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reCharge NEWS June 2025

23rd Baptist World Congress 

Virtual Registration Closes June 30 

You can join the 23rd Baptist World Congress from anywhere in the world and experience this life-changing global gathering with sisters and brothers around the world. But don’t wait – virtual registration closes on June 30! 

Enjoy live-streamed plenary sessions, Bible Studies (including those in French, Spanish and Portuguese), Preaching Symposiums, and the opportunity to connect with fellow believers across the globe through our interactive virtual platform. Whether you join live or watch sessions on demand, you will be a vital part of this event uniting the global Baptist family. 

Sign up today for the Women’s Summit or Congress Pass or join both with a combo registration! More details on the website here 

More reason to become a child sponsor  

Baptist World Aid 

This week’s article reveals how becoming a child sponsor can help children survive disasters. 

Baptist World Aid has been transforming lives through Child Sponsorship for over 50 years. They commissioned a highly respected independent consulting firm (K4Dev) to analyse the impact of their Sponsorship program over a period of ten years.  

The result clearly revealed powerful and tangible impacts. 

Over 95% of children and youth reported positive improvement in their lives. 

80% of children can access healthcare when required; up from 50% at the start of the program. 

77% of children and youth reported a reduction in risk of harmful practices (child marriage, abuse, punishment and neglect). 

Become a sponsor and help children living in poverty access education, break the cycle of poverty, and build a brighter future. Visit bwaa.co/sponsorship today to sign up. 

Alpha Australia 

Alpha hits 1 million Australian Participants 

The total number of Australians participating in an Alpha course has just passed 1,000,000! Baptist churches are running more Alpha courses than ever before. They have 565 participants already in the first half of this year! 

Read more on their website here

Zenos Media

Brand New Kids App! 

The Zenos Kids App aims to bring children and families the best of Australian Christian children’s content to one safe, easy to navigate platform! 
Creators from around Australia have partnered to share videos, music, podcasts, stories and devotions that all have the purpose of encouraging children (2-12) and families to grow in their relationships with God and each other. 

Crossover (Australian Baptist Ministries) helped support its development making it something to share  with every young parent in your community!  

Zenos Media is an Australian not-for-profit charity that promotes, supports and encourages the use of creativity in Christian faith contexts. 

Tas/Texas Partnership 2025

The Point Baptist Church

Members of The Point Baptist Church are excited to announce that they will once again welcome the Horton family from Texas, USA. This is part of an ongoing Tas/Texas partnership that began in 2009.  

The cherished connection between the Horton family and the church community has blessed the community of Beauty Point and the West Tamar region through a range of vibrant events for all ages—including youth gatherings, women’s nights, worship services, men’s events, and our always-popular bonfire. 

The partnership continues this year from 15 June to 15 July, with plenty of opportunities to connect, grow, and share the love of Jesus with the community of Beauty Point and the wider West Tamar region. 

Everyone is welcome to be part of it! 
For more information, please contact Craig Hawkins on 0487 343 348 or hawkthe32@gmail.com

Baptist World Aid

Matching Grant Appeal

It’s been a tough year for the world’s hungry and vulnerable— but Baptist World Aid continues to trust that God is working through his people to bring healing and relief.

Can you help? By giving to the Matching Grant Appeal before 30 June, your tax-deductible donation will be combined with funding from the Australian Government to significantly increase its impact—helping to break the cycle of poverty and create real, lasting change. 

Together, it’s possible to turn impossible situations into a world of possibilities. 

You can donate online here or ring their friendly staff on 1300 789 991.

Meet Jagmati

Jagmati (below) is the face of this year’s appeal — the campaign hero. She is tenacious, intelligent and resilient. She needed support to overcome the barriers that were limiting her potential and is a beautiful testament to the ways God works through his people to bring goodness out of incredible hardship.

Photo: Meet Jagmati

Library Aid International

Supporting Global Education from Tasmania 

Library Aid International (LAI) is a volunteer-run organisation dedicated to sending secondhand books and educational resources to under-resourced schools in developing countries. These materials are primarily sourced from school libraries around Tasmania when they are no longer required. Once collected, the resources are carefully sorted, assessed, repacked, and shipped to support educators and students overseas. 

To date, LAI has sent eleven containers of educational materials to countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea. While the mission is global, LAI continues to operate on a modest scale, powered by a passionate team of volunteers. Despite receiving many requests for assistance, the organisation is currently only able to fulfill a portion of them due to limited resources.

