Tag: Day of Prayer

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reCharge NEWS December 2024

23rd Baptist World Congress!

Creative Arts EOI
Baptists will meet together 7-12 July next year in Brisbane, Australia, for the 23rd Baptist World Congress! One of the most meaningful aspects of a Congress is the breadth of music and other creative arts offered from around the world. Each contribution is unique but connected as it contributes to our worship of the Living God and provides a powerful expression of our global diversity.  

The Congress Team are seeking expressions of interest from artists to serve at the Congress. They are looking for groups and individuals who can help lead in worship, in music, drama, painting, dance, spoken word, and other mediums. There will be opportunities to serve during the plenary sessions and many more on the Global Stage operating each afternoon.  

The application process is now open, and artists are encouraged to apply by December 31, 2024. Click here for more information. 

You can find the Congress timetable on the schedule page of the Congress website.  

Early Bird Cut-off Extended!

Day of Wonder early bird regos now available until 31 January 2025 
Tickets to the Day of Wonder is the perfect Christmas gift for women in your life!

Women across Tasmania have an extended opportunity to buy discounted tickets for the Day of Wonder event, with early bird registration now extended to 31 January 2025.  

The state-wide gathering, set for Saturday 29 March 2025 at Riverlands Baptist in Longford, promises an inspiring day of connection and empowerment for women from all backgrounds. 

Early bird tickets are $50 (standard rate is $60), providing extra time for women to secure a place at this unique event. The day will feature a stellar lineup of speakers, including keynote presenter Melissa Lipsett from Baptist World Aid, alongside prominent Tasmanian women Anthea Maynard and Maggie Perkins, with a third speaker still to be confirmed. 

Importantly, the event welcomes women of all faith perspectives, creating an inclusive environment for personal growth and community building.  

This is a chance for women to come together, share stories, and feel encouraged. Don’t miss out on the cheaper tickets – sign up before the end of January! 

Bible Project 

Waiting for Jesus 
Join Bible Project as they celebrate the arrival of the promised Messiah in their Advent Series. 

Christians have long observed the Advent season by meditating on peace, hope, joy, and love. Study these rich biblical words with their Advent series. 

Bible Project creates free resources to help people experience the Bible. Learn the Bible with media tools that guide individuals and groups in studying its story. Use our videos and other free online resources. Everything is funded by generous supporters around the world. 

Baptist World Aid Resources

2024 Christmas Appeal 
Have you thought of how your church can participate in giving a gift to those living in poverty this Christmas? Here are some ideas to incorporate into your existing Christmas services and activities. 

Your church could: 
– Hold a special service to consider the needs of those living in poverty 
– Use the video and donation cards located on the BWA website to take up an offering for the work of Baptist World Aid 
– Encourage individuals or groups to work through the online devotional in the lead up to Christmas 
– Let the little ones take the stage with a Christmas Day performance

BWA have produced a series of resources for churches to use in their 2024 Christmas Appeal, including their latest devotional, Thavorn’s video (below) various social media titles and more.

Thavorn and his wife Toun—devoted Christians, parents and farmers in Cambodia. Thavorn experienced financial stress trying to provide for his family with a failing farm and crippling debt. But with support from our local Christian Partner, he’s now financially stable and his family is thriving.

Download these resources from the website here.  

Crossover Christmas Resources

Christmas Crackers: Short Videos List 
Crossover have curated a ‘Christmas Crackers’ list of recommended short videos that are easy to drop into a text message, post, email or Christmas service. 

Some are very funny. Some are very moving (like the one shown below).  

All are wonderfully meaningful. See the full list here… or watch The Rhythm of Christmas. 

Library Aid International

Container from LAI is en-route to PNG 
Library Aid International is a Tasmanian Christian-based, ACNC and ATO registered charity. Library Aid sends second hand books and educational resources to needy schools in developing countries overseas. They also send Bibles and Christian books. 

A small team collects, checks, sorts, repacks, and ships donated books to developing nations, supporting educators and students in underprivileged schools. 

LAI’s eleventh container filled with books and educational supplies left Devonport on 15 November 2024 and is estimated to arrive in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea on 9 December 2024.  

