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reCharge NEWS August 2025

reCharge NEWS August 2025

SparkLit Awards Night

2025 Australian Christian Book of the Year Announced 

The 2025 Australian Christian Book of the Year was announced by SparkLit at their awards night last Thursday, 21 August 2025. This year’s winner is Made in Our Image: God, Artificial Intelligence and You by Stephen Driscoll, published by Matthias Media. 

According to the judges: 

“This is a realistic and fearless assessment of the ways AI could change our world. Stephen Driscoll expertly explains AI technologies and how they evolve… Driscoll communicates with wit and gravity, and the result is balanced and memorable. There is nothing like a revolution to test the foundations and scope of our hope.” (Source: SparkLit, accessed 25 August 2025) 

Awards were also presented for the Young Australian Christian Writer and Australian Christian Teen Writer. The Australian Christian Literature Awards celebrate writing and publishing that helps people encounter Jesus in ways that are authentic and culturally relevant. The SparkLit Awards exist to recognise and encourage excellence in Australian Christian writing and publishing. 

Each year, SparkLit presents these awards for original works by Australian citizens. Beyond the awards, SparkLit advances God’s Kingdom by empowering Christian writers, publishers, and distributors—making Christian books available, accessible, and affordable where commitment is strong but resources are scarce. 

Watch the 2025 SparkLit Awards Night livestream below.

Global Leadership Summit

Hobart Event on Monday, 13 October 

Get global, locally, by attending the GLS 1-Day Conference at Citywide Baptist Church.  

Citywide is hosting the event for leaders wherever they are: the workplace, the community, the family. Gather with other growth-minded leaders for world-class leadership content, interactive discussion times and networking with all your meals included. Discover your leadership. Step into your potential.  

GLS is an international leadership training and inspirational annual event, highly recommended for all who have leadership influence, especially in churches, but also in business and society.  

When: Monday 13 October, 10.00am – 4.00pm. 

Where: 400 Cambridge Road, Mornington 

Cost: $50 (early bird) 

For more info or to register email Jan Norton  jan@citywidehobart.org.au  

Visit the GLS website for more info 

Women Leaders Network Walk

20 September 2025 

The WLN is asking women (and men) to ‘Walk Where You Are’.  By walking to support the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) you’re joining the global conversation, lifting other women leaders, and helping to clear the path making it just a little easier for those who follow.  

HOBART COHORT 

Walk with the Leading Light (Hobart) cohort on 20th September. 

WHEN: 2:00pm – 4:30pm on Saturday, 20 September 2025 

WHERE: Arm End Walk (Approx. 90-minutes) Meet at Eastlands to carpool from there. Optional coffee afterwards. 

COST: $10 donation is required to walk. 

To participate, register for the Every Step Hobart Walk HERE > 

Provide a leadership title and indicate you are joining the Hobart cohort. 

For more info contact Jenny Baxter, Southern Tas Cohort Leader, WLN Leading Light on jb@jennybaxter.com.au or 0401 652 566  

Women Leaders Network Goals are: 
– To identify women leaders, in all sectors, around the globe 
– To empower women leaders by creating opportunity for connection and relationship so they can be encouraged, strengthened, and networked together 
– To equip women leaders with resourcing, training, coaching and mentoring 
– To release women leaders to use their leadership gifts, to work well alongside men, and to use their voices to transform their churches and local communities

NW Sabbath of Wonder Retreat

Register Now – One spot left!

What is a Sabbath of Wonder retreat? It’s a beautiful opportunity to create sacred space in your life. Beginning at sunset on Friday and concluding at sunset on Saturday, think of it as a spiritual getaway designed just for you. The Northwest Sabbath of Wonder Retreat is happening on 12-13 September, and we still have a place available. You’re welcome to attend no matter where you’re from! How about setting aside one day to rest, recuperate, and reflect?

WHEN: Friday 12 September 2025, 4:30pm – Saturday 13 September 2025, 4:30pm. BONUS: Stay Saturday night at no extra charge (see retreat details for more info).

WHERE: Absolute Paradise Beach House, Esplanade, Turners Beach
– 6 mins from Ulverstone
– 12 mins from Devonport
– 25 mins from Burnie

COST: $150/person. Concession is $100/person (only two available).
Payment due ASAP.

Ready to join? REGISTER ASAP by emailing Jenny Baxter: jenny@tasbaptists.org.au 

DOWNLOAD retreat details here. Includes payment details & cancellation policy.  

Global Week of Prayer

1-7 September 
24-7 Prayer are inviting the global Church to pray non-stop for every nation on earth. If you’re already making space to pray, why not join prayers with a global movement.

Whether it’s for your community or another corner of the world, praying together is powerful. This event invites communities worldwide to engage in creative, hands-on prayer experiences, uniting the global Church in a shared declaration of God’s greatness.  

When: 1-7 September
For more info, visit the Global Week of Prayer website here.

Mental Health First Aid Course

13 & 20 September 
Citywide Baptist Church in Lenah Valley is offering a fully National Accredited Mental First Aid Course. The course runs over two full Saturdays. The cost is significantly reduced, due to an accredited congregant offering their time to run this course. 

When: 13 & 20 September, from 9.00am to 4.30pm each of those days. 
Where: Citywide Baptist Church, 2 Pottery Road, Lenah Valley. 
Cost: $50/head for manual and lunch.  

For more info or to register, email: church@citywidehobart.org.au

4-10 August is Homelessness and Loneliness Week 

Loneliness on the edges of our communities 
This National Loneliness Week, we’re reminded that isolation isn’t always visible. It’s the person sleeping rough, the refugee far from home, the elderly neighbour no longer seen, or the young person couch-surfing without support. 

This year’s theme for Loneliness Awareness Week (held annually in the first week of August) is Moments Matter. While forming connections takes time and effort, it often starts with a small moment. 

While many of our churches are quietly offering welcome, meals, and community, the need is growing. Loneliness and homelessness are deeply spiritual concerns. Jesus made a habit of drawing near to those on the margins. His ministry was presence. He didn’t avoid the outcast, instead he ate with them, touched them, called them by name. 

During the week homelessness services and community groups raise awareness of the impact of homelessness, and the solutions needed to end homelessness, and advocate for change via national and local community events, media and social media activities. 

What Can I Do?

Check out Homelessness Week resources.

Support Launceston City Mission’s Winter Appeal here.

Find out more about Loneliness Awareness Week or read the Call for Connection Report. This report is about, ‘Understanding and Addressing Youth Loneliness in Australia’. This report sheds light on the real experience of loneliness for young people – what it feels like, what contributes to it and what enables connection. This is not a collection of statistics, but a reflection of real voices and real lives. 

Download the Report here 

Baptcare

Volunteers Wanted 
Baptcare is a not-for-profit Baptist organisation providing residential aged care, in-home care, and community services across Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia.  

Baptcare is inviting new volunteers for Orana Social Centre in Devonport East. They are looking for people with a kind heart, a listening ear, or a passion for making others smile. The role could involve companionship, support with lifestyle activities, or sharing a special talent, every volunteer brings something unique and valuable.

Volunteering with Baptcare is flexible, rewarding, and a beautiful way to give back and for helping to build a community where everyone feels connected and cared for. 
Contact Marina on 03 9831 7294 or email mgeorgievski@baptcare.org.au   

Or click the links below to apply and for more details.

Tassie’s Got Talent! At Orana Respite & Social Centre  

Join Orana Social Centre  

‘Conversations on Hope’ Webinar

Presented by NCLS Research and Tearfund 

How Hopeful Are Australians? Join us for an engaging webinar exploring Australians’ views on hope, featuring fresh insights from the 2025 Australian Community Survey.

Date: Thursday 14 August 
Time: 12:30–1:30pm (AEST) 

Free tickets: Register here 

You’ll discover: 
• Key national findings on Australians’ experiences and perceptions of hope 
• Reflections on practical applications of the research 
• Stories and insights from guest practitioners 

Speaker: Dr Ruth Powell, Director of NCLS Research and Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University, brings decades of expertise in social trends and religious life in Australia. 

For more information, contact Connie Lim at connie@wildhive.com.au

reCharge News August 2025

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reCharge NEWS July 2025

reCharge NEWS July 2025

Baptist World Aid Australia release life-changing Statistics

Baptist World Aid Australia released their FY25 Annual Tax Summary to supporters this month, highlighting the powerful impact of this year’s life-changing support.

ALMOST 800,000 PEOPLE
Communities have been strengthened through livelihood training, disaster preparedness, education campaigns, and community groups that help solve local challenges. This year’s support equipped vulnerable families with essentials after disasters. This included providing warm bedding, temporary shelter, and clean drinking water where they’re needed most.

OVER 300,000 CHILDREN AND YOUTH  
Children and youth are stepping up as future leaders. Supporters empowered Partners to uphold children’s rights at home, in schools, and within communities. Children adopted healthier habits and shared their knowledge widely. Young people raised their voices against child labour and child marriage, driving real change.

34 LOCAL CHRISTIAN PARTNERS IN 20 COUNTRIES  
Supporters enabled 57 projects that helped people emerge from poverty. Parents gained training and tools to earn a living. Farmers grew stronger, more resilient crops. Marginalised groups found their voices, participating in community decisions. Support helped to break down social, physical, and legal barriers to essential services.

Global Leadership Summit 1-Day Conference 

11 & 24 October 2025 

Leadership isn’t reserved for boardrooms or big stages—it’s for wherever you are: your workplace, your community, your family. Experience a dynamic 1-day, city-wide conference. Gather with other growth-minded leaders for world-class leadership content, interactive discussion times and networking with all your meals included. 

On 11 & 24 October, GLS25 is coming to Devonport (11 Oct)  and Launceston (24 Oct)  to equip you with the insights and tools to lead with clarity and impact, right where life happens.  

Super Early Bird registration is open until 31 July. 

