Hobart Baptist church is again running its mid-winter festival, Luminous. This is the third year for Luminous, which aims to shed light on important topics for the people of Hobart during Dark Mofo. The festival runs for two weeks from 8-25 June and hosts conversations around spirituality and hope and showcases installation art.
6pm, Thursday 8th June, FESTIVAL LAUNCH AND ARTWORK
Michael Henderson’s art installation opens. Michael is an artist based in lutruwita / Tasmania and his work is entitled: the seed of life, weighed down. He uses symbols and metaphors to tell stories about identity, faith and longing. The artwork will be open from 12pm-6pm until 16th June.
Over successive evenings with free refreshments, this year’s topics ask, ‘Is Tasmania A Place for Everyone?’; ‘How can we help Tasmanian Children flourish?’; and ‘How Do We Create Healthy Families?’ Each of the conversations are a safe space for discussion, and not just for people of faith. We value the unique journey and point of view each of our panellists can contribute.
CHRISTMAS IN WINTER – IN THE TAB
6pm Friday 23rd June Christmas in Winter Carols
10am Sunday 25th June A traditional Christmas Service
All are welcome to the festival and entry is free, but bookings (catering) are essential.
Perth Tabernacle’s Coming events
Latrobe Council Awards
Latrobe Baptist HONOURED!
On Saturday, 20th May, the Latrobe Council presented special awards to volunteers in their community.
Mayor Peter Freshney handed out over 30 awards, and amazingly Latrobe Baptist Church received seven of them!
Latrobe Baptist church for its many community programmes
Latrobe Baptist Chat ‘n’ Choose
Latrobe Men’s Shed
Glenis Smith – 30 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose
John Langmaid – 30 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose
Glad Purdy– 20 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose
Fay Horne – 20 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose
Award recipients
Ralph on behalf of Latrobe Baptist
John and Fay, Chat n Choose
John and Ralph, Men’s Shed
Glenis, 30 years
John, 30 years
Glad, 20 years
Fay, 20 years
Women’s Collective
For women in Launceston
Calling all women in Launceston and surrounds who are interested in growing in their faith-in-action journey. You might be leading or interested in leadership, serving, or wanting to grow in faith that leads to action. This is a new space for you! Join with other women who want a safe space to process and learn together.
No life qualifications necessary. This is not a small group, or a Bible study. It’s a collective of women who are serious about learning and living in the ways of our good God, doing the journey with others, and hopefully having some laughs along the way.
Jenna Blackwell is Tasmanian Baptists’ Mission Leadership Coach. Gabi Dunn works for the Anglicans. They are housemates, great friends, and peer supports in ministry. With the support of their organisations, they are collaborating to bring a new space for women.
No, they don’t think events/gatherings have to be gender-specific. But yes, they acknowledge the complexity of life and history, and that sometimes you just need a space with other women.
Calling all women in Launceston and surrounds who are interested in growing in their faith-in-action journey. You might be leading or interested in leadership, serving, or wanting to grow in faith that leads to action. This is a new space for you! Join with other women who want a safe space to process and learn together.
No life qualifications necessary. This is not a small group, or a Bible study. It’s a collective of women who are serious about learning and living in the ways of our good God, doing the journey with others, and hopefully having some laughs along the way.
Jenna Blackwell is Tasmanian Baptists’ Mission Leadership Coach. Gabi Dunn works for the Anglicans. They are housemates, great friends, and peer supports in ministry. With the support of their organisations, they are collaborating to bring a new space for women.
No, they don’t think events/gatherings have to be gender-specific. But yes, they acknowledge the complexity of life and history, and that sometimes you just need a space with other women.
Jenna Blackwell; Gabi Dunn
Advocacy and support for Myanmar
National Council Resolution:
Adopted 17 May 2023
The National Council of Australian Baptist Ministries [ABM] stands in solidarity with all the church communities from Myanmar that are members of State Unions affiliated with ABM. We grieve with them as they witness their family and friends displaced, persecuted, and killed at the hands of the Myanmar military.
We note, that according to the United Nations, an estimated 1,584,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) were reported across Myanmar as of 30 January 2023, and there are more than 1 million refugees and asylum seekers in neighbouring countries. Church buildings have been destroyed and pastors detained.
We call on the Australian government to:
Increase humanitarian visas to refugees from Myanmar, particularly from ethnic areas such as the Chin, Kachin, Karen and Karenni States. This is where people have been displaced and waiting for settlement for upward of 35 years.
Increase humanitarian aid to these ethnic areas that struggle to receive international support due to Myanmar Government restrictions.
Increase pressure on the Myanmar government through further sanctions against individuals and companies associated with the Myanmar military. In addition, with further action at ASEAN and the UN.
Increase pressure on the Indian Government to issue exit permits to refugees who have already been granted Australian visas.
We commit ourselves to prayer, to continue to speak out on behalf of the people of Myanmar, in particular those connected to our church community members from Myanmar, and we commit to providing material support to displaced communities in Myanmar and border refugee camps.
Alongsiders
May Mission Month
No matter where you are, you can journey alongside your neighbours and friends. Being an alongsider means listening, showing hospitality, bringing peace and humbly sharing the good news of Jesus.
It means praying and seeking the Spirit’s leading. It means loving the people God has put in your world, as well as loving the world.
Being an alongsider means sharing God’s love in genuine, active and relevant ways. It means partnering together with each other and God – sending and being sent, giving and receiving. Working together as partners in God’s mission.
