This week, the Spring 2023 Heartlands was released to EmpowHer subscribers.
CONTENTS
EmpowHer Day of Courage rundown God Whispers – what to do when you don’t know what to do Books about women, ministry and leadership The Importance of Being Grateful
A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown.
This live-action Christmas musical celebration for the entire family, weaves classic Christmas melodies into new pop songs in a music-infused retelling of the timeless story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies , this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it.
WATCH THE TRAILER!
A Renaissance Christmas
Penguin and Richmond
Come to a shimmering concert of ancient carols and songs. Soprano Jacqueline Ward and classical guitarist David Malone will perform a charming program of sacred Christmas music, inspired by centuries past. Two locations only!
$25/person | $10 Conc/Student | FREE for Children under 10
Jacqueline Ward is a soprano specialising in early music, concert works, and recital. She has performed with Sydney orchestras and choirs and recorded for The Museum of Sydney; delighting audiences throughout Australia and overseas with a voice likened to “honey sliding down crystal” (Courier Mail).
David Malone is a guitarist who performs throughout Australia as a solo recitalist and chamber musician. He has been featured on SBS television and his performances broadcast on ABC Classic FM and ABC Radio National. David’s solo CD ‘Fretsongs’ for the Tall Poppies label received an Australian Classical Music Award and a five-star review in Limelight, Australia’s classical music magazine.
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.
Riverlands Driveway: BEFORE (driving in), and AFTER (driving out)
Day of Courage
We at Riverlands were pleased to host the EmpowHer Day of Courage on Saturday 18th November. Over 130 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.
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 hadr 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!
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.
Women from The Point stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the Day of Courage
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.
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.
mainly music; Westbury Baptist tent at the Westbury Show
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.
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.
A view over Burnie
Around the Churches October-November 2023
South
CITYWIDE
Mornington/Lenah Valley/Nepali
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.
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.
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!
Long Table Banquet – Burmese (Karen)
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. She 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.
The October News featured the winners of this year’s Sparklit Australian Book Awards. In addition, the shortlisted books provide a feast of reading which are suitable as Christmas gifts, or your own summer reading. Here are some of them:
Shortlisted Australian Christian Books, 2023
Behind the Tears, Bruce Robinson, Green Hill Publishing Bruce Robinson doesn’t waste time wondering why we suffer, but swiftly moves to suggest ways and means of coping, enduring and even growing through experiences of suffering.
Bringing Forth Life, Jodie McIver, Youthworks Media A unique and moving meditation on the eternal significance of pregnancy, birth, and life with a newborn child. Written by a mother, midwife and theologian, this book is a practical guide through the journey of childbirth, including the discomforts, difficulties and occasional heartbreaks.
Disrupting Mercy, Matthew Clarke with Annabella Rossini-Clarke, Turning Teardrops into Joy What would happen if, like Zacchaeus, we allowed Jesus to change our hearts and turn us upside down? In Disrupting Mercy the Clarkes confront our anaemic understanding of God’s mercy and urge us to allow God’s extreme kindness and generosity to disrupt and transform our life and our world.
How to Find Yourself, Brian Rosner, Crossway Without discarding the importance of self-reflection, Rosner suggests that to truly find ourselves we need to look beyond ourselves to our relationships, our community, our history and, most fundamentally, God’s Word.
Imagination in an Age of Crisis, Jason Goroncy and Rod Pattenden, Pickwick Publications This carefully curated treasury of essays and creative works showcases the strength and diversity of the Christian imagination in Australia.
Practicing Peace, Michael Wood, Wipf and Stock In Practicing Peace, Michael Wood explores the centrality of peacemaking to Christian thinking, feeling and living. First, he anchors our pursuit of peace in a theology that declares that we are forgiven by God in Christ and free to forgive others.
Raising Tech-Healthy Humans, Daniel Sih, Spacemakers What to do about children and screens? Daniel Sih has written a positive and practical response to this pressing question.
Religious Freedom in a Secular Age, Michael Bird, Zondervan Reflective While secularism is routinely deplored by many Christians, Michael Bird makes a strong case for the secular state as the best way to ensure freedom of faith (and no faith) and to provide the optimal climate in which the church might thrive.
