October/November 2020
Tas Baptist NEWS - October/November 2020
news:
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: CHECK THE TASMANIAN BAPTIST CALENDAR >>>
To add your event to the calendar, email Jenny Baxter: jenny@tasbaptists.org.au
Emergency Services Training Days
Faith-based pastoral care in emergencies and disasters
Two events are planned for those interested in caring for people during emergencies.
The training day covers Psychological First Aid and Emotional Spiritual Care.
Specific topics include:
- Introductions to the emergency setting and TCC Emergencies Ministry
- Impacts of emergencies on individuals and communities
- Stress
- Community and individual recovery after disasters
- Practical exercises around caring for people and practising Psychological First Aid
Devonport: 9:30-4pm Saturday December 5, 2020. Find out more >>> (On the Calendar at tasbaptists.org.au)
Hobart: 9:30-4pm Saturday February 13, 2021 Find out more >>> (On the Calendar at tasbaptists.org.au)
SparkLit Awards, 2020
Igniting Christian Writing
Here's some help for your Christmas gift list!
2020 Australian Book of the Year
For the Love of God: How the Church is better and worse than you ever imagined. Published by the Centre for Public Christianity
Written by Dr Natasha Moore with contributors John Dickson, Simon Smart and Justine Toh, For the Love of God is a bold, yet balanced, response to the question: "Would the world be better off without Christianity?" This book accompanies a series of confronting documentary films and study guides produced by the same team.
2020 Young Australian Christian Writer Award
Being Mulaney By Daniel Li
A short story which explores a family's struggle with faith, the burden of leadership and suicide.
2020 Australian Christian Teen Award
Through Smoke and Flames By Phoebe Worseldine
A raw and realistic story about faith under pressure during last summer's catastrophic bushfires.
Inspiration for You
Day Dreaming With God
Poem by Ray Hawkins, Beauty Point
Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast
Wednesday November 11, 2020
The Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast always brings together like-minded people from across Tasmania to pray for our State, our leaders, parliamentarians, businesses, schools, communities and community organisations; our families, youth and children.
This year's event, which took place on Wed November 11, was no exception. Speakers on the day were Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein, Alicia Leis (WLF Accounting and Advisory), Rev. Dr Rufus Black (Vice-Chancellor, UTAS), and Andrew Hillier (Devonport Chaplaincy; Loaves and Fishes Tas).
In the name of Jesus, we asked God to grant us the will and wisdom, the creativity and strength needed to care well for each other, and to see Tasmania flourish in every dimension. It was a special moment of unity and humility. Mission Director Stephen Baxter again hosted and MC'd the event, finishing the morning with a rousing encouragement for all present to work together for the good of Tasmania.
Please continue to pray for successful event outcomes, and that Stephen will make meaningful connections with our state's leaders as a result.
Pictured: The Prayer Breakfast in 2019
WEBSITE: tasmanianprayerbreakfast.com
Keep on reading!
There is more to read in the November 12 release edition of ADVANCE | step by step
REPORT: Tas Baptists Annual Assembly >>>
Heartlands Newsletter
NEW! For Tasmanian Baptist Women
We recently released the Spring 2020 edition of Heartlands, the quarterly news for Baptist women in Tasmania.
You can WATCH, ACT, REFLECT, WALK or ENGAGE.
SUBSCRIBE for your quarterly email >>>
Farewell Graham Clements
7 January 1932 - 17 October 2020
Hobart Baptist Church will sadly miss Graham Clements, who passed away peacefully on October 17, 2020. He was the dearly loved husband of Elizabeth (dec), loving father and father-in-law of Peter and Mary Jane; Bruce and Anita; and Rosemary and Chris. He was also a devoted Grandpa of seven grandchildren.
Graham's career with the Education Department of Tasmania began as a high school teacher at Queenstown, and ended as the Principal of Taroona High School from 1975-1990. He then bacame the superintendent for the Department. He was much loved and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him in that context.