Register for the GLS25 1-Day Conference here 

You’ll receive exclusive bonus content with (Early Bird rego) designed to accelerate your leadership journey. Discover your leadership. Step into your potential. Find your nearest site, register now and keep walking forward in your God-given purpose. 

What to expect at a GLS Premier… check it out! 

Council of the Baptist Union of Tasmania 

Council Report1

At its June meeting, the Council of the Baptist Union of Tasmania discussed the transition of leadership from Stephen Baxter to Matt Garvin as Mission Director. Particular attention was given to outlining how Matt’s six-month probationary period would be reviewed. Council also discussed the scope and expectations of his role during the transition period.  

As Matt Garvin is now an employee of the Union, he no longer serves as a member of Council. To fill the resulting vacancy, council agreed to recommend Craig Hawkins to assembly as the next Deputy Chair.  

The Council also endorsed a new recommendation for aligning the pastor’s stipend to a Tasmanian-based standard. This links it to the State Service Professional Band rather than the current mainland references, with the aim of better reflecting the local context. 

The Council also spent time reviewing the strategic direction for Tasmanian Baptists. This included feedback from the recent Assembly and work done so far by Council and staff to shape a clear and contextualised plan for the future.  

The five key priorities identified in the plan are leadership development, deepening connections, strategic investment of resources, reframing the narrative, and celebration of hope and the Kingdom. These areas will guide the work of the new Mission Director and the Tasmanian Baptist team in the coming years.  

The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for Saturday, August 30. 

1This is a revised news item from Wednesday 2 July 2025.

Baptist World Alliance Women (BWA Women / BWAW) 

New President Installed at Baptist Women’s Summit 

Baptist World Alliance Women is pleased to announce the appointment of Karlene Edwards-Warrick as President of BWA Women, and Ruba Rihani Abbassi appointed as First Vice President. These two positions usher in a new era of leadership for the global network of Baptist women. 

As one of her first responsibilities in the role, President Edwards-Warrick co-led the communion service at the closing celebration of the 23rd Baptist World Congress in Brisbane, Australia, on 12 July 2025, alongside new BWA Chair Karl Johnson. 

This marks the first time a BWA Women President has been given the honour to lead this important part of the Congress proceedings. 

Edwards-Warrick, hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, is the first representative from the Caribbean to serve as BWA Women President – bringing over four decades of ministry and leadership experience to the role.  

Abbassi, based in Jordan, is the founder and CEO of Arab Woman Today (AWT), a ministry dedicated to empowering Arab women across the Middle East through media, education, and community programs.  

Both leaders were commissioned at the recent 2025 Baptist Women’s Summit.  Surrounded by their families, Edwards-Warrick and Abbassi were prayed over by outgoing President Karen Wilson (Australia) who has served from 2020 to 2025. 

With 700 women from over 60 countries in attendance, the summit served as a powerful moment of global celebration and spiritual commissioning.

BWA President Karlene Edwards-Warrick co-leading the Communion Service at the 23rd Baptist World Congress alongside BWA Chair Karl Johnson. 
Karlene Edwards-Warrick from Trinidad and Tobago is the first woman from the Caribbean to serve as a BWA Women President.

Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast

Wednesday, 26 November.

Save the Date for the 20th Annual Tasmanian Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast that is on Wednesday, 26 November. This year celebrates 20 years with guest speaker John Dickson. John is an Australian Writer, Speaker, and Academic. He is also a public advocate for the Christian Faith. Doors open 6:30am for 6:45am start; concludes by 8:45am 

Registrations open soon on the website here.  

Perth Baptist Grant

Support for Church’s Community Programs

Perth Baptist Church is thrilled to announce it has secured a grant from the Tasmanian Christian Fund to cover the cost of food for several of its community programs over the next six months.  

The grant was awarded through a formal application process with the Tasmanian Christian Fund. They are committed to inspiring, resourcing, and growing creative evangelistic projects in Tasmania. The annual grant round is designed to support initiatives that engage local communities with the message of hope.  

The funding will support catering for the church’s Kids Club and children’s program, the Alpha course, and a community picnic planned for December. These events represent a significant investment for the church. 

Youth Alive 

Main Event 2025 

Main Event is a state wide outreach event for youth from all over Tasmania to gather and enjoy a phenomenal night of unity. With festival activities, the Youth Alive Band, guest speakers and renown entertainment. This will be the biggest youth event of the year! 

Main Event 2025 features Youth Alive Vic Director, Ps Dave Edgar and Planetshakers Creative Director, Josh Ham. 

Ps Dave’s desire for people to experience freedom in Christ partnered with sound biblical doctrine has formed years of powerful ministry moments and leadership teachings. 

Planetshakers’ Josh Ham is returning to Main Event 2025 with a whole new set! He was a huge highlight from last year and will raise the roof again!! 

Main Event will also feature a massive festival full of inflatable rides, laser tag, food vans, merchandise, live DJ sets, 3v3 basketball competitions, giveaways, and more!! 

To volunteer: If you’d like to volunteer, please reach out to the team through the Youth Alive website.

Location: Door of Hope Church, Launceston 
When: 3PM-8PM on Saturday, 23 August 2025 
Who: School students in grades 6-12* 
Cost: $10 per person 

*Adults over 18 are allowed if they are a youth leader/volunteering with a youth ministry  

For more info and to purchase tickets, visit the event booking website here 

2025 SparkLit Awards

Shortlist Announced

SparkLit has released the shortlist for the 2025 Australian Christian Book of the Year Award, highlighting ten diverse and thought-provoking titles that reflect the depth and breadth of Christian writing in Australia. 

This year’s shortlisted books explore topics ranging from theology and artificial intelligence to Indigenous perspectives, biblical studies, and Christian leadership.

The 2025 shortlisted titles are: 

– The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory by Robert S. Smith (Lexham Press) 

– Confessions of an Amateur Saint: The Christian Leader’s Journey from Self-Sufficiency to Reliance on God by Mandy Smith (NavPress) 

– Godaku Tjukurpa: Tjitji Tjutangku Nyakula Kulintjaku by Various Authors (Bible Society)

– Made in Our Image: God, Artificial Intelligence and You by Stephen Driscoll (Matthias Media) 

– Modern Genre Theory: An Introduction for Biblical Studies by Andrew Judd (Zondervan Academic) 

– Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Communities by Mark R. Glanville (IVP Academic) 

– Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric Age by Sarah Irving-Stonebraker (Zondervan Reflective) 

– Subjects and Citizens: The Politics of the Gospel – Lessons from Romans 12–15 by Michael P. Jensen (Matthias Media) 

– This Teeming Mess of Glory by Matthew Pullar (Resource Publications) 

– World Christianity: An Introduction by Graham Joseph Hill (Cascade Books) 

The winners will be announced at the 2025 SparkLit Awards Night. The winners will be announced at the 2025 SparkLit Awards Night. in Melbourne on Thursday, 21 August.

The event will include a special appearance by SparkLit project partner Nozomi Kusunoki. Tickets to attend in person are available or watch online for free. Further details and registration are available on SparkLit’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Alpha

The Marriage Course Experience

The Marriage Course has reached over 4 million people in more than 120 countries and it is in over 40 languages. Founders and hosts, Nicky & Sila Lee, have added a brand new exclusive session for church leader couples, called ‘Marriage & Ministry’. 

Now Alpha Australia is inviting couples to join The Marriage Course Experience. In this course, church leaders and ministry couples will explore conversations together on a range of subjects that will strengthen their marriages 

Over the past three years, 1,022 pastor couples globally have participated in the course. This includes 130 Australian couples. Couples can join from their own home and engage in private conversations on a range of topics to strengthen their marriage, including navigating ministry pressures.

Location: Online only 
When: From Monday, 21 July for eight weeks 
Who: This course is exclusively designed for church leaders and ministry couples 
Cost: $50 per couple (to cover the cost of journals) 

For more info and to register, visit the website here.  

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reCharge NEWS June 2025

23rd Baptist World Congress 

Virtual Registration Closes June 30 

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

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

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

More reason to become a child sponsor  

Baptist World Aid 

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

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

The result clearly revealed powerful and tangible impacts. 

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

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

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

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

Alpha Australia 

Alpha hits 1 million Australian Participants 

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

Read more on their website here

Zenos Media

Brand New Kids App! 

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

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

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

Tas/Texas Partnership 2025

The Point Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

Baptist World Aid

Matching Grant Appeal

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

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

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

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

Meet Jagmati

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

Photo: Meet Jagmati

Library Aid International

Supporting Global Education from Tasmania 

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

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

Recent Highlights

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

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

Heartfelt Messages

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

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

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

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

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

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

GLS Aus and NZ Leaders Networking Event

Still Standing – Building Resilience as a Leader

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topics covered:

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

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

Visit the website here for more details or to buy tickets

GLS

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reCharge NEWS May 2025

reCharge News May2025

Groundbreaking Chin Partnership for Mission in Myanmar 

Baptist Mission Australia has announced an exciting new partnership with the Chin Christian Council in Australia (CCCA) to establish a Mission Hub in Myanmar, north of Yangon. This initiative is a bold step in equipping Chin mission workers to serve in Buddhist communities with contextual, sustainable approaches. 

Despite the ongoing violence in Myanmar, this project is a powerful sign of hope.  

The Hub will include classrooms, admin space, and a business incubator—helping mission workers gain vital ministry and self-support skills for long-term impact. 

Land has already been secured, with construction expected to begin later this year. Funding is led by Chin Baptists in Myanmar and Australia, reflecting their deep commitment to God’s mission. 

“We’re honoured to walk alongside the CCCA in this visionary project,” says Executive Director Scott Pilgrim. “The Chin diaspora is a gift to our movement, expanding our understanding of God’s love and mission.” 

 Visit the website to find out more or support the project.  

