Tasmanian Baptist Blogs Archives - Page 8 of 19

22 March 20231 November 2023

ReCharge NEWS March 2023

22nd March 2023 | ReCharge News

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CROSSOVER Easter Resources

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

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

watch ally & sally

Mid-Year Assembly

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

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

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

Program

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

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

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

National Neighbour Day

Sunday 26th March 2023

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

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

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

Neighbuiors Every Day Campaign by Relationships Australia

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

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

Revival – in Tasmania?

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

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

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

WATCH video, below | DOWNLOAD the Sheffield story to read

Vale Rev. Richard Measham

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

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

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

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

Married life

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

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

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

Laurie Rowston

Memorial service: 2:30pm, Wednesday 15^th March 2023, Philip Stephens Funerals, Rosny

Burial of Richard’s ashes: 1:30pm, Thursday 16^thMarch, 2023, Circular Head Lawn Cemetery, Stanley

Domestic Violence Resources

The Safer Spaces Toolkit

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

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

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

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

Heartlands News – Autumn 2023

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

Read About

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

READ Heartlands | SUBSCRIBE to Heartlands

DOCO: Is the Church a Blessing?

From Launceston Alive

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

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

SU Tas Chaplaincy Challenge

COAST TO COAST WALK, CYCLE, RUN, SWIM

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

Around the Churches, Feb-Mar 2023

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

North

CITY BAPTIST, Launceston

Community focus

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

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

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

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

GATEWAY

Devotional together

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

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

NEWSTEAD

Walk this way

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

Other events

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

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

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

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

SUMMERHILL

Time to take a break

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

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

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

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

PERTH

Community picnic

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

Sunday nights at Perth

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

Northwest

LOWER BARRINGTON

Now livestreaming

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

Pizza night

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

LIFEWAY, Devonport

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

READ ABOUT IT HERE >

ULVERSTONE

Christmas

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

Picnics and Baptisms

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

Gone to Glory

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

Kids Church

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

Shmuel Junger

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

BURNIE

Appointment of new Pastor

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

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

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

WYNYARD

Christmas joy

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

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

Coffee makes a difference

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

Welcome Franz and Heidi!

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

MARRAWAH

Thanksgiving service

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

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

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

Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023

South

CITYWIDE

Aboriginal Sunday

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

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

Mission Partnership

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

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

Lunch time Forum

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

READ: Citywide Annual Report 2022

Celebrations

MARRIED: Josh Garvin and Jen Paull on 31st December
MARRIED: Kevin Chalk and Sonya Latham on 8th January
ENGAGED: Mitchell Semmens and Sophie Garvin on 17th January
BAPTISED: Sophie Griffiths on 19th February at Lenah Valley

Tas Baptist NEWS February 2023 showing Citywide Baptist and their three congregations, gathering on Aboriginal Sunday — Citywide gather on the Domain for Aboriginal Sunday

CLAREMONT

T2 Women

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

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

Together with IC Church

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

Church review

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

IC CHURCH, Glenorchy

Five baptisms!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOBART

Events at HBC

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

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

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

Fundraising for Ukraine

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

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

Sanctuary Sunday

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

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

Read ReCharge

February/March 2023

Getting to Know You Franz Brosch, Associate Pastor at Wynyard
Generations of Legacy Perth Baptist Church Profile
Deep Thought March 2023 by Dr Christa McKirland, Carey Baptist College, Auckland
No Limits Women’s Symposium REPORT by Ann Herbert
Marrawah Baptist Closes It was a grand finale! By Dan Evenhuis
GOD and Life in Tasmania From the Mission Director, Stephen Baxter
Walk the World Lifeway win Baptist Mission Australia award
NEWS: February 2023 | March 2023

DOWNLOAD Recent Issues

Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023

8 March 202325 April 2023

CHURCH PROFILE: Perth Baptist Church

Perth Baptist Church Profile

Generations of Legacy

Long ago, Perth Baptist Tabernacle had its foundation stone laid on the 8th August 1888. This was thanks to incredibly generous support by local pastoralists William and Mary Ann Gibson. Their legacy continues . . .

Church Administrator, Tony Hart, compiled this profile, with help from long-time member Fay Bunton, and others.

Perth Baptist: The Present

In March 2020 the Leadership of the church met and made the decision to close due to Covid-19. When it happened, one leader said, ‘If we close, we may never reopen’. At that time the church had an average attendance of about 45 to 50 mostly people aged over 70.

During the closure, we kept in touch with every person. Then, we came back with a new enthusiasm! We have since grown to an average attendance of 55 to 60, with several middle-aged people joining us. Recently, we had at least six people at our service who are currently seekers – all at different stages. They all need Jesus.

