Newstead Baptist Archives - Tasmanian Baptists

28 February 202418 March 2024

reCharge NEWS February 2024

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Being Human Webinar

What does it mean to be human?

In this webinar, Karl Faase is being joined by Jo Frost to look at the question, What does it mean to be human. Jo Frost is Author of the book and video series, ‘Being Human’ and will grapple with the idea of what it is to view the world through the Being Human lens. She will consider questions such as What is Jesus on about when he offers us ‘life to the full’? And look at the cultural stories are shaping our identity. Also, what makes humanity unique and what is the invitation that God extends?

On Tuesday, 12 March 2024 at 7pm

RESERVE YOUR TICKET

Trauma Recovery Course

Reboot Trauma Recovery

This three-day, faith-based course is focused on healing from trauma. While aimed at Service-related trauma, REBOOT courses are being offered to the wider community suffering from all forms of trauma. This includes victims of crime, DV, childhood trauma, disability, grief and ongoing illness.
One veteran on average dies by suicide every 2 weeks, making suicide amongst our service community is at an epidemic.

Free to attend. Childcare is not available. For more info contact Andy & Zoe Cullen: 0420 462 845 or email: info@rebootau.org

From Wednesday 13, March to Friday, 15 March
9am to 2pm
(Graduation Ceremony on Friday night, 6pm – 8pm)

At Wrest Point Hotel Hobart, Drysdale Room – 410 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay

Heartlands Summer 2024 – out now

By Women, for Women

Heartlands is the quarterly email for EmpowHer – a network of Tasmanian women growing and encouraging each other in their God-given potential.

New College Roadshow

Frank W Boreham College launch

The Frank W Boreham College will be launched on 5 March at Hobart Baptist Church. It will provide ministry and theological education, training, and reflection for our pastors, leaders, and members across Tasmania. Realising this exciting vision means Tasmanian Baptists now have the capacity to provide qualified training within the State.

The new college is made possible by a partnership with both Kairos and Whitley.

David will visit the state in early March and travel to all three regions to discuss what further theological education can look like, from diploma to doctorate. He will explain the Kairos subscription-based education model of learning. This model surrounds each student with a team of mentors who, along with the student, determine the student’s education and formation pathway.

The following informal evenings are open to anyone.

Wednesday 6 March 7.30pm at Hobart Baptist Church
Hosted by Stephen Baxter, 0417 313 273

Thursday 7 March 7.30pm at Newstead Baptist Church
Hosted by Dan Hutchison, 0457 765 907

Friday 8 March 7.30pm at Burnie Baptist Church
Hosted by Matty Coppin, 9484 064 490

Please contact Stephen, Dan, or Matty, ASAP if you plan to attend.

Hear about the Kairos subscription-based education model of learning

Have you thought of Mentoring?

Fostering Hope Info Session for Mentoring

Interested in being a mentor for a child growing up in foster care?
Do you know someone in your church community who would be a great mentor?
Fostering Hope is a Tasmanian Christian organisation caring for children growing up in out-of-home care (foster and kinship care) and currently has children waiting for mentors.

Mentoring online information session: Tuesday, 27 February at 12:00pm.

This short movie explains how mentoring can make a difference and could be perfect to show at your Sunday service or small group meeting.

The Mentoring Program is for children growing up in care. The program recruits, trains, screens and then matches Christian mentors with a child.

For children growing up in care, there are lots of adults in their life who are paid to be there. Mentors are someone who chooses to turn up and be there for a child regardless of what’s gone on for them. It is powerful for both the child and the mentor.

Every relationship is designed around the child and mentor. The regular time commitment is dependent on the mentor’s availability.

Upcoming training days are Saturday, 2 March in Launceston and Saturday, 16 March in Hobart.

Interested in being a mentor for a child growing up in foster care?

City Prayer

Church Together Prayer Meetings for Hobart

Church Together invites all Christians to attend their monthly prayer meetings for the city in 2024.

Upcoming Church Together prayer meetings for 2024:
– 28 February at Hobart City Church of Christ (8 Goulburn St, Hobart)
– 27 March at Hobart Baptist Church (282 Elizabeth St, Nth Hobart)

Arrive at 7.15am for a 7.30am start. Finishes at 8.30am.