Graham and Hobart Baptist Church have been inextricably linked for decades. He was heard to say on many occasions, "I was carried in to the Tab as a baby, and I expect to be carried out!" He was right! He was the son of active church members of long standing, and at the age of 14, was baptized and welcomed into membership in January, 1946.
He devoted his life to the church, serving as a Deacon, Assistant Secretary and Secretary, as well as an Elder. Graham also served as President of the Baptist Union of Tasmania for a year.
Hobart Baptist Church is grateful for all Graham's long years of service, and thankful for his quick smile, and readiness to see the best in every situation.
World Day of Prayer
Monday November 2, 2020
The Baptist World Alliance annual Day of Prayer for Women took place in 2020 as an online event. This year it was hosted by the Baptist Women of the Pacific, and Tasmanian State Director of Australian Baptist Women Jenny Baxter was one of those praying in the 65-minute event.
Please consider giving an offering to the ministry of the Baptist Women of the Pacific and the Baptist World Alliance Women >>>
I encourage you to follow Baptist World Alliance on Facebook and check out the photos of the World Day of Prayer from all over the world.
Elissa Macpherson
President of BWP- Baptist Women of the Pacific
Launch of Tasmania Celebration
Tuesday November 3, 2020
At 7pm on Tuesday November 3, the online launch of the Tasmania Celebration with Will Graham went live.
Churches in Tasmania have come together and invited Will Graham to preach the gospel in both Launceston and Hobart in May 2021. Please be encouraged to join in prayer for this outreach event.
During the online launch watchers heard about the Celebration through prayer and testimonies from church leaders across Tasmania and the team at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Guest musician Aaron Shust will led worship, and Will Graham offered a special message.
Resources, such as prayer bookmarks and brochure are available HERE >>>
For more info about the Tasamnia Celebration, taking place in May 2021, visit TasmaniaCelebration.org.au
180th Anniversary York St Chapel (Launceston)
This year, Sunday 27th December is the 180th anniversary, to the very day, of the opening of the York Street Chapel, the first Baptist building in Launceston.
On that Sunday, at 10am, City Baptist will celebrate the very significant gospel movement in Launceston in the 1830s-1880s, of which the Chapel played a central role.
Laurie Rowston has just produced his latest book, York Street Chapel 1840-1916. Hardbound, 128 pages, $30 cash, limited copies.
Contact Laurie to access your copy: lrowston@tassie.net.au
Evenings with Ann
On 21 September, Series 2 of Evenings With Ann, began running on the Citywide Baptist Church Hobart YouTube channel.
Evenings With Ann goes to air every weeknight at 8pm. Presented by Citywide's Ann Herbert, the current series reflects on endings and beginnings, and seasons and rhythms in life.
WATCH your invitation to join Ann:
Thank You Beverly!
Sheffield Baptist organist retires after 70 years of service
After playing for 70 years, Mrs Beverly Duff has retired from playing the organ and piano at the Sheffield Baptist church.
Mrs Duff (nee Irvine) commenced playing the piano in the Sunday school in 1950, and then played for the evening services
Mrs Duff was taught music by her Aunt, Mrs Winnie Bye, who was church organist in the 1930's. When her aunt retired, in the late 1970's, Beverly played for morning services, afternoon Sunday school, and evening services. As well as playing for weddings and funerals in the Sheffield Baptist church, she played at the Paradise and West Kentish Baptist churches.
In 2005, when the church began fellowship teas and singing favourite hymns, Mrs Duff played until 12 months ago when she found it difficult to walk without aids.
Sheffield Baptist church appreciates her great years of service to her Lord, and loyalty to her church, and continues to remember her in our prayers.
News from Baptist World Aid
The 2020 Special Edition COVID Ethical Fashion Report is almost here!
2020 has been a year like no other. The fashion industry is no longer business as usual... and neither are we. That's why we're preparing to launch a Special Edition COVID Fashion Report! We've researched over 400 of your favourite fashion brands to see what they've done to protect the dignity of garment workers and sustainability of the planet during the COVID pandemic.
