Hobart Baptist Archives - Page 2 of 2

14 September 202211 January 2024

Around the Churches, Aug-Sept 2022

Every two months you can catch up with the latest news in Tasmanian Baptist Churches.

Around the Churches this year so far

February/March 2022
April/May 2022
June/July 2022

North

CITY, Launceston

On the move

City's last service and Fellowship Lunch at Christchurch, Frederick Street Launceston — City’s last service and Fellowship Lunch at Christchurch, Frederick Street Launceston

On 28th August City Baptist held its final service in the historic Christchurch building in Frederick Street. This was a wonderful time of celebration and thanksgiving. The congregation reflected on the amazing 180 years of stories encapsulated in the old buildings.

Ivan James led those present through the long history of Baptists in Launceston, and Kay Hunter led a time of remembering and thanksgiving for the current congregation. A lovely fellowship lunch in Milton Hall capped off a great day as the doors were closed for the final time.

On Sunday 4th September City Baptist found their way to the Worldview Centre auditorium at St Leonards. This will be their home for about six months or so. Anthea Maynard and Jenna Blackwell led the Gathering in recognising our corporate calling as we step consciously into a new, liminal space.

Our Drop-in Centre ministry has also moved to a new venue, the Red Dove Café at Pilgrim Uniting in the city centre.

GATEWAY

Comings and Goings
Farewell to the Beeston family, Andy, Penny, Mikaela and Emalyn. We officially said goodbye at the service on the 7^th of August. We shared lunch together after the service.
Congratulations Gayatri & Sanjay Sagar on the arrival of Ruhi Sagar, sister to Brianna born 15th August 2022.
Congratulations to Gateway’s A Reserve Men’s Basketball team on reaching finals. They played in the Baptist Grand Final on Saturday 27th August, and were runners up to the Free Reformed Men’s team. Final result 26 to 40.
Our sincere love and condolences are extended to all the family of Chris Sundstrup who died at home on 31st August. Chris was a valued member of Gateway, a willing contributor and much appreciated Church Treasurer.

GEORGE TOWN

Guest speakers visit
Pastor Abdul-Karim Kamara brought the message to George Town Baptist Church on Sunday Morning 28th August. He asked the question “How Keen Are you to Serve the Lord?” It was a challenging and uplifting message.

Erik McKitrick addressed the Men’s Breakfast in August, explaining how we can effectively share the gospel in ways that are easy and inoffensive to others.

Wade Miller, whose family once owned the Hillwood apple and berry farms spoke at the September Breakfast meeting.

NEWSTEAD

Men in the shed
One recent Friday, the men were treated to some time in the shed with the master, Phil Marston, telling his story of the blessing of procuring these machines that enable him to manufacture anything out of metal. One such labour of love is his Lila (purple) 1948 Dodge Fargo which we got to have a look and listen to. Phil also demonstrated the art of cutting a thread on a bolt.

The men left with a couple of reflections: A master who has been doing the job for a long time knows his tools and what he is working with, reflecting Jeremiah 18:1-17 the Potter and the clay. Finally, when change comes, when our eyes are on God and not our situation we come out the stronger and blessed.

Spring into action!
Newstead Baptist is springing into spring starting a new series: The Kings Apprentice: Our Moments with the Master, and providing resources to participate in a 40-day prayer guide.

On Sunday August 28th we had a meeting to develop our strategic plan for the next five years.

Pastor Dan is also glad to be moved into their new house in Newstead, and took a couple of weeks off to settle in.

PERTH

A Very Special Service
On Sunday, 4th September we celebrated our Church’s link to the Eskleigh Foundation which has, amongst its other services for people with a disability, this residential home in Perth.

Originally, our Church Hall was built by David and Mary Gibson and opened 160 years ago. When it grew too small, they built our Tabernacle in 1888, in which we continue to meet. When their large family home got too big for them, they gave it to the community as a place for adults with severe or multiple disabilities.

Several residents and their carers attend our morning service and where suitable other events during the week.

How the day went

On this particular Sunday, we had three buses turn up at 9:05 with a sense that the morning was going to be special.

How different to attend a service where our friends met, welcomed, and prayed for us. Two helped take up our offering with great enthusiasm, and another prayed her special prayer of thanks.

Ron, a carer who has continued to work past his age of retirement to bring them to our service, spoke of the impact coming to church has on the residents. To him, he believes that every Sunday morning has an impact. He referred to the scarfs and other things knitted by our members and the other gifts given to them over the years.

We were blessed to sit and be ministered to so enthusiastically by our lovely friends.

