Fostering Hope Archives - Tasmanian Baptists

October 25, 2023November 30, 2023

reCharge NEWS October 2023

25th October 2023 | reCharge News

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Support those affected by the Middle East Crisis

Baptist World Aid are taking action. You can too.

Baptist World Aid have activated a disaster appeal to respond to this unfolding crisis and enable local Christian Partners to provide urgent assistance to civilians affected by the conflict as soon as humanitarian corridors are open.

Together, we’re grieving the violence that is causing immeasurable suffering, and mourning with those whose loved ones have been killed or are being held captive. We’re distressed for the one million people who’ve been displaced, and all those innocent civilians living in fear across the region today.

Baptist World Aid request the help of the Baptist Family. Donations will enable local Christian Partners to provide urgent assistance to families affected by this conflict as soon as possible.

Appeal details. DONATE HERE > | Resources for churches are also available >

Baptist churches across Israel and the Palestinian territories, including Gaza Baptist Church, have requested fervent prayer for peace. ‘Let us follow paths of peacemaking that unequivocally reject terrorism or any acts that target civilians,’ the Baptist World Alliance said, in a statement on behalf of churches in the region, ‘Let us generously provide help and support with the compassion of Christ.’

Please join us in praying for peace, hope and security for the entire region, so all can enjoy fullness of life as he intends. We’re yearning for the day the prophet Isaiah spoke of when swords will be beaten into ploughshares. (Isaiah 4:1) 

Hiroshima Survival

Original Documentary: Australian Veteran’s Incredible Story

This documentary features Dennis and Laura Ludbey formerly of Ulverstone Baptist Church.

mainly music at Westbury

Westbury Baptist have established mainly music in order to connect strategically with families in their local community.

Children and their parents enjoy songs and activities together. Parents and carers discover others in their community and form friendships.

Through the program, Westbury Baptist will have an opportunity to reveal Jesus through their interaction and engagement. Together, with the support of mainly ministries, they’ll be creating a joy-filled community of belonging.

First time free, then $5 per family. Ages 0-4 plus parents/carers.

Westbury Baptist Church, 53 Franklin Street, Westbury, TAS 7303

Doors open at 9:45 and music starts at 10am, followed by morning tea and play time.

Find out more >

Farewell Mal Garvin

18 November 1941 – 3 October 2023

Family and friends were warmly invited to attend the memorial service of Mal Garvin at 11:30am on Thursday 12th October at Citywide, 400 Cambridge Rd, Mornington.

READ: An article about the service on Thursday 12th October, including an overview of Mal’s life.
WATCH: The entire service on YouTube.

Mal Garvin memorial service, 11:30am Thurs 12th October 2023, Citywide Baptist Church Mornington

Follower of Jesus, loved and loving husband of Jenny. Loved and loving father and father-in-law of Matt and Leeanne, Liz and David, Danni and Dan, Nathaniel and Renee. Proud and loved Papa of Maddi, Josh (and Jen), Dan, Sophie (and Mitch), Simeon, Anya, Zoe, Josuahm, Ollie, Bridie, Lilly and Tim.
Friend and mentor to hundreds across the country and around the world.

Domestic Violence Resources

The Safer Spaces Toolkit

An endorsed project of Australian Baptist Ministries, The Safer Space Toolkit is aimed at resourcing pastors and church leaders to address domestic abuse and build relationally healthy communities.

FIND OUT MORE: Preaching tools, training sessions, videos and user guide.
WATCH the introductory video, below

This project started as a result of recognising domestic abuse resources were often available only by region, and there was a need to create a resource that could be accessed by any pastor anywhere, with access to the Internet.

The project working group is made up of Baptist women from around the country who have expertise in pastoral leadership, theology, teaching, domestic abuse and project management.

Compliance Reminder

Is your church ChildSafe?

The Safe Church deadline is fast approaching! 1st January 2024 is the date to meet all the Safe Church requirements, as set out by the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act approved by parliament in May 2023.

Training has begun in every region of the state. If your church has not yet begun the process, you are encouraged to get onto it urgently.

As a refresher, you could read the article by Administrator Rodney Marshall which was published in June: Safe Churches Update >

For more information please contact:

General queries: Rodney Marshall rodney@tasbaptists.org.au
North: Linda Guy lgu80777@bigpond.net.au; Nikki Holdsworth nikki.holdsworth@hotmail.com
Northwest: Owen Muskett omuskett58@gmail.com
South: Matt Henderson matt@hobartbaptist.org.au

LifeWay comes 3rd!

Crossover Quiz Night Results

Australia’s Baptistist Quiz Night

Well done to all the teams who participated in the online quiz night on Saturday 2nd September. A big thank you from Crossover for joining in!

Cossover raised just over $1,100 from the night.

Special mention to the top 3 teams:

1. Knightsbridge Baptist Church SA
2. Richmond Baptist Church SA
3. Lifeway Devonport Tas

State Leaderboard:

South Australia/Northern Territory
Tasmania (Woohoo! Go Tasmania!)
Western Australia
Queensland
New South Wales/ACT
Victoria

Funeral Notice

Farewell Markus Sebastian

1963-2023

Friends and relatives were invited to attend the service to celebrate the life of Mr Markus Sebastian at Gateway Baptist Church 22 Wellington Street, Launceston on Friday 29th September 2023, commencing at 11 am.

The service was conducted by Rev. Michael Eleveld, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Launceston. This invitation was extended to those who knew Markus. He would have loved to see people he knew there.