Prayer meetings will continue throughout 2024 on the last Wednesday of the month. Contact Sharyn Hill on 0409 855 880 or email info@churchtogethertasmania.com

Plan to pray and gather together as His Church across Hobart

Workshop for churches on CYSOF

New Child and Youth Safe Organisation Framework legislation

Olive Road and Fostering Hope are running a workshop on Child and Youth Safe Organisation Framework (CYSOF) legislation.

The workshop is on Thursday, the 14 March 2024 at the Grace Centre, Rokeby, from 9.30pm to 2.30pm.

The workshop will provide an opportunity for attendees to grapple with the new CYSOF legislation and to share resources and ideas to develop the required policies and processes that will ensure ongoing compliance with the new Framework.

Anyone from not-for-profit organisations and churches in Hobart would benefit from this workshop to gain a better understanding of the new legislation.

Time will be given to the new Reportable Conduct Scheme and new strict timeframes on reporting to the regulator. The workshop will also focus on how organisations or churches might comply with the ten Child and Youth Safe Standards.

If you, or someone within your organisation or church, are keen to attend, or if a weekend or evening session would suit better, contact Mary Blake, Exec. Officer, Fostering Hope on m. 0423 365 988 or email mary@fosteringhope.net.au.

There’s more information about the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework here

Working for a Child and Youth Safe Organisation

Gaza Crisis Update

From Baptist World Aid Australia

Around 1.9 million people in Gaza have been displaced since the war started three months ago, when Hamas launched a terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Israel.

People are sheltering in overcrowded school buildings, churches, and medical centres; some are even pitching tents on the street. This has left families vulnerable as winter hits, with temperatures dropping down to 10 degrees at night.

Gaza is also experiencing a healthcare crisis.

Baptist World Aid Partners in the region are distributing aid to families, including medical items, medicines, hygiene kits, mattresses and blankets, and food packages. They are also continuing to provide medical supplies and other essentials to families in the West Bank and Lebanon, where civil unrest and violent attacks are rising.

Here is a lament written late last year as preparation to pray for protection and relief for families in the Middle East.

If you’d like to consider giving, visit Baptist World Aid here.

Gaza war damage photo by Mohamad Zaanoun, International Health Partners

New Pastor Welcome

Matu Christian Church welcome Rev Kosen

Rev. Maddy Svoboda from Summerhill Baptist welcomed Mr Kosen to Matu Christian Church on Sunday, 4 February.

Matu Christian Church meet every Sunday afternoon at Newstead Baptist Church at 2pm.

Free One-Day Workshop

S.A.N.C.T.U.A.R.Y approach to family violence

The Anglican Diocese of Tasmania is offering a free one-day workshop for Church Leaders and Pastoral Carers. The S.A.N.C.T.U.A.R.Y approach to domestic violence is a guide for churches that offers a theologically-informed lens on domestic violence and how individual churches can create safe spaces for women and children who have experienced domestic violence.

The intention and prayer of the workshop is that Tasmanian churches reflect God’s care for the abused and vulnerable and that churches be places of safety.

The S.A.N.C.T.U.A.R.Y training can be taken either an person or online and is open to church leaders and pastoral carers from any denomination for use within the local church context. All training materials will be available to those who attend.

The workshop is on Saturday, 17 February 2024 at Wellspring Anglican Church, Hobart or online on Saturday, 2 March 2024.

Both workshops run from 9:30am to 3pm and include:
– Comprehensive information relating to domestic violence
– Tactics used by abusers
– Impact of family violence on children: brain development, trauma etc.
– Spiritual abuse and misuse of scripture to justify or maintain coercive control
– Potential theological blockages to reporting domestic abuse
– Theology and Biblical messages of love, justice, respect & equality
– Exploring what Sanctuary might look like in your church.

Ann Herbert is facilitating the workshops. An experienced facilitator and Elder at Citywide Baptist Church, Ann leads Citywide Baptist’s Sanctuary Care ministry. She has previously managed the Social Policy Unit in the Tasmanian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet and oversaw implementation of a wide range of social policies, including the Tasmanian Government’s Family Violence Action Plan.

