Heartlands Autumn 2022

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

    WORLD dAY OF PRAYER 2022

    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    FLIER: Unfortunately, the flier is now out of date and no longer available.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.


    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

    Heartlands Autumn 2023 - 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.


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

    EmpowHer

    Heartlands Spring 2022

    Heartlands Autumn 2023

    Baptist Churches Christmas Events 2022

    Tas Baptists Christmas Events listing 2022

    Your Christmas

    Tasmanian Baptist Christmas Events 2022

    Services and Events

    Table of Contents – Click your region for church activities

      NB: Every effort has been made to list Christmas info about as many Tas Baptist churches as possible. 

      Northern Tasmania

      North: Tasmanian Baptist Christmas Events 2022
      LOCATION
      click name for map
      WHENEVENT
      Beauty Point – “The Point”7pm, Fri 16th DecStephen Atkins Christmas Concert
      5pm, Sun 25th DecChristmas Day Service
      George Town6pm and 7:30pm,
      Wed 14th Dec
      Christmas Parade and Carols George Town community event. The church will run a Christmas Quiz en route.
      10:30am, Sat 17th DecChristmas Carols with The George Town Combined Churches, across the road from Woolworths
      10:30am 25th DecChristmas Day Service
      Launceston – “City”Sat 24th DecThe Drop-In Centre will be in operation at the Red Dove Cafe
      9:30am Sun 25th DecChristmas Gathering Theme: Prince of Peace
      Launceston – “Gateway”10am Sun 18th DecA Christmas Concert and Carols with Stephen Atkins. Morning Tea to follow
      9am Sun 25th DecChristmas Day Service
      Sun 1st JanNo service today
      Longford – “Riverlands”6pm, Sat 17th DecCommunity Carols followed by Supper.
      Free family event
      10am Sun 25th Dec Christmas Day Service
      Newstead5pm Sat 17th Dec Neighbourhood carol singing in the streets of Newstead
      10am Sun 18th Dec Carol singing in the church grounds, followed by a BBQ lunch. BYO Salad to share. Everything else supplied. Giving Tree envelopes supplied for giving to City Mission
      9:30am Sun 25th DecChristmas Day Service
      Christmas offering to Baptist World Aid
      PerthFrom 4:30pm Sat 17th DecCommunity Picnic and BBQ followed by
      Community Carol Service from 7pm
      10am Sun 25th DecChristmas Day Family Service
      Summerhill7:30pm Sun 18th DecBlue Christmas Reflective Time A space for people who struggle at Christmas, and a chance for the God of comfort to meet us in our grief and sadness.
      9:30am Sun 25th DecChristmas Day Service

      Tasmanian Baptist Christmas Events 2022

      Northwest Tasmania

      Northwest: Tasmanian Baptist Christmas Events 2022
      LOCATION
      Click name for map
      WHENEVENT
      Burnie10am Sun 18th DecChurch Christmas Lunch (12pm) after the service – all welcome!
      10am Sun 25th Dec Christmas Day Service
      Devonport – “LifeWay”10am Sun 18th DecFamily Christmas Service led by the children followed by BBQ lunch, homemade donuts and Christmas stalls.
      6pm Sat 24th DecReadings and Carols service led by the Exhale Choir.
      10am Sun 25th Dec Christmas Day Service
      Lower Barrington10am Sun 18th DecCarol Service celebrating the birth of Christ
      10am Sun 25th Dec Christmas Day Service
      Penguin9:30am Sun 25th DecChristmas Day Service A short service so attendees can travel for lunch
      7pm Wed 4th JanCombined Penguin Churches Prayer Monthly meeting at Penguin Uniting, hosted by Baptists in January
      Ulverstone7pm Sat 24th DecChristmas Eve Together
      Sun 25th DecNo service today
      Sun 1st JanNo service today
      WynyardSat 24th DecCarols in the Garden will be in Guttridge Gardens after the street parade on Christmas Eve.
      10:30am Sun 25th DecChristmas Day Service
      Yolla9:30am Sun 25th DecChristmas Day Service