The Future is Bivocational, Andrew Hamilton, Ark House Press Circumstance, then curiosity, drove Andrew Hamilton to consider alternative models of church leadership. What will sustainable ministry look like in an increasingly post-Christian society?
Hobart City Prayer
Church leaders from across Hobart gather to pray on the last Wednesday every month to come before God and seek His face. The leaders ask for a movement of God in the city of Hobart and beyond. They pray the city will be touched and changed by His power.
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Matthew 7:7-8. NLT
Hobart City Prayer takes place in different churches around the city each month. The venue for the November prayer time is Hobart Baptist Church.
The next Hobart City Prayer is NEXT WEEK. 7.15am for a 7.30am start, Wed 29th November Hobart Baptist Church 282 Elizabeth St. Nth Hobart
This invitation can be shared with other church leaders to pray in faith for city of Hobart.
Please enjoy reading it, and learning more about the work of Fostering Hope. The newsletter also explains how you can support children growing up in care, and carers in your community.
They also just launched the Fostering Hope Family which is a great way for people to more formally support the work. Find out more here >
Being welcoming and inclusive to diverse families
Safe Church
Part 1: Single people
Here are some tips to help your church be a place where single people can grow in their faith and feel fully part of a church community. A single person may have never been married, be separated, divorced or widowed. 25% of Australian households are individuals who live alone.
Be mindful of your use of language, which might unintentionally exclude single people: For example, say “We are having church community picnic. Please invite all your loved ones” rather than “We are having church family picnic. Please invite your family”
Celebrate and pray for things important in the lives of single people. Such as completing year 12, completing a qualification, and buying a house. (Not only announcing engagements, marriages and pregnancies)
Acknowledge the joy and pain of special days, like Christmas, Mother’s Day, and anniversary of a partner’s passing away
Walk the World is a community building weekend of prayer and fun. It’s an invitation to get out and about in your local neighbourhood… and pray! Pray for your community and communities around the world. Pray for your church’s ministry and the ministry of our Baptist Mission Australia team members.
Watch the video . . .
Across the weekend of 10-12th November 2023, commit to praying as you walk, run, wheel, cycle, imagine or drive around your area. As you do, BMA teams in Africa, Asia and Australia will be praying for you too!
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
Habakkuk 3: 17-18
The past few weeks have been incredibly challenging. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support in prayer, and I personally extend my thanks to each of you for sending encouraging messages. These messages from distant lands have been like cold water to a weary soul.
We continue to affirm that God is sovereign over the entire universe and holds the power to change the current situation. We earnestly pray for a miracle to stop the ongoing conflict, coupled with a cry of hope for a brighter future for all residents of Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Our churches have been holding continuous prayer meetings and in the midst of sorrow and anxiety, we are spreading the message of God’s love to those who are hurting.
Baptist church in Israel prays for the Middle East
Thank you for your friendship, and for your support for the ministry of the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel, so that we continue to empower, enhance and expand churches in the land where Jesus walked.
An invitation from New Mornings to you and members of your church community to attend the Families & Grief Seminar. This will take place on Saturday 2nd December at The Gnomon Room, The Wharf in Ulverstone.
As we serve our community in the area of mental health and wellbeing, one of our goals is to educate and support individuals walking the journey of grief, with educational events.
Our keynote speakers are experts in the field of grief and will cover:
* Types of grief experienced in families *Supporting a family.Especially after suicide * How young people experience grief
Converge is an annual gathering of Australian Baptist representatives in Canberra to advocate on issues close to the heart of our movement and the represent the 1000+ churches nationally.
This year, nearly 40 Australian Baptists from across Australia gathered for two days of lobbying and advocacy. Nicholas Alexander (Lifeway Devonport), Stephen Baxter (Mission Director & Hobart Baptist pastor) and I, Anthea Maynard (Team leader Launceston City Baptist) attended as delegates through the support and generosity of Tas Baptists.
Key Objective
The key objective was to elevate the ongoing and protracted crisis in Myanmar as a priority. We were asking for action from our elected representatives. Groups of four delegates from different locations met with members of parliament to introduce the situation. They then presented three asks and shared a personal story by a person from Myanmar. With more than 20,000 Baptists from Myanmar in Australia, this is an important opportunity to support them. As well, we advocated as part of a wider, ecumenical effort (with the Catholic and Uniting Churches).
