reCharge NEWS May 2024

reCharge NEWS May 2024

CLICK FOR NEWS ITEM

    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. 

    Read More ReCharge!

    ReCharge News May 2024

    Recharge Articles 2024