Around the Churches, Oct-Nov 2023
This is the final Around the Churches for 2023
North
RIVERLANDS, Longford
Stay and Play teaparty
Stay and Play (playgroup) recently held an all ages tea party at Riverlands on 26 October. It was attended by little people with their parents/guardians and grandparents and some Riverlands congregational people. There was lots of yummy morning tea and play and chatter.
Associate Pastor
At our recent members meeting held 29 October, 2023, there was a unanimous decision to renew Liam Conway’s employment contract as Associate Pastor at Riverlands. We are excited to see what God’s ministry through Liam and his wife Hannah, will bring for Riverlands and the wider community of Longford. We feel very blessed that they are part of our Riverlands family.
Driveway resurfacing
Riverlands recently had a successful government grant which has enabled us to proceed with resurfacing our driveway. This will improve access and safety for vehicles as they enter and exit our carpark.
Day of Courage
We at Riverlands were pleased to host the EmpowHer Day of Courage on Saturday 18th November. Over 120 women from many denominations attended, enjoying a wonderful day of encouragement and fellowship. Guest speaker, Rev. Karen Wilson, also launched the Tasmanian cohort of the global Women’s Leaders Network on the day.
READ Riverland’s Church Profile >
PERTH
Perth Baptist Church is a place where we are honouring the church of the past, caring for the church of today, building the church of tomorrow.
Celebration services
There are so many great parts of our church, and so many great people that make this church a wonderful place to be. Celebration Services take place whenever a 5th Sunday occurs in the month. On 29th October, we dedicated our celebration to Jesus. Following the service, a potluck luncheon was enjoyed.
Community activities
Our Hearts & Craft Group, and Men’s Group, continue to foster strong bonds of fellowship and friendship among our members. Our commitment to reaching out to the community remains steadfast through our weekly Bread Run and the Sunday Café.
Once again this year, we successfully prepared and sent 100 shoeboxes as a part of Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.
We had a Rock ‘n’ Roll night on November 11th, with our local Elvis!
Farewell Peter
It is with a heavy heart that we remember our dear friend Peter Wellard from Eskleigh, who peacefully joined his Lord on Monday, October 23rd. Despite battling a debilitating illness, Peter cherished attending worship at Perth Baptist, and his absence will be keenly felt.
Christmas is coming!
Preparations are underway for Annual Community Christmas celebration in Perth on December 16th. This will be a great event to reach and connect with the community. Anyone from the local Baptist churches is welcome to attend.
Most exciting of all though is the commencement of a weekly prayer meeting just before church each Sunday!
THE POINT, Beauty Point
Praising God
Our founding pastor Ray Hawkins and his wife Mary have moved into full-time care accommodation at Beaconsfield Hospital. Visitors are welcome.
We are praising God for growth in the church and an active youth program headed by Dempsey Horton on a 12 month stint from Texas. In late October the young people enjoyed a bonfire night at Holwell, and are leading monthly youth services.
Our secretary Stephen Clark has had important interactions as chaplain of the local Coastal Patrol.
READ The Point’s Church Profile >
Around the Churches October-November 2023
GEORGE TOWN
Focussing on Children
We are working very hard to continue with the task of reaching those who are unchurched and uninitiated into the things of Christ.
Earlier this year, we established a Sunday School program for the few children who occasioned our Sunday Services, and over time it has continued to grow. We are the only church in town that offers Sunday School, and as a result, new people have come to the church simply because of that. It is easy to tell that they have little understanding of what the gospel is all about, and we have been careful to allow them to “soak it in”.
All year long, we have declared 2023 to be “The Year of the Child”, and welcome children from the pulpit each and every Sunday. The first song is always geared to children, and now, the children are preparing presentations to bring where they sing and perform actions to some of the songs themselves.
We are using the young people as ushers for receiving the offering prior to dismissing them to their class for the day. We have been able to add a couple of new workers, but to succeed we will need to double the staff. Soon, we won’t have room enough in our small building, and will have to find ways to expand.
Our other outreaches are functioning well, but reaching the youngest in our town brings the greatest joy of all.