The library at the University of Natural Resources and Environment will receive 131 boxes of books from Food Plants International Inc. and library shelving from LAI. The University library will distribute a private collection of 176 boxes of Christian books to a college and 611 boxes of books from LAI to schools in the East New Britain Province. 

LAI’s yet-to-be-purchased twelfth container will be sent to the Solomon Islands. Thirty-five per cent of its contents are already sorted and boxed up by our volunteers.

Recent highlights from LAI

Recent highlights include:
– A librarian at a private school, which has donated surplus books to us, created a QR code linking to LAIs financial donations page. She promoted LAI’s mission, tax deductibility and the code to staff to encourage direct individual contributions by smartphone. 
– An Early Learning Centre held a book drive during Book Week for LAI. 
– LAI received a generous donation of $3,000 from a valued supporter. 
– LAI is holding regular trivia quiz nights at Railton RSL to raise funds. 
– The LAI Secretary and his wife visited schools in Fiji during a holiday in October, including one that received books from our 2022 shipment. 

“Education promotes equality and lifts people out of poverty. It teaches children how to become good citizens. Education is not just for a privileged few, it is for everyone. It is a fundamental human right.” 

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations from 2007 to 2016

For a list of BOOK AND OTHER NEEDED DONATIONS we can give a second life to, please visit the Donate Page and Books tab on their website here or on their Facebook Page here. 

Happy children showing books and pencils given to them by cruise passengers at Sawa-I-Lau Island, Fiji

GLS24 On-Demand  

Extended Access (until February 2025!) 
Did you miss the Global Leadership Summit 2024? You can now purchase extended access to the entire GLS24 Aus/NZ Program On-Demand until 13 Feb, 2025 and costs $159. 

With GLS On-Demand you can watch from anywhere through an easy-to-use streaming platform that is accessible until February 2025.

Each registration includes: 
– access until 13 February 2025
– flexible viewing experience 
– unique link for personal viewing only 
– easy-to-use streaming platform 

Please note: GLS On-Demand is a limited license for personal viewing only and access cannot be shared with others.  

Purchase extended access content here 

GLS

EmpowHer’s Day of Wonder

Early Bird Rego Closes 15 Dec  
A reminder that the early bird rego closes on Sunday 15 December! 

This would make a perfect Christmas gift for the women or women in your life! Or bring a friend outside the church, as this event will be suitable for Christians and non-Christians alike. 

The Day of Wonder is coming up on Saturday 29 March 2025 and Melissa Lipsett, CEO of Baptist World Aid is speaking. 

Read more about the Day of Wonder here.

Day of Wonder 29 March 2025

Crossover Resource

The Ultimate Christmas Wishlist
This is a short book by Rico Tice, presenter of Christianity Explored. It is accessible, warm and profound — making a compelling case for Christianity and the hope that it provides.  

Based on Isaiah 9:6 (a passage often used in Christmas services), readers will see how Jesus – the Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father and Wonderful Counsellor – is the ultimate gift as he delivers what they really want: hope, peace, purpose and guidance.

This gospel presentation is ideal to give away at Christmas and is $6.00 via Koorong Books 

ReCharge News December 2024

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reCharge NEWS November 2024

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.

Evangelism in Australia

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.

Sacred arias

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. 

Advent

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

Zonta International

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!

Fostering Hope

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.

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reCharge NEWS October 2024

Encounter Trailer

New Series from Olive Tree Media  

Olive Tree Media are excited to announce a new series called Encounter.  

In this series, you’ll revisit moments from the Gospel where people met Jesus and walked away profoundly transformed. Karl Faase and some expert guests will unpack these New Testament encounters and consider their relevance for today. You’ll also meet people from all walks of life and people from around the world who have encountered Jesus today.  

Watch the trailer here.

Around the world today, many are encountering Jesus and being transformed by his love and grace. In this series, Karl Faase unpacks some of the unique stories from Scripture, highlighting how encounters with Jesus brings healing, transformation, and purpose to those on the margins of society, those seeking truth, and those desperate for grace. From Mary’s life-altering meeting with the Angel to the woman healed of a long-term illness, these stories reveal that God continues to meet people in unexpected ways. Each story is reflected upon by a diverse group of voices—ranging from theologians and pastors to cultural commentators and those who have had their own divine encounters. 