Final Call to Register Online for Baptist World Congress – Don’t Miss Out! 

The Baptist World Congress is just around the corner on 7-21 July, and online registrations close this Saturday at midnight! Over 3,000 delegates from 97 countries are already attending—but organisers are urging more Aussies to join in, especially from local churches. 

This is a rare chance to welcome our global Baptist family and take part in powerful worship, learning, and connection—right here on Australian soil. 

Congress organisers are hoping to see a further 400 to 500 registrations from within Australia to strengthen the local presence at this significant event.  

This is an important moment for our churches to come together—not only to welcome our global Baptist family to Australia, but to engage deeply in the shared conversations, worship, and witness that the Congress offers. 

Key pastors, congregational leaders, and members of migrant and ethnic churches are especially encouraged to attend. The Congress aims to reflect the full diversity and vitality of the Australian Baptist movement, alongside international delegates. 

Organisers say this final registration window is a critical opportunity for local churches and leaders to commit to being part of this unique, once-in-a-generation event hosted on Australian soil. 
A key event to catch is the Aid Symposium on Wednesday, 9 July, featuring Rev. Tim Costello, a respected voice in justice, ethics, and faith. It’s set to be a standout session on aid and service. 

Tas Baptists has a spare ticket available—so if cost is a barrier, please get in touch with our office. We’d love to help someone take up this opportunity. 

Register now at the Baptist World Congress website and let’s show strong local support for this global gathering! 

‘Reconciliation as Responsibility: Come to the Feast’

National Reconciliation Week 2025  
27 May – 3 June
During National Reconciliation Week 2025, the Common Grace movement invites you to explore the theme ‘Reconciliation as Responsibility: Come to the Feast’. Engage meaningfully as you are led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian Leaders.  

Common Grace’s key resources are now available!  
Sign up now to receive resources for you and your church community or small group. Listen deeply to the voices of First Nation Christian Leaders, hear stories of non-Indigenous Christians who have taken seriously their responsibility on this journey of reconciliation, and take practical steps towards justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

Visit the website here to sign up.

You can also follow along the journey on Common Grace’s social media. 

Baptist World Congress 

Brisbane 7-12 July, 2025

Online registration closes on 31 May 2025. After that date, delegates will need to register onsite in Brisbane (dependent on availability). 

The 23rd Baptist World Congress is the Annual Gathering of the Global Baptist Family.

This year they are expecting to have the most globally diverse Baptist gathering in the 400-year history of the Baptist movement. 

The Creation of Tasmania Event

This is a free event. It looks at how the geology and biology of Tasmania can be explained by Bible history through creation, the global flood of Noah and the post-flood dispersal of people and animals. 

Download the flyer here. 

Friday, 16 May, 6:30 pm  at Hilltop Christian Centre, 6 Charles St, Scottsdale 
Friday, 23 May, 7:00 pm at Citywide Baptist Church, 400 Cambridge Road, Mornington 
Saturday, 24 May, 7:00 pm at CityLight Church, 150 Redwood Rd, Kingston 
Friday, 30 May, 7:00 pm at Pathway to Life, 22 Nicholls St, Devonport 
Saturday, 31 May, 6:30 pm at Deloraine Gospel Chapel, 46 Parsonage St, Deloraine 

MATES Volunteer Befrienders  

Volunteers Wanted! Family Based Care Tasmania is currently recruiting caring, reliable individuals who can offer one-on-one social support to Tasmanians experiencing mental illness and social isolation. 

Volunteers are matched with a “MATE” and meet weekly or fortnightly to share meaningful activities, anything from a coffee and a chat, to a walk, or a shared hobby. Matches are thoughtfully made based on shared interests, preferences, and similarities to help encourage natural connection and trust.  

Current and past volunteers have found this role personally rewarding – including students pursuing mental health or human services careers, and people with lived experience of mental illness who want to give back and start turning that into learned experience. 

Volunteers must: 

  • Be over 18 
  • Commit to at least 1 hour a week for a minimum of 12 months 
  • Have or be willing to obtain a Working with Vulnerable People card (volunteer) 
  • Be open, empathetic, and comfortable engaging with people from diverse backgrounds 
  • Be based in any area of Tasmania – we’re especially in need of volunteers in rural areas and around Launceston, but welcome interest from across the state 

Training and ongoing support are provided, with fantastic opportunities for additional learning and qualifications and we can assist with obtaining and reimbursing WWVP checks. 

Download a flyer with more information here.  Visit the Family Based Care Tasmania website  or contact them directly at mates@familybasedcare.org.au or 6431 8411.  

Sabbath of Wonder regional retreats – coming in 2025

Save the Date! 
After buzzing from the experience of April’s Day of Wonder the EmpowHer team are thrilled to announce a new “Sabbath of Wonder Retreat” series across Tasmania in 2025.

What’s a Sabbath of Wonder Retreat? 
It’s a beautiful opportunity to create sacred space in your life – beginning as the sun sets on Friday and concluding at sunset on Saturday. Think of it as a spiritual getaway designed just for you. 

This retreat will be perfect for: 
Anyone who attended the Day of Wonder and wants an extra deep-dive and those who missed our previous event but don’t want to miss out again! 
 
Here are the dates to save in your calendar:

Southern Tasmania: Friday-Saturday, July 25-26, starting 4:30pm 
Nestled somewhere in the gorgeous Huon Valley

Northern Tasmania: Friday-Saturday, August 8-9, starting 4:30pm 
In the picturesque Tamar Valley

Northwest Tasmania: Friday-Saturday, September 12-13, starting 4:30pm 
In the lovely Turners Beach/ Ulverstone area 
 
Final venues and costs will depend on numbers. Please send an email to jenny@tasbaptists.org.au

with the following questions answered:

– Name?
– Date interested in attending?
– Number of people interested?

Spaces will fill quickly, so please reply no later than 5pm, Friday 30 May 2025.
More details to follow in early June. 

May Mission Month 2025 Launches 

A Call to be “More Like Jesus”
Baptist Mission Australia’s May Mission Month is here! This year’s theme, More Like Jesus, focuses on a powerful idea: that what the world and local communities need most is more people living, loving, and leading like Jesus.  

The theme encourages individuals and churches to embrace and express the transforming love and hope of Jesus, to reflect His love and leadership—both across the street and across the world. Faith communities are called to reach out and share God’s love through both word and deed. 

Across a four-session series, participants will dive into stories of Jesus from the book of Mark, exploring practical ways to live, love, and lead more like Him. Resources available include leader’s guides designed for adults, youth, and children, as well as thematic videos and podcast episodes featuring voices from around the globe. 

Everything needed to get involved in the 2025 campaign is now available online here.

A great starting point for churches and groups is the More Like Jesus key video, which introduces the theme and sets the stage for the rest of the series.

Baptist Mission Australia extends special thanks to the Tasmanian Baptist Churches for their strong and faithful partnership in mission efforts both locally and around the world.  

Leaders emphasised that this work is only possible through collaboration, and May Mission Month offers a wonderful opportunity for churches and individuals to actively partner in this Kingdom-focused ministry.  

More information is available here on supporting teams in Australia and globally.

More Like Jesus, invites everyone to partner with God in seeing more lives transformed. 

Baptist Mission Australia welcomes enquiries or questions about May Mission Month resources or partnership opportunities.

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Empowering Spiritual Carers: Sustaining Soul Care Conference

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 

Spiritual Care continues to be a vital part of any organisation that cares for and about people. Chaplains and Spiritual Carers provide invaluable support and care for others, every day. We give of ourselves to provide holistic care for others. The work of Spiritual Carers is very often unrecognised, unsupported and frequently not acknowledged. This conference hopes to empower our amazing Spiritual Carers and sustain Soul Care.  

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 
Campbell Town Recreation Complex, 57 High St, Campbell Town, Tasmania 
Cost $50 to 95 

Register Here 

TASPE have generously subsidised this conference and have priced tickets to make this conference as affordable as possible.  

If you have financial concerns contact TASPE at info@taspe.com.au. 

Registrations Close on Monday, 19 May at 9:00am

Free Mothers’ Day High Tea 

Perth Baptist Church 

All welcome to celebrate mothers with Perth Baptist Church over a delicious high tea to honour mothers. 

Saturday 10 May at 2.00pm
Perth Baptist Church, 71 Clarence St, Perth

RSVP by Tuesday, 6 May to 0417 098 233 (and advise any special needs). 

tea cup Invitation to high tea

Circuit Breaker Program 

Monday, 5 May for 10 weeks 

Get the tools you need to mend relationships, resolve conflict and stop you blowing your fuse at home. 

Hosted by Citywide Baptists as a Tasmanian first, the 10 week Circuit Breaker group course offers trained facilitators and mentors to support participants. 

From anger to intimacy 
Proven strategies to end conflict 
Restore love, trust and respect

Starts Monday, 5 May, 7:00-9:00 pm at Mornington, Hobart.
(Finishes Monday, 7 July) 

Register here before this Friday, 3 May.

Download a flyer to display here.

Where Do the Major Parties Stand on Foreign Aid?

Micah Australia

With the Federal Election coming up on Saturday, 3 May 2025, the Safer World for All campaign is calling on all political parties to commit to a long-term goal: restoring Australian aid to 1% of the Federal Budget. This vision reflects a time when leaders from all sides worked together for a more compassionate and generous Australia. 

About the Campaign 
Safer World for All is a joint initiative by Micah Australia, the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), and Global Citizen. It brings together voices from across the faith, development, security, and community sectors to advocate for a stronger, values-based Australian aid program. 

Budget Response & Canberra Press Conference 
Following the recent Federal Budget announcement, Micah Australia and senior Christian leaders gathered in Canberra to speak publicly about the critical importance of international aid in today’s global context. 