Recent Highlights

LAI has just acquired its 12th shipping container. This container will be sent to the Solomon Islands for distribution to disadvantaged schools. Half of the contents have already been sorted, boxed, and loaded in preparation for shipment, thanks to the dedication of volunteers. 

Generous community support continues to play a vital role. A local sewing group recently donated $400 raised during a Friendship Day. Several LAI volunteers hosted a Pet Show during Sheffield’s SteamFest weekend, raising $1,000 to help cover shipping costs. In addition, The Railton RSL hold Trivia Quiz Nights on a monthly basis to continue fundraising efforts. 

Heartfelt Messages

LAI regularly receives heartfelt messages from individuals and schools eager to donate unused resources, such as: 

“I work at a school, and our staff are looking to donate unused resources, that would otherwise be discarded, to schools in developing countries.” — Jocelyn M. 

“I have some books I’ve removed from my library, and the previous librarian told me about your purpose.” — Josie W. 

“We are so grateful that our unwanted books are going to a special place for a new purpose.” — Kate L. 

LAI welcomes questions, donations, and new volunteers. LAI especially encourage schools who are looking to support a worthy cause during Book Week, to get involved. 

Thank you to all who continue to support Library Aid International to provide educational resources where they are most needed.

GLS Aus and NZ Leaders Networking Event

Still Standing – Building Resilience as a Leader

Ever felt discouraged or that you just can’t keep going in your leadership journey?  

You’re not alone. Many leaders face similar challenges, and unfortunately the stats would tell us that many of them don’t make it through.  

GLS Aus and NZ  new CEO, John Robertson, will be speaking LIVE in Devonport on 17 June 2025. 

“You won’t survive in leadership for long without building resilience.” 

John Robertson knows what it takes to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of leadership. John has over three decades in ministry. This includes 13 years as Senior Pastor at Riverlife. He has learned the keys to staying strong and resilient. 

Don’t miss this chance to hear from John as he shares insights on building resilience to stay in the game longer and stronger! 

Topics covered:

– Leadership is difficult and lonely, how you can stay strong and resilient?
– Everyone plays fair in Christian leadership, right?
– How to stay in the game.
– How to get up off the canvas. 
– How to stay fighting fit.

Tuesday, 17 Jun 2025, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm at Devonport Christian School
Cost: rom $67 

Visit the website here for more details or to buy tickets

GLS

reCharge News June 2025

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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 Articles 2024

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reCharge NEWS September 2024

ReCharge News August 2024

National Baptism Week

13-20 October 
Is anyone in your church thinking about baptism? Many Baptists were stunned by the wave of enthusiasm last year for National Baptism Week. Across the movement, there was a 34 percent increase in baptisms over the year before. Praise God! Let’s pray for more, especially during NBW this October. 

The aim of the week is to provide a prompt for churches, youth groups, small groups and ministries to celebrate, talk about and offer baptism. It’s an opportunity to be pro-active in inviting people to go all-in with Jesus.  

The Crossover team are launching new resources for 2024 and there are plenty of ideas and resources already available in the Baptism Hub.

Explore the resources here

Empowher Retreat Report 

20-22 September 
Women from several TasBaptist churches met in Maydena for the recent Empowher Retreat. Led by Denise Stephenson, an experienced spiritual director and gifted retreat leader, the Day of Presence provided a great opportunity to get away for a day or two and rest in God’s presence. 

For each woman, it was a time of rest, reflection and an opportunity to intentionally experience God’s presence through the five senses. The retreat also brought new and old friends together, with a sense of shared faith and direction despite different backgrounds and walks. Thanks goes to Jenny Baxter and Ann Herbert from the Empowher Team for organising and to Densie Stephenson for leading the group. 

But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done. Psalm 73:28

GLS24 Premier at Devonport

Saturday, 12 October 9:00am – 5:00pm
If you haven’t heard about The Global Leadership Summit 2024, then be prepared to experience fresh ideas, actionable concepts, heartfelt inspiration, and learn from diverse global leaders sharing practical insights to support you in your leadership growth. 

Join hundreds of thousands of curious, growth-minded leaders from around the world who are expanding their reach alongside you. This dynamic, 1-day GLS event is shown in 21 locations across AUS/NZ and features world-class leadership content, vibrant discussion times and networking with all your meals included.

Be inspired and equipped so you can ignite transformation! GLS24 Themes include: Communication for Connection, Failure that Succeeds, Legacy through Perseverance, Storytelling that Captivates High Performance with Focus, Hospitality that’s Unreasonable, Happiness beyond Circumstances and Teams who Win.