Watch the video to find out more …
Stamps for Overseas Mission
Help raise funds for Baptist Mission Australia
For over 50 years, Australian Baptists have collected and sold postage stamps to raise money for Baptist Mission Australia (baptistmissionaustralia.org/Support/Stamps!) . This simple fundraiser generates about $70,000 every year!
Accumulations, old stamp albums, postal history and other stamp memorabilia are also very welcome.
Jill Ashdown, of Gateway Baptist, oversees this ministry in Tasmania, and anyone can assist by collecting stamps. Stamps received by our churches can be delivered to the Tasmanian Baptist State Office at Riverlands Longford.
What to do
Prepare the stamps by cutting the stamps off the envelope, leaving a 5mm border around the edge.
Collect a bundle in a box, envelope or bag.
Drop them off to Riverlands Longford, 159 Wellington St, Longford. The office is open 9am-12pm Mon/Tues/Thur/Fri. Or else, call to arrange a suitable time: 6391 2202.
Other questions Contact the Tasmanian ‘stamp lady’ Jill Ashdown: 0439 354 849 or mjashdown@netspace.net.au
Stamp sorting and trimming night at Jill Ashdown’s place
23rd Baptist World Congress
Living the Good News
Brisbane, 7-12 July 2025
Watch the video explaining the symbolism behind of the logo for the Baptist World Congress 2025.
The Creation Discovery Centre
Good conversations
The Creation Discovery Centre, based at Seahorse World Beauty Point, has had an amazing summer tourism season. The Centre is run by many of our people who attend The Point Baptist Church, which also meets on the premises.
A display at the Creation Discovery Centre
During the summer, many hundreds of visitors including numerous non-believers have taken Christian resources, Bibles and tracts. We praise God for one woman who gave her life to the Lord at the centre in March.
Email Craig Hawkins at tas@creationdiscoverycentre.com if you would like to hear about the latest developments and testimonies from the museum.
Here are a few stories:
Di is an atheist who came in seeking answers and left encouraged with a Bible after hearing the gospel.
Mark and Betty came in to buy fossils for their grandson at the end of the day. Two hours later they left after going through the museum, which was not part of their original plan. Mark said, “I have never before heard the message tied in with real history.” They were both very interested and took Christian resources with them as well as a couple of fossils for the grandson!
Pray for Carla who had been witnessed to for over three years by a faithful Christian and came in while a school group was receiving a presentation. After a while she went to the front counter to speak with Rachelle and her friend saying, “It all makes sense now”. She repented of her sins there and then, which included occult involvement, and now needs to find Christian connections in the rural area where she lives.
New campaign highlights the human cost of our global plastic waste crisis
The Rubbish Campaign, by Christian agency Tearfund, is highlighting the human cost of the global plastic waste problem and calling on Australian households to join the effort to address this rubbish crisis.
As Australian Christians, let’s unite to address the urgent waste crisis that is unfolding: in our households and around the world. Already suffering the worst impacts of COVID-19, extreme weather and hunger, growing landfills are making poverty worse for vulnerable communities around the world.
Between 2000 and 2019, plastics production doubled and plastic waste generation more than doubled, with nearly two thirds of this coming from plastics with lifetimes of under five years. (OECD, 2022).
Tearfund is encouraging Australians to be part of the solution and to demonstrate their care for their global neighbours by signing their petition.
The petition calls on the Australian Government to do all it can to influence global negotiations and ensure that this plastics treaty helps end the world’s rubbish problem.
Weekly Sunday Cafe Please get in touch for locations
4pm, Adults
4pm, Young People
Bread Run 6:45-7pm, Tuesdays More than just picking up the remainder of the day’s bread from a local bakery, this is a time for people to pick up pre-cooked meals (when available), coffee, and discussion.
Home groups Please get in touch for locations
10am, Thursdays
7:30pm, Thursdays
Ladies Craft Group 1:30pm, Tuesdays
Men’s Fellowship 10am, Alternate Wednesdays
Perth Baptist has a long-standing relationship with the residents of Eskleigh Home for people with disabilities
As the Baptist Mission Australia State Leader for Tasmania, it is my privilege to relocate to Tassie for the month of May to walk alongside our Baptist churches.
First and foremost, I seek to listen and learn what God’s people in Tasmania are experiencing as they step out in mission – across the street and around the world! I’m also honoured to be sharing in church gatherings each Sunday across May and attending pastor gatherings and association events throughout the month.
I would also hope to visit with anyone interested in intercultural mission (local and global) or curious about the work of Baptist Mission Australia as we adapt our organisation to a rapidly changing world mission context.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with a phone call, text or email to arrange a time with me. I will be in the North West 30th April-10th May. Then around Launceston 10th May to 22nd May. And will finish my time in the South of the state from 22nd May to 29th May.
Following conversations with Tasmanian Baptist leaders, engagement with churches and our own discernment processes, we sense God’s Spirit encouraging us to make ourselves available to journey with Tasmanian Baptists on your missional reimagination journey.
A call for prayer via Australian Baptist Ministries
The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation condemns in the strongest terms possible the recent aerial bombing of civilian villages in Pazikyi, Kanbalu of Sagaing region in Myanmar, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 innocent civilians.
This attack is a gross violation of international humanitarian law and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life.
As members of the Baptist World Alliance, who stand for justice, peace, and respect for human dignity, we are deeply saddened at this heinous act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones, homes and belongings in this inhumane attack.