An Encounter Discussion Guide and DVD are also available to purchase. 

Watch Episode 1 for free here. 

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) 

3rd and 10th of November 2024 

For more than two decades, the World Evangelical Alliance has organised the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), as a global event that unites millions of Christians in prayer for the persecuted Church.  

Annually, the IDOP is observed on either the first or second Sunday of November. 

The theme for this year, “Courageous Faith,” inspired by Deuteronomy 31:6, calls us to remember the strength and resilience of those who, despite facing intense opposition, hold firmly to their faith in Jesus Christ.  

Persecution is intensifying around the world. From the Middle East to Asia, from Africa to Latin America, and even in the West, Christians are increasingly being targeted for their faith. They are marginalized, oppressed, and silenced. Yet, in the face of this adversity, the faith of many remains unshaken. Their courage is a testament to the power of God at work in the midst of suffering.  

Read about God’s Sovereignty and the Suffering Church from the idop blog here. 

As a church, or as an individual or small group, the WEA invites you to unite with millions of believers across the globe to stand in solidarity with our persecuted family.  Use these days to pray, to educate and to mobilize your congregations and communities to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard.  

Download the prayer guide and other resources here.

True Enlightenment

Free resource from Crossover  
True Enlightenment is an Advent and Christmas Series resource that explores how Jesus brings true light into the world – indeed is the light of the world – bringing everything into perspective: God, others and us ourselves. The series is adaptable for use in all kinds of churches and full of the great news about Jesus. It’s free for you from Crossover, that exists to help Australian Baptists Share Jesus. 

23rd Baptist World Congress

July 7-12, 2025 in Brisbane 
The countdown is on for the 2025 Baptist World Congress. Join the global Baptist family to engage in powerful worship, learning, and service together, with the theme focused on “Living the Good News” in the world. This will be an incredible experience for the whole family with exciting programs provided for adults, children, and teenagers. 

Here’s some more information about the program: 

The Baptist Women’s Summit and the NxtGen Leadership Summit will kick off the week on 7-8 July.

On 9 July, the BWA Executive Committee and Global Council will meet, with a Mission Conference planned for the day. In addition, there will be a Mission Experience half-day tour during the afternoon ahead of the Congress Opening Celebration on Wednesday evening. 

From 10-12 July, the main Congress program will continue through each day and evening until the Closing Celebration on the evening of Saturday, 12 July. Thursday through Saturday will include plenaries, Bible studies by language, seminars, as well as regional and affinity groups. When not in sessions, music from around the world will be played at the International Festival for fellowship networking. 

The team have compiled important information to help with planning. Be sure to bookmark the Congress website as this is being updated regularly with the latest info.

Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer

Saturday, 2 November 2024 

Tasmanian women are invited to this year’s Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer. 
Join as a community of women to intercede for Baptist women around the world. 
This year’s theme is Purposeful Life.  

Where: Citywide Lenah Valley
When: 2:00pm – 4:00pm 
RSVP: Friday, 1 November 2024  

To register or for questions, contact the team at empowher@tasbaptists.org.au or call 0439 357 574. 

Jireh House 

Job Opportunity 

Jireh House are seeking an Administration Officer to provide support and assistance to women and children residing at Jireh House Shelter.   

The purpose of the role is to: 
– Assist in the safety and security of Jireh House’s clients. 
– To facilitate the smooth administrational processes of Jireh House. 

Hours of Work – 45 hours per fortnight (8.30am – 5.00pm, Wednesday – Friday) 

Applications to be submitted by Thursday October 24, 2024. 

For more info visit: Finance and Administrator Worker Job in Hobart TAS – SEEK 

Walk the World

8-10 November 
Baptist Mission Australia invites you to Walk the World! Across the weekend of 8-10 Nov 2024, pray for the world, as you walk your world!  Is your church participating?

Walk the World is about facilitating an opportunity for Australian Baptists to get out in our neighbourhoods and pray! This community building weekend of prayer and fun is for individuals, churches, small groups or families. 