Most of these seekers were introduced to the church through the Alpha Community Meal activity we ran in October to December last year. On the last night we had about 45 people sit down for dinner and listen to the Gospel from the Alpha course.

Tuesday nights – We are open!

From about April last year, we were offered left over bread by a local baker each Tuesday. We opened the Hall to the community on Tuesday nights, and saw God provide fresh fruit and vegetables and pre-cooked meals.

Then, Eskleigh Home [local disability support service] ran a cooking activity for their residents, packed what they cooked, and gave it to us! The activity has grown beyond expectations with many needy people coming, while others in the community come for a chat.

Eskleigh residents at last Steptember’s service celebrating the church’s
connection with the disability provider.

Recent activities

We are open to see what God will do as we work to see His Kingdom Come in Perth.

READ MORE about the beginnings of Baptist work in Tasmania, written by Laurie Rowston.
HISTORY OF THE PERTH TABERNACLE provided by Perth Baptist church.

Tony Hart IS ENCOURAGED ABOUT THE FUTURE:

I was recently called by the church’s bank which was conducting an anti-money laundering audit amongst not-for-profit organisations. Many questions. One was to determine the church’s assets which I answered by saying that we have to insure our buildings for about $2 million. This was followed by a question as to how the church got the money for a Church, a Hall and a house!
It reminded me how God has worked at Perth Baptist, and given great encouragement for His continuing work.

Perth Baptist: The Past

Perth member, Fay Bunton, recalls her life in and around the church.

‘My grandparents moved to Perth in the early 1940’s. I would go and stay with them in the mid 1940’s and I went to church with grandma.

“My grandfather would go and open both the front doors half an hour early. In the winter he would have little round electric heaters in both aisles, to help keep the congregation warm in the cold weather.

“As we entered the church everyone was given a hymn book, as numbers of hymns were displayed on the wall above the speaker.

“We would have Sunday School at 2:30pm in the Church Hall – at least 140 children would be there all set out for grades 1 to 6. Grandma was one of many teachers.”

Easter Camp at Perth, 1954.

Hive of activity

Fay married in 1960 and left Perth, but returned in the late 1980’s. Fay remembers when the church was a hive of activity – two services each Sunday, Sunday School, weddings, harvest festivals and Sunday School Anniversaries.

In the 1990’s Fay, and her sister Edna, ran the Sunday School in the vestry during morning service and recalls that the children could sing only when the church congregation sang.

Fay was part of a group who would visit the patients at Missiondale [City Mission residential facility in Evandale] and bring them to church. She recalls two patients from Missiondale coming to the Lord, marrying, and then moving to the northwest as part of the Mission Team.

The ‘best night’ Fay participated in was the Billy Graham Crusade Choir in 1959 at York Park. There, she witnessed hundreds come forward to give their life to Christ.

FAY’S PRAYER: That God’s church at Perth Baptist will continue to be a place of witness, where people can come and hear the Gospel.

Eskleigh Bible study

Fay also recalls going to the Eskleigh Home for people with a disability for Bible Study. As part of her visits to Eskleigh Fay befriended two residents – Stephen and Andrew. They were very good friends. After illness, Andrew passed away.

About a year later, when Stephen was not well, Fay told him that Andrew was now in a good place. Stephen said, ‘No he is not there yet, he is waiting for me so we can go together’. Stephen still comes to church each week with another eight residents and their four carers.

Fay’s daily prayer is that God’s church at Perth Baptist will continue to be a place of witness, where people can come and hear the Gospel.

^[1]Launceston Examiner 1 May 1880, p5c7.

READ RECENT CHURCH PROFILES

Read ReCharge

February/March 2023

Getting to Know You Franz Brosch, Associate Pastor at Wynyard
Around the Churches, Feb/Mar 2023 Community engagement from Marrawah to Mornington!
Deep Thought March 2023 by Dr Christa McKirland, Carey Baptist College, Auckland
No Limits Women’s Symposium REPORT by Ann Herbert
Marrawah Baptist Closes It was a grand finale! By Dan Evenhuis
GOD and Life in Tasmania From the Mission Director, Stephen Baxter
Walk the World Lifeway win Baptist Mission Australia award
NEWS: February 2023 | March 2023

Recent (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

Newstead Baptist Profile

Perth Baptist Church Profile

3 March 202315 June 2023

Heartlands Autumn 2023

Heartlands Autumn 2023 is the quarterly email for EmpowHer – a network of Tasmanian women growing and encouraging each other in their God-given potential.