Tasmanian Baptist Calendar 2024

EVENT	DATE
Tasmanian Baptist Council	24 February
Pastors and Leaders Muster (Hobart)	5-6 March
Launch of Frank W. Boreham College	5 March
Roadshow (North)	7 March
Roadshow (Northwest)	8 March
Mid-Year Assembly	11 May
Tasmanian Baptist Council	15 June
Pastors and Leaders Muster, Family-friendly (Devonport)	9-11 July
Tasmanian Baptist Council	7 September
Pastors and Leaders Muster (Launceston)	10-11 September
Annual Assembly	19 October
Tasmanian Baptist Council	16 November

Foundations Course

Burnie Baptist hosts one week discipleship course in January

On Sunday 21 January, Burnie Baptist church welcomed people from all over the world as they hosted a one-week discipleship course called “Foundations.” Along with Burnie Baptist, four other Tasmanian Baptist Churches, as well as students from India, Indonesia, Japan, Brazil and Canada, joined the ‘whole-of-life’ discipleship course, which is run as either a one week intensive or 10 week course (one night a week, plus two Saturdays). The strongly Bible-based course concluded with a highly successful community festival. Afterwards, feedback from participants was very positive. Some participants, who had been in the church for many years, said that Foundations gave them a new way of seeing both faith and mission.

Watch our video of participant reflections here. As a result, both Citywide Baptist and Burnie Baptist are hoping to run 10-week version of the course later this year.

Participating students in the ‘whole-of-life’ discipleship course.

SU Schools Sunday in February

Encouraging students and school staff

Schools Sunday in February is an excellent way to encourage Christian students and school staff members at the beginning of the year. It’s an opportunity to remember that God goes with students and teachers everyday as they attend school. The day provides churches with an opportunity to set aside time during a Sunday service in February to focus on schools and support young people and the local school community. Scripture Union runs the initiative and also provides resources to support churches as they celebrate the day. Resources are available on the SU website or in their PDF Resource Pack. Additionally, the pack provides different ideas for either a complete intergenerational Sunday service or a short segment within a regular service. Churches can choose a date early in the school year to celebrate and encourage students and school staff members.

Schools Sunday supports young people and the local school community.

Position Vacant

Youth and Children’s worker wanted

Citywide Baptist (Mornington/Lenah Valley) are searching for a Youth and Children’s worker with the ability to think outside the box, lead teams and mentor young people. Click here for details.

Citywide are looking for someone who wants to make a difference for kids and young people.

Around the Churches, June-July 2023

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

North

RIVERLANDS, LONGFORD

New Youth Group

Every third Friday during term, Riverlands has recently offered a youth group for those in and around the church. The youth group is focused around church-encultured teens and giving them activities through the week.

Our goal is to develop a thriving youth ministry, where the youth can share life and have Christian discipleship. It’s had a strong reception as we’ve gathered together and enjoyed the company of one another whilst playing games, having snacks, and doing small devotions.

Craft at Riverlands Youth Group; Around the Churches June-July2023 — Our most recent Riverlands Youth group was a (not very) messy night much to the chagrin and the disappointment of the youth!

Whilst only small we are having a lot of fun and the group is developing well in line with our goals. We would appreciate your prayers and thoughts as we continue to develop the program and its structure.

The youth group has been running in co-operation with the other churches around Launceston where we have been gathering on the Fourth Fridays of the month for larger games, larger connections and better connections between churches and youth in the Launceston and Northern Midlands area.

CITY BAPTIST, Launceston

In the news

Our recent move to the Boathouse Centre received media attention, and, given events in the Southern Baptist scene, they chose to focus on our female leadership. We are enjoying the wonder-inspiring views of the city of Launceston from within our new gathering space, and also creating a partnership with the owners. We are greatly appreciative to Worldview for accommodating us so well during our previous transition.

The Examiner, 18th June 2023; Around the Churches June-July2023 — In *The Examiner*, 18th June 2023

Radical Hospitality

Over the month of June, we focused on the theme of hospitality – the gift of giving and receiving hospitality, and how it can be as simple as a smile. We continue to explore this theme of ‘radically ordinary hospitality’ in practical and life-giving, everyday ways.

The Saturday night drop-in centre meal continues each week, nearing capacity in the new space at Pilgrim Uniting. Stephen Avery’s presence in the street community furthers the connections.

Over July we will look at the theme of Seeds – seeds of faith, hope, justice and love – and how City can help germinate these seeds in the city of Launceston.

The City Seed Community Garden at St Leonards continues to welcome new members.

Supporting others … in Launceston and beyond

Members of our community hosted a fundraiser afternoon tea and raised $2000 for Betel Ministries in India (Betel International: Break free from drug and alcohol addiction).