Our campaign “We Must Not Forget About Myanmar” has postcards outlining the three asks to Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs. These postcards will be available through Baptist World Aid and Australian Baptist Ministries (see below). We hope that 20,000 printed postcards will end up on the desk of the Foreign Minister.
With different humanitarian crises happening around the world, the emergency for the people of Myanmar has fallen off the radar of the international community. This is our opportunity to make a difference. The United Nations Humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths recently said, ‘successive crises in Myanmar have left one third of the population in need of humanitarian aid’.
Justice beyond ourselves
This was my first experience of Converge. It was a unique opportunity to work alongside Australian Baptist representatives from diverse roles and locations to highlight the needs and recent experiences of the people of Myanmar. It is my prayer awareness and support will grow, along with members of parliament noticing Christians advocating for issues justice beyond ourselves.
Anthea’s Lobby Group: Melissa Rule (BUV Head of comms), Biak Nei Xing (Coffs Harbour), Rev. Daniel Bullock (BUV Director of Mission and Ministries), Anthea, Sui Sangte Chung (Perth WA).
In my group, there were two delegates from the Myanmar Baptist community. Sui, from Perth WA, has recently graduated from nursing. She arrived in Australia as a refugee with her mother at the age of eight. Sui shared of her recent trip to some refugee camps on the Indian border. Sui encountered stories from elderly ladies who had fled their villages due to airstrikes. This year, airstrikes have increased dramatically in Myanmar to a current total of 289. Stronger, focused sanctions are needed to limit the capacity of the Junta to trade.
Biak was the other delegate, from Coffs Harbour NSW. She shared how her mother’s and father’s villages were burned to the ground in September this year. This was very distressing for her and her extended family.
The overall response by parliamentary representatives was engaging and positive. The Myanmar delegates were encouraged, and grateful to raise their voice with other Australian Baptists.
Baptist World Aid have activated a disaster appeal to respond to this unfolding crisis and enable local Christian Partners to provide urgent assistance to civilians affected by the conflict as soon as humanitarian corridors are open.
Together, we’re grieving the violence that is causing immeasurable suffering, and mourning with those whose loved ones have been killed or are being held captive. We’re distressed for the one million people who’ve been displaced, and all those innocent civilians living in fear across the region today.
Baptist World Aid request the help of the Baptist Family. Donations will enable local Christian Partners to provide urgent assistance to families affected by this conflict as soon as possible.
Baptist churches across Israel and the Palestinian territories, including Gaza Baptist Church, have requested fervent prayer for peace. ‘Let us follow paths of peacemaking that unequivocally reject terrorism or any acts that target civilians,’ the Baptist World Alliance said, in a statement on behalf of churches in the region, ‘Let us generously provide help and support with the compassion of Christ.’
Please join us in praying for peace, hope and security for the entire region, so all can enjoy fullness of life as he intends. We’re yearning for the day the prophet Isaiah spoke of when swords will be beaten into ploughshares. (Isaiah 4:1)
Hiroshima Survival
Original Documentary: Australian Veteran’s Incredible Story
Westbury Baptist have established mainly music in order to connect strategically with families in their local community.
Children and their parents enjoy songs and activities together. Parents and carers discover others in their community and form friendships.
Through the program, Westbury Baptist will have an opportunity to reveal Jesus through their interaction and engagement. Together, with the support of mainly ministries, they’ll be creating a joy-filled community of belonging.
First time free, then $5 per family. Ages 0-4 plus parents/carers.
Westbury Baptist Church, 53 Franklin Street, Westbury, TAS 7303
Doors open at 9:45 and music starts at 10am, followed by morning tea and play time.
Family and friends were warmly invited to attend the memorial service of Mal Garvin at 11:30am on Thursday 12th October at Citywide, 400 Cambridge Rd, Mornington.
READ: An article about the service on Thursday 12th October, including an overview of Mal’s life. WATCH: The entire service on YouTube.
Follower of Jesus, loved and loving husband of Jenny. Loved and loving father and father-in-law of Matt and Leeanne, Liz and David, Danni and Dan, Nathaniel and Renee. Proud and loved Papa of Maddi, Josh (and Jen), Dan, Sophie (and Mitch), Simeon, Anya, Zoe, Josuahm, Ollie, Bridie, Lilly and Tim. Friend and mentor to hundreds across the country and around the world.