Table of Contents

INTERNATIONAL IMPACT

World Women’s Day of Prayer

Last October, Day of Prayer events were held around Tasmania. Did you get to one of them? These are incredibly encouraging times of hearing, praying and giving.

DAY OF PRAYER ATTENDEES …

HEARD about the work, and worlds, of women around the globe.
PRAYED for the women, some of them have devastating stories.
GAVE to the amazing projects, run by women, which are changing families and communities.

In 2020, Australian women raised a total of $365.
In 2021, Tasmanian women raised a total of $560.
And in 2022, Tasmanian women raised a total of $869! WOOT!

Great work everyone! Watch out for the Day of Prayer opportunities in your region in October 2023, and make a difference to our world.

NORTHERN EVENT

Weekend Wind-Down

Fireside Chats EmpowHer event 17th March 2023

WHEN: 7-8:30pm Friday 17th March 2023
WHERE: ~~Hoo Hoo Hut, Trevallyn Nature and Rec Area (Duck Reach Rd)~~
WHERE? Change of plan! New location: Liv-Eat Kings Meadows,
Shop 143 Hobart Rd. SEE MAP
WHAT: Wind-down for the weekend and enjoy supper!
WHO: All women welcome
INFO: Wendy (0407 765 414); Mary (0408 335 618)
FLIER: Unfortunately, the flier is now out of date and no longer available.

SO FAR IN 2023

Women in Leadership

No Limits Conference Feb 2022, Heartlands Autumn 2023

Ann Herbert explains what took place at the recent No Limits women’s conference in Brisbane, when many of the sessions explored the importance of women in church leadership.

Pictured above are Tasmanian attendees Jenna Blackwell (City), Zahara Rehrman (Summerhill), Tracey Avery (City), Ann Herbert (Citywide); Jenny Baxter (Hobart), and Kez Hutchison (Wynyard) . Plus the speakers panel, and the women gathered.

READ Ann’s article

ON THE LOOKOUT?

WANTED: Southern Team Members

EmpowHer are looking for additional team members in Southern Tasmania.

If you regularly attend a Baptist church, enjoy being with women, and are good at organising things, then how about joining our team?

Please contact Jenny Baxter to find out more: jenny@tasbaptists.org.au

EmpowHer Southern Tas Activities, Heartlands Autumn 2023 — Recent EmpowHer Southern Tasmania events

Heartlands Spring 2022

ACTION TO CONSIDER

Learn to Live with Less

How one family stopped shopping for a year

Ethical consumption isn’t just about what you buy; it’s also learning to live with less.

Here’s how one family took drastic action to discover what they really need for a fulfilling life.

From Baptist World Aid.

READ: How one family stopped shopping

To find out about EmpowHer events and activities for women in Tasmania, please subscribe to HEARTLANDS!

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Heartlands Spring 2022

Heartlands Autumn 2023

28 February 202325 April 2023

Deep Thought March 2023

Deep Thought – A bi-monthly feature in reCharge

Being Family Together

Dr Christa L. McKirland is a lecturer at Carey Baptist College, Auckland, and spoke at the recent Tasmanian Baptist Pastors’ Muster in Hobart.

In the past few weeks, I’ve had the joy and privilege of speaking at three different conferences across this amazing country. The content of those talks was also hard-hitting and in many ways, controversial.

Having never visited Australia before, I wasn’t sure how those talks were going to land, but as I prepare for my flight home to Aotearoa with my family, I returned encouraged.

Faith and passion

Starting at the No Limits conference hosted by Baptist Women of the Pacific, I had a chance to hang out and learn from sisters from all over this hemisphere. Intentionally hosted in Brisbane, the only state where Baptists don’t ordain women, I was inspired by the faith and passion of women who are hungry for depth in our teaching and to live without limits, by the power of the Holy Spirit. This was a sacred space and deeply encouraged me.

I was inspired by the faith and passion of women who are hungry for depth in our teaching

My family and I next travelled to Melbourne, and then on to Tassie, where I had a chance to speak on women’s roles in the church, as well as ways to engage the LGBTQIA+ community with a heart toward unity within our diversity of views.

What struck me, especially with the amount of discussion time we had at the two-day Muster in Tassie, was how important these conversations are to have—out loud, and with those who disagree with each other.

Tas Baptists Pastors Muster Feb 2023 - Being Family Together — Some of the attendees at the Pastors and Leaders Muster, Hobart. 20-21 Feb, 2023

Today’s challenge

I believe we are part of the church because of our belief in the resurrection of the God-human, Jesus Christ. But beyond that, our being in the same family is not based on our same beliefs. Instead, it is based on our sharing the same Spirit of adoption—the Spirit of adoption given to us because of the death and resurrection of our firstborn brother Jesus.