      Southern Tasmania

      South: Tasmanian Baptist Christmas Events 2022
      LOCATION
      Click name for map
      WHENEVENT
      Claremont6:30pm Sat 17th Dec A celebration of the Christmas Story
      In scripture and song
      9:30am Sun 25th DecChristmas Day Service
      Hobart10am Sun 18th DecFeaturing the Empty Christmas Tree. Bring an unwrapped gift for donation to City Mission
      9:30am Sun 25th DecChristmas Day Service, continuing the Great Expectations sermons series
      Lenah Valley – “Citywide”10am Sun 25th Dec Christmas Day Service
      Mornington – “Citywide”10am Sun 18th DecChristmas Carol Service
      5:30pm Sat 24th DecChristmas Eve in the Paddock A family time of carols crafts and games in the paddock behind Citywide
      10am Sun 25th Dec Christmas Day Service

      Read More ReCharge

      Deep Thought Dec 2022 The Change Makers by Melissa Lipsett BWA
      How Did we Do in 2022? From the Mission and Leadership Team
      CROSSOVER Christmas Resources Helping Baptists share Jesus at Christmas
      AROUND THE CHURCHES November 2022 Find out what’s been going on!
      ANNUAL ASSEMBLY Anthea Maynard reports
      FAMINE In the Horn of Africa Be Informed by Baptist World Aid

      NEWS: November 2022 | December 2022

      DOWNLOAD Recent Issues of ReCharg

      Subscribe to ReCharge Here!

      Keeping you updated with Tasmanian Baptists latest PRAYER, STORIES and NEWS

      We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

      Tasmanian Baptist Christmas Events 2022

      Heartlands Spring 2022

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

      Table of Contents

        Diary Dates

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

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

        DAY OF PRAYER, northwest

        DOP NW event 2022

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


        DAY OF PRAYER, south

        DOP South event 2022

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


        MORNING TEA, northwest

        Morning tea in Latrobe

        Monclair of Latrobe
        10am,Saturday 12th November


        World Women’s Day of Prayer

        Late October/Early November 2022

        World Day of Prayer 2022, Heartlands Spring 2022
        Heartlands Spring 2022, Day of Prayer 2022

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

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

        Read More >

        Heartlands Spring 2022


        Action for You

        FOMO or JOMO?

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

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

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

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

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

        But check this: THERE IS ANOTHER WAY!

        Have you heard of JOMO?

        The “Joy Of Missing Out” is easy too.

        Stop scrolling, and ease your anxious heart.

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

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

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


        Women Making a Difference

        From one Generation to the Next

        Love Beyond our Backyard

        Heartlands Spring 2022

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

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

        Read More >


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

        EmpowHer

        Heartlands Spring 2022

        2022 World Day of Prayer

        World Day of Prayer 2022
        Heartlands News

        Praying for Baptist Women

        14th October – 13th November, 2022

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

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

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

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


        What’s the World Day of Prayer?

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

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

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

        World Day of Prayer 2022
        L to R: Women pray for our world; Sewing machines, Vanuatu; Day of Prayer 2021; Gardening project, Fiji.

        Financial Support

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

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

        LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECTS | HOST YOUR OWN EVENT

        Elissa Macpherson

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

        WATCH

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


        Subscribe to Heartlands

        • Check box for your quarterly email


        Love Beyond our Backyard

        Cindy, Shirley Wilson and Kelsea
        Heartlands News

        From Local to Global

        How three generations of Baptist World Aid supporters built a legacy of generosity

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

        Giving has shaped our lives to bring a perspective way beyond our backyard

        Shirley Wilson remembers the day she first decided to become a Child Sponsor with Baptist World Aid Australia.

        It was 1977, and she was raising four children, working part time as a nurse, and helping her husband, Graeme, run a small poultry farm in the northwest of Tasmania.

        A guest speaker from Baptist World Aid Australia visited Wynyard Baptist, and spoke about a Child Sponsorship program. He explained that Australians could provide a monthly gift to support the work of Christian Partners working in places like Bangladesh and India. The funding would support children in those countries, helping them build a future free from poverty.