Read the Press Release 

View the Social Media Post 

Sign the Heads of Church Letter 
Ahead of the election, the Heads of Australia’s Christian denominations have written to political leaders, urging them to protect and prioritise foreign aid. 

Add your voice to this call for justice and compassion. 

Sign the Letter Here

23rd Baptist World Congress 

7–12 July in Brisbane, Australia 

An exciting week awaits at the 23rd Baptist World Congress in Brisbane! Join the global Baptist family for this unforgettable gathering from 7–12 July 2025. 

Stay updated on the latest event news and details by visiting the Congress Schedule and FAQs. 

Speakers 
New speakers are being added regularly! Visit the Speakers Page to explore the diverse and international lineup—featuring presenters from every continent offering unique insights and inspiration. 

Local Tours 
Arrive early and explore Brisbane through special Local Tours available Monday to Thursday before the Congress. Highlights include: 
– Aboriginal Cultural Experience Day Tour
– Camping Study Day Tour 
– Immersive Mission Afternoon Experience

Spots are limited. Registration for all tours closes 7 June. 

Global Mission Conference 
If you’re passionate about mission work, don’t miss the Global Mission Conference on Wednesday, 9 July, just before the Congress begins. Spaces are limited, click here for details and to register. 

Preaching Symposium 
Each afternoon from Thursday to Saturday, the Congress will host a Preaching Symposium featuring: 
– 2–3 preachers sharing sermons 
– Interactive Q&A panels on sermon prep, delivery, pastoral leadership, and more. 

A great opportunity to grow and be inspired in your ministry! 

Language Interpretation 
To make the Congress accessible, interpretation of plenary sessions will be offered in: French, Portuguese, Spanish, Burmese, Hakha Chin, Korean, and Mandarin. Morning Bible Studies will also be available in these languages. 

Registrations close end of May

Crossover Easter Offering Last Chance

Last Chance 

It’s not too late to participate in Crossover’s Easter Offering this weekend. 
Crossover’s Easter Offering is an expression of gratitude for Jesus and a commitment to unity as we work together to share His message with others. 

Why an Easter Offering? Invest in sharing the great news of Jesus! 

The offering supports Crossover as a national Baptist ministry dedicated to equipping churches with resources, training, and encouragement to help Australian Baptists share Jesus effectively. 

With a 42% increase in baptisms over the last two years, this work is growing and bearing fruit. Supporting Crossover is an investment in this Kingdom work! 

Churches can either contribute directly or run the Easter Offering throughout April. 

If you’d like to promote the Easter Offering your church, check three easy steps to Run the Offering this Easter here.

Want to see more? Check out their pages and pages of resources here or subscribe to their updates. 

Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network (PIEN)

Who Owns the Holy Land? 

A panel discussion hosted by the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network (PIEN). Muslim, Jewish and Christian voices share their stories and visions for peace. 

  • What is the role of religion in the ongoing violence between Israelis and Palestinians? 
  • Are Jews and Muslims historic enemies? 
  • What is the role of Palestinian Christians in the Palestinian national movement? 

Panel 
Yusef al-Reemawi – Palestinian musician and scholar 
Nachshon Amir – former Israeli army officer 
Suzan Wahhab – President, Palestinian Christians in Australia   
 

Moderator 
Michael Shaik – PIEN Project Officer 

Launceston
Wednesday, 30 April at 6pm 
Pilgrim Uniting Church 
34 Paterson Street, Launceston 
Registration for Launceston  
Printable flyer here

Hobart
Thursday, 1st May at 6:30 pm 
Moonah Arts Centre 
23-27 Albert Rd, Moonah 
Registration for Moonah 
Printable flyer here

Freedom for Faith

Federal Election: Meet the Candidate Forums 

In the lead-up to the Federal Election, Freedom for Faith is partnering with churches across the country to host non-partisan “Meet the Candidate” forums. These forums are designed to give Christians the opportunity to engage directly with local candidates and ask meaningful questions in a respectful and informative environment. 

Over 70 forums are being held—covering nearly half of all electorates in Australia—so there’s a good chance there’s one near you. 

This website lists all the forums and allows people to search by electorate, postcode or suburb to find their closest forum.  

These events are a valuable space for Christian voters to hear where their candidates stand on key issues and for candidates to hear directly from the Christian community. 

Let’s ensure the Christian voice is heard in this election season—respectfully, thoughtfully, and prayerfully. 

Visit the website to find a forum near you and encourage your church to get involved.

Tasmanian ElectorateHost Church  Date  
Braddon  Devonport Anglican    
Clark  Your Church Tasmania  Wed 23 April  
Franklin  Citywide Baptist Church  Mon 28 April (TBC)  
Lyons  East Coast Anglican (Online)  Mon 28 April  
Bass  Door of Hope Christian Church  Thu 1 May  

Alpha

Mission 25 Update

Mission 25 is a nationwide initiative where churches across Australia unite to share Jesus through prayer, invitation, and running Alpha during Term 2, 2025. It’s a unique opportunity to move together with one heart and one voice to proclaim the good news of Jesus. 

The Alpha team is praying bold, God-sized prayers—that this movement will ignite a renewed passion for evangelism and see lives transformed across the country. By coming together in unity, we can fan into flame the ember of evangelism across the country and see many more Aussies transformed by the good news of Jesus.

Explore the support resources available: Mission 25 Resource Pack 

Ready to join? Register here: Join Mission 25 

You’ll also find helpful tools like the Alpha Starter Guide  and the printable  21 Days of Prayer for 5 Friends on the site. 

For youth groups: Check out Life Essentials by Alpha Youth —a series of short, Aussie-made videos designed to spark faith conversations among teenagers. 

Questions? 
Contact Ryan Vallee – 0435 883 321, ryan.vallee@alpha.org.au or Skip Smith – 0411 248 301, skip.smith@alpha.org.au 

Baptist World Aid

Pray for Myanmar

With the devastating earthquake that has hit Myanmar, Baptist World Aid has created resources for churches to use on their website here.

The Stand with Myanmar website has also been updated with Give, Pray and Resources tabs.

National Online Prayer meeting on Mon 7th April 7:30pm – 8:15pm 

Join Baptists from around Australia to pray for the people of Myanmar after years of conflict and now a devastating earthquake.  Some of our Australian Baptist pastors and leaders from Myanmar will be part of the prayer meeting and will provide an update on the current situation in their homeland. 

Please join with others to stand with our brothers and sisters in and from Myanmar.

Crossover Resources

Easter Sermon Series: Finding the Good Life

Finding the Good Life is a free and adaptable Easter sermon series designed to help your church invite others into the hope found in Jesus Christ. The series includes outlines for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, along with professionally designed artwork for slide templates, social media, and print promotion—everything you need to warmly and widely invite friends and neighbours to discover the true “Good Life” in Christ. 

Sermon Outlines: 

• Palm Sunday – When the Good Life Comes to You (Luke 19:28–20:8) 
• Good Friday – A Good Look at the Good Life (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Passion narratives) 
• Easter Sunday – Entering the Good Life (1 Corinthians 15) 

Easter Offering 

Why participate in the National Baptist Easter Offering? 

Because it funds the development of resources—like the Finding the Good Life series—that help our movement grow in sharing Jesus. You’ll also gain access to a wealth of free resources. These include invitational graphics and preaching ideas to support your Easter outreach. 

The Sanctuary Course

A One-Day Workshop on Domestic Violence 

This Saturday, 5 April 2025 Ann Herbert is facilitating a one-day training course on domestic violence. The Sanctuary Course equips churches to respond to domestic violence with a theologically informed and compassionate approach. It aims to help churches become safer spaces for those affected by abuse. 

When: 9:30am – 3:00pm 
Where: Hobart City Church of Christ 
Cost: $20 per person (cash on arrival) 
BYO lunch. Coffee and snacks provided. Free parking available. 

Workshop Topics Include: 
• Understanding domestic violence: definitions, myths, facts, prevalence
• Tactics used by perpetrators
• Impact on children: trauma and brain development 
• Spiritual abuse and misuse of Scripture 
• Theological challenges to reporting abuse 
• Biblical themes of love, justice, respect, and equality 
• What a “Sanctuary” church might look like 

Register here: The Sanctuary Course Workshop

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Lament in Lent: Standing with Country and Creation

Thursday, 3 April, 10:30AM – 2:30PM

As part of the Lenten journey, the Uniting Church National Assembly is inviting people across to a sacred act of lament and solidarity with First Nations people and the natural world.

Join Aunty Alison Overeem and Rev Alexandra Sangster as they stand with mob, on Country, to support the protection of Tasmania’s ancient forests — particularly the iconic Giant Styx.  For a copy of the flyer click here.

This special vigil, held in collaboration with The Bob Brown Foundation and Stand with Uncle Jim, will be a time to activate what organisers call “holy hope by being love in action”. 

Participants will be invited into a sacred space to demonstrate solidarity with creation, supporting one of the planet’s most vital life forces — Tasmania’s old growth forests. 

Aunty Alison Overeem, a respected Christian Elder, continues her powerful work in building relationships with church leaders through cultural awareness and training. 

Where: Approximately 1.5 hours west of Hobart (exact location available on request) 
When: Thursday, 3 April, 10:30AM – 2:30PM
More info or Register: Contact Rev Alexandra Sangster on 0411 292 273

 

Circuit Breaker

Keeping Your Cool – A Conversation That Matters

Presented by Circuit Breaker & the Southern Tasmania Family Violence Working Group 

If you’ve ever found yourself losing your cool at home and saying things you later regretted, you’re not alone — and there’s help. 

The “Keeping Your Cool” Community Seminar, happening on Monday, 14 April 2025, offers a supportive space to reflect, learn, and grow. Led by Matt Boulton — author of Changing Tools and creator of the Circuit Breaker program — this free seminar is designed to help individuals explore healthier responses to anger and build stronger relationships. 