However, resisting echo-chambers is a massive challenge in our day. It would be much easier to stick with people who agree with us. With those who hold to the same interpretations of Scripture, who vote the way we do, and who fear the same things we do. But that is not what it means to be the church.

The church is the “gift of the given other” (to quote Tom Greggs from his Dogmatic Ecclesiology). How we treat the gift of the given other is a testament to the Gospel. And I truly felt like we experienced a taste of valuing that gift at these two conferences. The bravery of folks to show up knowing that we were not all on the same page. The willingness to sit in discomfort. The openness to hearing other views.

The bravery of folks to show up knowing that we were not all on the same page. The willingness to sit in discomfort. The openness to hearing other views.

Being family together

These are some of the muscles we need to develop if we are truly going to be family together. If we are to be known by our love for other another (John 13:35), a great way to test this is loving those with whom we (even vehemently) disagree.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:35 (NIV)

That way of loving does not simply mean “speaking the truth” as we understand it—but forfeiting our priority of being right over being family.

I hope these experiences can become more common across our churches not only in this hemisphere, but globally.

Christa McKirland, originally from the US, studied her Doctorate at St Andrews University in Scotland, and has lectured at Carey College since 2020. She now calls New Zealand/Aotearoa her home, along with husband Matt and their two children.

More Deep Thought

The Change Makers by Melissa Lipsett, BWA
The Sound of Silence by Denise Stephenson
A Change in Thinking for Changing Times by Laurie Rowston
Courage to Make a Difference by Mark Wilson
Just Mercy by Michael Henderson

Read ReCharge

February/March 2023

Getting to Know You Franz Brosch, Associate Pastor at Wynyard
Around the Churches, Feb/Mar 2023 Community engagement from Marrawah to Mornington!
Generations of Legacy Perth Baptist Church Profile
No Limits Women’s Symposium REPORT by Ann Herbert
Marrawah Baptist Closes It was a grand finale! By Dan Evenhuis
GOD and Life in Tasmania From the Mission Director, Stephen Baxter
Walk the World Lifeway win Baptist Mission Australia award
NEWS: February 2023 | March 2023

Recent (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

Being Family Together

22 February 202325 April 2023

NO LIMITS Women’s Symposium

Women in Leadership

Encouraging Women

Ann Herbert (Citywide) explains what took place at the recent No Limits conference. Other attendees pictured above are Jenna Blackwell (City), Zahara Rehrmann (Summerhill), Tracey Avery (City), Jenny Baxter (Hobart), and Kez Hutchison (Wynyard).

Inspiring, challenging, thought-provoking, impactful!

These were some of the words 105 women used to describe the No Limits women’s symposium held in Brisbane on 10-11 February 2023. Not only that, there was awe-inspiring worship, and opportunities for great fellowship.

Baptist Women of the Pacific, which is part of the Baptist World Alliance, organised the conference with the intention of connecting, equipping, and mobilising women for Christian ministry across the Pacific region. They successfully did this with women attending from New Zealand including Māori, Tonga, PNG and Australia.

Six Tasmanian women, from Wynyard, Launceston and Hobart, enjoyed attending the conference together. The sessions explored what the Bible teaches about women, particularly with regard to their role, purpose, and potential to serve the Body of Christ and help grow God’s kingdom on earth.

The sessions explored what the Bible teaches about women, particularly with regard to their role, purpose, and potential to serve the Body of Christ and help grow God’s kingdom on earth.

Historical and cultural contexts

On the Friday night, Dr Christa McKirland, lecturer in Systematic Theology at Carey Baptist College in Auckland, noted the importance of understanding the historic and cultural contexts in which the books of the Bible were written. She also emphasised the importance of being careful not to interpret individual verses in isolation from the whole of the letter or book in which these are located. She especially encouraged in-depth study of gendered passages, which historically have caused controversy.

“God has given each of you a gift.
Use it to build up others in the Lord.”
Marg Mowczko

Saturday morning began with some rousing worship, followed by theologian Margaret Mowczko, who has specialised in early Christian and Jewish studies. She spoke about the apostle Paul’s theology of ministry. In particular, she looked at Paul’s teaching about the mutuality of women and men in Christian marriage and ministry. She finished her presentation with the encouragement: “God has given each of you a gift. Use it to build up others in the Lord.”

Bible survey with a twist

Rev. Megan Powell du Toit, from the Australian College of Theology^[1], provided a stimulating overview of the biblical story of God with women. Starting at Genesis, she explored how God sees and values woman, sees the pain sin has caused them, and how he acts to mitigate sin’s impact. From the matriarchs of Genesis and Exodus, through the female judges and prophets, Jesus’ foremothers, to the female leaders of the New Testament, Megan showed how God has continually used women to help achieve his purposes.