Pray for the local communities God has placed us in, and pray for the communities around the world our intercultural teams are placed in. Pray for your church’s ministry, and the ministry of our Baptist Mission Australia teams. 

Churches and individuals can participate in many ways including: prayer walks, fun activities with kids, special small group events, picnics, sing-a-longs and more…  

Walk the World is for everyone, of all abilities, ages and group size and although it’s not a competition, there are also prizes! BMA have provided resources for all ages on their website. Some resources will be targeted towards adults and others to children, families or youth.
 
These include: 
– Walk the World Prayer Guide 
– Creative Prayer Ideas 
– Global Prayer Guide 
– 24 Ways to Walk the World

Register here for Walk the World 2024

For more info, visit the Walk the World 2024 website or watch the endorsement video from LifeWay Baptist church.

Walk the World! 8-10 Nov 2024 church promo video

Mission and the Reign of God

4-part video course presented by Mike Frost 

Mission and the Reign of God is a FREE resource provided by Morling College 

In this series, Mike links the ideas of the Kingdom of God and the mission of God’s people.

He believes the church’s mission is all about helping others to see and experience the reign of King Jesus and to submit to his rule in their lives. 

Discussion questions are provided after each video, along with some suggestions for where you might find more information. 

Mike is the founder of the Tinsley Institute and an internationally recognised scholar in the area of Christian mission. He is a pastor, evangelist, writer and lecturer and has written extensively on the mission of the church. 

Lebanon Crisis Response 

Baptist World Aid  
A humanitarian emergency is rapidly escalating in Lebanon as towns and villages in Southern Lebanon are being destroyed in bombing campaigns as tensions escalate. The number of displaced people is expected to rise rapidly. 

Baptist World Aid is asking for financial donations to support their Baptist Partner in Lebanon as they serve their neighbours fleeing conflict.   

Over 90,000 traumatised and newly displaced people need urgent assistance and somewhere safe to take their families. This number is expected to rise rapidly as conflict escalates and more family homes become unsafe. 

The BWA Partner in Lebanon is working closely with the local Church to arrange safe shelter and distribute bedding, hygiene kits, and food.   

‘Daily life has been upended as places like schools have turned from institutions of learning into shelters’ said the local Christian Partner. 

BWA’s Baptist Partner in Lebanon can offer somewhere safe for their neighbours.  

Donations will mean this Baptist Partner in Lebanon can arrange shelter, and provide mattresses, bedding, blankets, hygiene kits, and food to families arriving with almost nothing.  

Just a year ago, Melissa Lipsett, CEO at Baptist World Aid Australia walks with BWA Christian Partners in Lebanon.

Equipping Churches for Disability Ministry  

12 October, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm AEDT 

The Jesus Club Conference 2024 invites local churches across Australia to explore how they can better connect with and minister to adults with intellectual disabilities. 

The conference will be in Sydney and live-streamed online. It offers a day of powerful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at equipping volunteers and church leaders to build communities where people of all abilities feel they truly belong. 

This year’s conference will revolve around the theme of “Belonging: What does it mean to belong at Jesus Club and the wider Christian church community?” 

The event will feature a lineup of distinguished keynote speakers who will share practical strategies and theological insights on creating more inclusive church environments.  

Speakers include: 
– Rev. Dr. Mike Bird (Ridley College) – “From Tolerance to Inclusion: Christian Ethics of Hospitality, Healing, and Holistic Ministry.”
– Dr. Louise Gosbell (Australian College of Theology) – “What does it mean to belong at Jesus Club?”
– Rev. Dr. Archie Poulos (Moore College) – “A body – parts serving a part and a part serving the body.”
– Rev. Bec Baines (Youthworks) – Teaching the Bible to people with intellectual disabilities. 
– Naomi Bird (CMS-A) – Supporting carers in church and ministry.

Date: Saturday, 12 October 2024 
Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm AEDT 
Location: St Andrew’s House, Level 2, Sydney, Australia (In-person) 

Attendees can participate in person or join via live-stream. All registered delegates will receive access to the conference video recordings. Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited.

Register here for Jesus Club Conference 2024 or contact josh@jesusclub.org.au. 

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