READ George Town’s Church Profile >
WESTBURY
Both the Gospels of Matthew and Mark record the two greatest commandments: To love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul and all your mind and all your strength … and to love your neighbour as yourself (Matt 22:378-39; Mark 12:30-31). A tough call but nothing too untoward or controversial.
Far tougher are the words recorded in Matthew where Jesus told his disciples “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matt 20:18-20)
Having a go
As Christians we’ve been commanded to ‘go and make disciples’ and Westbury Baptist Church is seeking to have a go. Our new pastor Matt Holloway, and Lacey, called in April 2022, have rolled up their sleeves and they along with support from the church congregation are seeking to have a determined ‘slash’. There’s a common story of declining church numbers across many congregations in Tasmania and God willing, we intend to keep our church open.
Without fail, Matt’s sermons focus on this mandate and the church has over the past year set in place a number of programs to make the vision of ‘making HIM better known’ a reality in the Westbury Community.
Here is what’s happening:
- Lacey heads up an enthusiastic team delivering ‘Mainly Music’ to preschool aged students and their carers/parents.
- Nancy Morgan and her team deliver a fortnightly ‘Kids Club Program’ to primary aged kids in the local community.
- Mary Baker and Matt Holloway have organised ‘Movie Nights’ for kids and their families in the Church.
- Weekly ‘Fellowship Groups’ have been re-invigorated, with the latest study focussing on ‘discipleship’.
- Mary Baker has a weekly Chat ‘n Choose meeting for women interested in crafts.
- The Men’s 8 Ball competition led by Syd (master cue) West and Roger (pockets) Reinmuth have plans to attract local men to the church.
- Matt is working towards forming a Pastoral Care Group of volunteers.
- And finally, Ken Green and helpers had a presence at the local Westbury Show on 11 November!
We value your prayers
We are not a youthful congregation. But we are focussed, and if God intends, we seek to build the church in Westbury and be a witness to the hope we have in Jesus.
Leadership Group, Westbury Baptist Church
Around the Churches October-November 2023
Northwest
WYNYARD
Caring for those in need
JUST GIRLS enjoyed a day out in Devonport recently when they visited Home Hill, the historic home of Joe and Enid Lions. Then they went on to some retail therapy at the Christian book shop.
The Hub continues to provide food items to those in need on Mondays and Fridays each week.
Our church and Chat n Choose have sent 253 Samaritans Purse Shoe boxes this year.
READ Wynyard’s Church Profile >
ULVERSTONE
The Bible Society
It was a joy to host and join with the churches and community groups of Ulverstone, raising awareness and fundraising for the Bible Society with their annual Festival of Word and Song. A collection was taken up with this year’s funds supporting aid work in Syria and Türkiye.
Social Activities
Our seniors continue to meet on the first Friday of each month to enjoy fellowship, morning tea, sing, and listen to several guest speakers.
Both ladies and men have enjoyed a breakfast over the winter months with guest speakers, Bronwyn Waterhouse and Peter Bennet sharing their heart.
Our UBC men have also continued to enjoy their monthly Men’s Events.
October Prayer Gatherings
Throughout the month of October each Monday evening we used our regular prayer gathering evenings to stand in the gap and pray specifically for prayer needs within our church family.
Father’s Day
This Father’s Day, we supported the work of Mission Aviation Fellowship and raised a total of $1850.00. This money will assist in fuelling life-saving flights in some of the worlds most isolated communities and will also give an opportunity for people to receive the Good News of God’s love.
Kids Church
Having our UBC kids in our service is simply delightful. In October our Kids Church kids took over the service, sharing what they had been learning and doing throughout the year. This year they took part in filling shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse and were active in dedicating the boxes in our service.
From the Pulpit
Over the past months we have enjoyed been challenged by the teachings of Pastor Louis, Lyn McKay, Greg Venz, Laurie Rowston, Stephen and Jocelyn Head, Ken Collyer and Nerrelie Cann. Listen to UBC sermon podcast >
BURNIE
The Burnie 10
Sunday, 29th October
Burnie Baptist opened up for athletes for the ‘Burnie 10’.
This is an annual opportunity to show hospitality to local, national and international runners, provide a secure place for personal belongings, and chat to the runners as they come in before, and also after, the race when recovery refreshments were provided.