Matt brings years of experience as a relationship and anger-management counsellor and is passionate about equipping people with tools for transformation. 

When: Monday, 14 April 2025, 7:00PM – 8:30PM 
Where: Citywide Baptist Church, 400 Cambridge Road, Mornington, TAS 
Register: Click here to book your spot. Limited to 60 places 

This event is a collaboration between Circuit Breaker, Olive Road, and the Southern Tasmania Family Violence Working Group, a collective working to help Christian communities better understand and respond to the impacts of family violence. The group includes representatives from the Baptist, Anglican, Church of Christ, Salvation Army, Quaker traditions, and Mission Australia. 

Can You Help? 
The Working Group is still seeking facilitators for the Circuit Breaker program. Discounted online training is available, and there’s also an in-person training session with Matt Boulton on Sunday, 13 April. 

If you or someone you know has a heart for helping in this space, please reach out to Ann Herbert at Citywide Baptist Church. 

Global Leadership Network

New CEO Announced 

Bruce Moore, Chair of the Global Leadership Network Australia and New Zealand announced this week that John Robertson is the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Global Leadership Network A&NZ. 

John has nearly three decades of experience in senior leadership and organizational management, and brings a deep and comprehensive understanding of the strategic, operational, and cultural imperatives required to drive organizational success and transformation. 

John is a proactive and solutions-oriented leader, with a strong focus on the development of both people and processes. He is well known for his warm, approachable leadership style and his ability to foster strong relationships within teams and with external partners. 

“We believe it will be a new season of fruitfulness for the GLNA/NZ as it continues to inspire and equip world-class leaders,” he said in an email on Monday morning. John’s connection and support of the GLNA/NZ spans many years,” Moore said. 

In the email, John Robertson added, “The core values of the GLNA/NZ — Passionate, Adventurous, Curious, and Expansive—resonate deeply with my own approach to leadership. I am driven by a passion to serve others with integrity and authenticity demonstrating a personal core value of servant leadership.” 

John commences this full-time role after a long-term ministry at Riverlife Baptist Church in Brisbane, Queensland. He served as a Youth Pastor, Executive Pastor and then as their Senior Pastor for over 13 years. 

The Global Leadership Network is a not-for-profit ministry working with leaders from a wide range of denominations in over 100 countries around the globe. It is most known for its annual GLS summit live in Chicago or interactive online experience in Australia and NZ.  

Tickets to GLS 2025 are available for Devonport on 11 Oct and Launceston on 24 Oct 

For more information and resources visit the website here. 

Baptist World Aid 

BWA Giving Day! 25 March 

On Tuesday, 25 March, from 8AM to 8PM, Baptist World Aid is holding their very first Giving Day and would love Baptists in Tasmania to join in. It’s a day of raising funds to turn hunger to hope for families living in poverty.

For 12 hours only, BWA are aiming to raise $160,000 to turn hunger to hope for families living in poverty. 

Gifts can be given now or wait until Tuesday, 25 March and your gift will be DOUBLED. 

A group of generous supporters have created a special fund of $80,000 to match your Giving Day donation, dollar for dollar. Together, we’re all set to make a big impact on poverty!

Giving Day is about joining hearts and hands in one mission to end poverty and make a better world for all. May God’s goodness flow through the generosity of his people!

Donations on the day will go where they’re most needed, funding projects that address hunger, transform lives, positively impact whole communities, and bring God’s goodness to bear on the world’s brokenness. 

DOUBLE your impact with a matched gift to help people go from Hunger to Hope! Help them reach a goal of $130,000 to see people go from hunger to hope? 

Giving Day Invitation 

Fostering Hope Update

Mentor Training , Respite Carers, Foster Care Sunday 

Mentor Training  

On Friday, 14 March (online), Saturday, 15 March (Hobart) & Saturday, 22 March (Launceston). Fostering Hope mentors mentor children and young people growing up in out of home care. It is a great way for people to live out their faith locally and make a real difference for a child and whole fostering family.  For more information email mentoring@fosteringhope.net.au  

Respite Foster Carers needed 
Across the state Fostering Hope needs more respite carers to offer extended family for children and young people growing up in out of home care. Respite care offers a huge support for carers and children. The expectation is usually one weekend a month and some school holiday time. If you could be a respite carer please contact Mary at Fostering Hope.

Foster Care Sunday 
SAVE THE DATE for Sunday, 14 September 2025, to host a Foster Care Sunday in your church. Fostering Hope and the National Foster Care Sunday Network are praying this year even more churches will do something on this date.

Foster Care Sunday is an opportunity to annually pray for children and young people, their birth families, their carers, and everyone working in the system. And to do something practical by raising awareness of this need right here in Australia.

Australia is losing more carers every year, meaning children are going into residential care situations. Fostering Hope still believes that Christians living out their faith locally by caring for at-risk children could be the answer to this crisis.

Videos and resources coming out soon and you can check out last year’s great videos here.

North West Mentoring Coordinator
The Team are also currently advertising for a North West Mentoring Coordinator to begin the mentoring program in the north west. 

New Mornings Growth Through Grief Seminar

Saturday 29 March 2025 

Everyone experiences losses of some kind during their lifetime, however navigating these paths which are often unexpected, takes courage and sometimes additional support.  

New Mornings is committed to supporting the community in the area of grief and their ‘Growth through Grief’ Seminar will provide encouragement, strategies and hope for anyone living with, working with or supporting those, through loss.  As you will see on the attached flyer, we will be hearing from three carefully chosen keynote speakers with both personal and professional experience in the area of grief.    

We do hope that you will join us for this empowering day.  It would be a privilege for us to support you.    

Purchase tickets here: or phone the office on 6411 6212. 

Baptist World Congress 2025 

Brisbane in July

This year’s Baptist World Congress in Brisbane is less than five months away!

The Congress website, Living the Good News | BWA Congress 2025, is being regularly updated as more speakers are announced, and program details confirmed. More information about speakers is also regularly being added to the Baptist World Alliance Facebook page. 

Take advantage of the Early Bird rate, until 31 March 2025.  

Expressions of Interest are also still open for Volunteering, for Translators & Interpreters or those with specific language skills and in Creative Arts. 

Find a range of resources to distribute within your congregation and promote the BWC.  

Join other Baptists from around the world in July! 

Australian Baptist Ministries has an Expo space at the Baptist World Congress in Brisbane in July. Contact ABM before Thursday, 13 March if you’re interested in being represented.

Youth Alive Momentum 

Launceston, 22 March

MOMENTUM is a gathering for you and your team to be encouraged and equipped to create thriving youth ministries. It’s an event designed for youth leaders and offers an opportunity for spiritual growth, practical training, and networking with other leaders across Tasmania.

FEATURING GUEST SPEAKERS Ps Matt Wilesmith and Ps Rachael Parker.  
– Ps Matt Wilesmith is the NSW Youth Alive Director and brings a wealth of insight and wisdom in how to lead the next generation.  
– Ps Rachael Parker leads Hillsong Hobart alongside her husband and brings key insight on ways to cultivate spiritually healthy habits and practices for leaders and youth alike. 

MOMENTUM will be hosted by the Youth Alive Tas Team to prepare for what God can do through you and your team in 2025!  

Who is it for? Youth pastors, leaders, chaplains, and developing leaders (grade 11-12 students) 

On Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, 9:30am – 5:30pm
at ISEE Church, 156 Cimitiere St, Launceston 

Morning tea and lunch provided. 

Register here

EmpowHer Day of Wonder 

Saturday, 29 March 2025 | Riverlands, Longford 

Registrations are pouring in for EmpowHer Day of Wonder—a day designed for women to pause, reflect, and rediscover their God-given potential in the company of like-minded women. 

Day of Wonder is more than just another women’s even, it’s an opportunity to connect, be inspired, and for renewal. 

Keynote Speaker: Melissa Lipsett (Baptist World Aid) 

Other Speakers: 

• Anthea Maynard (City Baptist) 

• Maggie Perkins (Citywide Baptist) 

• Kristen Cox (Ulverstone Baptist) 

Cost: $70 (Includes all activities, morning tea, and lunch) 

Don’t miss out!  

Join us for a day of wonder, faith, and friendship. 

Register now: tasbaptists.org.au/dayofwonder or scan the QR code. 

REGISTER HERE: 

Questions? Contact Jenny: empowher@tasbaptists.org.au 

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The Art of Spiritual Companioning

WellSpring Centre

Learn the skills to accompany others on their spiritual journey in The Art of Spiritual Companioning, commencing March 2025 at the Wellspring Centre. 

This is the first of three units (over three years) where you will gain a fusion of skills and knowledge in ancient wisdom of spiritual companioning using theological reflection, creativity and contemplative awareness.

The curriculum focuses on seven key areas:  grounded contextual issues, gutsy human dynamics, listening, contemplative heart, practising presence, discernment and illumination.

On successful completion of all three units, you will be awarded a certificate that recognises you as a spiritual companion / director through the Australian Ecumenical Council of Spiritual Direction. Read more about the subject here.

Take up this special opportunity to deepen the way you walk alongside others with a committed and enthusiastic team. 

About the Teaching Team
The ecumenical Formation Team (Anne Pate, Tim McCowan, Jennifer Guild, Andrew Woff, and Andrea Long) are expert practitioners and seasoned Spiritual Companions / Directors. They work with supervisors and other professionals who are experienced Spiritual Companions, and together they bring a creative and balanced approach to this ministry. Read more about the ASC team here. 

For more details or to discuss applications, contact Anne Pate, Program Director at Wellspring Centre. Applications close mid-March. 

Mark Stevens in Concert

Your Centre, 29 Charles Street, Moonah 

Get ready for an inspiring evening as Mark Stevens returns to his roots in Tasmania, performing new material in an intimate live show on Friday, 7 March 2025, 7–9PM.

Proceeds will support Your Community Food Hub.