The stories show that God’s mission for the church includes women and that God releases their gifts for God’s glory. Rev. du Toit encouraged each of us to fully use our God-given gifts for the sake of the Gospel.

Empowered women

The final speaker, Rev. Sela Havili, shared her journey of becoming an Anglican priest who serves New Zealand’s Tongan communities. Hers was an inspiring story of the challenges she faces, and the blessings she is receiving, as God uses her to help build His kingdom amongst these people. She passionately encouraged us to be “women empowered by the Spirit to reveal the love of Christ.”

In addition to these four presentations, we enjoyed lively and stimulating panel discussions, plus inspiring presentations from five women about the local and global work they are doing across the Pacific region.

Responses to the No Limits women’s symposium

Inspired

The conference encouraged me to learn and question things that I have just gone along with. And I was inspired by all those passionate women who have stepped into their calling. I want to encourage other women to go next time!

Tracey Avery, City Baptist

Encouraging

I found it so encouraging to see women empowered in utilising their gifts, strengths and calling from different nations. I want to emphasise that women just GO if there is another opportunity.

Jenna Blackwell, TB Leadership and Mentor Coach; TBW Team (North); Ministry Team Assistant City Baptist

Authentic

Even though in the past I have always been very sceptical of women’s conferences, I loved having a women’s space to be sisters together. It was a time of theological depth and the relational authenticity, and it was inspiring. I loved hearing from my sisters across the South Pacific.

Dr Christa McKirland – conference speaker

Blessed with new birth

I was so encouraged to have the opportunity to take five stellar Tasmanian women to Brisbane to attend the No Limits women’s symposium. It made me aware we are blessed to have so many women in our midst who are willing to rise to the challenge, take a lead, and use their God-given gifts. They are the shoulders upon which others will now stand.

Jenny Baxter, State Director Tasmanian Baptist Women

While it was my dream as a leader in women’s ministry to see this event happen, I was still overwhelmed by the response. The need to speak justice into this area is even greater and devastating than I realised. There are new seeds to create an online community of support and similar events in other parts of Australia and the Pacific. Most overwhelming were the stories women shared in the breaks. There were stories of frustration, sadness and grief. Incredibly intelligent women, given amazing gifts, were being limited if not oppressed, my heart broke anew. I felt like God was birthing something new that day so we will pray and listen.

Elissa Macpherson, Conference Organiser and President, BWP; National Director, ABW

¹ Megan also co-hosts the podcast, With All Due Respect, with Rev. Dr Michael Jensen

No Limits Women’s Symposium

Read ReCharge

February/March 2023

Getting to Know You Franz Brosch, Associate Pastor at Wynyard
Around the Churches, Feb/Mar 2023 Community engagement from Marrawah to Mornington!
Generations of Legacy Perth Baptist Church Profile
Deep Thought March 2023 by Dr Christa McKirland, Carey Baptist College, Auckland
Marrawah Baptist Closes It was a grand finale!
GOD and Life in Tasmania From the Mission Director, Stephen Baxter
Walk the World Lifeway win Baptist Mission Australia award
NEWS: February 2023 | March 2023

Printable (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

22 February 202325 April 2023

ReCharge NEWS February 2023

Tas Baptist NEWS February 2023 showing Citywide Baptist and their three congregations, gathering on Aboriginal Su day

22nd February 2023 | ReCharge News

Click Item to Read

ReCharge News February 2023

Raising Funds for Ukraine

YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

Anyone can assist Christians in Kyiv to bring hope and needed assistance by contributing to this fundraiser.

At 6pm on Wednesday 22nd February, Kelvin Smith (Hobart) performed at a Piano Recital and Fundraiser for Ukrainian Refugees at the Hobart Town Hall, 50 Macquarie St, Hobart.

Kelvin has grown a following for his Piano of Tasmania videos on Facebook in recent years.

Kelvin performed, along with Timothy Prajogo, playing the concert Steinway piano at Hobart Town Hall. As well, Ukrainian Pastor Anton Kaluzhny, spoke live from Kyiv about his work helping thousands in the war in Ukraine.

You can donate to this amazing initiative here: GoFundMe.

L -R: Kelvin, Anton spoke via video link, Timothy

Walk this Way – Newstead

FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHORT WALKS

Sunday February 5^th was our inaugural ‘Walk This Way’, event taking a leisurely walk around Heritage Park. The guided family-friendly short walks are hosted by Pastor Dan Hutchison of Newstead Baptist, in partnership with Scripture Union bushwalking club, Boots ‘N All.