        ‘I decided it would be a good thing,’ Shirley said. ‘I’ve always loved Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40, “as much as you did to one of the least of these my brethren, you did to me,” and I wanted to put it into practice’.

        A Thrilling Discovery

        After that Sunday, Shirley decided to support Anika*, a Child Partner living in India. Anika was nine years old, which made it easy for Shirley’s similarly aged daughter, Cindy, to connect with her. Cindy was thrilled to discover Anika enjoyed the same things she did—skipping rope, running games, playing outside with friends. But Cindy also learnt that their lives were vastly different.

        ‘It was an interesting education to have insight into somebody else’s world,’ Cindy said. ‘That’s when I started to think outside my own community.’

        ‘It was an interesting education to have insight into somebody else’s world,’ Cindy said.

        Cindy loved exchanging letters with Anika so much, that when she got her first job as a teenager, she used her pocket money to become a Sponsor.

        ‘Mum’s example had a big impact on me,’ she said. ‘We can’t all go overseas, but this is how we can contribute’.

        One Generation, to the Next

        Cindy didn’t stop contributing—even when she married her husband David and they had children of their own. And even when it wasn’t easy. ‘David lost his job about 20 years ago,’ Cindy said. ‘We clung on to our Child Partner for as long as we could, so it was heartbreaking when we couldn’t support him anymore’.

        When David started working again, the first thing they did was ask if their Child Partner was still available to support. ‘I was so happy that he was,’ Cindy said. ‘That made me realise what a big impact our Child Partners had on us.

        Sponsorship also had a big impact on Cindy’s kids. Her eldest children, Kelsea and Braden, took over a newspaper delivery business as teenagers, and used their earnings to support a Child Partner themselves.

        ‘My mother’s heart sang!’ Cindy recalls. But for Kelsea, raised by big-hearted parents and grandparents who travelled with overseas mission organisations, generosity wasn’t something extraordinary. It was just part of the Christian life.

        Generosity wasn’t something extraordinary. It was just part of the Christian life

        A BIG Perspective

        Kelsea

        ‘I always knew that there were communities that were in different circumstances to mine,’ Kelsea said. ‘In my family, it was normal to see the world as a bigger place, not just to focus on us.’

        This perspective eventually led Kelsea to pursue a career in international community development, spending 22 months in Cambodia with the United Nations Development Program. At the beginning of 2022, she started serving as an International Programs Coordinator at Baptist World Aid. Her role, which focuses on building community resilience and responding to disasters, is a far cry from her paper delivery days. But her heart is the same.

        ‘While it’s easy just to focus on ourselves, God calls us to love our neighbour,’ Kelsea said. ‘That might be the person next door, or it might be someone overseas.’

        Having a Heart that Rubs Off

        Today, Shirley, Cindy and Kelsea still call the northwest coast of Tasmania home. And they continue their legacy of generosity. Shirley’s home is full of gifts she’s crafted for children in need overseas—girl’s skirts, doll clothes, toy hedgehogs made from old scarves. She’s still supporting children, now with friends from Wynyard Baptist Church. And she couldn’t be prouder of her granddaughter Kelsea.

        ‘You always hope that having a heart for others rubs off on your kids, and their kids,’ Shirley said. ‘It’s pleasing to know that we can make a difference to someone else’s life.”

        Cindy, who is still part of Baptist World Aid’s Child sponsorship program, agrees. ‘We’re not meant to live as islands,’ she said. ‘As Christians, we’re called to live in community and support each other, even across the globe’.

        *not her real name


        Sophia Russell is the wife of a minister, mum of two children and the communication specialist at Baptist World Aid.


        Read Heartlands, Spring 2022

        Read ReCharge

        August/September 2022

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


        August 2022 NEWS
        July 2022 NEWS


        DOWNLOAD Recent Issues

        Subscribe to ReCharge Here!