An endorsed project of Australian Baptist Ministries, The Safer Space Toolkit is aimed at resourcing pastors and church leaders to address domestic abuse and build relationally healthy communities.
FIND OUT MORE: Preaching tools, training sessions, videos and user guide. WATCH the introductory video, below
This project started as a result of recognising domestic abuse resources were often available only by region, and there was a need to create a resource that could be accessed by any pastor anywhere, with access to the Internet.
The project working group is made up of Baptist women from around the country who have expertise in pastoral leadership, theology, teaching, domestic abuse and project management.
Compliance Reminder
Is your church ChildSafe?
The Safe Church deadline is fast approaching! 1st January 2024 is the date to meet all the Safe Church requirements, as set out by the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act approved by parliament in May 2023.
Training has begun in every region of the state. If your church has not yet begun the process, you are encouraged to get onto it urgently.
As a refresher, you could read the article by Administrator Rodney Marshall which was published in June: Safe Churches Update >
Well done to all the teams who participated in the online quiz night on Saturday 2nd September. A big thank you from Crossover for joining in!
Cossover raised just over $1,100 from the night.
Special mention to the top 3 teams:
1. Knightsbridge Baptist Church SA 2. Richmond Baptist Church SA 3. Lifeway Devonport Tas
State Leaderboard:
South Australia/Northern Territory
Tasmania (Woohoo! Go Tasmania!)
Western Australia
Queensland
New South Wales/ACT
Victoria
Funeral Notice
Farewell Markus Sebastian
1963-2023
Friends and relatives were invited to attend the service to celebrate the life of Mr Markus Sebastian at Gateway Baptist Church 22 Wellington Street, Launceston on Friday 29th September 2023, commencing at 11 am.
The service was conducted by Rev. Michael Eleveld, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Launceston. This invitation was extended to those who knew Markus. He would have loved to see people he knew there.
Please also be in prayer for Stephanie Sebastian (SU Tas), daughter Charlie and son Michel.
Australian Christian Book Awards 2023
The Australian Christian Literature Awards encourage Christian writing and publishing that helps people discover Jesus in a way that is authentic and culturally meaningful. The SparkLit Awards recognise and encourage excellence in Australian Christian writing and publishing.
Held recently in Melbourne, the awards revealed some amazing writers along with their books. Check out the shortlisted books as well, because they also produced some gems. (Maybe there’s some Christmas shopping in the wind today?)
WINNER! Australian Christian Book of the Year 2023
Biblical Critical Theory:How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Cultureby Christopher Watkin A philosopher uses the Bible to analyse and interpret contemporary Western culture.
WINNER! Australian Christian Teen Writer 2023
Caleb MacLaren from Victoria won the 2023 Australian Christian Teen Writer Award with his screenplay The Journey.
In a modern twist on the Noah’s Ark story, this script follows four companions as they navigate an empty world devastated by an alien attack.
Fostering Hope
Mentoring Program in Hobart
The next Fostering Hope training day is in Hobart on Saturday, October 14.
Fostering Hope are a community organisation whose work comes from the Bible and the teachings of Jesus to ‘visit’ and ‘care for’ orphans and widows, to put the lonely in families, to love the fatherless, to care for children, and to love the neighbours in the communities. Tasmanian Baptists partner with Fostering Hope partner to provide foster care to Tasmanian children.
Through their Mentoring Program, Fostering Hope seeks to provide a “friend with purpose” for kids in care.
If you are looking for a way to live out your faith in caring for those in need, you can make a difference for a child in care. Please get in touch to talk about how to be equipped with training, connected with a child, and provided with ongoing support as you mentor. With just a few hours a month, you can significantly impact the life of a child in care for the better.
National Baptism Week will be an opportunity for churches, youth groups, small groups and ministries across Australia to celebrate, explore and offer baptism. Check out the short explainer video and Ideas Guide, as well as baptism resources on our new Baptism Hub. Joining in is very simple – no need to register or report back – you can use Baptism Week in your own way.
Anna-Maree Richardson has worked with Tas Baptists as the Assistant Administrator since November 2022, and it is high time we found out more about her. Read on . . .
Tasmanian life
I was born in and Launceston and I grew up there. It was a quiet life, my family didn’t travel much and so most of our time was spent in and around the Launceston area, or going to St Marys to stay with parents.