Register now and be the first to know when your ALL NEW Special Edition COVID Fashion Report and Guide are ready for download!
Let me know when it's here >>>
Budget 2020-21 snapshot
BWA have put together a short snapshot about the Federal Budget and their spending on Australian Aid for 2020-21. While not all the details have been released yet, there are a few interesting quirks this year that made what has been released a bit harder to understand.
While there's been an increase in funding to our near neighbours in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, this is being offset by a large decrease in funding to programs further afield. Read their snapshot to help make sense of what's going up, what's going down, and what it all means for Australian Aid.
Anti-Poverty Week
October 11-17 2020
It's not right that 3 million Aussies live below the poverty line
Anti-Poverty Week supports the Australian community to have an increased understanding of poverty and to take action collectively to end it. This purpose is shared by a diverse network of individuals and organisations. Since 2002, Anti-Poverty week has been held on October 17, the United Nations Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
This pandemic year, it has been a year like no other. On September 25th, the Coronavirus Supplement dropped by $300 a fortnight. More than 3.3 million Australians are directly affected by this cut, including 1.1 million children. A recent Australian National University analysis estimated an extra 740,000 people have been pushed into poverty.
JOIN IN ANTI-POVERTY WEEK, OCTOBER 11-17
- Light your church up in the blue and green colours of Anti-Poverty week (Tasmanian Catholic churches have already decided to do this.)
- Make a 30 second video on your phone to say you're supporting the call to #RaisetheRateforGood and upload it on social media during Anti-Poverty Week.
- Share Anti-Poverty Week materials or create your own - see the Promotion Kit page, including the updated Poverty in Australia Fast Fact. Also see the latest from the Raise the Rate campaign.
- Add your activity or event to the Anti-Poverty Week calendar.
Tasmanian Baptist Pastors' Muster
One-day of inspiring input
Coming up on Tuesday October 20, all Pastors are encouraged to attend the one-day Pastors' Muster at Riverlands Longford.
The Muster is scheduled for 10am to 4pm. This is the long-awaited Muster, which was postponed from the annual Pastors and Families Muster at Camp Clayton in July. Leadership team members are also welcome if able to attend.
Dinner to follow in Longford for those who can make it--it won't go late!
For more info, contract Stephen Baxter: stephen@tasbaptists.org.au
To register, please contact Karen Buckney: karen@riverlands.org.au
Left: Some attendees of the Pastors' Muster, March 2018
Tasmanian Baptist Annual Assembly
Riverlands Longford, 6pm Friday to 4pm Saturday October 30-31, 2020
A weekend to look forward to!
Be encouraged by joining with other churches to hear something of what God is doing around the state at the Annual Assembly, coming up on the last weekend in October. We will hear from Mary Dickins of Fostering Hope; Jenna Blackwell our Youth Leadership Development Coordinator; plus new opportunities Baptist churches are initiating across the state.
You may come to observe and take part in the workshops. Each church sends representatives and they, with the pastors, have voting rights. If you can make it for Friday night dinner that's great, but you can also attend for Saturday only.
If you would like to attend this year's Annual Assembly, please contact Karen Buckney: karen@riverlands.org.au
Left: Those gathered at Assembly, October 2019
Rethinking Retirement
Christian Management Australia
Society tells us that retirement is a time to sit back and enjoy the fruit of our life's work. However, at CMA we believe it's time to rethink retirement.
It's possible that our greatest contribution to the Kingdom of God still lies ahead of us--God didn't spend sixty years preparing us to do nothing. So, we have devised a seven-week, online study course called Engaging Q4 for those who are seeking to reimagine life in their retirement years.
The course is built around seven spiritual disciplines or practices for life's Fourth-Quarter. Various groups will commence on different dates in October, and once you have registered, we will contact you to determine the timing that suits you. The cost is $95, which includes the Engaging Q4 Handbook.
You can find more details HERE >>>