 Ticket Information

• Pre-sale: $20 per ticket | $18 each for two or more 
• At the door: $30 each 
• Under 16s: FREE (booking required) 

Doors open at 6:15 PM with snacks available.  

Get your tickets here!

Crossover Easter Offering

This Easter, April 2025 

February is a key month for churches to decide to participate in the Australian Baptist Easter Offering on Easter Sunday, 20 April 2025. 

The Easter Offering is an expression of gratitude for Jesus and a commitment to unity as we work together to share His message with others. 

The offering supports Crossover—a national Baptist ministry dedicated to equipping churches with resources, training, and encouragement to help Australian Baptists share Jesus effectively. 

You may know Crossover from their baptism resources or National Baptism Week,  but their impact extends far beyond.  

Their website is filled with practical tools and inspiration to help churches engage in evangelism, like their later Easter series called, Finding the Good Life. 

Plus a ton of invitational design work and preaching ideas all for free.

Investing in Kingdom work! 

With a 42% increase in baptisms over the last two years, this work is growing and bearing fruit. Supporting Crossover is an investment in this Kingdom work! 

How to Get Involved

ABM invites all churches to contribute directly or run the Easter Offering throughout April. 

If you’d like to promote the Easter Offering your church, check out their Easter Offering resources here and watch the movie below (available on their website).  

EmpowHer Day of Wonder

Saturday, 29 March 2025 | Riverlands, Longford 

Registrations are pouring in for EmpowHer’s Day of Wonder — a day designed for women to pause, reflect, and rediscover their God-given potential in the company of like-minded women. 

This is more than just another women’s event—it’s an opportunity for connection, inspiration, and renewal. 

Keynote Speaker is Melissa Lipsett from Baptist World Aid.

Other Speakers: 
– Anthea Maynard (City Baptist) 
– Maggie Perkins (Citywide Baptist) 
– Kristen Cox (Ulverstone Baptist) 

Cost: $70 (Includes all activities, morning tea, and lunch) 

Don’t miss out!  

Join us for a day of wonder, faith, and friendship. 

Register now here or scan the QR code below: 

Questions? Contact Jenny: empowher@tasbaptists.org.au 

Calling for Volunteers! 

Men, we’d love your help on the day. If you can assist, reach out at empowher@tasbaptists.org.au or call Jenny at 0401 652 566. 

Join us for a day of wonder, faith, and friendship!

Baptist Mission Australia

Free Mission Discipleship Course Starts Monday, 3rd March 2025

Trying to find your place in God’s global vision but unsure where to start? 

Join the Exploring Mission 2025 online mission discipleship course run by BMA.

This is a dynamic (and free!) course that recognises we’re already living in an intercultural world, and helps us discover our unique place in God’s unfolding story. The course will explore essential questions like: 

– What is God doing in our world today? 

– What could your role be in God’s global mission? 

– How can you meaningfully engage across cultures?  

Plus, you’ll have opportunities to connect personally with experienced mission workers. 

Join a vibrant learning community of fellow travellers from across Australia and beyond as they explore relevant ways to engage in God’s mission for today’s rapidly changing world. 

Classes start on Monday, 3 March and meet Monday evenings in March via Zoom. 

Register here or if you have questions email Nath Reid on nreid@baptistmissionaustralia.org  

Baptist Union of Victoria

Emerge Next Steps Leadership Development

Emerge – Next Steps is a free course from the BUV for leaders and ministry teams looking to take the next step in their character and leadership development. Join Bill Brown and Kim Smith on Zoom from Tuesday, 25 February 7:30pm online on any or all of five Tuesday evenings from 7.30 -9.15pm.  

Topics for 2025 are:  

  • Leading Self and Leading Others to Lead Self 
  • Learning to Receive and Give Helpful Feedback  
  • Five Things Growing Leaders Keep Doing 
  • Having and Handling Difficult Conversations  
  • Growing as a Public Communicator

There is no cost for the evenings other than your time and willingness to learn and grow and leadership or ministry teams have found it fun to do it together. 
 
For dates, to register click here or contact Bill Brown 

Baptist Mission Australia 2025

Ministry Launch – Get Involved!

Baptist Mission Australia is inviting Baptist churches across the country to be part of the 2025 Ministry Launch! It’s easy to join in—simply share a video during your church service and spend time in prayer for BMA teams, ministry partners, and your local mission throughout February.

We’ve got everything you need, including a short 5–10 minute Launch segment, right here:👉 BMA 2025 Ministry Launch resources

Want to pray for the Ministry Launch?

Download an A4 page of prayer points here: 📄  Prayer Points 

Grab PowerPoint slides to use with your church: 📽️  Prayer Slides

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

Let’s kick off 2025 together—praying, sharing, and stepping into mission! 🚀 🙏 

Citywide Marks Aboriginal Sunday

Sunday 19 January, 2025 

Citywide Baptist Church gathered at Risdon Brook Dam on January 19 to commemorate this year’s Aboriginal Sunday, standing on-country and taking in the beauty of God’s creation. 

Looking out over the tranquil waters of Risdon Brook Dam, the moment stood in stark contrast to the history just 1km away at Risdon Cove—the site of Tasmania’s first recorded massacre in 1804. 

Paul Dare, a proud descendant of Tasmania’s Aboriginal people, shared stories of the past, reflecting on the deep wounds of colonisation and its lasting impact on First Nations communities.

The church stood together in solidarity, praying for a Safe, Free, and Flourishing future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—particularly calling for urgent change in Australia’s judicial system. Right now, an Aboriginal child is 23 times more likely to be under state supervision and 28 times more likely to be detained than a non-Indigenous child. 

For more information, visit Common Grace.

reCharge News February 2025

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23rd Baptist World Congress!

Creative Arts EOI
Baptists will meet together 7-12 July next year in Brisbane, Australia, for the 23rd Baptist World Congress! One of the most meaningful aspects of a Congress is the breadth of music and other creative arts offered from around the world. Each contribution is unique but connected as it contributes to our worship of the Living God and provides a powerful expression of our global diversity.  

The Congress Team are seeking expressions of interest from artists to serve at the Congress. They are looking for groups and individuals who can help lead in worship, in music, drama, painting, dance, spoken word, and other mediums. There will be opportunities to serve during the plenary sessions and many more on the Global Stage operating each afternoon.  

The application process is now open, and artists are encouraged to apply by December 31, 2024. Click here for more information. 

You can find the Congress timetable on the schedule page of the Congress website.  

Early Bird Cut-off Extended!

Day of Wonder early bird regos now available until 31 January 2025 
Tickets to the Day of Wonder is the perfect Christmas gift for women in your life!

Women across Tasmania have an extended opportunity to buy discounted tickets for the Day of Wonder event, with early bird registration now extended to 31 January 2025.  

The state-wide gathering, set for Saturday 29 March 2025 at Riverlands Baptist in Longford, promises an inspiring day of connection and empowerment for women from all backgrounds. 

Early bird tickets are $50 (standard rate is $60), providing extra time for women to secure a place at this unique event. The day will feature a stellar lineup of speakers, including keynote presenter Melissa Lipsett from Baptist World Aid, alongside prominent Tasmanian women Anthea Maynard and Maggie Perkins, with a third speaker still to be confirmed. 

Importantly, the event welcomes women of all faith perspectives, creating an inclusive environment for personal growth and community building.  

This is a chance for women to come together, share stories, and feel encouraged. Don’t miss out on the cheaper tickets – sign up before the end of January! 

Bible Project 

Waiting for Jesus 
Join Bible Project as they celebrate the arrival of the promised Messiah in their Advent Series. 

Christians have long observed the Advent season by meditating on peace, hope, joy, and love. Study these rich biblical words with their Advent series. 

Bible Project creates free resources to help people experience the Bible. Learn the Bible with media tools that guide individuals and groups in studying its story. Use our videos and other free online resources. Everything is funded by generous supporters around the world. 

Baptist World Aid Resources

2024 Christmas Appeal 
Have you thought of how your church can participate in giving a gift to those living in poverty this Christmas? Here are some ideas to incorporate into your existing Christmas services and activities. 

Your church could: 
– Hold a special service to consider the needs of those living in poverty 
– Use the video and donation cards located on the BWA website to take up an offering for the work of Baptist World Aid 
– Encourage individuals or groups to work through the online devotional in the lead up to Christmas 
– Let the little ones take the stage with a Christmas Day performance

BWA have produced a series of resources for churches to use in their 2024 Christmas Appeal, including their latest devotional, Thavorn’s video (below) various social media titles and more.

Thavorn and his wife Toun—devoted Christians, parents and farmers in Cambodia. Thavorn experienced financial stress trying to provide for his family with a failing farm and crippling debt. But with support from our local Christian Partner, he’s now financially stable and his family is thriving.

Download these resources from the website here.  

Crossover Christmas Resources

Christmas Crackers: Short Videos List 
Crossover have curated a ‘Christmas Crackers’ list of recommended short videos that are easy to drop into a text message, post, email or Christmas service. 

Some are very funny. Some are very moving (like the one shown below).  

All are wonderfully meaningful. See the full list here… or watch The Rhythm of Christmas. 

Library Aid International

Container from LAI is en-route to PNG 
Library Aid International is a Tasmanian Christian-based, ACNC and ATO registered charity. Library Aid sends second hand books and educational resources to needy schools in developing countries overseas. They also send Bibles and Christian books. 

A small team collects, checks, sorts, repacks, and ships donated books to developing nations, supporting educators and students in underprivileged schools. 

LAI’s eleventh container filled with books and educational supplies left Devonport on 15 November 2024 and is estimated to arrive in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea on 9 December 2024.  

The library at the University of Natural Resources and Environment will receive 131 boxes of books from Food Plants International Inc. and library shelving from LAI. The University library will distribute a private collection of 176 boxes of Christian books to a college and 611 boxes of books from LAI to schools in the East New Britain Province. 