Northern Refugee Support continues, with a recent long-awaited breakthrough.

We are also pleased to support outside ministries, such as SU’s upcoming camps, allowing children and families to attend who would otherwise be unable to.

NEWSTEAD

Alpha Underway

We have had a great start to the Alpha course with 24 people attending. Alpha is an evangelistic course which seeks to provide a space to ask questions through a series of talks and discussions. We wil be running Alpha for the next three years, and although this year we planned to first become familiar as a congregation with the course, we are excited to already have cross-over from other ministries during the week.

Week of Prayer and Fasting

It has been very encouraging to hear how many in our congregation during our week of prayer and fasting swapped-out something they loved for precious time in prayer. We had people go without food or a meal, coffee, alcohol, social media, and even the Chase (Aus. and British edition), and instead, spending time praying for our church’s strategic goals, church family prayer points, and our other Baptist churches around Launceston.

Friendship Lunch

We had a great turnout for the Friendship Shortest Day Longest Lunch with the Wentworth room filled with Friends. A delicious selection of BBQ meat and salads for mains, with sweet stuff to follow. Finally, a cake to top it off to celebrate a birthday. Geoff Marston shared on friendship and encouraged ‘’to have a friend; be a friend”. Thanks to the drop-in centre team for a great lunch.

BEAUTY POINT

New Youth and Children’s Leader

Hold Fast Outreach at The Point Baptist, 23 June to 19 July 2023

The most exciting development for our little church is the induction of our new Youth and Children’s Leader last Sunday. Dempsey Horton from Texas is our new youth and children’s leader for the next 12 months.

Texan Outreach
Friday 23rd June to Wednesday 19th July

We are midway through our regular Texan Mission, with four Texans visiting for almost four weeks.

Events include women’s coffee and dessert night, Bible studies for women, men and youth, Primary school youth group, Hope Night and more youth events to come. There will be a holiday kids’ club and five-day basketball skills clinic.

All events are free and designed to reach the North Tamar population with Hope found in Jesus Christ. If you live nearby you are welcome to attend!

See Info BROCHURE >
OR Contact Rachelle on 0409 272 877

Around the Churches June-July 2023

Northwest

LATROBE

Volunteers Honoured

On Saturday, 20^th May, the Latrobe Council presented special awards to volunteers in their community.

Mayor Peter Freshney handed out over 30 awards, and amazingly Latrobe Baptist Church received seven of them!

Latrobe Baptist church for its many community programmes
Latrobe Baptist Chat ‘n’ Choose
Latrobe Men’s Shed
Glenis Smith – 30 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose
John Langmaid – 30 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose
Glad Purdy– 20 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose
Fay Horne – 20 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose

Award recipients
Ralph on behalf of Latrobe Baptist
John and Fay, Chat n Choose
John and Ralph, Men’s Shed
Glenis, 30 years
John, 30 years
Glad, 20 years
Fay, 20 years

SASSAFRAS

Winter Service

This annual event is always a success because it is always so cold and the hot chocolate always so welcome.

The real reason is, of course, to bring to mind that Jesus is the light of the world John 8:10, “Ï am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.

A few Sunday School children play their part by reciting a relevant poem they wrote and sing a children’s hymn. As always Cathy, Ruth and Max lead and inspire.

This event is always the simple reflection of children, though lead by adults, it is always a real blessing to us all, in the pews! Some of the hymns we sung were ” Showers of blessing”, “The Light of the World” and “Jeus bids us shine”. The inspiring message was from Ben Hallam followed by the three “S’s”, Soup, Sandwiches and Savouries!

Every one left the service fed in “Body, Mind, and Spirit!” It was great.

Winter Service at Sassafras Baptist — Winter Service at Sassafras

SHEFFIELD

Vale Mrs Beverly Duff

On 3rd June, the Lord called home to glory Mrs Beverly Duff who was a stalwart of the Sheffield Baptist church for over seventy five years. Mrs. Duff (nee Irvine) was baptised in 1947, and from that time took an active part in the church.

In 1953 she married Bruce Duff, and together they played a major role in the Church. In the late 1970’s Mrs Duff became church organist. She played for both the morning and evening services, as well as playing for funerals and weddings in the Sheffield Baptist church. As well, she often played for the West Kentish and Paradise churches.