        Keeping you updated with Tasmanian Baptists latest PRAYER, STORIES and NEWS

        We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

        Love Beyond our Backyard

        HEARTLANDS News Winter 2022

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

        Table of Contents

          Diary Dates

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

          • Fri/Sat 24/25 June SOUTH Shelter Retreat – read the overview!
          • Sunday 31st July NORTH Cosy Cuppa, Chat & Craft at Westbury Baptist
          • Saturday 17th September NORTHWEST Coffee and Walk, Latrobe
          • Late Oct/Early Nov World Women’s Day Of Prayer – events across the state

          OVERVIEW: SHELTER Retreat

          Southern Event

          FRI/SAT 24-25 June 2022, Blackmans Bay

          How the Shelter retreat weekend unfolded

          OUR THEME: SHELTER

          Shelter Retreat, Heartlands Autumn 2022

          Everyone needs it. God provides it. We sleep, eat and live in it.

          But how do you live in the SHELTER of the Most High God?

          “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
          will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

          Psalm 91:1

          Overview of the SHELTER Retreat

          Denise Stephenson and Jenny Baxter
          Denise and Jenny
          • The retreat was led by Denise Stephenson (LifeWay) and Jenny Baxter (Hobart)
          • A rejuvenating literal Sabbath, from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday
          • Delicious home-cooked meals, in an intimate setting
          • Great connection with old and new friends
          • Amazing harp music – live and in-person!
          • Times of input, plus silence and reflection
          • Creative activities to keep minds focussed, and hands busy
          • A trip to the beach to explore and reflect
          • Private counselling and prayer opportunities
          • A real sense of God’s SHELTER in this busy world

          Denise and Jenny are available to run similar women’s retreats in other parts of Tasmania.

          To express interest please contact Jenny at empowher@tasbaptists.org.au

          What’s Coming Up?

          Pig Island Walk, Latrobe

          Northwestern Event

          10:30am Saturday 17th September
          Pig Island Walk with EmpowHer, Sept 2022

          Invite Others! Download Brochure

          Join a friendly leisurely walk at Pig Island Latrobe on the Mersey River.

          Continue with coffee at at Monclair of Latrobe and Madame M Cafe.

          All women welcome!

          RSVP or MORE INFO:

          Gabrielle – 0421 434 138

          International Women’s Day of Prayer

          Late October/Early November 2022

          This year there will be Day of Prayer events held in the north, northwest and south of Tasmnia as we pray toether and raise funds for Baptist women working on some amazing projects in developing countries.

          Subscribe to HEARTLANDS to find out details of these events as they come to hand!


          Cosy Cuppa, Chat & Craft

          Northern Event – NOW OVER!

          2:30PM, SUNday 31st JULY 2022

          Invite Others! Download brochure

          Come along for a cuppa and craft at Westbury Baptist for a relaxed afternoon together.

          We will be joined by special guests Maria Hutchison (Newstead) and Lacey Holloway (Westbury).

          RSVP or MORE INFO:

          Jenna – 0488 330 390; Belinda – 0408 267 188 | Or via our Facebook group: EmpowHer (North)


          Action for You

          Invite someone along

          Have you noticed that not everyone is back yet?

          Winter walk at the beach
          We all need each other!

          Post-Covid hesitancy is a thing. Maybe it’s because people are reluctant to move out of their houses and safe spaces. Or maybe we got used to managing on our own.

          Whatever the reason, it’s true to say we all need each other. Being part of a community is critical to good mental and emotional health.

          Whether or not you are wary about getting back into circulation, why not ask a friend to come with you? That could be as simple as going for a walk together on the beach, grabbing a coffee at a local café, or heading off to the gym or church together.

          Or maybe you could invite someone to one of the EmpowHer events lined up in your region.

          It’s a good time to be the blessing!


          God’s Whisper

          It’s so easy to think up your own answer to a problem. Instead, remember to listen for God’s still, quiet voice.

          By Jenny Baxter

          Too many people and not enough food!
          How many times have you been caught in that situation? I have to admit, I’ve been there a few times. Tiny servings of apple crumble, and thinned-down pumpkin soup have featured on my table, much to my horror.