We ask our member conventions and churches to pray for the people of Myanmar during these difficult times and to stand in solidarity with them as they seek justice and peace.
There is so much going on at Longford! To find out more, or to attend/participate in any of these ministries please check their website (riverlands.org.au), call 6391 2202, or email admin@riverlands.org.au. Office hours are 9am-12pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.
10-11am Mondays and Tuesdays, Libraries Tasmania, Adult Literacy – during school term)
11am-12pm Mondays, Prayer Group
10am-12pm Tuesdays, Threads of Friendship
5.30-9pm Tuesdays Young Adults Group – off site
10am-12pm Wednesdays, Bible Small Group
9.30-11.30 am Thursdays, Stay & Play – during school terms
3-5pm Thursdays, Girls Youth Group – during school terms
11.30am-1.30pm. Thursdays, Bible Discovery Group
7-8.30pm Thursdays, Bible Small Group – fortnightly, off-site
10.30am-12pm Fridays, Neighbours – fortnightly
7-9.pm Fridays, Riverlands Youth group – 3rd Friday of each month, during school terms
11am-1pm Fridays, Meals on Wheels – operate Monday-Friday each week
Snr Pastor Rodney Marshall, Meals on Wheels, Stay & Play, Associate Pastor Liam Conway
Grief Companion Training
Do you know people who are grieving? Would you like to learn how to support them? You could attend this seminar, being run by New Mornings at Ulverstone Baptist.
WHEN 9:30am-430pm, Saturdays 20th May AND 3rd June 2023 COST Day 1 only – $75 (Conc. $55) ) | Days 1 + 2 – $120 (Conc. $85) WHERE Ulverstone Baptist Church Hall, 60 Alexandra Road, Ulverstone, 7315 INFO Contact New Mornings: griefsupport@newmornings.org.au | 03 6411 6212 OR download the flyer:
More than ever, the people of Myanmar need to know that others stand with them. They need to know they are not forgotten.
Two years on from a military coup, Myanmar is rocked by violence, oppression and instability. The economy has collapsed, there are severe shortages of food, fuel and other basic supplies. Families are forced to separate, churches continue to be damaged. Pastors have been arrested. The military continue to ignore basic human rights.
Since the coup, more than 3000 people have been killed and 16,000 people detained. Almost 1.6 million people are displaced within Myanmar and 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers from Myanmar live in refugee camps on the Thai and Indian borders and within other towns in Thailand and India.
Please invite your faith community in sacrificially giving to ourStand with Myanmar appeal, so that together we can make a tangible and practical difference in the lives of people who continue to live with trauma and uncertainty.
What’s Going on – City Baptist
City Baptist Church in Launceston has people, as well as activities that people can connect with relationally.
Street chaplain (Stephen Avery), coming alongside those in need on our streets
Advocacy
Housing provided for refugees (Ivan James)
The homeless and those fleeing Family and Domestic Violence (Kay Hunter)
Climate activism (Sally Staley, Wendy Miller and friends)
Drop in Centre in the Red Dove Café 6pm-7pm Saturdays, 52 weeks per year (Jeff McKinnon).
City Baptist Community Garden – 69 Station Rd, St Leonards (Steve and Marie Pearce)
Learning Circle (hosted by Garry Billing and Jeff McKinnon) for those wanting to grow in discipleship, spirituality and mission (three-week sessions)
Young adult dinners with Jenna Blackwell
Friday Frolics – Intergenerational social outing on last Friday of the month (Merelyn Briton)
Friday/Saturday 5th/6th May, Newstead Baptist (NB new venue!)
The May Assembly is coming up very fast! All Tasmanian Baptist churches are eligible to have at least two voting delegates in attendance, plus pastors and Tas Baptist Council Members. As well, interested individuals are welcome to attend. However, all attendees do need to register.
Assembly papers will be sent to Church Secretaries via email on Thursday 6th April.
Payments and registrations will be due to the Tasmanian Baptist office by Monday 5th May 2023. As well as the regular registration process, we are trialing an online payment/registration system. So watch out for that!
This Changes Everythingis an Easter series that’s ready to go. There are message outlines that you can take, leave or adapt. But the bonus is the artwork for promoting and inviting, easily editable to include your church details. All free, because Crossover is here to help you share Jesus.
Ally & Sally is the shortest soap opera you’ve ever seen! 3x 1-min episodes you can show in church, or embed in your weekly email, or both. Each episode can stand alone, but the story builds – and twists – with a positive encouragement to share our great news. Perfect for showing right before promoting the Easter Offering in the three weeks leading up to Easter!
This Changes Everythingis an Easter series that’s ready to go. There are message outlines that you can take, leave or adapt. But the bonus is the artwork for promoting and inviting, easily editable to include your church details. All free, because Crossover is here to help you share Jesus.
Ally & Sally is the shortest soap opera you’ve ever seen! 3x 1-min episodes you can show in church, or embed in your weekly email, or both. Each episode can stand alone, but the story builds – and twists – with a positive encouragement to share our great news. Perfect for showing right before promoting the Easter Offering in the three weeks leading up to Easter!
watch ally & sally
Mid-Year Assembly
Friday/Saturday 5th/6th May, Newstead Baptist (NB new venue!)
The May Assembly is coming up very fast! All Tasmanian Baptist churches are eligible to have at least two voting delegates in attendance, plus pastors and Tas Baptist Council Members. As well, interested individuals are welcome to attend. However, all attendees do need to register.