Please also be in prayer for Stephanie Sebastian (SU Tas), daughter Charlie and son Michel.

Australian Christian Book Awards 2023

The Australian Christian Literature Awards encourage Christian writing and publishing that helps people discover Jesus in a way that is authentic and culturally meaningful. The SparkLit Awards recognise and encourage excellence in Australian Christian writing and publishing.

Held recently in Melbourne, the awards revealed some amazing writers along with their books. Check out the shortlisted books as well, because they also produced some gems. (Maybe there’s some Christmas shopping in the wind today?)

WINNER! Australian Christian Book of the Year 2023

Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture by Christopher Watkin
A philosopher uses the Bible to analyse and interpret contemporary Western culture.

Australian Christian Book of the Year award winner 2023

WINNER! Australian Christian Teen Writer 2023

Caleb MacLaren from Victoria won the 2023 Australian Christian Teen Writer Award with his screenplay The Journey.

In a modern twist on the Noah’s Ark story, this script follows four companions as they navigate an empty world devastated by an alien attack.

Australian Christian Teen Writer of the Year award winner 2023

Fostering Hope

Mentoring Program in Hobart

The next Fostering Hope training day is in Hobart on Saturday, October 14.

Fostering Hope are a community organisation whose work comes from the Bible and the teachings of Jesus to ‘visit’ and ‘care for’ orphans and widows, to put the lonely in families, to love the fatherless, to care for children, and to love the neighbours in the communities. Tasmanian Baptists partner with Fostering Hope partner to provide foster care to Tasmanian children.

Through their Mentoring Program, Fostering Hope seeks to provide a “friend with purpose” for kids in care.

If you are looking for a way to live out your faith in caring for those in need, you can make a difference for a child in care. Please get in touch to talk about how to be equipped with training, connected with a child, and provided with ongoing support as you mentor. With just a few hours a month, you can significantly impact the life of a child in care for the better.

Find out more or apply HERE | Reach out to Ellie (ellie@fosteringhope.net.au).

Fostering Hope Mentoring Day, Hobart 14th October 2023
ReCharge News October 2023

Crossover Resource

Baptism Week Ideas Guide

15-22 October 2023

National Baptism Week will be an opportunity for churches, youth groups, small groups and ministries across Australia to celebrate, explore and offer baptism.
Check out the short explainer video and Ideas Guide, as well as baptism resources on our new Baptism Hub. Joining in is very simple – no need to register or report back – you can use Baptism Week in your own way.

DOWNLOAD IDEAS GUIDE

ReCharge NEWS September 2023

20th September 2023 | ReCharge News

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Love your Neighbour

NAYBA Impact Audit

The NAYBA Impact Audit of Tasmania is due by Friday 22nd September!

As you may be aware, the audit will measure the collective social impact of the faith community in Tasmania, and put a monetary value on the time and resources that are dedicated to serving those in need.

The survey is designed to be as easy as possible. It should only take about 15 minutes to complete, plus some time to gather the relevant information.

Before diving in, please visit the FAQ page to ensure you have all the necessary details at your fingertips. This will also help you decide if there’s someone who should complete the survey on your behalf. You could also watch the instruction VIDEO.

The survey remains open until Friday 22nd September. Once you’re ready, click the following button to get started:

Take the NAYBA Survey

Fostering Hope

Mentoring Program in Hobart

The next Fostering Hope training day is in Hobart on Saturday, October 14.

Through their Mentoring Program, Fostering Hope seeks to provide a “friend with purpose” for kids in care.

If you are looking for a way to live out your faith in caring for those in need, you can make a difference for a child in care. Please get in touch to talk with about how to be equipped with training, connected with a child, and provided with ongoing support as you mentor. With just a few hours a month, you can significantly impact the life of a child in care for the better.

Find out more or apply HERE | Reach out to Ellie (ellie@fosteringhope.net.au).

Fostering Hope Mentoring Day, Hobart 14th October 2023

Crossover Resource

Baptism Week Ideas Guide

15-22 October 2023

National Baptism Week will be an opportunity for churches, youth groups, small groups and ministries across Australia to celebrate, explore and offer baptism. There are lots of ways to get involved.
Check out the short explainer video and Ideas Guide, as well as baptism resources on our new Baptism Hub. Joining in is very simple – no need to register or report back – you can use Baptism Week in your own way.

DOWNLOAD IDEAS GUIDE

Resourcing your church, Baptism Week

Next Steps Video series

With Karl Faase at Olive Tree Media

Olive Tree Media, want to resource and empower Christians to engage their friends and neighbours in conversations about faith. That’s why they partnered with Crossover and Baptist churches to resource and equip churches for National Baptism Week, 15^th – 22^nd October 2023.

Especially designed for use in the lead-up to National Baptism Week, Next Steps is a quality resource suitable for churches, small groups and youth groups.

It is designed so anybody can run it at any time within your church to share stories of faith, invite discussion and give people an opportunity to consider their ‘Next Steps’ when it comes to faith and life with Jesus.

NEXT STEPS: BAPTISM WEEK PACK ($45)

Examples of use

·      A 4-week small group series across the life of your church
·      Mid-week church-wide course – where people can all come to watch and discuss together
·      Run stand-alone groups facilitated specifically as a pointed discipleship tool readying people for baptism
·      As a series your church works through in your Sunday services

WATCH: NEXT STEPS trailer

Tralier of the Next Steps video - Olive Tree media

Celebrate with Burnie

Induction at Burnie Baptist

Burnie Baptist Church congregation invites you to join with us for the induction service of Pastor Matty Coppin.