The theme of the service was Kindness, with a link to 1 Corinthians 13 with the encouragement for us all to seek out our neighbour as the Good Samaritan did, and show that special kindness that comes from God’s love to all we encounter people every day.

It is such a blessing that one of our members works at Eskleigh, and has a day-to-day relationship with the staff and residents. Rob arranged and led the service, followed by a great morning tea and fellowship.

Northwest

LATROBE

Chocolate Winterfest
The weekend of 14^th August saw the return of the Latrobe Chocolate Winterfest, after a two year absence because of Covid. The Latrobe church over the years has taken part in the festival by inviting the Choir of High Hopes from Launceston to come and perform in the church on the Sunday afternoon. This year it was wonderful to have them back again. 25 choir members came and presented a wonderful afternoon of songs and items.

A “chocolate themed afternoon tea” followed, which everyone loved. Many people contributed to the amazing food on offer which included biscuits decorated with music notes in keeping with the music from the Choir. This was a great opportunity to be part of the community, and to be a witness to the people of Latrobe.

WYNYARD

Getting together
Just Blokes meets quarterly with some very interesting speakers. In June we heard from a former policeman who spoke of his work and his journey of overcoming cancer.

Just Girls. In June, our ladies met for breakfast at a cafe in Burnie, then onto some retail therapy in Devonport. In July, we met for lunch and enjoyed an interesting PowerPoint presentation. It was given by a local lady who has lived and worked overseas for many years.

Wednesday Get Together meets twice monthly. It’s a great time of fun and fellowship with carpet bowls and board games, a shared morning tea and a cake to celebrate those who have had birthdays.

Child sponsorship. We continue to support two children through Baptist World Aid with money from our cappuccino sales on Sunday morning after-church fellowship.

South

CITYWIDE

God is our Refuge and Strength Ps 46:1 — Psalm 46:1 was a key verse
during the DV Awareness Training

Domestic Violence Awareness We recently held a day seminar to inform us about domestic violence. This is to begin to prepare us as a church to minister to people who have suffered in this way. 25 people were educated, inspired, challenged, and began to see possibilities of how Citywide might develop a ministry in this area.

Alpha Citywide are in the middle of an Alpha course, the first we’ve offered for many years. We are delighted over 50 people attend, of whom approximately 12 are first time questioners and open to seeking God. Please pray with us for Kingdom growth.

Life Group Leaders’ Lunch We recently held the first of quarterly lunches for Life Group Leaders for training, encouragement and sharing of group issues. At Citywide, 10 different groups operate involving 100 people. We want to increase our support of these valuable groups who facilitate a large part of our pastoral care.

CLAREMONT

Farewell Heather
Claremont are sad to announce that Heather Elise Hunt died on Saturday 23rd July after a short illness. She was aged 94.

You can read of Heather’s incredible work during the formation of Claremont Baptist. It was published in the recent Claremont Baptist Church Profile >

HOBART

Youth car wash
HBC Youth, combined with the Boys’ Brigade, are raising funds to support a Karen teacher in a Thai refugee camp. So far they have raised over $1100, including $450 from a Saturday afternoon car wash and coffee event. Nice work everyone!

Alpha Course
A Sunday afternoon Alpha course began at Hobart on 31st July, and will continue through until 9th October. Please pray for the participants, especially for those who are new to faith. It has been a very encouraging time of seeking and searching the answers to important life questions.

Living Hope
For the last few months our sermons have focused on Peter’s letters with Living Hope – Changing Your Life for the Better. Jesus-followers are called to a Living Hope – hope that is alive and a hope that is lived.
As well, we have ceased our pre-recorded YouTube services and are now live-streaming. These are available from 10am Sunday mornings on the Hobart Baptist YouTube channel.

Read ReCharge

August/September 2022

Disaster Strikes Floods in Pakistan – Baptist World Aid
Ministry Profile Ben Cochrane, Somerset
Deep Thought 21st Century Mission by Laurie Rowston
From Andrew Turner of Crossover Census Overview
Stand Sunday 2022 Make a stand for foster carers ~ During September
Church Profile Claremont Baptist
From the MLT Achieving Lasting Social Change
Love Beyond our Backyard Three generations of generosity in Wynyard

September 2022 NEWS
August 2022 NEWS

DOWNLOAD Recent Issues

Around the Churches August-September 2022

15 July 202128 October 2021

All About Liam Conway, Hobart Baptist

Liam Conway wsa born under teh shadow of Mt Wellington/kunanyi

interview:

Liam Conway is the Ministry Apprentice at Hobart Baptist Church.

Who is he and what does the future look like for him?