It was lovely to see all generations represented, the kids specially enjoying the playground, as these walks are aimed to help connect, grow and inspire one another.

Newstead have eight Walk this Way events planned this year around Launceston with the next at Trevallyn Dam, Sunday March 5^th 2pm-4pm. If you are interested in going on this walk, please phone Dan Hutchison on 0457 765 907 for more details.

Office Secretary at Newstead

POSITION VACANT

Newstead Baptist is currently looking for an Office Secretary to work in the Church office for up to 10 hours per week. The position is to give support to the Pastor, Church Secretary and Church Treasurer in regard to clerical and administrative support.

They are looking for someone with excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe tools; can maintain digital and physical church records; produce the weekly church publication; manage permanent and casual church property hires; and maintain publish and update website and social media posts. The person hired will be in agreement with the values, vision and mission of the Newstead Baptist Church.

Position Description: Please contact Church office 03 6331 6891; email minister@newsteadbaptist.org.au, or church secretary thelmasherriff@bigpond.com; or phone 0419 536 159.

To apply: Contact the Pastor via email or Newstead Baptist Church, 14 Wentworth Street, Newstead Tas 7250

Türkiye and Syria Crisis

BAPTIST WORLD AID RESPONDS

Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation in Türkiye and Syria. On 6th February, two powerful earthquakes (measuring 7.8 and 7.5 respectively), and subsequent aftershocks destroyed large parts of southern Türkiye and northern Syria.

Baptist World Aid are responding to this disaster, alongside their Christian Partners in Türkiye and Syria. The situation is unfolding rapidly and the BWA team are in regular contact with our Partners—including Baptist organisations—assessing the damage and how to best respond.

They have produced resources that will help interested churches support this appeal that are available to download here.

What we know so far

Both earthquakes created over 100 large aftershocks that collapsed over 5,000 buildings and destroyed entire sections of cities while people slept.
The death toll has reached over 41,000 but is rising rapidly.
A harsh winter has brought extreme cold, and snowstorms increasing the difficulty faced by rescue teams.
Many impacted are among families who fled civil war in Syria, including millions of displaced people living in overcrowded conditions, and makeshift—already dependent on humanitarian assistance.
Ongoing conflict in the region is making it difficult for organisations to access accurate information or provide immediate aid to those who are in need.
Medical facilities are overwhelmed, with reports of hospitals forced to triage people according to who will and won’t survive.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE DEVASTATION IN TURKEY AND SYRIA – FOR THE PEOPLE WHOSE LIVES ARE IMPACTED, FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING, FOR CHURCHES WHO ARE ASSISTING, AND FOR INTERNATIONAL WORKERS WHO HAVE A MAMMOTH TASK AHEAD OF THEM.

AND PRAY IF/HOW MUCH YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE BWA APPEAL

Celebrating Capacity Workshop

The Bridges Out of Poverty trainer, Nairn Walker presents Celebrating Capacity. A powerful training experience for those working with vulnerable people.

The two-day workshop will help you see economic inequity differently. It will assist you to understand and identify the capacity people have developed to negotiate life’s challenges. You will explore ways to harness this capacity to co-create with them a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.

When: 8.30am – 4.30pm, Mon 27th to Tues 28^th March, 2023
Where: C3 Church Hobart – 64 Anglesea Street Hobart, TAS 7004
Cost: $345 (includes morning tea and lunch on both days)
More Info: Download Flyer >
Bookings: Limited places so get in quick! Register here >

Fostering Hope
Northern Mentoring Officer

Tasmanian Baptists and Fostering Hope work together to encourage churches to support and care for foster children and their families.

Fostering Hope has a one-day/week position available in Launceston.

The primary tasks include: Recruitment of new mentors in Northern Tasmania; Overseeing the screening process for all northern mentors; Facilitating logistics of training days, training will be delivered by the Mentoring Coordinator and the Executive Officer.

Applications close on 24^th February 2023.

Find out more >

Northern Mentoring Office, Fostering Hope Tasmania

Aboriginal Sunday 2023

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 Coordinator

Baptcare Hiring!

(NB: Applications closed Sunday 5th February, 2023)

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.

DOWNLOAD position description >

ReCharge News February 2023

Marrawah Thanksgiving Service

Sunday 5th February 2023

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

All welcome to share food, stories and memories

MAP: Marrawah Baptist Church, 826 Comeback Rd, Marrawah TAS 7330

*Rodney Marshall and Michael Henderson (behind camera) recently met with the Marrawah leadership team to plan the best way forward.*

Thanksgiving Service

Marrawah Baptist - the people gathered for the final service on Sunday 5 February 2023

Marrawah’s Grand Finale

Celebration, thanks and farewell

By Dan Evenhuis

On Sunday 5^th February 2023, Marrawah Baptist Church held their final service when 78 people squeezed in to give thanks. They took it out with a bang. You can watch snippets of the service via YouTube, below.