See online or gather with other growth-minded leaders from your community at the Tasmanian GLS Premier Host Site. Early Bird Pricing expires 2 October!

Location: the paranaple convention centre, 137 Rooke Street, Devonport. 

For more information visit the website. 

GLS

Summer School

The Christopher Dawson Centre
The Christopher Dawson Centre for Cultural Studies, based in Hobart, was founded to advance the notion that the Christian Faith and the intellectual tradition that grew up with it are essential components of our civilisation, not optional extras, but core elements in the very fabric of the culture. The following course are available this coming January 2025.

LATE AND ECCLESIASTICAL LATIN  
Monday 6 to Friday 10 January 2025  
At Notre Dame Priory, Colebrook, Tasmania. 

The Latin school assumes some prior knowledge of the language and leads participants through a selection of important readings in poetry and prose, sacred and secular, from authors such as Augustine, Jerome, Bede, Peter Abelard, Aquinas, the Carmina Burana, and even Dante. 

BIBLICAL GREEK FOR BEGINNERS  
Monday 13 to Friday 17 January 2025  
Christopher Dawson Centre for Cultural Studies, based in Hobart, Tasmania. 

Fr John Wall Community Library, 31 Tower Road (at the rear), New Town, Tasmania. The New Testament and Koine Greek school is for beginners who want to experience the excitement of reading parts of the Bible in the original language.

For more information, visit the website or email director@dawsoncentre.org 

Thessalonians I, Latin MMS

Empowher Day of Wonder 

Save the date in 2025
Save the date for the next Empowher event. Come to the Day of Wonder and join other women on Saturday 29 March 2025 to hear Baptist World Aid CEO, Melissa Lipsett speak. Riverlands Longford. 9.30am to 3.30pm. For more info, visit the Day of Wonder page here.

EmpowHer Day of Wonder 2025

One of 500 new Sponsors?

Child Sponsorship through Baptists World Aid 
For 50 years, Australian Baptists have been transforming lives and fighting the injustice of poverty through Child Sponsorship. Praise God for the thousands of lives impacted through the generosity of his people!

Baptist World Aid is now looking for 500 new Sponsors from churches across the country in celebration of 50 years of Sponsorship! They’re inviting pastors and congregations to consider signing up to support a child or youth so, together, our communities can have a big impact! 

Research shows that one sponsorship impacts around 35 people in the families and communities our Christian Partners serve. That means, 500 Sponsorships could impact over 1,700 lives—and that’s just the beginning of the intergenerational change made possible by Sponsorship. Visit the website here for more information.

Recent Changes to Protect Children
BWA recently changed the way they promote Child Sponsorship to better protect the safety, privacy and dignity of the children and young people in their programs. Faces of children awaiting Sponsorship online will no longer be displayed. To find out more, click here. 

The EmpowHer Day of Presence 

20-22 September, 2024 
The Day of Presence is a retreat designed specifically for women to provide time and space to come into God’s presence and hear from him. 

The retreat will be led by spiritual director Denise Stephenson. Denise, who now lives way down south in Lymington, used to pastor alongside Nicholas Alexander at LifeWay Baptist in Devonport. 

UPDATE: All available beds have been booked, with a waitlist in place, but day guests are still welcome!  If you would like to join the waitlist or register as a day guest, please contact Jenny Baxter on empowher@tasbaptists.org.au 

Details: 
WHEN: 5:00pm Friday, 20 September, to 8:30am Sunday, 22 September (in time to get back for church) 
WHERE: Maydena
COST: Entire weekend $150/person, plus your Friday evening meal at local restaurant 
COST: Saturday only $50, 9am to 5pm, Saturday 21 September. 

REGISTER/ADD NAME TO WAITLIST

Women Leaders Network

 First Birthday Celebration 
In August, the Women Leaders Network celebrated its one-year birthday by hosting a special WLN reception at the Global Leadership Summit 2024. Over 150 women, friends and allies came together to be inspired, share stories and hear about all that has happened.

The interest and excitement was palpable at both the event and during the entire Summit week. God is bringing together women leaders from all over the world – to lead and participate in WLN cohorts. This movement, being led by the Spirit of God, has launched in 23 countries, plus another 14 countries have expressed interest.