LAI’s yet-to-be-purchased twelfth container will be sent to the Solomon Islands. Thirty-five per cent of its contents are already sorted and boxed up by our volunteers.

Recent highlights from LAI

Recent highlights include:
– A librarian at a private school, which has donated surplus books to us, created a QR code linking to LAIs financial donations page. She promoted LAI’s mission, tax deductibility and the code to staff to encourage direct individual contributions by smartphone. 
– An Early Learning Centre held a book drive during Book Week for LAI. 
– LAI received a generous donation of $3,000 from a valued supporter. 
– LAI is holding regular trivia quiz nights at Railton RSL to raise funds. 
– The LAI Secretary and his wife visited schools in Fiji during a holiday in October, including one that received books from our 2022 shipment. 

“Education promotes equality and lifts people out of poverty. It teaches children how to become good citizens. Education is not just for a privileged few, it is for everyone. It is a fundamental human right.” 

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations from 2007 to 2016

For a list of BOOK AND OTHER NEEDED DONATIONS we can give a second life to, please visit the Donate Page and Books tab on their website here or on their Facebook Page here. 

Happy children showing books and pencils given to them by cruise passengers at Sawa-I-Lau Island, Fiji

GLS24 On-Demand  

Extended Access (until February 2025!) 
Did you miss the Global Leadership Summit 2024? You can now purchase extended access to the entire GLS24 Aus/NZ Program On-Demand until 13 Feb, 2025 and costs $159. 

With GLS On-Demand you can watch from anywhere through an easy-to-use streaming platform that is accessible until February 2025.

Each registration includes: 
– access until 13 February 2025
– flexible viewing experience 
– unique link for personal viewing only 
– easy-to-use streaming platform 

Please note: GLS On-Demand is a limited license for personal viewing only and access cannot be shared with others.  

Purchase extended access content here 

GLS

EmpowHer’s Day of Wonder

Early Bird Rego Closes 15 Dec  
A reminder that the early bird rego closes on Sunday 15 December! 

This would make a perfect Christmas gift for the women or women in your life! Or bring a friend outside the church, as this event will be suitable for Christians and non-Christians alike. 

The Day of Wonder is coming up on Saturday 29 March 2025 and Melissa Lipsett, CEO of Baptist World Aid is speaking. 

Read more about the Day of Wonder here.

Day of Wonder 29 March 2025

Crossover Resource

The Ultimate Christmas Wishlist
This is a short book by Rico Tice, presenter of Christianity Explored. It is accessible, warm and profound — making a compelling case for Christianity and the hope that it provides.  

Based on Isaiah 9:6 (a passage often used in Christmas services), readers will see how Jesus – the Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father and Wonderful Counsellor – is the ultimate gift as he delivers what they really want: hope, peace, purpose and guidance.

This gospel presentation is ideal to give away at Christmas and is $6.00 via Koorong Books 

ReCharge News December 2024

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The Values Project

The Values Project was re-released at the ABM as a resource reminder for churches. These videos are a good way to encourage churches, leadership teams, and small groups talk and learn about their identity and values as Australian Baptists. 

The material is designed to strengthen a sense of identity, encourage connectedness and community across our movement, and informs decision-making in leadership. 

Episode 1 is below for a sneak peek, or visit the site here to watch all four videos.

Three Organisations to Become One

The Boards and executives of Baptcare (VIC, TAS, SA), BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA) and Baptist Care SA are pleased to announce that our three organisations will become one, national, integrated care and services provider, subject to approvals. 

As Baptist faith-based organisations, we have a shared mission to strengthen communities by valuing people and supporting them to have hope, dignity and a fullness of life. We believe that together we can create a more sustainable organisation which will create better outcomes for those we serve.   

Our number one priority will always be delivering quality care and services for all our customers, including residents, clients and tenants.  We believe this is an opportunity for us to continue to improve the way we serve our customers, to provide greater choice and flexibility in the services we provide, and to increase our influence and advocacy for vulnerable people and communities. 

We do not anticipate any immediate change to any of the services we provide to our customers and any future changes aimed at enhancing service delivery will be communicated well in advance. 

Our combined organisation will have an employee and volunteer workforce of more than 12,000 people, providing care and support across family and community services, retirement living, residential aged care, home care, community and affordable housing, disability support, foster care, chaplaincy and spiritual care, and adventure, homelessness and mental health services. 

The united organisation will have operations in the New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. We are currently working through the timing, but the unification of the three organisations is expected to commence in March 2025, followed by a period of integration.   

The new organisation is yet to be named, but we do know it will be led by Charles Moore as Chief Executive Officer, who is currently the CEO of BaptistCare in NSW, the ACT and WA.

We want to reassure you that our primary focus, as we become one organisation, is to ensure a smooth transition which maintains the high standards of service our communities expect from us, and you will see no changes to your care or services because of the merger at this time. 

Together we have a combined 250-year legacy of strengthening communities by valuing people and supporting them to have hope, dignity and a fullness of life. We want to continue that legacy for many years to come, and we thank you for your ongoing support.

Building Welcoming Churches 

Evangelism in Australia 
In this conversation called, Building Welcoming Churches, hear Tina Waldrom and Andrew Turner, Director of Crossover, discuss the growing trend of non-believers attending church services, especially within the Australian Baptist Ministries community.  

They dive into why more people who don’t identify as Christians are showing up at church and the importance of making churches welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Creating a positive and inviting atmosphere is crucial for helping visitors feel comfortable and open to evangelism and learning more about faith. 

The conversation also covers how churches can better engage their communities through creative outreach efforts.  

Listen to the Win/Win podcast here.

Evangelism in Australia

Sacred Arias in Penguin 

Saturday, 14 December
Themes of faith, love, and hope await to transport you, with the thrill of musical excellence by master composers. Soprano Jacqueline Ward and tenor Robb Dennis present this program with pianist Karen Smithies for the Christmas season, featuring solo arias from famous oratorios, cantatas, masses, and more. 
 
Hear stunning favourites from Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate!, Haydn’s The Creation, plus others from Vivaldi, Beethoven, Fauré, Wolf and more. 

WHERE: Penguin Uniting Church 
DATE: Saturday, 14 December  
TIME: 6pm – 7:30pm

Visit this website for more information and to book tickets.

Sacred arias

Mission 25 

Sharing Jesus
Mission 25 is a collective effort of churches across Australia to share Jesus through prayer, invitation, and running Alpha.  It’s simple to join – here are the steps:

– 2024 Term 4: Dream & Join 
– 2025 Term 1: Pray & Prepare 
– 2025 Term 2: Invite & Run 
– 2025 Term 3: Celebrate

Speak with someone from Alpha, your denomination / network and other church leaders to hear what they’re doing. Join Mission 25 and get access to all the training and resources to include in your 2025 planning.

Mission 25 aims to fan into flame the glowing ember of evangelism across our country and see many more Aussies transformed by the good news of Jesus. 

An Advent Devotional 

Joyful All Ye Nations Rise 
Would you like to receive an emailed Advent devotional from Langham Partnership? A series of short devotionals will be sent by email for each day of Advent (1-25 December) to help prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, Lord and Saviour.  
 
Email australia@langham.org to be added to the mailing list for a daily devotional that links you with the global church. 

Advent

Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer

For more than 70 years, Baptist women in over 100 countries have gathered for the Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer on, or near, the first Monday in November. Uniting in strategic prayer and giving, Tasmanians continued the legacy this year when 15 women got together at Citywide Lenah Valley on Saturday, 2 November. They focussed on the theme for 2024, “A Purposeful Life” (Romans 8:28). During the afternoon they also fashioned some origami “peace cranes” (pictured).

And they were not alone! They joined forces with 1000’s of other women to pray for their communities, seeking to make a difference in the world. In addition to praying, they also gave to fund projects in our Pacific region. 

The Day of Prayer Global Offering supports projects to provide practical help for women and children in need, while equipping Baptist women to serve their communities through their faith. 

  • DOP women 2024
  • DOP women 2024 with cranes
  • DOP 2024 project Tonga
  • DOP 2024 BWA map

You can still participate! You are welcome to pray and to give any time during November. 

1. Prayer Guide 2024 >  

2. Day of Prayer Global Offering project> Opening Doors for Gospel Witness (Tonga)

3. Donate to the project > Use the Reference “DOP Tasmania”. 
NB. Make sure you use the link above or QR code pictured below for direct deposit to Baptist Women of the Pacific, Westpac Bank in Cairns. (NOT via the US website, bwawomen.org)

Zonta International Advocacy Breakfast

Friday, 6 December

Save the Date for the Hobart Derwent Zonta International Advocacy Breakfast at Salamanca Inn.

Donna Adams APM PSM, Commissioner of Police and Secretary of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management speak on reducing violence to women and how we can create a safer community. 

The breakfast will coincide to support the 16 Days of Activism  against Gender-Based Violence.

When: 7:00 am to 8:30 am
Where: Salamanca Inn Hobart, 10 Gladstone St, Battery Point 
Cost: $40

Zonta International

Fostering Hope Mentor Program

Saturday, 16 November

Fostering Hope’s Mentor Program embodies the essence of community care, inspired by the teachings of Jesus to care for the vulnerable among us. Through this program, they aim to provide “friends with purpose” to children in care, offering companionship, friendship, and support. With just a few hours a month, you can profoundly impact a child’s life for the better. 

The next training day is scheduled for Saturday, 16 November

When: 10am to 4pm
When: Launceston
Cost: Training Days are free

Morning/afternoon teas and lunch are provided. To register or learn more about mentoring, visit the website here, or email Anthea at anthea@fosteringhope.net.au 

If you believe your church and school community can help spread the word or if you know someone who would make a great mentor, please share!