Assembly papers will be sent to Church Secretaries via email on Thursday 6th April.
Payments and registrations will be due to the Tasmanian Baptist office by Monday 5th May 2023. As well as the regular registration process, we are trialling an online payment/registration system. So watch out for that!
Views from Tas Baptist Assembly, October 2022
National Neighbour Day
Sunday 26th March 2023
REENGAGE, REIMAGINE, REALIGN. These are familiar words for Tasmanian Baptists! And what better day to reengage with your local area than on National Neighbours Day.
As you choose to connect with your local community, let’s be “Neighbours Every Day”, and celebrate National Neighbours Day.
The day comes up on the last Sunday of March every year. It is a “call to action for everyone in Australia (individuals, community groups, business and governments) to take everyday actions that create social connection and foster respectful relationships,” says Nick Tebbey, National Executive Officer of Relationships Australia.
Relationships Australia believe respectful relationships are essential for the wellbeing of children, families, individuals and communities. They advocate and promote the importance of respectful relationships, with respect to positive individual mental health outcomes and general community outcomes.
In the US there has been much talk about the revival at Asbury University in Kentucky. However, nearly a century ago, a revival happened here too!
Back in 1924 , Sheffield Baptist was the place where the Holy Spirit came with an outpouring over four years. Sadly, the revival then died out – some would even say it was killed. There is much we can learn from the story.
Tasmanian Baptist Historian Laurie Rowston speaks with Matt Garvin (Citywide) about this unprecedented, and never repeated, era in our past.
24th June 1948 – 7th March 2023, Brisbane, Queensland, after a long illness.
Richard Measham was born in Salisbury, England, and grew up in rural Tasmania in Smithton. In their youth, he and his brother Jack were befriended by the Rev. Bill Day of the Independent Baptist church in Smithton. They both eventually entered the Baptist Christian ministry.
Initially, Richard qualified as a diesel fitter. Then, in 1973 Richard commenced study at the World Evangelism Crusade in St. Leonards, Launceston, with a view to overseas mission work. However, the mission work was not to be. While on mission experience in Rosebery, on Tasmania’s west coast, he met Helen Smith, a Primary School Teacher.
Subsequently, in 1975, Richard went to the Petershead Baptist church in Adelaide and worked there part-time for 18 months, while Helen trained at the Sydney Missionary and Bible College. Richard then returned to Tasmania and became Assistant to the Rev. Robert Beeston at the Memorial Baptist Church (now Gateway).
Married life
Richard and Helen married on 17th January 1976. They began at the Claremont Baptist Church in February 1979. Richard was ordained to the Christian ministry on 15th September 1989.
In 1993/94, Richard was President of the Tasmanian Baptist Union. In 1993 he commenced at the Moonah Church and served there until it closed in 2003. He became the ABMS (Australian Baptist Missionary Society) Secretary of Tasmania. As a result he took a one-month overseas trip to China, Bangladesh and Hong Kong. Later, another trip, to Africa, both on behalf of the Society.
Helen died on 11th October 2013. They had two children, Andrew and Christy. Richard married again, this time to Nicola Stacey, and in 2021 they moved to Queensland. Richard is remembered has a man with a pastor’s heart.
Laurie Rowston
Memorial service: 2:30pm, Wednesday 15th March 2023, Philip Stephens Funerals, Rosny
Burial of Richard’s ashes: 1:30pm, Thursday 16thMarch, 2023, Circular Head Lawn Cemetery, Stanley
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.
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.
FIND OUT MORE: Preaching tools, training sessions, videos and user guide. WATCH the introductory video, below
Heartlands News – Autumn 2023
Heartlands aims to speak about things of the heart to women of our heart-shaped island.
A colourful portrait of brokenness, and hope of repair, this video assembles a narrative kaleidoscope of lost youth, drug addiction, refuge from war, disability and those searching for a brighter path through imperfection.
The 48-mintue documentary features Kay Hunter, Maddy Svoboda, Guy Barnett and Jeff McKinnon – and many other local Christian leaders.
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 5th 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 5th 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.
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 presentsCelebrating 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.
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.
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.
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
Christmas is not always merry. Indeed, the season’s festivities can make some people’s despair feel particularly bitter.
This was the case for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of America’s best-loved poets of the 19th century – and the subject of a new film I Heard the Bells, to be released in select Australian cinemas on 1 December.
Sick and tired of giving trinkets to people who already have everything?Why not give a Better World Gift instead!
Better World Gifts do much more than meet immediate needs like clean water, food, health and income. They allow people to live with dignity. They can also end poverty, not just for individuals, but for whole communities.
These are gifts that give hope.
Each gift you give supports the community-driven work, run by BWA’s Christian partners.
It’s about making a bigger, lasting difference by helping individuals and families develop long-term livelihoods, health, education and leadership skills . . . and that’s a big picture!’
You will help end poverty, thanks to the lasting impact of your Better World Gifts, along with the wonderful work of people on the ground.
NEED HELP?
Visit the Gift GeneratorHERE> Everything is supplied to help you pick the perfect gift card and make a difference on behalf of your loved one.
The range includes physical gift items for your friends and family (eg. tote bags, journals, colouring books). As well as gifts to give to communities who need your help (eg. chickens, blankets, emergency shelter)
Help is supplied so you can select the perfect gift Filter for age group, passions/interests, global region and price range.ad ReCharge
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Love Out Loud Kids’ Videos
Love Out Loud is a Christian charity, established to produce Christian videos for kids everywhere!