WLN Fundraising event: Every Step – Portugal  
On 15 to 27 September 2024, a WLN team will walk along the Portugues Camino central route — a total of 252 Kilometres/157 miles from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. The walk will cover all types of terrain; a mixture of dirt trails, woodland paths and busy city roads. The WLN team will walk every step in unity to support women leaders across the globe.  

They have asked for people to ‘walk with them’ through praying and giving. Please prayerfully consider giving a personal financial gift as financial resources are needed to grow this movement. The goal is to raise $400,000 (USD) to fund the work and expansion of the WLN in 2025. This will allow women leaders from all over the world to experience the blessing of the Women Leaders Network. More than ever, women leaders need this! 

Visit the website here if you’d like to join or lead a cohort or connect with the WLN or for more info about the Global Leadership Summit 2024 visit the GLS 2025 website.

ReCharge News September 2024

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reCharge NEWS May 2024

reCharge NEWS May 2024

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    Free Trauma Awareness Training

    Launches 19 June 2024

    Fostering Hope is a Tasmanian, Christian organisation seeking to support at-risk children and those who care for them.  

    One of the ways they do this is to increase understanding of the impacts of unsafe beginnings on children and young people. Many of these children and young people interact with kids that go to church, youth group, playgroup, and other programs.  

    Their behaviours can be challenging, yet everyone has a role to play in showing them God’s love and acceptance. This can be so powerful in their healing.  

    With the support of the Tasmanian Community Fund, Fostering Hope partnered with Dr Suse from Shine Through Psychology to develop easy to understand, free, online trauma awareness videos. These videos encourage people already working and volunteering with children and young people and increase their understanding of the impacts of unsafe beginnings.  

    The course consists of six engaging and easy to understand sessions designed to help you bring compassion and care to children impacted by trauma. The videos take about an hour total.  

    Book video sessions here on their website

    Luminous Festival

    12-23 June 2024

    Hobart Baptist Church is again challenging Hobartians in the middle of winter with the Luminous Festival. Sacred Tasmania is the theme, exploring the connection between the sacred, place and sustainability.  

    There will be: 
    – Four Conversations about home, love and the sacred things that unite us
    – Three incredible art installations
    – Two inspiring events with Scott Darlow, indigenous musician
    – Two Christmas in Winter events to celebrate the coming of light into darkness
    – One Multicultural Market with a feast of food options!

    TICKETS: Sat 15 June, Scott Darlow in Concert $10/adult (free for kids 0-14). Profits to World Vision. 

    FREE WITH REGISTRATION: All other events. 

    You are spoilt for choice – have a look at dates and options here:  luminousfestival.org.au 

    All Welcome! Invite your friends and family! 

    Changes At Hobart Baptist Church 

    HBC’s Stephen Baxter Concludes in the Role

    On Sunday, 12 May, Scott Ambrose shared the news that, Stephen Baxter would be concluding his time as Senior Pastor at Hobart Baptist Church later this year. Stephen is leaving the role after 14 years and is the longest serving minister in the 140-year history of Hobart Baptist Church. Stephen indicated that he felt a clear sense that God was calling him to conclude his period of service as Senior Pastor. Consequently, his final Sunday will be 1 September 2024.  

    This is not necessarily the end of Stephen and Jenny’s time at Hobart Baptist Church but, rather, the conclusion of serving as Senior Pastor.  

    HBC will celebrate Stephen and Jenny and their pastoral ministry over the coming months and invite everyone in the Tas Baptist community to join in as they honour them. 

    The HBC community are incredibly grateful to God for the leadership of Stephen and the support and work of Jenny over many years. Stephen and Jenny have responded faithfully to the call of God to serve Him through Hobart Baptist Church, and it is fitting that they are now responding to His call as they seek His will for the future. The changes in the Church in both the physical buildings and in the pastoral team approach and missional outlook, are a testament to Stephen’s ministry. 

    The Diaconate will be meeting to prayerfully consider future pastoral leadership and invite all members of the Tas Baptist community to thank God for the provision of Stephen and Jenny for this period in the life of Hobart Baptist and, to pray for God’s will for the HBC community.  Watch the announcement below from HBC’s YouTube site.

    impress: passing faith onto our kids

    New book, impress by Ainsley Freeman

    A new book explores sharing faith with our children in the context of busy, modern households.

    With the pressures of our modern world, parents are struggling to find the time, energy and tools to talk about and demonstrate faith to their kids. impress is a book written for these parents in the “drowning years” of raising children and is part encouragement and part how-to when it comes to sharing faith to the next generation in the context of our modern households.  

