. No commitments to faith in Jesus were made during the trip, however, our experience is these often follow later.
Additionally, the encouragement and connection of the fellowship generally, and especially the youth, should not be under-estimated with these efforts. The launching of our new youth work, with Dempsey leading, is especially exciting.
We are thankful to the Lord Jesus for His patience with us and the blessings of seeing people saved through the sharing of His word.
CITY, Launceston
City is enjoying our new location for Sunday gatherings at the Boathouse Function Centre, overlooking the Tamar River and the Gorge.
Following our “Seeds” focus in July, we continue to consider what it means to be seeds of faith, hope, justice and love across our city. We also welcomed Sherry Maddock’s contribution about ‘flourishing gardens’ and how we can be habitats of God’s presence – encouraging and inspiring!
The Boathouse overlooks the Tamar; Pastors Anthea Maynard and Jenna Blackwell; Sheree Maddock (BMA)
Our usual commitments continue – the weekly drop in centre, Stephen Avery’s street chaplaincy, the community garden, supporting women, and more. There are so many opportunities to engage in our city and we look forward to partnering with God and the community more.
MATU
On Sunday 27th August, our Matu Church in Launceston celebrated their 10th Anniversary. Maddy Svoboda attended on behalf of Tasmanian Baptists.
WESTBURY
MAINLY MUSIC 9:45-11:30am Wednesdays
On Wednesday 16th August, Westbury began a mainly music program for the neighbourhood children ages 0-4 and their parent/carer.
Music and movement starts at 10am, followed by morning tea, then free play time. First session free, then $5 per family. We are having a blast and still have room for more families!
Here are some prayer points! Please pray God would prepare and equip the mainly music team and for success and longevityof this ministry. Pray He uses them as they connect with families in the area. Also, please pray God brings families who are open to developing relationships which lead to meaningful discussions about faith and God.
Around the Churches August-September 2023
Northwest
LIFEWAY, Devonpot
Student Pastors
Lifeway recently welcomed two new student pastors, Stuart Crabtree and Morgan Read.
Please be in prayer for them as they settle into their positions. Stuart and Morgan are slowly coming up to speed! Pray God’s blessing for them.
Morgan Read
Stuart Crabtree
LATROBE
Special event
At the annual Chocolate Winterfest on Sunday 13th August, Latrobe hosted the Choir of High Hopes.
WYNYARD
On Fathers Day, we had a time of fellowship with the church familly over morning tea in the foyer.
Many of our ladies met for an afternoon with JUST GIRLS. Our guest speakers, Layla and her grandmother, spoke about their Charity project Laylas Gifts. They explained how they arrange for donated boxes of gifts to be presented to people in need in the community.
At our Just Blokes Pizza Night on Friday 1st September, Craig Hawkins from the Creation Discovery Centre in Beauty Point spoke about Noah’s flood, and the questionable attempts of some contemporary scientific voices to explain the origin of birds as an evolutionary step from dinosaurs. We had a great night with good fellowship and valuable insights from what Craig shared with us.
Around the Churches August-September 2023
South
CITYWIDE
Special Services
Lenah Valley’s 75th Anniversary on Sunday 6th August was a momentous occasion as we celebrated the ministry and life of the Lenah Valley Baptist Church over 75 years. With the help of Maurice French and Laurie Rowston we published a book full of anecdotes, colour pictures and history which is an interesting read. Copies are available from Citywide for $20.
Baptism We held another baptism service on 20 August. Troy is another new convert to the Kingdom from his touches into our web page. Be encouraged – God moves and works on the hearts of people who have never been in his church before. Keep praying for those in the shadows who are seeking something to fulfil their lives.
Table Top Sale Our lively 30’s group organized, promoted and ran a Table Top Sale on Satruday 1st July. More than half the participants who booked tables and attended were from outside the church. so this became a great way for other community members to come into the building where we could meet and serve them. Proceeds went towards the vision of developing a youth space.