Featuring 100 videos of 25 minutes duration on the Love Out Loud fresh new website. Lessons are designed to be streamed into a} School Scripture Lessons, b) Kid’s Church, or c) for Parents at home to use with their family.
All content is available on the website and is 100% free for home and church use. YOU WILL ENJOY …
Click on the ‘SIGN UP’ button in the top bar to subscribe to a plan.
Enter your details and follow the prompts to complete your registration.
Click on the activation link in the confirmation email to verify your account.
You are now logged in and can access the lessons by clicking on the ‘lessons’ button in the top bar.
You can edit your profile and update or cancel your subscription by clicking on the ‘My Account’ button in the top bar, followed by the ‘Edit Profile’ button.
ABOVE: Assembly October 2022, L to R – Paul Manning (BWA); Sherry and Geoff Maddock (BMA); Stephen Baxter and Ben Cochrane; Worship time; Those Gathered!
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
Front Cover
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
Back Cover
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:
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
Come along and share a delicious morning tea, together with other women of the northwest.
The morning tea will be followed by a leisurely walk around Pig Island, Latrobe.
WHEN: 10am Saturday 12th November 2022 WHERE: Monclair of Latrobe and Madame M Cafe, 78 Gilbert St Latrobe REGISTER: By Tuesday 8th of November to Gabe Fife – 0421 434 138 INVITE FRIENDS: Please do!
ABOVE: Rodney Marshall and Michael Henderson (behind camera) recently met with the Marrawah leadership team to plan the best way forward.
End of an Era
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 all the years of work and mission that has taken place through this fellowship.
STAY POSTED! Final service details will soon be confirmed, for early 2023.
Marcel Enuica is the Regional Relationship Manager (Vic/Tas) for Voice of the Martyrs and will be visiting Tasmania in November. See dates and venues, below.
The exceptional movie Tortured for Christ will be shown at each venue – watch the trailer!
Tea/coffee will be provided. People will also have the chance to receive a complimentary book from Voice of the Martyrs Australia. Range of books here: https://vom.com.au/shop-resources/
For more information, please contact Marcel: menuica@vom.com.au | +61 457 689 169
Devonport Devonport VOM Fellowship/Movie Night – Tortured for Christ WHERE: 156 Steele St, Devonport TAS 7310 WHEN: 6-8pm, Friday 11th November DOWNLOAD INVITATION >
Launceston Launceston VOM Fellowship/Movie Night – Tortured for Christ WHERE: 14 Wentworth St, Newstead TAS 7250 WHEN: 6-8pm, Tuesday 15th November DOWNLOAD INVITATION >
Deloraine Deloraine VOM Fellowship/Movie Night – Tortured for Christ WHERE: 46 Parsonage St, Deloraine TAS 7304 WHEN: 6-8pm, Wednesday 16th November DOWNLOAD INVITATION >
Hobart Hobart VOM Fellowship/Movie Night – Tortured for Christ WHERE: 8 Goulburn St, Hobart TAS 7000 WHEN: 6-8pm, Friday 18th November DOWNLOAD INVITATION >
Ethical Fashion Guide, 2022
Due out 17th October!
Baptist World Aid’s Ethical Fashion Guide and Report reveals how brands are going at ensuring their supply chains are ethical, and sustainable.
BWA want to give you meaningful information on your favourite brands, so you’re equipped to assess your shopping habits and ask brands to do better. That’s why they’ve made a few changes to the Guide this year:
A wider range of footwear companies in the Ethical Fashion Guide and Report, shining a light on shoe production practices.
Each company’s score out of 100, instead of the previous A to F grade, giving you even more transparency over how your favourite brand performs.
Australians across the country are being encouraged to think differently as they purchase gifts this Christmas. Giving the gift of food security, clean water, the transformative power of an education, or mum and baby essentials for mothers living in poverty has been made possible as Compassion Australia release their annual ‘Gifts of Compassion’ gift giving guide.
The range of gifts offer an ethical alternative for Australians to give to family and friends this Christmas season while giving the gift of transformation to those living in poverty.
Individuals can select from more than two dozen gifts, so there is something for all budgets. For each gift purchased, the supporter will receive a card to give to their loved ones.
CEO of Compassion Australia, Clare Steele, says, “A food security gift is undoubtedly the most urgent need at present. The compounding effects of the war in Ukraine, COVID-19, inflation, and extreme weather events are driving up food costs and leading to supply shortages around the world.
Giving a gift of Compassion is as easy as three simple steps:
Receive a beautiful card, either in print of via email for each gift
Make an impact with the gift for children and families living in poverty
Free Mental Health Webinars
FOR THOSE IN MINISTRY
7:30-9pm, Mondays 10th and 17th Ocober
Attend one or both!
Church leaders, staff and pastoral volunteers are often a primary contact for their congregation and local community when life gets hard. So now, more than ever, churches need support to healthily manage the increasing pastoral load and needs of individuals.
These free online webinars, run by Christian Counsellors Association of Australia, will give people in ministry the tools and strategies for implementing good mental health care in their churches.
The presenter, Rev Bill Van Schie, has been in pastoral ministry for over 36 years and is also a registered Clinical Counsellor and Supervisor in private practice.