    Mother of three sons, author, media professional and church pastor, Ainsley Freeman, says the book represents much of her life journey to date.  

    This book is a call back to the primary task for any caregiver to pass the baton of faith in a compelling, meaningful, and relevant way in the context of our families. It’s a call back to evangelism and sharing the good news with people we’ve been entrusted.  

    Reflecting on her new book Ainsley says, “It is imperative that we talk about and live our faith in a way that leaves a real impression on the next generation and this book will help and inspire parents to do just that.” 

    impress is available through the Olive Tree Media online store and instore or online from Koorong bookstores. To find out more about impress visit the @impress.daily Instagram page or go to the website www.olivetreemedia.com.au/impress and be sure to sign up for Ainsley’s 52-week devotional accompanying the book called impress weekly. 

    National Volunteers Week  

    20-26 May  

    Next week we notice and celebrate our volunteers. Notice – because volunteers are often the quiet and generally unnoticed people making things happen in the background.
    They are rarely recognised for their work, and rarely expect to be – because it’s in their nature to help others! How do you let your volunteers know that they are so very valued? Send a free e-card or appreciation certificate. 

    Micah Australia

    2024 Budget Night Response 

    In the wake of Budget night, Micah Australia have created a Budget response as part of their joint campaign – ‘Safer World for All’ – run with the wider Australian International Development sector.  

    They have also developed an Advocacy Plan to help churches advocate for an Australia that acts justly for country neighbours and the most urgent global justice issues facing the world today – extreme poverty, rising conflict and climate change.  

    Further resources unpacking the need to advocate for a generous aid program from a Christian perspective can be found here. 

    Baptist World Aid Matching Grant Appeal 

    May-June 2024

    Support the work of Baptist World Aid before the end of the financial year   

    Inspired by Isaiah 61 and God’s infinite kindness to those who are suffering, May-June will see Baptist World Aid launch their annual Matching Grant Appeal. 

    Donations made to this appeal will be combined with government funds and invested in specific community development projects.  

    Current projects funded through the Matching Grant Appeal are in Cambodia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Lebanon.  

    For over 10 years, they have used the campaign as an opportunity to raise the funds needed to access additional financial support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). All donations are tax-deductible.   

    For further information visit the website or read BWA 2024 FAQ document here. 

    Youth Alive UNDIVIDED!

     24, 25 May and 21 June 2024  

    Youth Alive Undivided is a state-wide event for young people and youth ministries and are perfect for teenagers to bring their friends along. Tasmania is holding three events with over 1000 young people gathering! Dates for the Undivided are: 

    24 MAY – Launceston, 6pm At Door of Hope Christian Church 

    25 MAY – Devonport, 6pm at Gateway Church 

    21 JUNE – Hobart, 6pm at Hillsong Church Hobart (New Venue). 

    To book tickets or volunteer, visit the website for more information

    Baptist Mission Australia

    May 2024
    It’s still May Mission Month!  Is your church following along with the four key themes?  

    1. Renewing: It starts with us (Galatians 5:16–17, 22–26) 
    1. Relating: It’s always about relationships (Matthew 4:18–22) 
    1. Restoring: It’s about the whole Gospel for the whole world (Luke 4:14–21) 
    1. Responding: It’s about availability (John 1:35–42) 

    These can be run as a four-part series, or each theme can be used a standalone theme.

    Explore this year’s theme, through the video Mending!

    This video offers a big picture understanding of how God is at work – restoring and renewing – as well as tangible examples of how people around the world are joining with Him as co-menders of a beautiful, broken world.  
     
    Explore the full suite of Mending! resources >> 

    BMA

    2024 Tas Baptist Handbook

    Information for Tasmanian Baptist Churches 

    At the May Mid-year Assembly, the 2024 Tasmanian Baptist Handbook will be released. The Handbook contains important information for Tasmanian Baptist Churches, including contact details for pastors, churches, Baptist agencies nationally, church statistics for the past year and much more. 

    The Handbook will be distributed in both printed and electronic form…  

    Printed: At Assembly, two printed copies will be available for each church. To save us postage, please make sure you pick up your church’s Handbooks! 

    If your church requires more than two printed copies, please contact Anna-Maree Richardson at the Tas Baptist office: anna-maree@tasbaptists.org.au 

    Electronic: The final e-version will be distributed as a PDF to Secretaries the week after Assembly. As well, a link will be included in reCharge, distributed on Wednesday 15 May. 