          Read More >


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

          EmpowHer

          God’s Whisper

          God's Whisper

          Waiting for that still, quiet voice

          God’s Whisper

          Heartlands News

          It’s so easy to think up your own answer to a problem.

          By Jenny Baxter

          Too many people and not enough food! How many times have you been in that situation? I have to admit, I’ve been caught with that a few times. Very small servings of apple crumble, and thinned-down pumpkin soup have featured on my table, much to my horror.

          Have you noticed how we usually try to solve problems using our own nicely thought up solutions? That’s what the disciples did in this story when Jesus gave them an out-of-the-box response . . .

          By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6:35-36 (NIV)

          When faced with catering for 5,000, they suggested the crowds go find their own food. They were providing the obvious, most expedient and rational solution to quite a large problem. It was an immediate response – they didn’t stop to consider Jesus may have a far more creative solution sitting in the background. I have to admit, small servings of apple crumble was my best solution one wintry evening.

          Just like the disciples, when I faced a problem, I automatically turned my mind to solving it. However, sometimes there is a way ahead which I did not expect nor plan. It is at those points of dire need, when things seem to have fallen apart, that miracles happen.

          The BEST Plan?

          It’s so easy to think up your own answer to a problem, and to look at it from a human perspective. To gather information and to analyse the best course of action – the most sensible path. Yep. Small serves!

          To the disciples, they suggested what seemed to be the best plan. But did they come to the Master with the problem? No. It took Andrew, another of the disciples, to offer a different course of action.

          … Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” John 6:7-9 (NIV)

          The unexpected extra in this scenario was one young boy with some dinner!

          What a thoughtful and aware mother he had. There’s no mention of her in the story, but I bet she never even dreamt that the food she sent with her son was to be used for a miracle. Just as well she let her son go off to listen to Jesus that day – with food.

          I wonder what my unexpected extra might have been if I had thought to come to Jesus with my apple crumble problem?

          Learnings for us

          • Sometimes our nicely thought-out solutions leave little room for God to work.
          • Creative answers will mostly come from unexpected sources. Perhaps it is wise to listen for God’s whisper before acting.
          • Miracles always arrive when there is hardly any hope left. While we often ask for miracles, actually, requiring a miracle is a terrible position to be in!
          • God’s capacity far, far exceeds our capacity.
          • Mothers (and women in general) are often good at thinking ahead. Maybe I could have thought ahead a bit more with those apples.
          • HOPE is always an option when Jesus is in the equation.

          So, if you are facing a difficult problem – from scheduling issues and lack of resources; to financial hang-ups and not enough dessert – the best idea is to pray and wait for God’s still, small voice (see 1 Kings 19:12).

          Rushing around and stressing about the outcome is usually a waste of time.

          I wonder what would happen if you listened first, and then acted, whenever there was a difficulty? What would it mean for your family, your workplace and your friendships? Not to mention your meals?

          If you listen to God’s whisper, perhaps you will find an unexpected solution, outside-the-box.


          Jenny Baxter

          Jenny Baxter is the State Director for EmpowHer*, and the Communications Manager for Tasmanian Baptists. She is married to Stephen, and they have five children and four grandkids, spread from Hobart to Melbourne to Madrid!   

          * EmpowHer is an activity of Tasmanian Baptist Women

          Read more about EMPOWHER – Tasmanian Baptist Women’s Ministry


          Subscribe to Heartlands

          • Check box for your quarterly email

           

          HEARTLANDS News Autumn 2022

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

          Table of Contents

            Diary Dates

            Watch out for more info coming from your region, directly to you.

            • Saturday 21st May NORTH Basin Café and Gorge Walk.
            • Saturday 24-25th June SOUTH Day-Retreat: “Shelter”
            • Late Oct/Early Nov World Women’s Day Of Prayer – events across the state

            What’s Happening?