Read on to find out . . .

Where were you born and what was it like growing up there?

I was born under the shadow of kunanyi/Mount Wellington in Hobart, where I have spent the majority of my life, particularly in the Northern Suburbs of Hobart. Growing up was okay for the most part, there were several periods of financial struggle, but I also remember lots of time spent exploring Hobart on my bike.

When and why did you move to Tasmania?

I’ve always lived in Hobart, except for a small stint in Sydney when I was four years old,. I’ve chosen to be here because it’s my home. I feel a strong connection to the land, and the mountains. So I never want to leave this island home.

What do you enjoy most about living here?

I enjoy being around family, being close to nature, the good food, beer, and company. Hobart is a wonderful place to be, given its proximity to nature, its amenities, and the comfort that Hobart affords.

Tell us about your family

Liam Conway with Hannah — Liam and Hannah

Mum and Dad have always followed Christ. Dad’s been involved in churches on multiple levels, I have two siblings, both of whom follow Jesus, and we have all grown in an atmosphere that has worked towards our developing knowledge of Christ. I was lucky enough to get married recently, and both Hannah and I are busy building ourselves as good people, to raise a family in the future.

How did you become a Christian?

I don’t really know of a time where I didn’t believe in the Creeds and promises of God. However, moments of really conscious belief occurred a couple of times before my baptism. The first was in reading through the First Testament, particularly Exodus and Leviticus, and coming to a greater knowledge of the faithfulness of God. Then in Vanuatu, in 2009, where I spent a lot of my time on that mission trip reading the minor prophets and deepening that value of God.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

BEST ADVICE: When cooking, read the recipe twice

When cooking . . . Read the recipe twice: the first time to know what you’re doing; the second to actually cook.

It emphasizes the importance of preparation to do any job, and tries to mitigate potential disasters. Instead, be prepared to do the job, then execute it with precision.

When people ask you how you spend your time, what do you say?

“Creative writing, study and working at Hobart Baptist,” is what I say, normally. A large portion of my creative writing is with a group of friends in running Tabletop Role Playing Games, and my own personal projects. I spend a lot of time with Hannah and our cat, enjoying discussions with one another.

What is your role in the Baptist Church?

Presently, my role is with Hobart Baptist as a student Pastor. This includes preaching, studying, organising and all that stuff. Next year I shall be at Riverlands Baptist (Longford) in their Associate Pastor position, which will aim towards youth and young adults.

What excites you most about what you do?

I am most excited, presently, about the direction God has presented to me. I’m very excited to be able to present and discuss the gospel with a congregation; to be in a position where I’m able to use my knowledge for the benefit of other people.

What challenges do you have as you do this work?

A lot of my challenges are internal, requiring a development of confidence and social skills. The external challenges are less threatening, but the desire to please others and occasionally surrender the position that I hold to, is a very real and present one.

How can we pray for you and your work?

I would appreciate prayer for the transition from Hobart Baptist and into Riverlands that God’s peace and wellbeing will be with myself and Hannah.

I would appreciate prayer for the transition from Hobart Baptist and into Riverlands that God’s peace and wellbeing will be with myself and Hannah.

Short and Sweet – Liam Conway

I am looking forward to … My new job and working in a country town at Longford.

I am worried about … The manipulation within the worldwide church.

I am confident that … Life is going well and we shall be safe in this modern world.

I am joyful about … The future of Baptists within Tasmania.

I would like to change … The world? Is that too much?

I am at my best when … I’m relaxed and with God’s flow in the world.

3 June 20219 November 2021

CHURCH PROFILE: Hobart Baptist

ADVANCE | step by step now features a series of church profiles. This issue it’s all about Hobart Baptist Church.

In this church profile, read an overview from the Church Secretary, Heather Galloway. Then continue scrolling for highlights from church member, Sonya Ambrose.

From the Church Secretary: Heather Galloway

Hi!

My name is Heather, and I am the Secretary of Hobart Baptist Church.

Galloway Family

That sounds simple, and I’m sure it would be if admin was my area of expertise, and if our church life was “normal”.

Jim and I have been married for nearly 39 years. We are both “retired”, have three lovely daughters (pictured), and we’ve just been blessed with three grandsons in under five months!

I am Tasmanian-born, my parents having emigrated from England post-WWII. To quote the late Graham Clements, I was “carried into this church as a baby”, and have grown up in the church with my family. I was baptised at the age of 20, and have been a member of HBC for 46 years!

My days of serving the church began by helping my father count the offering. He was Treasurer for five years until I was eight, so I clearly began at an early age! I guess that set the scene, and it’s probably not surprising I follow in his footsteps.