I grew up attending an Anglican church and attending Sunday School and church there. But it wasn’t until I went to college, and I made a friend who invited me to some Youth Group events at her church that I learnt more about having a relationship with God. At 17 I became a Christian.
I am married to Matthew, and we have five children. Alysha is 22, Shay is 19, Ivy is 15, Nyah is 10 and Toby is 9. Alysha has been living in Queensland since 2020. We all share a love of the beach and camping. Tasmania is such beautiful place, I love travelling and seeing different parts of it; my favourite thing would be our beaches despite our cold water.
I do a lot of housework and parenting mostly. But I also like to do crafts, read and go to the beach and I love spending time with my family.
Tas Baptist life
What do you do for Tas Baptist Churches? I am the Assistant to the Administrator, and I do accounts, organise catering for Council Meetings and Assembly and also take the Minutes at these Meetings. I am excited to meet new people and learn more about Tasmanian Baptists; what is happening around our churches in Tasmania; support the Council and Tas Baptist staff, and our greater Baptist community where I can.
What challenges do you have – at work and at home? At work some of the challenges are getting all the small things together for events such as Assembly. There a lot of small things that need to happen for things to work smoothly. Home is very similar with six people all living together, and such a range of ages! It is about making everything fit together for things to run efficiently.
After being out of the workforce for 21 years to raise our family, a lot has changed. Technology has certainly progressed, and everything is very different. I am lucky to work with amazing patient people who are always encouraging and helpful. I continue to learn new skills, and learn how things work at Tas Baptists. Pray for me to continue to learn and grow in my new role.
The best advice I have received is that everything is easier if you break it down into smaller parts, especially if you are overwhelmed or things seem too hard.
Short ‘n’ Sweet
I am looking forward to . . . Summer, it is my favourite time of year.
I am worried about . . . my children and their happiness.
I am confident that . . . God has a plan 😊
I am joyful about . . . family, they are so important.
I would like to change . . . how quickly life goes.
The NAYBA Impact Audit of Tasmania is due by Friday 22nd September!
As you may be aware, the audit will measure the collective social impact of the faith community in Tasmania, and put a monetary value on the time and resources that are dedicated to serving those in need.
The survey is designed to be as easy as possible. It should only take about 15 minutes to complete, plus some time to gather the relevant information.
Before diving in, please visit the FAQ page to ensure you have all the necessary details at your fingertips. This will also help you decide if there’s someone who should complete the survey on your behalf. You could also watch the instruction VIDEO.
The survey remains open until Friday 22nd September. Once you’re ready, click the following button to get started:
The next Fostering Hope training day is in Hobart on Saturday, October 14.
Fostering Hope are a community organisation whose work comes from the Bible and the teachings of Jesus to ‘visit’ and ‘care for’ orphans and widows, to put the lonely in families, to love the fatherless, to care for children, and to love the neighbours in the communities. Tasmanian Baptists partner with Fostering Hope partner to provide foster care to Tasmanian children.
Through their Mentoring Program, Fostering Hope seeks to provide a “friend with purpose” for kids in care.
If you are looking for a way to live out your faith in caring for those in need, you can make a difference for a child in care. Please get in touch to talk with about how to be equipped with training, connected with a child, and provided with ongoing support as you mentor. With just a few hours a month, you can significantly impact the life of a child in care for the better.
National Baptism Week will be an opportunity for churches, youth groups, small groups and ministries across Australia to celebrate, explore and offer baptism. There are lots of ways to get involved. Check out the short explainer video and Ideas Guide, as well as baptism resources on our new Baptism Hub. Joining in is very simple – no need to register or report back – you can use Baptism Week in your own way.
Olive Tree Media, want to resource and empower Christians to engage their friends and neighbours in conversations about faith. That’s why they partnered with Crossover and Baptist churches to resource and equip churches for National Baptism Week, 15th – 22nd October 2023.
Especially designed for use in the lead-up to National Baptism Week, Next Steps is a quality resource suitable for churches, small groups and youth groups.
It is designed so anybody can run it at any time within your church to share stories of faith, invite discussion and give people an opportunity to consider their ‘Next Steps’ when it comes to faith and life with Jesus.