            Basin Café and Gorge Walk

            9:30am, Saturday 21st May 2022
            EmpowHer Walk May 2022, Heartlands Autumn 2022

            Invite Others! Download brochure

            Join us for a cuppa at Basin Cafe (RSVP required)

            A walk through the Gorge to Duck Reach will follow (weather permitting)

            RSVP ESSENTIAL


            SHELTER Retreat

            5pm to 5pm, FRI/SAT 24-25 June 2022, Blackmans Bay

            SHELTER

            Everyone needs it. God provides it. We sleep, eat and live in it.

            But how do you live in the SHELTER of the Most High God?

            Shelter Retreat, Heartlands Autumn 2022

            “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
            will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

            Psalm 91:1
            • Led by Denise Stephenson (LifeWay) and Jenny Baxter (Hobart)
            • $45/person Covers food and materials. (This is a non-residential retreat.) Contact us if you have hesitations about cost. There are other ways you can contribute. Contact us if you have any hesitations about cost. There are other ways you can contribute.
            • Get your Rego Form Call or SMS Jenny 0401 652 566
            • Invite Others! Download brochure

            Action for You

            Praying with intention

            Do you often pray like this?

            Praying with Intention; Heartlands Autumn 2022
            • God bless Mary
            • Lord, please look after my son
            • Jesus, can you please stop all wars
            • Father, give me a good life

            These are all good prayers, and quite legitimate, but they are so general! They are all “motherhood prayers” – prayers so broad it is impossible to know if God truly answers them.

            Instead, pray with intention. Fill those prayers with meaning and talk to God about what worries you. And, when prompted, follow up your prayer with action. Relationship is critical to answered prayer.

            How different are these prayers to those above?

            • God, how can I bless Mary today?
            • Lord, give me wisdom as I call my son, so I can encourage him.
            • Jesus, I pray about the war in Ukraine. Is there something I can do to assist?
            • Father, help me to love and care for others around me, even if my life is not so good.

            It’s a time to be the blessing!


            Undervalued or Super Loved?

            Undervalued or super loved, Heartlands Autumn 2022

            Women’s ministry at Beauty Point

            By Rachelle Hawkins

            Since the The Point* Baptist’s inception in 2006, we have endeavoured to hold many outreach events to reach our town of Beauty Point.

            The message is always about who Jesus is, and why it’s important. These events include men’s dinners, women’s dessert nights, concerts, kids’ clubs, and an annual visit by Texan missionaries who do all the above, and more.

            We, as a church, long to share the hope Jesus offers.

            Read More >


            The Science of Seeing God

            ANNETTE SPURR, Heartlands Autumn 2022

            Gratitude and thankfulness for the World, the Universe, and Everything!

            By A.J. Spurr

            Recently, I interviewed a young man who had been struggling with addiction since the age of 12. He had completed a program at a Christian rehab centre, and while he was there, he encountered Jesus.

            “The first thing I noticed,” he said, “was that I could feel the breeze on my skin. I’d never experienced it before, even though it had been happening the whole time. I was finally able to feel it.”

            So, what had changed?

            Read More >


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            EmpowHer

            Undervalued or Super Loved?

            Supervalued or underloved

            Heartlands – Autumn 2022

            Women’s Ministry at The Point

            By Rachelle Hawkins

            Heartlands News

            Since the The Point* Baptist’s inception in 2006, we have endeavoured to hold many outreach events to reach our town of Beauty Point. The message is always about who Jesus is, and why it’s important. These events include men’s dinners, women’s dessert nights, concerts, kids’ clubs, and an annual visit by Texan missionaries who do all the above, and more.

            We, as a church, long to share the hope Jesus offers.

            At the beginning of last year, we were feeling disappointed that international borders were still closed due to Covid-19. It meant our Texan friends could not come out to hold their mission outreach. As well, watching social media, it was clear our town had a number of people experiencing varying levels of anxiety, grief, depression, loneliness, confusion and hopelessness. We, as a church, long to share the hope Jesus offers.