WHEN 2pm, Sunday 24th September, 2023
WHERE Burnie Baptist Church, 59 Mount Street Burnie
RSVP For seating and catering purposes by Friday 15th September.
To Kathy Fogarty | 0408 340 110 | burniebaptist@bigpond.com

You are also invited to a time of fellowship and refreshments following the service.

Fun_raiser!

Trivia Night at Gateway

Time to have some fun at Gateway Baptist

Gateway Baptist are hosting an evening fundraising event featuring trivia questions, fun, food and good company, and a silent auction with lots of goodies available!

You, your friends and family are all welcome to join in and raise funds for Operation Christmas Child. It will be $10/person to participate.

The Trivia Night will take place at 7pm on Friday 29th September 2023

WHERE
Artway Studio and Gallery, behind Gateway Church
22 Wellington Street

RSVP/MORE INFO
By 25th September to help with catering.
Jill Ashdown 0439 354 849 | Christine 0409 632 641

Baptist Mission Australia

Jit and Jan Yawan

Lanternlight Ministries, Thailand

Several Tasmanian Baptist churches support Jit and Jan Yawan through Baptist Mission Australia. In the introduction to their latest newsletter, they write:

We are so thankful for all of you who continue this journey with us as we continue to to seek to be hands, feet and voice of Jesus here in Sangklaburi in western Thailand.

We are in the wet season and the three-month period of Buddhist Lent. In our attached newsletter there’s lots more information and links to a video and a booklet for special prayer for Thailand during this season. This season has similarities in every Buddhist country and community.

Staying Informed in the Asia Pacific

APBF Digest

Published three times/year the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation Digest is full of interesting articles about the work and thinking of Baptists in our region.

The current issue is all about RELEVANCE in our current culture. The relevance of church, of youth ministry, of overseas missions, and of humanitarian aid. READ IT HERE (18MB) >

SUBSCRIBE TO APBF Digest

Foster Care Sunday

From 10 September 2023

Mary Blake of Fostering Hope writes: “Thank you to the Tasmanian Baptist churches for their support of foster and kinship carers and the children in their homes.”

Today, over 46,200 children in Out-of-Home Care in Australia. Sadly, the number of children removed from their families each year is increasing. At the same time, the number of Foster Carers is decreasing. Nationally, governments are struggling to recruit and retain carers.

The Church is called to serve the most vulnerable members of our communities. Let’s celebrate and support the Foster and Kinship Carers who are living on mission. These faithful people provide loving homes for children who are unable to live with their birth family.

We can all do something to create communities of welcome and support for carers and children with an experience of the Out-of-Home Care system.

What to do on Foster Care Sunday

Launching on September 10^th 2023, we are inviting you participate in Foster Care Sunday. This could take place on a date that works for you.

On the day, we encourage you to:

SHOW the Foster Care Sunday video – 3 minutes. (https://vimeo.com/855185166)
CELEBRATE children in care and Foster or Kinship Carers in your congregations and communities. (Do be aware of maintaining children’s privacy for online viewing!)
RAISE AWARENESS of the children needing families and the important mission of Foster Care.
PLAY A ROLE in being a safe and supportive space for those involved in the Out-of-Home Care system.
INVITE a carer, worker, or someone who grew up in care or a fostering family to share their story. They could explain the sorts of things that were helpful to them.

Find Out More

This year for the first time, Foster Carer’s Sunday is being organised by a national network of Christian fostering organisations. You can find more information here: www.christianfostering.com.au. The Church Pack will be available soon!

Mary Blake is the Executive Officer of Fostering Hope in Tasmania.
mary@fosteringhope.net.au

Mentoring with Fostering Hope

Foster Care

Fostering Hope partners with Tasmanian Baptists to help Christians provide stable families and church communities for foster children.

Grow your Faith as a Mentor

Are you looking for a way to live out your faith? Do you think about foster care and how you could be involved, but not sure how? Do you have time to mentor a child who needs a caring adult?

One 15-year-old in care in Tasmania said (from Ok, so a Nest is a Home):

“Having a supportive adult to be able to talk to [is important]. So being able to share if you’re upset, in trouble or whatever … it doesn’t really matter who they are, just as long as they have someone who is there for them.”

This is what the Fostering Hope Mentoring Program is about. Christians voluntarily meet regularly (perhaps weekly, fortnightly or monthly) with their special mentee to do an activity together and build relationship.

Here are two stories

Kylie* is a mentor to Rachel, an 11-year old girl in care, they meet once a month on a Saturday afternoon and do lots of different things together. Kylie is there for Rachel if she wants to talk about what’s going on for her or just to have fun! Kylie says:

“I just can’t thank you enough for this opportunity. It’s great for her to have the special time, it’s great for her carers to have a little break and it’s great for me to get out and do things I wouldn’t normally do!”

The second story is yours!

Compassion might look foolish to the world, but it is God’s way and the way we are called to live as well. Loving the orphan, the outcast and the widow may not be the usual way of the world, but we know it is God’s wisdom.

Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:17 NIV)

But sometimes we don’t know what that looks like on a practical level. We may feel a disconnect between the faith we talk about with friends and we hear about at church, and the faith that we are living each day. We see injustice and know that God’s way is compassion, but what does that mean for us?