    Please note that for privacy reasons we no longer publish the Handbook on the Tas Baptist website. If you need a copy later, you can always contact the office.  For the same reason, do take care with the distribution and availability of the Handbook. It would be wise to carefully destroy past copies of the Handbook you may have in your possession! 

    IMPORTANT! Quite a few churches and pastors have not yet submitted their details, and it is now becoming urgent.

    If you need to be reminded how to access the form, or if you have any questions, please email the Tas Baptist office on info@tasbaptists.org.au .

    Caring for People Workshop

    Wednesday, 22 May 2024

    Tasmanian Baptists are running a workshop on the process of caring for people through these four significant life events: Marriages, Funerals, Baptisms and Dedications. 

    These events require more than just conducting a ceremony or giving a talk. They require pastoral care from leaders who journey with people and families and support them to navigate some of life’s most emotional and challenging events.  

    To do well, they require involvement, including before, during, and after the event. This might sound like a lot to do, but there are ways to manage time and emotional investment AND truly bless families. 

    The workshop will discuss some practicalities around relevant documents and legal responsibilities. But, the majority of the time will focus on ways to balance a pastor’s or leader’s regular responsibilities with the additional responsibilities that come with these significant events.  

    Open to any pastor or leader that wishes to attend. We recognise that many different leaders are involved in these activities in a church. 

    Morning tea, espresso coffee and tea, and lunch will be provided.
    Please note: no live-streaming or recording will be offered at or after this event.

    LOCATION: Riverlands Baptist Church, Longford. 
    DATE: Wednesday, 22 May 
    TIME: 10:00am to 1.30pm 

    COST: $20 per person, payable to
    Name: Tasmanian Baptist Union 
    BSB: 704-922 
    Account: 100007060 
    Reference: WEDDINGS 

    Register by 10 May by emailing Anna-Maree at Anna-Maree@tasbaptists.org.au with all the names of those attending at your church. Please let Anna-Maree know of any food related needs as you book. 

    Any questions, please email Michael Henderson at michael@tasbaptists.org.au 

    Reflecting Forward Conference

    Monday, 13 to Tuesday, 14 May 2024

    Your Church Tasmania is hosting the Reflecting Forward conference for ministers and other pastoral care workers. Spiritual Care is a growing and vital part of any organisation that cares for and about people. The conference will cover Spiritual Care: Personal, Professional & Political Perspective and Harmony in Thought: Resolving Dissonance and Reordering Cognitive Schema with an option to attend dinner on Monday evening at Government House with a reception with the Governor beforehand. 

    Located at RACV Hotel, 154-156 Collins St, Hobart, keynote speakers include Michael Paterson, Scotland Director of the Institute of Pastoral Supervision and Reflective Practice along with Susan Marcuccio, President of the Australian Association of Supervision.

    Elective/workshop topics: 
    Susan Marcuccio – Using practical models and tools in our supervision, mentoring and chaplaincy 
    Michael Paterson – Brave Space  
    Tim Dyer – Supervising individuals in conflict 
    Sean Conry – The transferrable core of Spiritual Care across sectors 
    Paul Hueston – Supervision in groups 

    REGISTRATIONS CLOSE: 9am on Monday, 6 May

    More info and a full list of speakers and session topics HERE  or register HERE 

    Building a Culture of Trust

    Tuesday, 11 June 

    Experience an engaging half-day Leaders Networking Event to workshop building a culture of trust. Presented by Dr. Henry Cloud, clinical psychologist and author of 45 books including “Boundaries”. 

    The half-day session on Tuesday 11 June will be co-hosted by GLS Next Gen on the Northwest Coast at Devonport. 

    Understanding the significance of trust within a team has profound impact on enhancing working environments. The event offers a fantastic opportunity for networking, learning, and potentially catalysing positive change within church culture. Learn, grow and connect with leaders from across Tasmania.

    The highlight of the meeting will be an insightful presentation by Dr. Henry Cloud. 
     
    Benefits include:
    – World-class insights  
    – Dynamic conversations 
    – Defined next steps to enhance trust with the people you lead.

    Costs start at $65 per person and includes GST, workbook and morning tea.  

    Find more information and register here. 

    The Point Baptist

    Part-time Youth Pastor wanted at The Point

    The Point Baptist, at Beauty Point in Tasmania, is looking for a part-time youth pastor to take over from the current pastor who is returning to the USA in June.

    For more information, please email Craig Hawkins at hawkthe32@gmail.com or call 0487 343348. 

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