When then church commenced our monthly fellowship teas and singing your favourite hymns in 2005, Beverly played until ill-health took its toll.

Mrs Duff was actively involved in the Ladies group, and was a keen supporter of the overseas missionary work of the church. She loved CWA and craft groups, and was a highly respected lady in the Kentish community.

Mrs Duff was truly a fine Christian lady who is now resting in the everlasting arms of her Saviour. The Sheffield Baptist church extends to Stephanie, Ashley, brother Desmond and their families our deepest sympathy.

WYNYARD

SUPPORTING OTHERS

Our church continues to support two children, Tithi and Rafin, through Baptist World Aid with the proceeds of our cappuccino sales on Sunday mornings.

JUST BLOKES

This is a quarterly gathering of men from the community when they enjoy a pizza and an interesting speaker. Greg White who works in the engineering department at Caterpillar was the speaker in June.

JUST GIRLS

The girls met recently for fellowship where they were able to enjoy some Filipino food. The afternoon was spent making a fridge magnet with Beth and Kester.

ULVERSTONE

Mother’s Day

Inviting our friends, mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunties, our UBC ladies enjoyed an evening out dining at Café RA. After our Mother’s Day service, and to honour the women in our midst, our UBC men provided morning tea. This was a bake-off competition from which we have now discovered we have a number of very capable and talented cooks at UBC! Prizes were awarded to Matt Cox for his macarons, Robbie Cunningham for his savory toast and Andrew Gurr for his apple cakes.

May Mission Month

May Mission Month was embraced as we listened and were challenged by guest speakers Paul Manning from Baptist World Aid, and Geoff Maddock from Baptist Mission Australia

Table Tennis

Our winter table tennis competition has once again commenced on Monday evenings with 27 registered players. Table tennis at UBC has been running for about 40 years.

Men’s events

Our recent Men’s Events have included go-karting, indoor cricket, a men’s breakfast, and an evening of carpet bowls and pizza. These events have been well attended by a variety of ages and has been a wonderful opportunity to reach out, encourage and strengthen relationships.

Dylan Standridge

In June we were privileged to spend an evening with Dylan Standridge. Dylan partners with Iris Global Ministries, he has a heart for Tasmania and has a prophetic call upon his life.

Home to Glory

Our church family have mourned the passing of three dear ladies and sisters in Christ.

Nalda King passed away on 19^th March aged 85. Margaret McCall passed away on 18^th June aged 94, and Pauline Beasley passed away on 22^nd of June. Our thoughts and prayers continue for their families.

Around the Churches June-July 2023

South

CITYWIDE

Special Service

On Sunday 11 June we had a special combined service which included several aspects:

Four Baptisms – what a delight to hear the testimonies and share in the faith journey of 4 people. As a result another person gave their life to the Lord that night.
New Members – four people were received into membership.
Dedication of Nepalese Outreach Ministries – Both the Community Bus and the Driver Mentor Car which were donated through BMA grants were in the auditorium and dedicated to the Lord’s work among the Hindu community.
Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal – in support of our local Salvation Army Corps, everyone was encouraged to wear something red and bring a donation towards feeding children at our local schools as well as supporting families who are struggling. Almost $1000 was raised.
Healing Prayer – At the close of the service 20 people came forward for anointing with oil.

Future Proofing your Life: 14th June to 12th July

A new initiative from our Pastoral Care team has seen the development of a three-part program for people both in their senior years, as well as for the families of seniors. Over 40 people registered from both the community and local churches.

Future proofing your life; Around the Churches June-July 2023

Week of Prayer and Fasting – 18th-24th June

A dedicated week to draw closer to Jesus, to pray for our outreach into our local suburbs, and to pray for Hobart and people in need. A booklet with guidelines to aid our focus is provided for everyone to help engage us in praying together.

Table top Sale at Citywide; Around the Churches June-July 2023 — Citywide held an indoor Table Top Sale on Saturday 1st July

CLAREMONT

Combined Pentecost Service

On the afternoon of the 28th May, Claremont Baptist hosted a combined Pentecost Prayer Meeting with Edge Anglican and Claremont Uniting to pray for unity and our community.

After sharing in reflective prayer, communion and corporate prayer we had some good chats over light refreshments. Good to meet and greet our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Luthys Visit

Missionary family Chris and Amy Luthy and their family will be leading our service on 16th July. They serve with Pioneers and will share some of their experiences.