Living out compassion

At Fostering Hope we want to help you work out how you can show compassion to the often outcast kids in care. This might be through becoming a mentor or a respite carer. It doesn’t need to be a burden, but like we heard in the first story, it could be an incredible joy. It also means you will no longer wonder how you can live out compassion.

We are running a mentor training day in Launceston on Saturday the 29th of July.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, or know someone else who you think would be interested, we’d love to connect and have you come along to the training.

If you have questions or want to find out more, visit our website www.fosteringhope.community or reach out to us! Ellie is in Hobart (ellie@fosteringhope.net.au) and Anthea is in Launceston (anthea@fosteringhope.net.au).

Fostering Hope is a charity whose work comes from the Bible and the teachings of Jesus to ‘visit’ and ‘care for’ orphans and widows, to put the lonely in families, to love the fatherless, to care for children, and to love the neighbours in the communities.

Our vision is to reflect Christ’s love by supporting at-risk children and those who care for them. We work to raise awareness about this need, equip communities, and support foster, kinship and informal carers. One of the ways we provide wrap-around support for carers is through our mentoring program for their kids in care. We recruit, train, screen, match and support volunteer Christian mentors (like you!)

^{*names changed for anonymity}

ReCharge NEWS February 2023

Tas Baptist NEWS February 2023 showing Citywide Baptist and their three congregations, gathering on Aboriginal Su day

22nd February 2023 | ReCharge News

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ReCharge News February 2023

Raising Funds for Ukraine

YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

Anyone can assist Christians in Kyiv to bring hope and needed assistance by contributing to this fundraiser.

At 6pm on Wednesday 22nd February, Kelvin Smith (Hobart) performed at a Piano Recital and Fundraiser for Ukrainian Refugees at the Hobart Town Hall, 50 Macquarie St, Hobart.

Kelvin has grown a following for his Piano of Tasmania videos on Facebook in recent years.

Kelvin performed, along with Timothy Prajogo, playing the concert Steinway piano at Hobart Town Hall. As well, Ukrainian Pastor Anton Kaluzhny, spoke live from Kyiv about his work helping thousands in the war in Ukraine.

You can donate to this amazing initiative here: GoFundMe.

L -R: Kelvin, Anton spoke via video link, Timothy

Walk this Way – Newstead

FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHORT WALKS

Sunday February 5^th was our inaugural ‘Walk This Way’, event taking a leisurely walk around Heritage Park. The guided family-friendly short walks are hosted by Pastor Dan Hutchison of Newstead Baptist, in partnership with Scripture Union bushwalking club, Boots ‘N All.

It was lovely to see all generations represented, the kids specially enjoying the playground, as these walks are aimed to help connect, grow and inspire one another.

Newstead have eight Walk this Way events planned this year around Launceston with the next at Trevallyn Dam, Sunday March 5^th 2pm-4pm. If you are interested in going on this walk, please phone Dan Hutchison on 0457 765 907 for more details.

Office Secretary at Newstead

POSITION VACANT

Newstead Baptist is currently looking for an Office Secretary to work in the Church office for up to 10 hours per week. The position is to give support to the Pastor, Church Secretary and Church Treasurer in regard to clerical and administrative support.

They are looking for someone with excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe tools; can maintain digital and physical church records; produce the weekly church publication; manage permanent and casual church property hires; and maintain publish and update website and social media posts. The person hired will be in agreement with the values, vision and mission of the Newstead Baptist Church.

Position Description: Please contact Church office 03 6331 6891; email minister@newsteadbaptist.org.au, or church secretary thelmasherriff@bigpond.com; or phone 0419 536 159.

To apply: Contact the Pastor via email or Newstead Baptist Church, 14 Wentworth Street, Newstead Tas 7250

Türkiye and Syria Crisis

BAPTIST WORLD AID RESPONDS

Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation in Türkiye and Syria. On 6th February, two powerful earthquakes (measuring 7.8 and 7.5 respectively), and subsequent aftershocks destroyed large parts of southern Türkiye and northern Syria.

Baptist World Aid are responding to this disaster, alongside their Christian Partners in Türkiye and Syria. The situation is unfolding rapidly and the BWA team are in regular contact with our Partners—including Baptist organisations—assessing the damage and how to best respond.

They have produced resources that will help interested churches support this appeal that are available to download here.

What we know so far

Both earthquakes created over 100 large aftershocks that collapsed over 5,000 buildings and destroyed entire sections of cities while people slept.
The death toll has reached over 41,000 but is rising rapidly.
A harsh winter has brought extreme cold, and snowstorms increasing the difficulty faced by rescue teams.
Many impacted are among families who fled civil war in Syria, including millions of displaced people living in overcrowded conditions, and makeshift—already dependent on humanitarian assistance.
Ongoing conflict in the region is making it difficult for organisations to access accurate information or provide immediate aid to those who are in need.
Medical facilities are overwhelmed, with reports of hospitals forced to triage people according to who will and won’t survive.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE DEVASTATION IN TURKEY AND SYRIA – FOR THE PEOPLE WHOSE LIVES ARE IMPACTED, FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING, FOR CHURCHES WHO ARE ASSISTING, AND FOR INTERNATIONAL WORKERS WHO HAVE A MAMMOTH TASK AHEAD OF THEM.