            Cormorant Café - Undervalued or Super loved
            The Point Baptist Church meets here:
            The Cormorant Café, Seahorse World

            A timely visit

            Wendy Marston
            Wendy Marston

            When I was visiting Newstead Baptist Church, I was taken with the personable and articulate way Wendy Marston led the service. Her voice conveyed a particular sense of love and care. And her words conveyed her love for the Lord and the people and activities of the church.

            After the service I asked her if she’s ever shared her story. At first she said no. Then remembered she had shared it once before. I asked if she would be willing to share her story again to a group of ladies in Beauty Point, and without hesitation she said yes, she would.

            So we planned another women’s event.

            And the response? Outstanding!

            The vent was soaked in prayer - Super loved

            We decided to host a 3-course meal in The Cormorant Cafe, cooked by our chef. Wendy would be our speaker, and I invited a musician – guitarist and singer/songwriter Briar Marshall to bring some music. Wendy titled her talk “Undervalued or Super Loved?” and this went out on all the invitations.

            The event was soaked in prayer, and was run by a team of women helping the logistics.

            The responses came flooding in. We were all floored when 54 people RSVP’d to come, with 26 of these not currently attending church. On the night, we announced we were about to start a new Bible study, designed to introduce people to the life and love of Jesus.

            From this initial night, seven ladies became part of the Bible study. A follow-up Bible study is currently underway, with most of the same ladies plus some new ones.

            The debrief – Reflecting on what happened

            We consider this outreach meal particularly successful. What made it so, compared with many events we’ve held which were all equally prayed over?

            1. Timing – it was June 2021 and people (especially mums) were keen to get out of the house
            2. Offering a free meal in a café, which was neutral territory
            3. The title of the talk “Undervalued …. Or Super-loved?” resonated with a lot of the attendees. This can not be stated enough, as a number of women commented that it sounded like something they “really needed to hear”.
            4. Having the follow-up bible study planned, with flyers to hand out, which allowed the ladies to respond on the spot, by expressing interest in a bible study.

            Beauty Point still has a whole lot of people who need to hear of the hope and forgiveness that Jesus offers, and the lengths he went to, to purchase it. We hope 2022 brings more opportunities to share His love.

            Jesus died because sin is killing us

            Undervalued and super loved

            Invest in people's lives and get to know them. Super valued!

            The important thing, in my view, is to recognise that without the forgiveness of Jesus, people all around us are heading for eternity without him. We, at the Point Baptist, feel the burden of telling that message clearly.

            So whether that’s through personal/friendship evangelism or inviting friends to events such as the Tasmania Celebration with Will Graham. Perhaps by investing in people’s lives, getting to know them and showing a genuine interest in them. Or events like the one described above.

            All these create opportunities to explain Jesus died because sin is killing us. His life and death was God’s plan to deal with our problem of sin and death. What an exchange!

            Once someone accepts Jesus’ free gift of forgiveness, they have a restored relationship with the God of the Universe. Even more than that, He comes and lives inside them to guide, shape, convict and counsel them, and to transform them into the likeness of Jesus for the rest of their life!

            That’s one heck of a deal that people living all around us don’t even know is offered.


            About Rachelle

            Rachelle Hawkins grew up in rural NSW and studied science at Newcastle University.  Immediately after marrying Craig, they moved to Tasmania where Craig took up a job as a forester.  Here she studied aquaculture and was employed as Senior Biologist at the newly starting seahorse farm in Beauty Point.  Six children and many thousands of seahorses later, Rachelle loves nothing more than coffee with friends, time with family, her involvement with the Point Baptist Church, local soccer, and driving the taxi for her kids. 


            * The Point Baptist Church in Beauty Point is a small congregation in a small town. We meet at 5pm every Sunday in The Cormorant – Café on the Pier, which is upstairs in Seahorse World.

            Read More in the Autumn 2022 Heartlands >

            The Science of Seeing God

            The science of seeing God

            Heartlands – Autumn 2022

            In Awe of God’s Creation

            Gratitude and thankfulness for the World, the Universe, and Everything!