Table Top Sale
HOBART
Scott Darlow Visits
On Sunday 9th July Hobart Baptist hosted Scott Darlow and his band during the 10am service. Scott is an indigenous singer from Melbourne. It was an amazing morning of encouragement, inspiration, and laughter!
On the same weekend a Multicultural Bazaar took over the building! Several new artists showcased their works, with special food from other cultures being prepared and served.
Clockwise from Top Left: John Kumara Tasmanian Australian of the year 2023, drumming; Anna opens her Ukrainian artwork; Ethnic food a-plenty!; Ren being filmed for ABC News
Scott Darlow and band visited HBC on Sunday 9th July
Around the Churches August-September 2023
Around the Churches June-July 2023
Read More ReCharge!
August/September 2023
It’s a New DayKaren Wilson, Day of Courage Keynote Speaker
The Point Baptist Church began in 2006 as a loosely organized church plant of Newstead Baptist.
Members Craig and Rachelle Hawkins had already moved there, and Craig’s father, retired Pastor Ray Hawkins and wife Mary shortly after. The lack of evangelical outreach in the immediate area was obvious. So a notice was put up in local businesses in late 2005 seeking interest in a new church for the area.
A small fellowship commenced with various members and visitors speaking but largely led by Pastor Ray. Size was no barrier to attempting outreach opportunities, and a kid’s holiday program was one of the first efforts. A grandmother came to faith after attending a Christianity Explained course offered during the program.
Church leadership
The church initially met in the Beauty Point Uniting Church building of a Sunday evening. However, during the Covid period it moved to the upstairs café at Seahorse World, continuing to meet on Sunday evenings.
Craig Hawkins took on church leadership from 2018. Then in 2022 Pastor Bob Goolsby of George Town Baptist began preaching and pastoring part-time. Elders in 2023 are Craig Ellem and Craig Hawkins.
A number of youth pastors have worked with the church over the years. These include David Low, Robin and Jekka Shearer, and more recently in June 2023, Dempsey Horton from Texas for a 12-month stint.
Outreaches
Over the years various other outreach programs have taken place. Most notably regular Texan team visits from the USA, resulting in quite a number of decisions to follow Christ and Baptisms. As well, after-church meals were a good outreach for a period to overseas fruit pickers.
Creation Discovery Centre
In 2021, the church partnered with several other churches in northern Tasmania to open the Creation Discovery Centre in Beauty Point. This is a powerful witness of God’s creation and the truth of His word to many locals and tourists.
Texan Visit 2023
For the 11th time in 14 years The Point Baptist hosted a Texan mission trip. Chris and Heather Horton, from the Lake Fork district, east of Dallas, headed the visit.
This year Chris and Heather were accompanied by daughter Dempsey, and her good friend Heaven. Dempsey has stayed on for 12 months to lead the youth work in the church.
Texans at Launceston Gorge; Chris speaks at the Men’s Night; Heaven (L) and Dempsey (R)
Over three weeks in July, numerous events were held for men, women and children all with the aim of sharing Jesus. A great family concert was held, after which the youth held an impromptu and very entertaining karaoke session. The school holiday basketball camp connected with local youth.
Reconnecting with people was a real focus of the trip. It was encouraging to see some on the fringe of the fellowship attending church again. No commitments to faith in Jesus were made during the trip, however, our experience is these often follow later.
Additionally, the encouragement and connection of the fellowship generally, and especially the youth, should not be under-estimated with these efforts. The launching of our new youth work, with Dempsey leading, is especially exciting.
We are thankful to the Lord Jesus for His patience with us and the blessings of seeing people saved through the sharing of His word.
!["The Israelites have a law code which insists upon active remembering of [BEING] enslaved."
Rev. Megan Powell du Toit
Publishing Manager
Australian College of Theology](https://i0.wp.com/www.tasbaptists.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Megan-Powell-du-Toit_-Remembering-TB-IG-Post.png?resize=525%2C525&ssl=1)
