Regional RoundUp June 2021
Jun 30, 2021
around the grounds:
News from Perth, Ulverstone, Wynyard, Citywide, Claremont, Hobart
Tasmanian Baptists in Action
The next Regional RoundUp due date is Friday 20th August.
Please send contributions to jenny@tasbaptists.org.au
North
Perth
Bi-Centenary
The Perth Baptist Church had a special Thanksgiving Service on 30th May as part of the town’s bicentennial of the naming of the town.
During the service some spoke of their and their family’s involvement in the activities of the church over many generations. Another spoke of his time at the church at the Easter camps, run there in the 1950’s and 60’s and of his conversion at one of the camps. The camps have been a blessing to many through generations.
In giving thanks for the present a focus on the town and its growth and the way in which the church serves the community was apparent.
In talking about the future, We gave thanks for the current influx of new families with children and teenagers, who are commencing their life journey with a view to make a difference in their community.
The church’s community program continues with a balance of providing help to those in need in the town along with providing a place of worship and fellowship and the preaching of the gospel of salvation.
The service was another step in the people of Perth seeing beyond the historical Baptist Tabernacle that dominates the town to an inviting, warm and open Christian fellowship who make up the only local church.
Northwest
Ulverstone
May Mission Month
We embraced May Mission Month as we listened and heard a challenge by guest speakers Scott and Bronwyn Waterhouse. Both Scott and Bronwyn shared their hearts and spoke of the work they do in helping people in Ulverstone through City Mission and New Mornings.
It was wonderful to watch videos in our church service prepared by our three missionary families who we support financially and prayerfully. Technology sure is a great way to stay connected and informed, and it is a privilege to share in the journey with each of them.
Youth Group
Our UB Youth have continued to meet together fortnightly on Saturdays throughout Term Two. They have enjoyed an 80’s theme night (pictured), where the leaders may have had too much fun dressing up!
We had a bonfire at Camp Clayton, where our youth band led a time of worship, and some of our kids shared their testimonies. When invited, a number of kids came forward to either ask Jesus to be Lord of their life, or to recommit their life to Him. This really was an exciting evening of which we are still praising God for.
We finished our term with a Youth-Take-Over night where the youth ran the night., with a glow-in-the-dark theme. Everyone was encouraged to come wearing black so we could deck them out in glow sticks and glow paint. The youth organised and ran our entire night with the devotion and games centred on Jesus being light. Once again, our youth band led us in worship. We are excited for our planned term 3 program to commence, but even more excited to do life with these amazing kids and watch them grow in their relationship with Jesus and each other.
The gift of song
Over the last couple of months, it has been a blessing to have a number of people join us on a Sunday morning from the Solomon Islands. On Mother’s Day they ministered to us in song – an absolute treat! The songs they sang were moving and heartfelt. In addition, our Tuesday morning craft group kindly knitted each of them a beanie to aid in keeping them warm while they pick fruit.
Alpha
Alpha continues on a Wednesday evening, as we join together for a meal, watch, listen, love and have great conversation. We have just enjoyed a weekend together at Camp Clayton.
WYNYARD
Wednesday Get Together
Wednesday Get Together for fun and fellowship, recently enjoyed a bus trip to the Arboretum Botanical Garden at Eugenana, south of Devonport. They enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Berry Patch.
They now meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
Pancakes
The Sunday School children and some parents had a pancake morning. This is an annual event.
Chat ‘n’ Choose
Many ladies in the community are looking forward to Chat ‘n’ Choose commencing on July 22nd after a long break due to Covid.
JUST BLOKES
Approximately 90 men gathered for a Pizza night for JUST BLOKES when the guest speaker was Bob Bramley who is an ambassador for SURVIVING TURBULENCE. Bob takes to the skies to break a solo flying record, and shine a light on youth mental health.
JUST BLOKES meets quarterly, it gives men across the NW Tasmania an opportunity to connect, encourage and support other men in their physical, mental and spiritual journeys.
South
CITYWIDE
It’s been a busy three months at Citywide and we’re praising God for personal growth, celebrations and blessings. We celebrated the baptisms of Mitchell Semmens and Amalie Menzies, witnessing to their ‘encounters’ and commitment to Jesus. We’re praising God for a new ‘miracle’ baby, Jason Rai, in our Nepalese congregation. We’ve enjoyed some family bush walks, and for some the challenges of longer, more rugged walks.
30 people committed to a 5-week course, The Calling Lab, designed to help people discern and find God’s calling for their life. This has been a great impetus for people who earnestly want to seek God’s direction for them. Additionally, we held a one day seminar run by the Victorious Ministries in Christ team designed for people to find freedom from their blockages to growth. A truly anointed day for over 30 people who attended, many of whom have had breakthroughs and others receiving follow-up 1:1 prayer ministry. God is good!
Praise God, our Nepalese congregation have been successful in receiving a grant from the Tas Development Fund to purchase a new hybrid car with modifications for their outreach program of driver mentoring for immigrant arrivals.
Citywide will be hosting a 2021 local Global Leadership Summit on 29 October. There is an invitation to anyone from our sister churches who would like to join us – just email church@citywidehobart.org.au and let us know. Early bird price is $60 – great value for inspiring input.
CLAREMONT
Claremont Baptist had a wonderful Winter Dinner at our local RSL in June (pictured). We were able to invite friends and family to share an informal evening with us. Good to get to know some of our regulars’ family members.
Book Nook originally started as a community book exchange. Gradually it has become a pleasant morning for church and locals to drop in for a cuppa and a chat and some even scan the bookshelves. This low-key outreach continues to grow and flourish.
We are sadly farewelling the Wilson-Roberts family as they take up new career options on the mainland. Garth and Rebecca have been members since their childhoods and have held active positions in our church leadership. We know the Lord has plans for them and we send them out in love in His care. We ask for prayer as we approach the QBM in August, for our willingness to seek God’s leading and the filling of leadership positions.
HOBART
Redevelopment News
Our redevelopment is complete! Praise God after five years of blood, sweat and tears we now have a fantastic new facility! we look forward to welcoming wayfarers, sojourners and church family of all nationalities.
Read the final “Redevelopment Update”, with some photos, HERE >>>
Luminous Festival
With our new facilities, the Luminous Festival has been taking place at Hobart since 17th June, and concludes on 4th July.
The Festival has been a conscious effort to connect with the local community with a story of hope and light during the Dark Mofo season.
- Over 300 people viewed Breathe, Shine and Seek to Mend, Michael Henderson’s art installation, during five days.
- Ruth Burgess spoke to 43 people about her life as a yoga teacher and Hindu ascetic, and her subsequent shift to Christianity after 35 years.
- Stephen Baxter, Paul Dare, Jacquie Petrusma MP and Cassy O’Connor MP discussed “The Future of Religion and Spirituality in Tasmania”. 72 people attended, and took the form of a panel, hosted by Grace Williams.
- Christmas in Winter: Carols in the Tab, on Friday 2nd July promises to be a great event. ALL WELCOME! Registrations are essential >>>