            Heartlands News
            "I could feel the breeze on my skin. I’d never experienced it before"
Seeing God
            “I could feel the breeze on my skin. I’d never experienced it before.”

            Recently, I interviewed a young man who had been struggling with addiction since the age of 12. He had completed a program at a Christian rehab centre, and while he was there, he encountered Jesus.

            “The first thing I noticed,” he said, “was that I could feel the breeze on my skin. I’d never experienced it before, even though it had been happening the whole time. I was finally able to feel it.”

            So, what had changed?

            Romans 12:2 explains that you’re transformed as you renew your mind. But how does one go about doing that?

            ‘You’re blessed when you get your inside world – your mind and heart – put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

            Matthew 5:8 (MSG)

            Awe and Wonder

            Have you ever watched a newborn discover their hand for the first time? It’s mesmerising. They slowly turn their wrist, then watch in wonder as each finger, one by one, moves by the power of their mind, their eyes as wide as dinner plates at the sheer wonder of it. Then they discover their feet and toes and the slow, awe filled dance continues.

            But then one day, their hands and feet are just ‘there.’ No longer mesmerising, just existing without fanfare.

            A while ago, a friend severed the top of his finger and it had to be surgically reattached. His whole finger was wrapped up tight for weeks while it healed. When it was finally unwrapped, his fingertip was so sensitive to touch, like electricity running through his hand, he had to get used to it all over again. I imagine that’s what it feels like for newborns; every touch like electricity, until their brain and senses adapt.

            Auto-pilot vs High alert

            The fact is, if we spent our days staring at the wonder of our hands, and feeling electricity at every touch, we wouldn’t get very much done. So our brains have a ‘block out’ system, ensuring we only notice what’s ‘necessary’ at the time. It’s why you can drive home from work and have no recollection of the journey.

            Your brain is on ‘auto-pilot’ in familiar surroundings. But it’s on high alert, taking in every street name and landmark when you’re driving in unfamiliar territory. Put simply; if we took in every piece of information thrown at us each day, our brains would not cope.

            It means that noticing things which have become familiar doesn’t come easily. We have to consciously make an effort to notice, and strive not to lose the wonder in the familiar. Being transformed, as it were, by the daily renewing our minds (Romans 12:2).

            Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

            Romans 12:2

            Seeing God

            So, what does a breeze have to do with seeing God? Well, what if I told you that God is speaking to you every day through His creation?

            ‘See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth… “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”’

            Psalm 46:8-10 (MSG)

            Your whole outlook on the world changes when you literally stop to smell the roses. Stand under a canopy of trees and recognise the creativity that went into designing each leaf, and the delight God must have felt as he crafted each of the colourful birds chattering amongst the branches, and taught them to weave elaborate nests, miraculously engineered to survive summer storms.

            smelling roses, seeing God
            “Your whole outlook on the world changes when you literally stop to smell the roses.”

            I explain more about the science behind ‘God encounters’ in my book, ‘The Simple Joy of Seeing God.’ But when the Bible says, ‘Be still and know that I am God,’ here’s what it really means…

            A while ago, I was struggling with anxiety as I walked through a particularly stressful season in my life. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders, literally causing pain in my back and neck. My heart racing, tears flowing, I stepped outside and lay on the thick carpet of grass in our backyard.

            As I lay still, gazing upwards, slowly, the thoughts in my head quietened, and for the first time in a long time, I started to hear birds happily chirping as they flittered to-and-fro, and the wistful hum of bees as they gathered around a tree bloom. A sense of peace and lightness came over me.

            “Now,” His familiar voice gently whispers, “now I have your attention.”


            ‘Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence.
            Remember the world of wonders he has made.’

            Psalm 105:4-5 (MSG)

            A.J. Spurr
            Author, The Simple Joy of Seeing God (2021)

            A.J. Spurr is a speaker, freelance writer and regular radio guest who has worked in media for over 20 years. A.J. is a praying mama of two boys and happy wife of a footy-loving, barbecue aficionado. 

            READ MORE in the Autumn 2022 Heartlands