AND PRAY IF/HOW MUCH YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE BWA APPEAL

Celebrating Capacity Workshop

The Bridges Out of Poverty trainer, Nairn Walker presents Celebrating Capacity. A powerful training experience for those working with vulnerable people.

The two-day workshop will help you see economic inequity differently. It will assist you to understand and identify the capacity people have developed to negotiate life’s challenges. You will explore ways to harness this capacity to co-create with them a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.

When: 8.30am – 4.30pm, Mon 27th to Tues 28^th March, 2023
Where: C3 Church Hobart – 64 Anglesea Street Hobart, TAS 7004
Cost: $345 (includes morning tea and lunch on both days)
More Info: Download Flyer >
Bookings: Limited places so get in quick! Register here >

Fostering Hope
Northern Mentoring Officer

Tasmanian Baptists and Fostering Hope work together to encourage churches to support and care for foster children and their families.

Fostering Hope has a one-day/week position available in Launceston.

The primary tasks include: Recruitment of new mentors in Northern Tasmania; Overseeing the screening process for all northern mentors; Facilitating logistics of training days, training will be delivered by the Mentoring Coordinator and the Executive Officer.

Applications close on 24^th February 2023.

Find out more >

Northern Mentoring Office, Fostering Hope Tasmania

Aboriginal Sunday 2023

In 1938 Aboriginal leader, William Cooper, asked Australian Christian churches to set aside the Sunday before January 26th every year as Aboriginal Sunday.

While many would see the controversy around Australia Day as a comparatively new thing, William Cooper and a number of other Aboriginals first met for a day of mourning on January 26th 1938, and it was this event that prompted his call to the churches.

This year, on Sunday 22nd January, the three Citywide congregations gathered at the Domain Amphitheatre for an Aboriginal Sunday service led by proud Lia Pootah man, Paul Dare.

Paul says, “If churches want to take the teaching of Jesus seriously, then they can’t ignore the pain and injustice that Aboriginal people continue to experience, which gets focused at this time of year.

“Here in Tasmania, in particular, we need to face our past in order that our future can be different.”

Paul Dare speaking; Citywide gathered at the Domain amphitheater.

Spiritual Care Coordinator

Baptcare Hiring!

(NB: Applications closed Sunday 5th February, 2023)

Baptcare are looking for a Spiritual Care Coordinator (AKA Chaplain) for Family, Disability and Health.

The position is part-time (0.8 FTE), and is based in Hobart.

DOWNLOAD position description >

ReCharge News February 2023

Marrawah Thanksgiving Service

Sunday 5th February 2023

For several years now, the small fellowship who gather at Marrawah Baptist Church have been operating on Sundays on an irregular basis. More recently, most of the congregation have shifted to Smithton, and are now attending the Baptist church there. Now, the membership has decided it is time to permanently close their doors.

A Thanksgiving Service will be held at Marrawah Baptist to say farewell, and celebrate 65 years of Christian work and mission that has taken place through this fellowship.

SUNDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2023
10 – 10:45am Pre-service cuppa
11am Service begins
A light lunch will follow in the Marrawah Memorial Hall

All welcome to share food, stories and memories

MAP: Marrawah Baptist Church, 826 Comeback Rd, Marrawah TAS 7330

*Rodney Marshall and Michael Henderson (behind camera) recently met with the Marrawah leadership team to plan the best way forward.*

ReCharge NEWS November 2022

ABOVE: Assembly October 2022, L to R – Paul Manning (BWA); Sherry and Geoff Maddock (BMA); Stephen Baxter and Ben Cochrane; Worship time; Those Gathered!

23rd November 2022 | ReCharge News November 2022

Table of Contents

Faith and the Arts Summer School

Returning to the Hive of Inspired Creativity

POATINA: Sunday 8^th to Friday 13^th January 2023

W: faithandthearts.org.au | poatinaarts.org.au
E: fata@poatinaarts.org.au
M: 0425 275 013
Registration and Pricing > (THIS could be a wonderful Christmas gift for a loved one!)

This year’s theme: Hive.

After two years online, the annual faith and the arts school in Poatina will be held in-person!

Whether discovering FATA for the first time or returning – you can explore how to infuse faith with art, and art with faith.

The FATA team are praying for God’s grace on the time of encouraging, up-skilling and living in community.

Get ready to continue your creative journey …

The Gatherings Team are planning a spiritual and creative journey that will have attendees chewing on how, why and what we communicate, with our diverse creative languages.

Keynote Speaker: Lucinda Coleman

TOM and PAT

A new book by Ivan Jordan (Yolla Baptist)

Forward by Rev. Tim Costello AO

Tom Fleming is one of my heroes; a man who suffered under the Japanese in WW2 but turned his suffering into service of the Warlpiri people at Yuendumu. I am proud to be a Baptist Minister because of the character and witness of this spiritual giant. Ivan Jordan has given us a jewel in providing understanding of one of the most significant chapters of Christian mission in this nation’s history
Tim Costello

ORDER DETAILS

RRP is $35 less 40% for trade, plus freight.
If Church groups order five or more copies, they will qualify for the 40% trade discount. Order here >

ORDER DIRECT

Phone: 08 9362 5955 (Intnl +61 8 9362 5955)
Tuesday and Friday 1pm to 5pm W.A. time

Email: books@hesperianpress.com
Please ensure the following are included in your email or letter to Hesperian Press:

Book title
Number of copies
Name
Phone number
Address
Postage
Full credit card details (or BSB details)

Hesperian Press
www.hesperianpress.com | P.O. Box 317 Victoria Park W.A. 6979
Tom and Pat info >

News from Crossover

Helping Australian Baptists Share Jesus

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them”
John 7:38 (NIV)

The recent Crossover Spring Appeal, Streams of Living Water, is a huge success! A big thank you to those who signed up to give to Crossover on an ongoing basis.