Fostering Hope

The Fostering Hope Mentor Program connects caring Christians with children in Out of Home Care, providing them with consistent support and encouragement. Our mentors are rigorously screened, trained, and supported to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for mentees. Watch this short video explaining mentoring below. 

About Fostering Hope
Fostering Hope are a Tasmanian Christian charity dedicated to supporting at-risk children and their caregivers. Learn more about their mission and values here.

Support foster, kinship, and informal carers and their families: whether someone is just thinking about fostering or been a carer for 20 years, Fostering Hope provides support, connection, and pastoral care for carers and their families. 

Trauma Awareness Training
Free online Trauma Awareness Training, developed in collaboration with Dr. Suse, aims to increase understanding and support for children and young people affected by adverse experiences. This resource is suitable for anyone interacting with children and youth in various community settings. They also offer in-person Trauma Awareness Training for churches or community groups who would like to grow in their understanding of the impact of trauma on kids together. Visit the website for more info.

ReCharge News November 2024

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Encounter Trailer

New Series from Olive Tree Media  

Olive Tree Media are excited to announce a new series called Encounter.  

In this series, you’ll revisit moments from the Gospel where people met Jesus and walked away profoundly transformed. Karl Faase and some expert guests will unpack these New Testament encounters and consider their relevance for today. You’ll also meet people from all walks of life and people from around the world who have encountered Jesus today.  

Watch the trailer here.

Around the world today, many are encountering Jesus and being transformed by his love and grace. In this series, Karl Faase unpacks some of the unique stories from Scripture, highlighting how encounters with Jesus brings healing, transformation, and purpose to those on the margins of society, those seeking truth, and those desperate for grace. From Mary’s life-altering meeting with the Angel to the woman healed of a long-term illness, these stories reveal that God continues to meet people in unexpected ways. Each story is reflected upon by a diverse group of voices—ranging from theologians and pastors to cultural commentators and those who have had their own divine encounters. 

An Encounter Discussion Guide and DVD are also available to purchase. 

Watch Episode 1 for free here. 

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) 

3rd and 10th of November 2024 

For more than two decades, the World Evangelical Alliance has organised the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), as a global event that unites millions of Christians in prayer for the persecuted Church.  

Annually, the IDOP is observed on either the first or second Sunday of November. 

The theme for this year, “Courageous Faith,” inspired by Deuteronomy 31:6, calls us to remember the strength and resilience of those who, despite facing intense opposition, hold firmly to their faith in Jesus Christ.  

Persecution is intensifying around the world. From the Middle East to Asia, from Africa to Latin America, and even in the West, Christians are increasingly being targeted for their faith. They are marginalized, oppressed, and silenced. Yet, in the face of this adversity, the faith of many remains unshaken. Their courage is a testament to the power of God at work in the midst of suffering.  

Read about God’s Sovereignty and the Suffering Church from the idop blog here. 

As a church, or as an individual or small group, the WEA invites you to unite with millions of believers across the globe to stand in solidarity with our persecuted family.  Use these days to pray, to educate and to mobilize your congregations and communities to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard.  

Download the prayer guide and other resources here.

True Enlightenment

Free resource from Crossover  
True Enlightenment is an Advent and Christmas Series resource that explores how Jesus brings true light into the world – indeed is the light of the world – bringing everything into perspective: God, others and us ourselves. The series is adaptable for use in all kinds of churches and full of the great news about Jesus. It’s free for you from Crossover, that exists to help Australian Baptists Share Jesus. 

23rd Baptist World Congress

July 7-12, 2025 in Brisbane 
The countdown is on for the 2025 Baptist World Congress. Join the global Baptist family to engage in powerful worship, learning, and service together, with the theme focused on “Living the Good News” in the world. This will be an incredible experience for the whole family with exciting programs provided for adults, children, and teenagers. 

Here’s some more information about the program: 

The Baptist Women’s Summit and the NxtGen Leadership Summit will kick off the week on 7-8 July.

On 9 July, the BWA Executive Committee and Global Council will meet, with a Mission Conference planned for the day. In addition, there will be a Mission Experience half-day tour during the afternoon ahead of the Congress Opening Celebration on Wednesday evening. 

From 10-12 July, the main Congress program will continue through each day and evening until the Closing Celebration on the evening of Saturday, 12 July. Thursday through Saturday will include plenaries, Bible studies by language, seminars, as well as regional and affinity groups. When not in sessions, music from around the world will be played at the International Festival for fellowship networking. 

The team have compiled important information to help with planning. Be sure to bookmark the Congress website as this is being updated regularly with the latest info.

Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer

Saturday, 2 November 2024 

Tasmanian women are invited to this year’s Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer. 
Join as a community of women to intercede for Baptist women around the world. 
This year’s theme is Purposeful Life.  

Where: Citywide Lenah Valley
When: 2:00pm – 4:00pm 
RSVP: Friday, 1 November 2024  

To register or for questions, contact the team at empowher@tasbaptists.org.au or call 0439 357 574. 

Jireh House 

Job Opportunity 

Jireh House are seeking an Administration Officer to provide support and assistance to women and children residing at Jireh House Shelter.   

The purpose of the role is to: 
– Assist in the safety and security of Jireh House’s clients. 
– To facilitate the smooth administrational processes of Jireh House. 

Hours of Work – 45 hours per fortnight (8.30am – 5.00pm, Wednesday – Friday) 

Applications to be submitted by Thursday October 24, 2024. 

For more info visit: Finance and Administrator Worker Job in Hobart TAS – SEEK 

Walk the World

8-10 November 
Baptist Mission Australia invites you to Walk the World! Across the weekend of 8-10 Nov 2024, pray for the world, as you walk your world!  Is your church participating?

Walk the World is about facilitating an opportunity for Australian Baptists to get out in our neighbourhoods and pray! This community building weekend of prayer and fun is for individuals, churches, small groups or families. 

Pray for the local communities God has placed us in, and pray for the communities around the world our intercultural teams are placed in. Pray for your church’s ministry, and the ministry of our Baptist Mission Australia teams. 

Churches and individuals can participate in many ways including: prayer walks, fun activities with kids, special small group events, picnics, sing-a-longs and more…  

Walk the World is for everyone, of all abilities, ages and group size and although it’s not a competition, there are also prizes! BMA have provided resources for all ages on their website. Some resources will be targeted towards adults and others to children, families or youth.
 
These include: 
– Walk the World Prayer Guide 
– Creative Prayer Ideas 
– Global Prayer Guide 
– 24 Ways to Walk the World

Register here for Walk the World 2024

For more info, visit the Walk the World 2024 website or watch the endorsement video from LifeWay Baptist church.

Walk the World! 8-10 Nov 2024 church promo video

Mission and the Reign of God

4-part video course presented by Mike Frost 

Mission and the Reign of God is a FREE resource provided by Morling College 

In this series, Mike links the ideas of the Kingdom of God and the mission of God’s people.

He believes the church’s mission is all about helping others to see and experience the reign of King Jesus and to submit to his rule in their lives. 

Discussion questions are provided after each video, along with some suggestions for where you might find more information. 

Mike is the founder of the Tinsley Institute and an internationally recognised scholar in the area of Christian mission. He is a pastor, evangelist, writer and lecturer and has written extensively on the mission of the church. 

Lebanon Crisis Response 

Baptist World Aid  
A humanitarian emergency is rapidly escalating in Lebanon as towns and villages in Southern Lebanon are being destroyed in bombing campaigns as tensions escalate. The number of displaced people is expected to rise rapidly. 

Baptist World Aid is asking for financial donations to support their Baptist Partner in Lebanon as they serve their neighbours fleeing conflict.   

Over 90,000 traumatised and newly displaced people need urgent assistance and somewhere safe to take their families. This number is expected to rise rapidly as conflict escalates and more family homes become unsafe. 

The BWA Partner in Lebanon is working closely with the local Church to arrange safe shelter and distribute bedding, hygiene kits, and food.   

‘Daily life has been upended as places like schools have turned from institutions of learning into shelters’ said the local Christian Partner. 

BWA’s Baptist Partner in Lebanon can offer somewhere safe for their neighbours.  

Donations will mean this Baptist Partner in Lebanon can arrange shelter, and provide mattresses, bedding, blankets, hygiene kits, and food to families arriving with almost nothing.  

Just a year ago, Melissa Lipsett, CEO at Baptist World Aid Australia walks with BWA Christian Partners in Lebanon.

Equipping Churches for Disability Ministry  

12 October, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm AEDT 

The Jesus Club Conference 2024 invites local churches across Australia to explore how they can better connect with and minister to adults with intellectual disabilities. 

The conference will be in Sydney and live-streamed online. It offers a day of powerful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at equipping volunteers and church leaders to build communities where people of all abilities feel they truly belong. 

This year’s conference will revolve around the theme of “Belonging: What does it mean to belong at Jesus Club and the wider Christian church community?” 

The event will feature a lineup of distinguished keynote speakers who will share practical strategies and theological insights on creating more inclusive church environments.  

Speakers include: 
– Rev. Dr. Mike Bird (Ridley College) – “From Tolerance to Inclusion: Christian Ethics of Hospitality, Healing, and Holistic Ministry.”
– Dr. Louise Gosbell (Australian College of Theology) – “What does it mean to belong at Jesus Club?”
– Rev. Dr. Archie Poulos (Moore College) – “A body – parts serving a part and a part serving the body.”
– Rev. Bec Baines (Youthworks) – Teaching the Bible to people with intellectual disabilities. 
– Naomi Bird (CMS-A) – Supporting carers in church and ministry.

Date: Saturday, 12 October 2024 
Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm AEDT 
Location: St Andrew’s House, Level 2, Sydney, Australia (In-person) 

Attendees can participate in person or join via live-stream. All registered delegates will receive access to the conference video recordings. Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited.

Register here for Jesus Club Conference 2024 or contact josh@jesusclub.org.au. 

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