HOBART

Esteem. Coffee Shop

After a month or so of trials and waiting for final council approval, our coffee shop is now open! Volunteers will staff the coffee shop with a community focus and strong leaning towards supporting and training ex-refugees.

Thanks to Kelvin Smith for his work in the final stages of getting the coffee shop up and running, well over a decade since the dream began.

Esteem. Coffee Shop, Hobart Baptist; Around the Churches June-July 2023 — Esteem Coffee Shop

Luminous Festival

Thursday 8th to Sunday 25th June

Over two weeks, the Luminous Festival at Hobart Baptist hosted various activities, lined up to coincide with Hobart’s mid-winter festival, Dark Mofo.

An art installation by Michael Henderson, The Seed of Life Weighed Down, on display in the foyer of The Tab. The display generated well over 100 faith-conversations with passers-by.
Three “Conversations”, which provided a space for thought and discussion. Speakers in the Conversations panels brought expertise on topics asking:
- Is Tasmania A Place for Everyone?’
- How can we help Tasmanian Children flourish?
- How Do We Create Healthy Families?
The festival culminated with Christmas in Winter, when we celebrated Christmas within its original context of the dark, cold mid-winter.
- Luminous Carols, Friday 23rd June
- Christmas Day service, Sunday 25th June

Art by Michael Henderson questioned ‘what the nativity scene represents, and whether it has an ability today to help us enter the mystery of God and faith’.

Luminous Festival at Hobart Baptist, Around the Churches June-July 2023 — L to R: Michael Henderson opens his artwork; The art exhibit; Soundy building’s lit-up entry; The Tab lights; Speakers John Kumara and Zelinda Sherlock; Stephen Baxter instroduces the Hallelujah Chorus community choir at the Luminous Carols event.

Long Table event

Members of the church, and many others, attended this wintry meal on the 25th June. Over 50 people enjoyed Eritrean food together. Thanks to Kelvin Smith and others for organising.

Farewell Margaret Baikie

Margaret Baikie, Around the Churches June-July 2023

Our dear friend Margaret Baikie went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Wednesday 14 June 2023. Margaret was a member of HBC for 55 years, and until fairly recently, in a very active capacity.

Loved and loving wife of Albert, mother of Margaret (Luckman) and Gordon, mother-in-law of Greg and Angie (Read). Adored Granny of Gordon James, Alistair, Hamish, James and Sunday Clare.

Around the Churches June-July 2023

Read ReCharge

June/July 2023

Deep Thought July 2023 Our Expanding Horizons by Stephen Baxter
Missional Leadership by Bree Mills
Ministry Profile, Scott Pilgrim Baptist Mission Australia
Mentoring Training with Fostering Hope
Tuning in to the Heart of God by Jenna Blackwell, Mission and Leadership Coach
Diving into Diversity Sacred Agents blog by Crossover Director, Andrew Turner
Safe Churches Update by TB Administrator Rodney Marshall
Discovering Deep, Resilient Faith by Melanie Saward
June NEWS | July NEWS

DOWNLOAD Recent Issues

Around the Churches June-July2023

Around the Churches June-July 2023

17 May 202319 June 2023

Tasmanian Baptists Gather for Assembly

Tas Baptists May Assembly 2023, held at Newstead Baptist

ABOVE Scenes from May Assembly held at Newstead Baptist, 5th/6th May 2023

We are Tasmanian Baptists

Well-Grounded . . .

. . . is the Theme for2023

The Gospel mission, Baptist structures, our changing society, our church responsibilities, our challenges as Christians and the escalating needs of our world were all highlighted at the May Assembly.

There was a strong sense of looking at how the here and now will affect the ongoing and future function of mission. There was an emphasis on harmony, working together, following Jesus and making him known.

What’s happening in the world

Strong messages about exploitation, the complexities of mission and current social attitudes were given by Paul Manning (Baptist World Aid), Geoff Maddock (Baptist Mission Australia), and Tas Baptists’ Mission Director Stephen Baxter.

Each invited us to consider what is happening in our immediate contexts and in the global context of social thought and business practices.

The changes in our society and world challenge the work of churches

Stephen Baxter spoke of the vacuum that is left in society when there is a deliberate move away from the values that formed it, a rejection of the idea of a higher authority, and no concept of God. He presented the heartbreaking outcome of this decline in terms of an increasingly individualistic society where there are rising levels of anger, violence, broken relationships and children in care.