DONATE HERE

Ask questions about supporting: crossover@baptist.org.au.

Director of Crossover Andrew Turner (who conducted Tas Baptists’ recent leadership review) explains what the appeal is all about in this video.
OR you could read Andrew’s letter to churches.

The generosity of supporters gives Crossover the ability to:

Create new resources (like the new Christmas resource, Missing Peace?)
Run events (such as hosting the recent online Australian Baptist Prayer Gathering)
Provide encouragement to Aussie Baptists (it’s time to read the new article about young adults exploring church!)
And offer invaluable training (more and more churches are using the Plan A resource).

Every dollar given is a blessing. Each donation comes closer to Crossover’s goal:

To see our Baptist movement baptising twice as many new believers each year by the end of the decade.

Streaming GOOD. Television

Find out about GOOD. TV

Australian Christian Channel have a free streaming service to provide positive entertainment options.

In an ever-changing world it’s great to know some things do not need to change. There is so much good to look forward to, which is why the people at GOOD. are committed to providing positive entertainment options so people can always watch something they can trust and rely on.

This is more than just a wide variety of programs. It includes a standard of viewing bringing more goodness into your life, with content to provide you with peace of mind. And will make you feel good at the same time.

GOOD. provide quality movies, TV series, documentaries and much more. You have the choice you want, without the stress of the not-so-good stuff that you do not want for your family.

As well, GOOD. is FREE, without any hidden costs or monthly bills.

Check GOOD. out here > (https://watchgood.com/)

World Women’s Day of Prayer

Day of Prayer event at Claremont Baptist Church — Women gathered to pray at Day of Prayer events around Tasmania

On Saturday 22nd October, women gathered at Claremont and Ulverstone Baptist churches to pray for women around the world. They also gave funds to assist with Baptist projects in our Pacific region.

In each location, small groups prayed for international regions about specific prayer requests. These included prayers such as:

Nations recovering from COVID (Carribean and Asia)
Domestic abuse (Pacific and Caribbean)
Unexpected pregnancy support programs (Latin America and Canada)
Shelter for victims of human trafficking (Asia/Azerbaijan)
Reconciliation for indigenous people (Australia and NZ)
Peaceful elections (Africa)

Baptist women are doing astounding work across the globe!

Tasmanian funds raised 2021: $560
Tasmanian funds raised 2022: $869 (updated)

Day of Prayer events in Tasmania were re-started in 2021 after an underwhelming Australian response to raising funds in 2020 of only $365.

It’s not too late to participate!
You can pray or donate any time until the week of 13th November 2022.

DOWNLOAD PRAYER GUIDE

DONATE SECURELY

Australia’s Aid Increases

From Micah Australia

In the recent budget, the Government announced $1.4 billion of additional aid to our region over the next four years!

Micah Australia welcomes these increases while continuing to call strongly for further urgent aid to help fight famine in the Horn of Africa, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria.

WATCH: Micah Australia’s Tim Costello (Exec. Director) and Matt Darvas (National Director) respond to the Budget from Canberra

READ how Baptist Word Aid are helping in the fight against famine in the Horn of Africa >

Fostering Hope

Fostering Hope’s vision is to find a family for every child who needs one.

Tasmanian Baptists work with Fostering Hope to encourage churches and families to both provide, and support, foster carers.

Along with recruiting new carers, Fostering Hope supports people on the journey with connection, training, pastoral care, and mentors for children. As well, they offer trauma-awareness training for churches so they can be safe places for all children and adults.

Currently, Fostering Hope are looking for more fostering families to offer homes for children who need them.

There is also a need for respite carers to offer extended family and community around full-time foster and kinship families and we just don’t have the families to ask.

Children without the protection of their parents are the most vulnerable in any community. These children need families and communities to offer them hope, healing, and a childhood free of adult stresses and full of fun.

If you would like to know more about Fostering Hope’s work, or have someone from the team talk at your church or run a trauma-awareness training, please get in touch.

Mary Dickins
Fostering Hope
mary@fosteringhope.community

Christian Book of the Year Award

The Forest Underground: Hope for a Planet in Crisis

The winner of the Christian Book of the Year Award 2022 is The Forest Underground: Hope for a Planet in Crisis, by Tony Rinaudo.

The book tells the story of a revolution in reforestation that is transforming the lives of subsistence farmers around the world. An inspiring and irresistible story of one man’s obedience and God’s faithfulness.

The awards are presented every year by SparkLit.org, who aim to advance God’s Kingdom by empowering Christian writers, publishers and distributors.

FIND OUT MORE | BUY THE BOOK

Read ReCharge

October/November 2022

CHRISTMAS IDEAS For Baptists from Crossover
AROUND THE CHURCHES October/November 2022
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY Report by Anthea Maynard
FAMINE In the Horn of Africa Melissa Lipsett, CEO Baptist World Aid
PRISON MINISTRY By Cameron Brett of Prison Fellowship Tasmania
DEEP THOUGHT The Sound of Silence By Denise Stephenson
FROM THE MISSION DIRECTOR: Does God Really Care? By Stephen Baxter
SCHOOLS MINISTRY: Mustard Lives Transformed by Jesus
CHURCH PROFILE: Newstead Baptist

READ October 2022 NEWS
DOWNLOAD Recent Issues of ReCharge

recharge-news-september-2022

ReCharge News November 2022

August 17, 2022October 12, 2022

Stand Sunday 2022

During September

Stand Sunday 2022

Fostering Hope is Tasmanian Baptists’ official foster care agency

Stand Sunday is a way for us to all rediscover the importance that Jesus puts on caring for vulnerable children in our community.