10th Oct: Mental health first aid for churches and volunteers
While it’s not being reported regularly in the mainstream news, there is an unparalleled hunger crisis happening right now, one many Australians don’t seem to know about.
Baptist World Aid is teaming up with the Emergency Action Alliance, both to thank the Australian Government for its recent commitment to funds, and to call for support from Australians in response.
Baptist World Aid reports:
4.7 million children in Ethiopia under age five face acute malnutrition;
Almost ten million livestock have died throughout Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia;
4.1 million people in Kenya and 7.1 million in Somalia are food insecure.
A Global Prayer Movement | Monday, November 7, 2022 (or other day)
For more than 70 years, sisters in Christ have united in prayer for the Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer hosted by Baptist World Alliance Women. Please join in as women gather to pray this year in homes, churches, and communities around the world!
The 2022 theme is “Victorious Life” drawn from the truth of 2 Corinthians 2:14.
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in the triumph of Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of him in every place.”
2 Corinthians 2:14
This year, Day of Prayer events are popping up around Tasmania! You can participate in one of the already planned events, or host your own, using the 16-page Prayer Guide, and other resources >
It’s also a great opportunity to financially contribute to Baptist projects supporting women in smaller nations.
Day of Prayer (Northwest) 10am, Sat 22nd October, Ulverstone Baptist Church.
Day of Prayer (South) 2-3:30pm, Sat 22nd October. Claremont Baptist Church.
Day of Prayer (North) Please get in touch to host an event. (I mean, why not?)
Walk the World is an invitation for your church, families and people of all ages to get out in your local area and pray for your neighbourhood and the world.
This is a fun and interactive new way for you and your church, family or small group to have a Kingdom impact! Watch the video to find out more.
Across the weekend of 11th -13th November 2022, commit to praying as you walk, run, wheel, cycle, imagine or drive around your area. Pray for God to be at work in your community and in communities around the world.
As you do, our teams in Africa, Asia and Australia will be praying for you too!
Resource for all ages are coming soon. These are being developed to help equip and inform your prayer time as an individual, family or group.
Marcel Enuica is the Tas/Vic representative for Voice of the Martyrs, an Australian ministry which began in 1969. He will be in Tasmania from 10th-22nd November and would like to visit your church!
His ministry is to serve and work with local churches to help them understand persecution. He explains how they can prayerfully and practically respond to the challenges and opportunities it presents.
He explains what persecution is, what it isn’t and provides stories as the voice for those who are in prison, those who are persecuted, and those who have paid the ultimate price for their faith.
Marcel could work with your church to plan a prayer meeting, service, or movie night. Perhaps your church could organise an event or movie night, and invite other churches in the area.
Movies available
Sabina telling the story of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand – watch the trailer:
Tortured for Christ – watch the trailer:
If you’re interested in either of the movies, they can be made available for free on the night. You can also contact Marcel for a private link to look at them beforehand.
23rd November 2022 | Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart
The Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast brings together like-minded people from across Tasmania to pray for our State, our leaders, parliamentarians, businesses, schools, communities, and community organisations, our families, youth, and children. In the name of Jesus, we ask God to grant us the will and wisdom, the creativity and strength we need to care well for each other and to see Tasmania flourish in every dimension.
Hosted by Tasmanian Baptists’ Mission Director Stephen Baxter, you can join this special moment of unity and humility.
Robyn Moore
This year’s speaker is passionate Tasmanian, Robyn Moore. Robyn began her career as an educator, then explored her love of recording and entertainment in Sydney, becoming Australia’s most versatile voice-over artist in iconic commercials, award-winning syndicated radio comedy and in animation series, seen around the world.
She calls herself a “RE-MINDAVATOR” rather than a motivational speaker, and was recently recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list with an AM for services to the performing Arts and to Charitable Organisations.
Early-bird registrations close Friday 14th October 2022.
The sixth annual “small festival of art, music, and words” will be held in 2022 at the Huon Valley Hub. The workshops, live art, concerts, panel discussions, and award events will occur on the first weekend of the festival, with the exhibition continuing through the 14th.
The Pilgrim Artists Festival 2022 seeks submissions reflecting on Justice and Mercy.
Entries are accepted from Christian artists worldwide, of all ages. Your entry need not be explicitly religious, but should engage meaningfully with this year’s prompt.
If you are over 18, submit by 1 October and your submission is free. Late adult submissions incur a fee. We cannot accept adult submissions after 22nd October. If under 18, your submission is always free, and you may submit until 29th October.
See entry forms for further details, including terms and prizes.
Nancy Jones of Pamela Court Summerhill, passed away on the 20th July 2022 after a short illness.
Nancy was born in Hobart and attended the Macquarie Street School. In 1958 through to 1962, Nancy trained as a nurse’s assistant while studying to be a nurse in Aged Care. That same year Nancy moved to Launceston and met and married Clarrie Powell who had built a house in Walkers Avenue, going on to have two children, Karenlee (stillborn) and Shane.
In 1984 she met Des, and married him in 1985. Des’s son David became part of the family, and it was at this time that Nancy decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. This included bringing up two of Des’s grandchildren Kirsten and Ricky who they adopted in 1991. She made it her mission to improve the lives of others.
While living at Hagley, Des and Nancy attended the Longford Baptist Church. They were involved in assisting with work among young people, especially at the annual camps at Liffey.
Des and Nancy and their two children, Kirsten and Ricky, attended the Newstead Baptist Church very regularly through the 1990s. Nancy was a passionate about craft. When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she could be found at the Newstead Baptist Church Chat ‘n’ Choose craft group.
Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend Nancy’s Memorial Service at 11:30am on Sunday 11th September at Newstead Baptist Church.
Grief Seminar, Devonport
9:30am – 4:30pm, Tuesday 13th September
New Mornings is hosting a Grief Seminar in Devonport on Tuesday 13th September in partnership with other local services. A comprehensive program includes three educational streams for:
People who are grieving(at least three months after a loss).
People wishing to learn how to better support others.
People who support grieving clients in the course of their worke.g. support workers, community workers, pastors, chaplains, pastoral carers, nurses, carers, youth workers, teachers.
Please DOWNLOAD THIS FLYER to forward on to your leadership team, congregation and other contacts.
COST OF GRIEF SEMINAR:
Service providers: $95 early bird until 9th September; $135 standard after 9th September Community members: FREE! Due to extra funding received this week. Use Promo Code: SPEC-NM3 when you click the REGISTER button
Group booking discounts for five or more members of your team
Registration discounts in case of financial difficulty
Difficulties in accessing online registration
Any other queries
Hear Pastor Peter Kasirivu
WHEN: Friday 2nd September 7-8.30pm WHERE: Gateway Baptist Church, 22 Wellington Street, opposite Morty’s FREE EVENT: with a love offering
Peter J. Kasirivu is the founding pastor of Gaba Community Church Uganda, and the founder and president of Africa Renewal Ministries. Peter is also the founder and chancellor of Africa Renewal University in Uganda. Peter is a born-again Christian, having come to salvation in January 1981.
He traveled to more than 15 nations, teaching leaders as well as preaching the Gospel. Peter is known for his passion for developing leaders through his weekly TV program on LTV known as the Excellent Life. As well as he runs the annual outreaches to Uganda’s many universities.
His greatest love is to help and encourage up-coming leaders. Peter has so far written two books, Your Vision Is Your Future and The African Pastors’ Handbook.
Carols in Your Backyard
Your church can run a local carols outreach, without the cost and complexity of professional musicians and staging!
Carols in Your Backyard is a professionally produced and recorded live-stream event for pre-evangelism at Christmas.
Produced by Gymea Baptist and now in its third year, it will be available free and unbranded. Gymea has decided to commit to the live-streamed format of carols due to its potential to reach more people than a traditional carols event and its ability to foster genuine relationships formed in smaller settings.
You can stream Carols in Your Backyard wherever you can set up a screen and speakers: in a park, church hall, car park, lounge room, or backyard.
Expressions of interest are open now. Send Belinda Lakelin an email and she’ll be in touch with resources and the stream details. belinda.lakelin@gymeabaptist.org.au
For just a few hours a month, you can significantly impact the life of a child in care for the better.
Fostering Hope is a community organisation who work closely with Tas Baptists to encourage and support Baptist families and churches to provide loving homes and church community for foster kids.
Their work is inspired by 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.
Through their Mentoring Program, Fostering Hope seeks to provide a “friend with purpose” for kids in care.
Here is a way to live out your faith by caring for those in need. You can make a difference for a child in care by becoming a mentor.. Be equipped with training, connect with a child and be provided with ongoing support as you mentor your foster child.
The next training day is on Saturday, 1st October, in Hobart (Northern training will be available in 2023)
*EmpowHer is an activity of Tasmanian Baptist Women
Help Fight Famine Today
Write to your MP
Baptist World Aid’s Christian Partners have seen first-hand how devastating hunger can be to a person’s health and wellbeing.
In Australia, we’ve seen our own food prices skyrocket due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, climate disasters and most recently, the conflict in Ukraine. But in communities and countries where people were already facing life-threatening hunger, this conflict has pushed them to the breaking point. Right now, 49 million people are facing famine.
This is an urgent crisis that can’t wait. But we can make a difference. We can help save lives. We can help fight famine.
Baptist World Aid is part of Help Fight Famine, a new campaign calling on our government to urgently deliver $150 million to support the world’s hungriest countries, including communities in the Horn of Africa, Yemen, Afghanistan and Syria.
Write to your local MP hereand call on them to push our new government to do our part in responding to this urgent crisis. It’s really easy!
Library Aid International
USED BOOKS AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES URGENTLY NEEDED
Students at Molumolu Secondary School in a rural area of Fiji in the school library.
Library Aid International Inc in Burnie, Tasmania is now filling a tenth shipping container for an overseas destination BUT have completely run out of incoming books and educational resources.
Please send any you no longer have a need for!
Boxed resources labelled ‘Library Aid c/- Burnie Depot’ can be left at any DeBruyn’s transport depot, and will be transported to us at no cost.
Educational resources for any age level are wanted for this next shipment and to keep our volunteers busy! Books used by your kids and grandkids and no longer use. High School, College and University textbooks are also needed.
For a full list of suitable educational and school supplies, please see the Books tab on the Donations page when you visit https://libraryaid.org.
In Australia, on average one woman is killed each week by a current or former partner. While men can be victims of DV, the overwhelming majority of victims are women. Children, too, experience severe trauma and developmental delay when exposed to domestic violence.
Aware of this concern, approximately 25 people met at Citywide Baptist Church recently to learn more about domestic violence (DV). Dr Wilma Gallet led us through a one-day workshop on how the church can respond to this serious social issue.
An ever-present help
We explored the myths and facts about DV, its prevalence in Australia, the different forms it takes, and the ways in which it impacts people within our church communities as well as more broadly.
