reCharge NEWS November 2024

Nov 27, 2024

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The Values Project

The Values Project was re-released at the ABM as a resource reminder for churches. These videos are a good way to encourage churches, leadership teams, and small groups talk and learn about their identity and values as Australian Baptists.

The material is designed to strengthen a sense of identity, encourage connectedness and community across our movement, and informs decision-making in leadership.

Episode 1 is below for a sneak peek, or visit the site here to watch all four videos.

Three Organisations to Become One

The Boards and executives of Baptcare (VIC, TAS, SA), BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA) and Baptist Care SA are pleased to announce that our three organisations will become one, national, integrated care and services provider, subject to approvals.

As Baptist faith-based organisations, we have a shared mission to strengthen communities by valuing people and supporting them to have hope, dignity and a fullness of life. We believe that together we can create a more sustainable organisation which will create better outcomes for those we serve.

Our number one priority will always be delivering quality care and services for all our customers, including residents, clients and tenants. We believe this is an opportunity for us to continue to improve the way we serve our customers, to provide greater choice and flexibility in the services we provide, and to increase our influence and advocacy for vulnerable people and communities.

We do not anticipate any immediate change to any of the services we provide to our customers and any future changes aimed at enhancing service delivery will be communicated well in advance.

Our combined organisation will have an employee and volunteer workforce of more than 12,000 people, providing care and support across family and community services, retirement living, residential aged care, home care, community and affordable housing, disability support, foster care, chaplaincy and spiritual care, and adventure, homelessness and mental health services.

The united organisation will have operations in the New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. We are currently working through the timing, but the unification of the three organisations is expected to commence in March 2025, followed by a period of integration.

The new organisation is yet to be named, but we do know it will be led by Charles Moore as Chief Executive Officer, who is currently the CEO of BaptistCare in NSW, the ACT and WA.

We want to reassure you that our primary focus, as we become one organisation, is to ensure a smooth transition which maintains the high standards of service our communities expect from us, and you will see no changes to your care or services because of the merger at this time.

Together we have a combined 250-year legacy of strengthening communities by valuing people and supporting them to have hope, dignity and a fullness of life. We want to continue that legacy for many years to come, and we thank you for your ongoing support.

Building Welcoming Churches

Evangelism in Australia
In this conversation called, Building Welcoming Churches, hear Tina Waldrom and Andrew Turner, Director of Crossover, discuss the growing trend of non-believers attending church services, especially within the Australian Baptist Ministries community.

They dive into why more people who don’t identify as Christians are showing up at church and the importance of making churches welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Creating a positive and inviting atmosphere is crucial for helping visitors feel comfortable and open to evangelism and learning more about faith.

The conversation also covers how churches can better engage their communities through creative outreach efforts.

Listen to the Win/Win podcast here.

Sacred Arias in Penguin

Saturday, 14 December
Themes of faith, love, and hope await to transport you, with the thrill of musical excellence by master composers. Soprano Jacqueline Ward and tenor Robb Dennis present this program with pianist Karen Smithies for the Christmas season, featuring solo arias from famous oratorios, cantatas, masses, and more.

Hear stunning favourites from Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate!, Haydn’s The Creation, plus others from Vivaldi, Beethoven, Fauré, Wolf and more.

WHERE: Penguin Uniting Church
DATE: Saturday, 14 December
TIME: 6pm – 7:30pm

Visit this website for more information and to book tickets.

Mission 25

Sharing Jesus
Mission 25 is a collective effort of churches across Australia to share Jesus through prayer, invitation, and running Alpha. It’s simple to join – here are the steps:

– 2024 Term 4: Dream & Join
– 2025 Term 1: Pray & Prepare
– 2025 Term 2: Invite & Run
– 2025 Term 3: Celebrate

Speak with someone from Alpha, your denomination / network and other church leaders to hear what they’re doing. Join Mission 25 and get access to all the training and resources to include in your 2025 planning.

Mission 25 aims to fan into flame the glowing ember of evangelism across our country and see many more Aussies transformed by the good news of Jesus.

An Advent Devotional

Joyful All Ye Nations Rise
Would you like to receive an emailed Advent devotional from Langham Partnership? A series of short devotionals will be sent by email for each day of Advent (1-25 December) to help prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, Lord and Saviour.

Email australia@langham.org to be added to the mailing list for a daily devotional that links you with the global church.

Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer

For more than 70 years, Baptist women in over 100 countries have gathered for the Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer on, or near, the first Monday in November. Uniting in strategic prayer and giving, Tasmanians continued the legacy this year when 15 women got together at Citywide Lenah Valley on Saturday, 2 November. They focussed on the theme for 2024, “A Purposeful Life” (Romans 8:28). During the afternoon they also fashioned some origami “peace cranes” (pictured).

And they were not alone! They joined forces with 1000’s of other women to pray for their communities, seeking to make a difference in the world. In addition to praying, they also gave to fund projects in our Pacific region.

The Day of Prayer Global Offering supports projects to provide practical help for women and children in need, while equipping Baptist women to serve their communities through their faith.

DOP women 2024
DOP women 2024 with cranes
DOP 2024 project Tonga
DOP 2024 BWA map

You can still participate! You are welcome to pray and to give any time during November.

1. Prayer Guide 2024 >

2. Day of Prayer Global Offering project> Opening Doors for Gospel Witness (Tonga)

3. Donate to the project >Use the Reference “DOP Tasmania”.
NB. Make sure you use the link above or QR code pictured below for direct deposit to Baptist Women of the Pacific, Westpac Bank in Cairns. (NOT via the US website, bwawomen.org)

Zonta International Advocacy Breakfast

Friday, 6 December

Save the Date for the Hobart Derwent Zonta International Advocacy Breakfast at Salamanca Inn.

Donna Adams APM PSM, Commissioner of Police and Secretary of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management speak on reducing violence to women and how we can create a safer community.

The breakfast will coincide to support the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

When: 7:00 am to 8:30 am
Where: Salamanca Inn Hobart, 10 Gladstone St, Battery Point
Cost: $40

Fostering Hope Mentor Program

Saturday, 16 November

Fostering Hope’s Mentor Program embodies the essence of community care, inspired by the teachings of Jesus to care for the vulnerable among us. Through this program, they aim to provide “friends with purpose” to children in care, offering companionship, friendship, and support. With just a few hours a month, you can profoundly impact a child’s life for the better.

The next training day is scheduled for Saturday, 16 November

When: 10am to 4pm
When: Launceston
Cost: Training Days are free

Morning/afternoon teas and lunch are provided. To register or learn more about mentoring, visit the website here, or email Anthea at anthea@fosteringhope.net.au

If you believe your church and school community can help spread the word or if you know someone who would make a great mentor, please share!

The Fostering Hope Mentor Program connects caring Christians with children in Out of Home Care, providing them with consistent support and encouragement. Our mentors are rigorously screened, trained, and supported to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for mentees. Watch this short video explaining mentoring below.

About Fostering Hope
Fostering Hope are a Tasmanian Christian charity dedicated to supporting at-risk children and their caregivers. Learn more about their mission and values here.

Support foster, kinship, and informal carers and their families: whether someone is just thinking about fostering or been a carer for 20 years, Fostering Hope provides support, connection, and pastoral care for carers and their families.

Trauma Awareness Training
Free online Trauma Awareness Training, developed in collaboration with Dr. Suse, aims to increase understanding and support for children and young people affected by adverse experiences. This resource is suitable for anyone interacting with children and youth in various community settings. They also offer in-person Trauma Awareness Training for churches or community groups who would like to grow in their understanding of the impact of trauma on kids together. Visit the website for more info.