Individual Christians have fostered, offered kinship, and informal care for decades, but overall the church in Australia is not responding to this local need. Fostering Hope believes if the church in Australia takes seriously the call to open our homes and churches to vulnerable children, there would be more than enough homes for all the children who need one.

Stand with Carers

The early Church was known for its sacrificial care for widows and orphans. Can you imagine the ripple effect in our community if Christians took this seriously today and we became known as the place that offered families and communities of respect, healing, and kindness to everyone in the system?

We all hear the negative media about child protection systems, workers, and children growing up in care, As Christians, we can step into this space to offer light and hope and point to our Heavenly Father.

Stand Sunday is an opportunity to stand with the carers in your church or community, and to celebrate them! It is also a time to talk about the needs in Australia and ask people to consider responding.

When is Stand Sunday?

Stand Sunday is an international movement. In Australia, we celebrate it on the second Sunday in September (the 11th in 2022) as it is National Child Protection Week and National Foster Carer’s Week in the first two weeks of September. So it is a great time for churches to STAND with children and their carers. However, your church is welcome to participate any Sunday in September.

Fostering Hope recognises not everyone is able to be a foster carer. But we can all do something. You could be a mentor – Fostering Hope runs a mentoring program for children growing up in care, and connects volunteer babysitters and tutors. As well, we facilitate meals for fostering families, and run trauma-awareness training so churches can have greater understanding of children with extra needs. You may also know some carers in your local community who you could reach out to.

What to do Next

VISIT our YouTube channel for this year’s Stand Sunday video
If the 2022 video isn’t there yet, it will be soon!

CHECK OUT our website for more information: www.fosteringhope.community

EMAIL your questions to Mary Dickins of Fostering Hope: mary@fosteringhope.community

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
Church Profile Claremont Baptist
From the MLT Achieving Lasting Social Change
Love Beyond our Backyard Three generations of generosity in Wynyard

August 2022 NEWS
July 2022 NEWS

DOWNLOAD Recent Issues of ReCharge

Stand Sunday 2022

June 29, 2022October 26, 2022

Supporting Foster Carers

Your church can care too

Churches are a huge support network for foster parents, suggests Mary Dickins of Fostering Hope.

Over the last couple of years, Tasmanian Baptists have partnered with Fostering Hope to encourage churches to care for foster children. It is no secret Fostering Hope believes the local church is ideally placed to wrap around foster, kinship, and other informal carer families in support.

Foster carers open their homes to children who have been removed from their families of birth, and enter a new world. It is a world of childhood trauma, broken attachments, liaising with the Department, and working with birth families. All while trying to do the most important thing, offering security, belonging, and love to the children in their home!

Caring for foster carers

What Christian foster carers need are both other people on the journey who ‘get it’, and their church family.

The other people who get it are other foster and kinship carers. This is the role of Fostering Hope’s community of Christian foster, kinship, and grandparent carers.

Church community is also needed to support the carers, the new children in the home, and biological children in foster care families.

Stories from carers

Churches make a HUGE difference for carers. Below are some quotes from our foster carers. Sometimes, church support can be the factor which enables a family to step into fostering in the first place:

“There are many ways our church has shown they are with us and for us as we foster. We received so much encouragement and prayer as we started the process. One church member looked after our birth children every week so we could attend the training.

It really makes a big difference to know people are standing with us.

“We asked our small group to be our ‘official’ support network. They have provided meals, babysitting, sourcing a cot – as well as emotional support for us. It really makes a big difference to know people are standing with us, who understand what we are doing and why!”

Having people respond when things are exceptionally challenging, can make impossible things possible:

Foster Carers - just me

Caring for Foster Carers

“Our two little girls entered our home at 18 months and three years old. Although we’ll never know the full extent of all they experienced in early life, one thing we knew for sure was that food caused them extreme anxiety. It’s likely they hadn’t always been given food regularly, so when mealtimes approached or at shared meal events, like church morning teas, they saw food and ate.

“We had older biological children in our home, so managing the four children after church was extremely challenging. Our church stepped in to help. Each of our foster daughters had someone with them during morning tea. The aim was not to discipline them, but help get a plate of food and sit down. This reduced anxiety for me after church so much. It meant I could enjoy a cuppa and fellowship, and my biological children could hang out with their friends.

This was simple and practical, but showed acceptance of our children

“This was simple and practical, but showed acceptance of our children, not judgement, and a willingness to see what we needed. I don’t know if I’d be going to church if this hadn’t happened.“

It is amazing to find a church who are willing to learn about trauma. To learn why children come into care, and goes the extra step to ensure structures and processes work for carers’ children too. Fostering Hope has trauma-awareness training to meet this need for churches.

Foster Care - Just Me
Caring for Foster Carers

“Sadly, we had to leave our last church. It broke our heart to do it, but we had to put our foster child first. The church they just didn’t understand our concerns when they started using Facebook to broadcast services live.