In particular, we looked at the SANCTUARY approach as a framework to help the church be better prepared to provide appropriate responses to both the victims/survivors of DV and those who perpetrate violence in the home.
A sanctuary is a sacred place, a place of safety and refuge. Psalm 46:1 tells us that, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”. Churches can be places of sanctuary where all people can find rest and refuge as expressed in the Gospel.
The DV Sanctuary Commitment is to create environments where victims of domestic violence feel safe, believed, included and loved. This includes:
Safe spaces
Acceptance and trust
Networks of support
Caring for children
Trauma-informed approaches
Understanding unconscious bias
Affirming personal agency
Recognising red flags
Yielding hope
Step 1 for Citywide Baptist Church has been to make us more aware of the domestic violence issues in the community. Our challenge now is to work through what SANCTUARY can look like in our particular church community.
With God’s help, we will be an inclusive, safe sanctuary where healing can occur.
NB: Another resource available to us is the SAFERSPACESTOOLKIT.COM.AU, developed by Australian Baptists.
Baptist Word Alliance Gathering
10-15 July 2022, Birmingham, Alabama USA
Gathering for the first time in person since 2019, over 600 Baptist leaders from more than 65 countries participated in worship, prayer, learning, relationship building, and shared ministry at the 2022 Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Annual Gathering.
Offered as a hybrid event, hundreds met on the campus of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, (pictured) with more than 150 others participating virtually.
Those gathered included Aussies ABM National Ministries Director Mark Wilson; CEO Baptist World Aid Melissa Lipsett; President Baptist World Alliance Women Karen Wilson; and President of Baptist Women of the Pacific Elissa Macpherson.
The focus for the Gathering was largely facilitated by the BWA Racial Justice Action Group which was launched in October 2020. At the gathering the Action Group embarked on a two-year journey to:
Focus the 2022 BWA Annual Gathering around the theme of racial justice.
Engage in theological reflection related to the call for racial justice today
Develop tools for ongoing engagement within the BWA, BWA Member Bodies, and Churches so that the pursuit of racial justice will remain an ongoing priority
Newnham Baptist closed its doors in April 2016. At that time the leadership team made plans for remaining funds in their bank account .
This year, all funds have been donated to mission work as agreed. Jit and Jan Yawan, and their work with Lanternlight Ministries in Thailand, were recipients of some of the funds.
Below are excerpts of the thank you letter sent to Jill Ashdown. Jill is a past member at Newnham Baptist, who has overseen the project.
Dear Jill and all associated with the former Newnham Baptist Church,
We have seen your support gift and also the letter you sent to Baptist Mission Australia to tell us about the gift. We have very fond memories of the breakfast gathering at Jill’s home. We loved the setting and felt a very warm acceptance at that session. We also remember our visits to the Newnham Baptist Church gatherings.
We have seen your support gift and also the letter you sent to Baptist Mission Australia to tell us about the gift . We have very fond memories of the breakfast gathering at Jill’s home. We loved the setting and felt a very warm acceptance at that session. We also remember our visits to the Newnham Baptist Church gatherings.
We want to take this opportunity again to say thank you for the support you sent for our work with people with disabilities through Lanternlight Ministries.
Our recent newsletter gives you a snippet of an update of some of the folk we have been able to visit to touch your hearts.
Jit and Jan Yawan
Stand Sunday 2022
Supporting Foster Carersduring September
On Stand Sunday, Christians unite on behalf of every child in care. They commit to pray for them to be restored to a forever family.
In Australia, we host Stand Sunday on the second Sunday of September to coincide with National Child Protection Week (4-10 Sept) and National Foster Carer’s Week (11-17 Sept). In 2022 that is on Sunday 11th September. However, your church is welcome to participate on any Sunday in September.
Each year, Fostering Hope provides a Stand Sunday Kit and video for you to use in your church, small group or community. These will soon be available.
Celebrate foster carers who STAND as carers and family for children who desperately need it.
For churches to STAND with carers to understand the beautiful and messy lives they live.
And for churches to STAND up with information about the need for more homes for vulnerable Aussie children.
This Stand Sunday, we ask Baptist churches in Tasmania to open up to those who need a home, a family and community – let’s find fostering families to fill this need in Tassie!
Mary with her two sons. For security reasons Mary’s foster sons cannot be photographed with them.
Become a Money Mentor
Christians Against Poverty calls on the Christian church community to consider becoming money mentors to meet growing demand.
With continued interest rate rises and the skyrocketing cost of living, it’s likely that more than 1 in 4 Australians will currently be living in financial distress and CAP says they need thousands of church-based money mentors to meet the growing demand for their services.
Rosie Kendall
CAP trains volunteers to walk alongside people experiencing financial distress. They give them the tools and support they need to see beyond their current financial challenges.
CEO of CAP, Rosie Kendall says, “We re working hard now to ensure that no Australian suffers financial distress, and we’ll need a lot of help to do that. Especially in the current economic climate. The fact that so many Australians are living in financial distress just shows that we’re all vulnerable to it, especially in times of uncertainty”.
Recognising that financial stress isn’t just about the dollars and cents, CAP has released a free Financial Wellbeing Scale to help people improve their understanding and measurement of all the different elements that make up their financial wellbeing.
For more information on CAP, including how to donate your time and become a money mentor, or to make a tax-deductible donation to support the work of CAP, visit: https://capaust.org