Personally, my ministry started in Marrawah, and I had the privilege of MC’ing the service. A long time ago, I led the local youth group, and gave my first sermon in the mid-90’s. Patrick Bakes, who has been a regular speaker and encourager at Marrawah, shared a couple of songs.

Ted Nibbs, who has also been a regular speaker at Marrawah for many decades, gave the final sermon. This was complemented by Stephen Baxter (Mission Director for Tasmanian Baptists). Both men spoke of the seasons of God’s work, and the sewing of seeds over the years, but also the courage to know when it is time to complete a chapter and see what God opens next.

However, the people worthy of note are those who kept this church functioning these recent, sparse years: Peter and Silvia Godman, and Ada Baldock.

Thanksgiving Service at Marrawah, 5 Feb 2023 - people began to gather early for the pre-service cuppa

Marrawah Baptist 5 Feb 2023 - a delicious morning tea was served before the servcie began

Thanksgiving Service at Marrawah Baptist 5 Feb 2023 - the building was packed!

5 Feb 2023 - speakers at the Thanksgiving morning

FROM LEFT: People gathered early; Pre-service morning tea; The building was packed out!; Speakers on the day.

Seventy Years of Service

Marrawah Baptist church began in 1953, and during our closing service one of the founding members, Miriam Godman, shared some of the history. Marrawah has grown and commissioned many missionaries, held thriving Girls Brigades, summer-clubs, hosted ‘GodStock’ (Christian Surfers of Tasmania camp), and was often the starting point for Bike for Bibles.

Stephen Baxter reflected on the day saying, “It was my privilege, on behalf of Tas Baptists, to join the folk at Marrawah as they celebrated the faithfulness of God and to give thanks for the service of many people over many decades.

“It was also a day of mixed emotions. Our Baptist work was the last remaining church to close in Marrawah. There was grief in that, but also hope and expectation for what God might do next.”

Is there something else in the pipeline at Marrawah? “Watch this space,” was all Stephen could say.

The thanksgiving service at Marrawah Baptist was a sad occasion as the doors were closed for the last time. But please pray with us as we determine God’s will for Marrawah.

Dan Evenhuis
Executive Pastor, Citywide Baptist
dan.evenhuis@citywidehobart.org.au

Read ReCharge

February/March 2023

Around the Churches, Feb/Mar 2023 Community engagement from Marrawah to Mornington!
Deep Thought March 2023 by Dr Christa McKirland, Carey Baptist College, Auckland
No Limits Women’s Symposium REPORT by Ann Herbert
Marrawah Baptist Closes It was a grand finale!
GOD and Life in Tasmania From the Mission Director, Stephen Baxter
Walk the World Lifeway win Baptist Mission Australia award
NEWS: February 2023 | March 2023

Printable (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

Thanksgiving Service at Marrawah Baptist

8 February 202325 April 2023

GOD and Life in Tasmania

Fresh wind blow, Tas Baptists, Stephen Baxter writes

Changing Landscape

Noticing the Deep Questions

Tas Baptist’s Mission Director, Stephen Baxter, has had some time out to ponder and reflect from a distance. It’s amazing what a trip beyond Tasmania’s shores can do to shift your perspective!

We are well and truly into 2023. Kids are back at school, church programs get underway, and life returns to its familiar rhythm. Jenny and I have just returned from a time in Spain to be with our daughter, Alice, and son-in-law, AJ, on the birth of their daughter, Koa.

Alice, AJ and Koa, Christmas Day 2022 — Alice, AJ and Koa, Christmas 2022

Spain, like Australia, is very secular. This got me wondering what God thinks about all these people going about their lives, without giving much thought to the deep and essential questions of life. The question was heightened by the fact that Alice and AJ are in Spain working with others in bring the good news of Jesus to Spaniards.

My thinking has remained with me as I return to Tasmania.

THE CHURCH: From Spain, to Tasmania, to Marrawah!

Last Sunday I was with the Marrawah church as they celebrated their final church service. It was a day of celebration and sadness. As I looked at the pictures of the past, spoke with people, and heard their shared memories, it was clear that over the years God has been at work in special ways.

But times change, and the church as it was, is no longer viable. Marrawah is a little picture of the church in Australia and Spain. It is no longer the centre of our communities like it was. However, that does not mean it is the end of the church. Rather, it is the end of a certain form of church that worked well for a season, and needs to adjust for a changing world.