“We explained the risks of him being on social media. But their solution was that we should just keep him to the side – meaning he would never be able to engage in services with the other children.

They learnt about trauma, understood the complexities of being a carer

“Our new church now is completely different. They learnt about trauma, understood the complexities of being a carer. Through this learning, they can offer a more child safe program not just for our son, but all children.“

Caring for Foster Carers

To find out about Fostering Hope‘s trauma-awareness training for your church, please contact Mary Dickins: mary@fosteringhope.community

Read ReCharge

June/July 2022

Around the Churches: June/July 2022, North, Northwest and South
Deep Thought: Courage to Make a Difference by Mark Wilson, ABM
Ministry Profile: Matt Holloway, Westbury
TB Growth: Hobart Vision Church
Our Youth: Hobart Baptist
From the MD: Hope in the Dark Times
Church Profile: Gateway Baptist
Tas Baptist NEWS: June 2022, July 2022

DOWNLOAD Recent Issues of ReCharge

April 27, 2022June 29, 2022

You Could be a Respite Foster Carer!

Respite Carers Needed

Fostering Hope Seeks Assistance from Tasmanian Baptists

Tasmanian Baptists have a strong relationship with Fostering Hope, who are intentional about supporting foster carers. Together, we look toward a better future for Tasmania by recruiting suitably trained foster carers, placed in supportive church communities.

Fostering Hope partners with radio stations ultra106five and Way FM with a state-wide awareness and recruitment campaign for respite foster carers.

Respite carers are the fun people in a kids life

There is a huge shortage of respite carers in Tasmania and Fostering Hope believes this is a need the Christian community can rise up to meet. Respite care gives full time carers a break AND offers extended family and community for foster children.

The best respite care situations are where the respite carers are on the team around the child, and the children don’t even realise they are going to respite, but look forward to hanging out with their friends, ‘foster grandparents’, ‘cousins’ etc.

Respite carers can be any age or stage of life, and get to be the fun people in the kid’s life!

Full Training Offered

To ensure safety for foster children, respite carers receive the same formal training as full-time carers. Fostering Hope is there to support people through the training and next steps.

Each term a ‘Preparation for Fostering’ course is offered. As well, new carers are buddied-up with existing carers. Of course, all carers join Fostering Hope’s awesome group of existing carers. Carers agree that one of the best parts about the carer journey is getting to hang out with other carers!

Training will be provided by BaptCare on Saturdays 7th and 14th May at Wellspring Anglican, Sandy Bay. Attendance by Zoom is also available.

How Tasmanian Baptists can help

Fostering Hope ask that Baptist churches download one or more of the images below. Please use them in your bulletin, on your website, or in your social media posts.

As well, one of the Fostering Hope team members can visit on a Sunday, mid-week event, or anything else!

How to pray …

The Prayer: By 2023, all foster children will have respite care, and there are plenty of carers in Tasmania.

Mary Dickins and the Fostering Hope team
mary@fosteringhope.community

If you have any questions please contact Mary. She is happy to help you!

Images to Download

Select an image, and Save As

Support those affected by the Middle East Crisis

Hiroshima Survival

mainly music at Westbury

Farewell Mal Garvin

Is your church ChildSafe?

Crossover Quiz Night Results

Special mention to the top 3 teams:

State Leaderboard:

Farewell Markus Sebastian

Australian Christian Book Awards 2023

WINNER! Australian Christian Book of the Year 2023

WINNER! Australian Christian Teen Writer 2023

Mentoring Program in Hobart

Baptism Week Ideas Guide

Read More ReCharge!

October/November/December 2023

reCharge news October 2023

reCharge News October 2023

NAYBA Impact Audit

Mentoring Program in Hobart

Baptism Week Ideas Guide

Next Steps Video series

Examples of use

Induction at Burnie Baptist

Trivia Night at Gateway

Jit and Jan Yawan

Staying Informed in the Asia Pacific

Read More ReCharge!

August/September 2023

Recharge news September 2023

ReCharge News July 2023

Foster Care Sunday

What to do on Foster Care Sunday

Find Out More

Read More reCharge!

August/September 2023

Grow your Faith as a Mentor

Here are two stories

Living out compassion

Read More ReCharge!

June/July 2023

ReCharge News June 2023

Mentoring with Fostering Hope

ReCharge News February 2023

Raising Funds for Ukraine

Walk this Way – Newstead

Office Secretary at Newstead

Türkiye and Syria Crisis

Celebrating Capacity Workshop

Fostering Hope Northern Mentoring Officer

Aboriginal Sunday 2023

Spiritual Care Coordinator

ReCharge News February 2023

Marrawah Thanksgiving Service

Read More ReCharge!

February 2023

ReCharge News February 2023

Faith and the Arts Summer School

Keynote Speaker: Lucinda Coleman

TOM and PAT

ORDER DETAILS

News from Crossover

Helping Australian Baptists Share Jesus

Streaming GOOD. Television

Find out about GOOD. TV

World Women’s Day of Prayer

Australia’s Aid Increases

From Micah Australia

Fostering Hope

Christian Book of the Year Award

Read ReCharge

October/November 2022

ReCharge News November 2022

Stand Sunday 2022

Fostering Hope is Tasmanian Baptists’ official foster care agency

Stand with Carers

When is Stand Sunday?

What to do Next

Read ReCharge

August/September 2022

Fostering Hope
Northern Mentoring Officer