Around the Churches October-November 2023
South
CITYWIDE
Mornington/Lenah Valley/Nepali/lEVENDALE
Church Camp
At the end of September, 140 people attended our annual Church Camp at Poatina – a well-serviced spot to get away to. One of the highlights was our annual Nepal vs Rest of the World soccer game. It was won this year by The Rest of the World – surprisingly!
Matt Garvin challenged us with some fresh thoughts from his new book (not released yet) about true community, and what is the Biblical expression of the Gospel? – based on Jesus’ prayer in John 17.
Mal Garvin
A major event for Citywide was the death and Memorial Service for Mal Garvin. What a man of God he was! What a legacy he has left! And what influence he has left in many lives.
Citywide Mornington was full, with around 300 people attending and staying on for lunch.
Empower Her Day of Courage
Many of our ladies attended the Day of Courage at Longford. They prepared the prayer stations for the Baptist women’s global Day of Prayer.
Mission Trip to Nepal
Pastor Paul Rai from our Nepali congregation has been ministering in Nepal through the month of November, particularly regions in the South West and South East where our mission focus is to support the rural pastors. He conducted 15 baptisms, led several seminars, taught and encouraged hundreds of pastors, leaving a trail of blessing behind him. Citywide has been praying daily in his itinerary, for safety, protection and anointing.
READ Citywide’s Church Profile >
CLAREMONT
Open Day
Our members were very busy over the past few months growing seedlings, succulents, bulbs and other shrubs. These were in preparation for another Open Day in October, when our community could drop by, enjoy a free sausage sizzle and a cuppa in the tea room. We sold the plants, seeds and some craft.
Torrential rain made for a soggy BBQ, however indoors was warm and welcoming. There was a lovely atmosphere and it was good to spend some time chatting to folk who might usually just walk on by. We trust the seeds sold will be seeds sown for the kingdom.
New growth
This past month we were delighted to welcome Hazel Mohan into membership. It was also a blessing to baptise Ellie Fitz-Gerald.
ICC* members have been joining us for worship services and have brought a breath of vitality and enthusiasm that has enhanced our worship. We are learning Hindi words to old favourite songs, and the influx of under 18’s has reinvigorated the Kidz Klub.
We look forward to growing and maturing in faith together.
READ Claremont’s Church Profile >
*Inter-Cultural Church
Around the Churches October-November 2023
HOBART
Long Table Banquets
On Sunday 22nd October, Hobart Baptist church was again the venue for the monthly Long Table Banquet. This time featuring Burmese (Karen) food. Thanks to Kelvin (host), Elle (event organiser), and Say Wah (chef) for all their work!
Youth on Sundays
The youth meet for Bible study and prayer during the 10am service most Sundays. This lilvely session is ably led by Kelvin Smith and Scott Ambrose. The group has gradually grown and is now hosting up to 15 youth!
OCC shoe boxes
We had our shoebox packing day for Operation Christmas Child on Saturday 28th October. The boxes were then prayed for during the 10am service, and sent on their way on Sunday 29th October. This year our congregation contributed 32 shoeboxes.
Karen Wilson visits
We were pleased to host President of the Baptist World Alliance Women, Rev. Karen Wilson on Sunday 19th October after she had spoken at the Day of Courage at Riverlands.
Karen shared her wisdom on “Seeing Differently”, based on the story about Elisha’s servant whose eyes were opened to see the hillsides surrounded by chariots of fire, as told in 2 Kings 6.
READ Hobart’s Church Profile >
Around the Churches October-November 2023
Read More ReCharge!
October/November 2023
- Waking Up to the Christmas Dream by Andrew Turner
- Ministry Profile Matty Coppin, Burnie Baptist
- Tasmanian Baptist Council Featuring new council members 2022-23
- Wynyard Baptist Church Profile by Pastor Owen Muskett
- Converge23 Australian Baptists in Canberra, by Ps Anthea Maynard
- Ministry Profile Anna-Maree Richardson, Assistant Administrator
- The Scandal and the Wonder of Baptism by Andrew Turner, Crossover
- Our New College! Announcement from the Tasmanian Baptist Council
- What do we do with the Past? Theology & Culture by Rev Dr Megan Powell du Toit
- November NEWS | October NEWS
Around the Churches October-November 2023