Stephen challenged us to be Jesus-centred, committed to mission, building community and operating in freedom to be the best that church can be.

We heard elements of these principles in reports from the churches. It is always encouraging to see how people are addressing the issues in their context, working with what they have and seeing growth in attendance, ministries and impact.

[Continued below slideshow …]

Get a Glimpse with the Assembly Slideshow

May Assembly at Newstead
Friday night dinner
Dan Evenhuis on Friday night
Dan Evenhuis speak about the Nepali church
Saturday: The Band leads worship
Chair, Scott Ambrose
Stephen explains ‘Well-Grounded’
Jenna leads Communion
Lunchtime spread
Jenna and Thelma
Malcolm and Alan
The Two Dans
Janine, Peter and Anthea
Matt Garvin (for TB Council)
Paul Manning (BWA)
Stephen Baxter with newly inducted pastprs, Franz Brosch (with Heidi) and Anthea Maynard

God is good!

There was talk of sowing seeds of hope, faith, discipleship and the breaking down of generational and social barriers. The general message was that the work is hard and never ending but God is good. Geoff Maddock’s idea of inhabiting and living out the treasure of the Gospel is highly motivating and relevant to all of us as followers of Jesus.

There was a strong sense of looking forward

Throughout the day, there was a chance to catch up with others and hear about their journeys. There was a strong sense of looking forward, of continued commitment to mission, and of operating in the freedom of the gifts that we have been given for service.

Kairos education opportunity

It was good to hear about the planned Theological Education course through Kairos University, specifically structured for our Tasmanian context, to equip people for ministry. This also is consistent with the views expressed by the speakers of looking for a new approach to meet needs and building the strength of our spiritual witness in our State by enabling students to pray, plan and learn together.

We pray that this localised training will be transformational and, as Stephen said, that Tasmania will be, “not fragile because of numbers, but agile because of courage.”

Let’s boldly speak the name of Jesus

It was reassuring to see that the strategic plan that has had many hours of analysis, planning and discussion poured into it is leading us into a new phase described by Matt Garvin as ready to “…stop talking deconstruction and talk construction; move from closed to open; move from ideas to actions”. For what purpose? To speak the name of Jesus into poverty, rejection, abandonment, loneliness, disappointment and grief and to see healing and life emerge from the darkness.

Thanks to all involved in Assembly for the encouragement to stay well-grounded and outward looking.

Linda Guy (Gateway), reports on May Assembly 2023

This report of the May Assembly 2023 was written by Linda Guy, Gateway Baptist Launceston

Read ReCharge

April/May 2023

Psalm 91 – A Devotion By Frans Ammerlaan, Sassafras
Around the Churches April/May 2023
Ministry Profile Matt Henderson, Hobart
BMA’s Geoff Maddock in Tasmania during May Mission Month
Deep Thought The God of Bethel, by Maddy Svoboda
Passion and Perserverance Elements for church gorwth By Michael Henderson
An Easter Exercise by Crossover’s Andrew Turner
Greater Launceston Youth Gathering Monthly! PLUS Taking Strides in Basketball
APRIL News | MAY News

Recent (PDF) Issues of ReCharge

May Assembly 2023

10 May 20237 August 2023

Around the Churches, Apr-May 2023

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

North

GATEWAY

Combined service

On Sunday 30^th April we had one of our 5th Sunday Combined Services in which people from Gateway, Agape and Gateway Nepali Fellowship join together. These have been so enjoyable in the past and we anticipate another great meeting.

Plans for May Mission Month

During the month of May we will have a variety of speakers sharing of a number of Missions Gateway is connected with, including Prison Fellowship, Shoe Boxes, Thailand, Haiti, Shekinah House, Rahab Ministry,

Stamps!

Gateway Ladies Pizza and Stamp Cutting Night took place recently, where they trimmed stamps in readiness to be sent to QLD to raise funds for Baptist Mission Australia. The used stamps, and national collection raises approx. $70,000.00 every year! Gateway member Jill Ashdown is the “Tasmanian Stamp lady”.
Read how to participate in the Stamp ministry in the NEWS, next week.

Gateway Baptist: Nepali Fellowship; Stamp Mission group, Around the Churches Apr-May 2023 — Gateway Nepali Fellowship; Missions Stamp Group meet