Because the world keeps changing, the church needs to be constantly renewing itself
Stephen Baxter

God has given everything needed through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. But because the world keeps changing, the church needs to be constantly renewing itself. As Germain theologian Helmut Thielicke put it,

The gospel must be preached afresh and told in new ways to each generation, since every generation has its own unique questions. The gospel must constantly be forwarded to a new address, because the recipient is repeatedly changing his place of address.

Fresh wind, B L O W

On the day of Pentecost God did a new thing and the church was born. Whenever we celebrate that day, it is a reminder of the need for constant renewal. A quick survey of church history reveals just that. The Holy Spirit is at work renewing the church from age to age, enabling and equipping it to be the church of its particular age. May it be so here in Tasmania.

Returning home, this is my prayer for Tasmanian Baptists, and I encourage it to be yours too: that God would blow a fresh movement of the Holy Spirit through us, that we might be vibrant churches with a revitalised theology finely attuned by the Holy Spirit to the changing needs of a changing world.

Let me encourage you to join me in praying this prayer.

Stephen Baxter
Mission Director
Tasmanian Baptists

FIND OUT MORE about the Mission and Leadership Development Team and how they can support you and your Tasmanian Baptist church.

Read ReCharge

February/March 2023

Around the Churches, Feb/Mar 2023 Community engagement from Marrawah to Mornington!
Deep Thought March 2023 by Dr Christa McKirland, Carey Baptist College, Auckland
No Limits Women’s Symposium REPORT by Ann Herbert
Marrawah Baptist Closes It was a grand finale!
Walk the World Lifeway win Baptist Mission Australia award
NEWS: February 2023 | March 2023

Printable (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

God and Life in Tasmania

1 February 202325 April 2023

Walk the World Winners!

Walk the World = Baptist Mission Australia

Baptists At Our Best

Congratulations Lifeway Baptist

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.

Lifeway Baptist in Devonport took up the challenge, and their efforts so impressed Baptist Mission Australia, that they won a prize!

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!

Read ReCharge

February/March 2023

Around the Churches, Feb/Mar 2023 Community engagement from Marrawah to Mornington!
Deep Thought March 2023 by Dr Christa McKirland, Carey Baptist College, Auckland
No Limits Women’s Symposium REPORT by Ann Herbert
Marrawah Baptist Closes It was a grand finale!
GOD and Life in Tasmania From the Mission Director, Stephen Baxter
NEWS: February 2023 | March 2023

Recent (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

CROSSOVER Easter Resources

watch ally & sally

Mid-Year Assembly

Program

National Neighbour Day

Revival – in Tasmania?

Vale Rev. Richard Measham

Married life

Domestic Violence Resources

Heartlands News – Autumn 2023

Read About

DOCO: Is the Church a Blessing?

SU Tas Chaplaincy Challenge

Read More ReCharge!

February/March 2023

ReCharge News March 2023

North

CITY BAPTIST, Launceston

GATEWAY

NEWSTEAD

SUMMERHILL

PERTH

Northwest

LOWER BARRINGTON

LIFEWAY, Devonport

ULVERSTONE

BURNIE

WYNYARD

MARRAWAH

Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023

South

CITYWIDE

Celebrations

IC CHURCH, Glenorchy

HOBART

Read ReCharge

February/March 2023

Around the Churches Feb-Mar 2023

Perth Baptist Church Profile

Generations of Legacy

Church Administrator, Tony Hart, compiled this profile, with help from long-time member Fay Bunton, and others.

Perth Baptist: The Present

Tuesday nights – We are open!

Recent activities

Tony Hart IS ENCOURAGED ABOUT THE FUTURE:

Perth Baptist: The Past

Hive of activity

Eskleigh Bible study

READ RECENT CHURCH PROFILES

Read ReCharge

February/March 2023

Newstead Baptist Profile

Perth Baptist Church Profile

INTERNATIONAL IMPACT

World Women’s Day of Prayer

DAY OF PRAYER ATTENDEES …

NORTHERN EVENT

Weekend Wind-Down

SO FAR IN 2023

Women in Leadership

ON THE LOOKOUT?

WANTED: Southern Team Members

ACTION TO CONSIDER

Learn to Live with Less

Heartlands Spring 2022

Heartlands Autumn 2023

Being Family Together

Faith and passion

Today’s challenge

Being family together

More Deep Thought

Read ReCharge

February/March 2023

Being Family Together

Encouraging Women

Historical and cultural contexts

Bible survey with a twist

Empowered women

Responses to the No Limits women’s symposium

Inspired

Fostering Hope
Northern Mentoring Officer