A tiny taste of heaven!

Hobart Baptist Church is a city church with a long history of engaging the City of Hobart in many ways. We continue to do so, trusting God, who calls us to serve the people here.

For well over 100 years migrants, and refugees from around the globe, have found welcome and “sanctuary”, making HBC their home. We’ve had an active refugee support team for 40 years, and the current ethnic diversity reflects that care, and a willingness to mirror what Heaven will look like. Joel Ortiz, our Multicultural Pastor supports us in that ministry.

Pictured: Back in 2014 we took a church photo which shows our diversity. It’s probably time for another one!

HBC in the political arena

In the past, politicians from all levels of government have been members of HBC. However now, our Senior Pastor Stephen Baxter, as Chair of the Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, can speak into Tasmania’s political arena in a different way.

I’ve discovered the value of having conversations with politicians from all sides of the spectrum.

HBC and The Arts

Some years ago, we expressed a desire to engage with the city through the Arts, and that has now begun! Artist-in-Residence Michael Henderson is using Dark Mofo as an opportunity to engage with the city with an art installation during our new Luminous Festival. The exhibition is titled Breathe, Shine and Seek to Mend. We’d love to see you if you can make it! (You can REGISTER HERE >>>)

This will create opportunities to have conversations to bring the Light of Jesus into the dark world. This year, our second Christmas in Winter will follow the Festival.

Becoming real: Our redevelopment dream

Over my lifetime at HBC there have been many changes, both in terms of the physical building, and the people of the church. For decades there have been dreams of improving the facilities.

Now, as Hobart Baptist nears the end of a substantial building redevelopment, it is easy to see why earlier dreams have not been fulfilled. There has been so much blood, sweat and tears involved! The redevelopment cost nearly $9m, and was a lot of extra work, and stress, for a small group of people, me included.

Pictured from left: New glass-doored entrance to foyer between “The Tab”, and old Soundy Building with doors to the new cafe; The apartments built on the back of the property; Forecourt works underway; New foyer nearly complete!

HBC Redevelopment

Why did we do it? We want people to see life in the building! To have facilities the community will find welcoming, thus providing opportunities to have conversations with people who would not normally enter a church building.

We began the redevelopment before Covid-19 changed our lives. Now, more than ever, we need to discern where God is leading us and to trust him. We have to discover the depth and breadth of our current church family, and what God is calling them to do in our new spaces, as we seek to be a prophetic voice in the City of Hobart.

Moving into the future

We’re in for an exciting time. There are so many opportunities right before us. I envisage the church alive through the week – I look forward to meeting friends in our cafe, having conversations, engaging with those around us, reaching out into the community, people coming to know Jesus, and others returning to the fold.

Where will I fit in? I’m not sure, but God knows. I trust him to give us the strength for the next phase of life of Hobart Baptist Church. Please pray that he will!

Member Reflection

By Sonya Ambrose

Sonya Ambrose participates in the Kids’ Church ministry and the Music team at Hobart Baptist church. She is the mother of five, and is married to Scott.

Last year, after several months of online worship, it was exciting to begin meeting together again in “The Tab” and seeing the faces of our wonderfully diverse congregation. In March we celebrated ‘Sanctuary Sunday’. We reflected on the way that HBC has long been a refuge for people of many different nationalities.

Our children particularly enjoyed the opportunity to resume Kids’ Church. Building developments have necessitated some re-shuffling of kids’ activities such as Kids’ Church and Boys’ Brigade, but the children have enjoyed using our new church hall for active games, singing, dancing and craft activities. Boys’ Brigade have temporarily moved to Hobart City Church of Christ, who have graciously accommodated approximately 30-40 energetic boys every Friday evening.

Our family were delighted to participate in several church gatherings over past months. ‘Meeting Jesus at the Beach’ was a big hit, with beach cricket, swimming, treasure hunt and some wonderfully dramatic and interactive storytelling of the house built upon the rock by our multicultural pastor Joel Ortiz dressed in flowing white robes. (He was “Jesus”!) More recently, our church families fellowshipped together at Bellerive park for lunch and kids’ activities.

Meeting Jesus at the Beach

Our HBC family have been observing the building redevelopment with eager anticipation. Whilst it has been a long, and sometimes painful process, we can rejoice that the end is now in sight. We are hopeful that our new facilities will provide exciting new opportunities for connecting with and serving our city.

Pictured: The Ambrose Family – Scott, Sonya and their children

Ambrose Family

Read more of the June 2021 ADVANCE | step by step