· A 4-week small group series across the life of your church · Mid-week church-wide course – where people can all come to watch and discuss together · Run stand-alone groups facilitated specifically as a pointed discipleship tool readying people for baptism · As a series your church works through in your Sunday services
WATCH: NEXT STEPS trailer
Celebrate with Burnie
Induction at Burnie Baptist
Burnie Baptist Church congregation invites you to join with us for the induction service of Pastor Matty Coppin.
WHEN 2pm, Sunday 24th September, 2023 WHERE Burnie Baptist Church, 59 Mount Street Burnie RSVP For seating and catering purposes by Friday 15th September. To Kathy Fogarty | 0408 340 110 | burniebaptist@bigpond.com
You are also invited to a time of fellowship and refreshments following the service.
Fun_raiser!
Trivia Night at Gateway
Gateway Baptist are hosting an evening fundraising event featuring trivia questions, fun, food and good company, and a silent auction with lots of goodies available!
You, your friends and family are all welcome to join in and raise funds for Operation Christmas Child. It will be $10/person to participate.
The Trivia Night will take place at 7pm on Friday 29th September 2023
WHERE Artway Studio and Gallery, behind Gateway Church 22 Wellington Street
RSVP/MORE INFO By 25th September to help with catering. Jill Ashdown 0439 354 849 | Christine 0409 632 641
We are so thankful for all of you who continue this journey with us as we continue to to seek to be hands, feet and voice of Jesus here in Sangklaburi in western Thailand.
We are in the wet season and the three-month period of Buddhist Lent. In our attached newsletter there’s lots more information and links to a video and a booklet for special prayer for Thailand during this season. This season has similarities in every Buddhist country and community.
Published three times/year the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation Digest is full of interesting articles about the work and thinking of Baptists in our region.
The current issue is all about RELEVANCE in our current culture. The relevance of church, of youth ministry, of overseas missions, and of humanitarian aid. READ IT HERE (18MB) >
Every two months you can catch up with the latest news in Tasmanian Baptist Churches.
North
BEAUTY POINT
Texan Visit 2023
For the 11th time in 14 years The Point Baptist hosted a Texan mission trip. Chris and Heather Horton, from the Lake Fork district, east of Dallas, headed the visit.
This year Chris and Heather were accompanied by daughter Dempsey, and her good friend Heaven. Dempsey has stayed on for 12 months to lead the youth work in the church.
Texans at Launceston Gorge; Chris speaks at the Men’s Night; Heaven (L) and Dempsey (R)
Over three weeks in July, numerous events included men, women and children, all with the aim of sharing Jesus. After great family concert, the youth held an impromptu and very entertaining karaoke session. The school holiday basketball camp connected with local youth.
Reconnecting with people was a real focus of the trip. It was encouraging to see some on the fringe of the fellowship attending church again. No commitments to faith in Jesus were made during the trip, however, our experience is these often follow later.
Additionally, the encouragement and connection of the fellowship generally, and especially the youth, should not be under-estimated with these efforts. The launching of our new youth work, with Dempsey leading, is especially exciting.
We are thankful to the Lord Jesus for His patience with us and the blessings of seeing people saved through the sharing of His word.
CITY, Launceston
City is enjoying our new location for Sunday gatherings at the Boathouse Function Centre, overlooking the Tamar River and the Gorge.
Following our “Seeds” focus in July, we continue to consider what it means to be seeds of faith, hope, justice and love across our city. We also welcomed Sherry Maddock’s contribution about ‘flourishing gardens’ and how we can be habitats of God’s presence – encouraging and inspiring!
The Boathouse overlooks the Tamar; Pastors Anthea Maynard and Jenna Blackwell; Sheree Maddock (BMA)
Our usual commitments continue – the weekly drop in centre, Stephen Avery’s street chaplaincy, the community garden, supporting women, and more. There are so many opportunities to engage in our city and we look forward to partnering with God and the community more.
MATU
On Sunday 27th August, our Matu Church in Launceston celebrated their 10th Anniversary. Maddy Svoboda attended on behalf of Tasmanian Baptists.
WESTBURY
MAINLY MUSIC 9:45-11:30am Wednesdays
On Wednesday 16th August, Westbury began a mainly music program for the neighbourhood children ages 0-4 and their parent/carer.
Music and movement starts at 10am, followed by morning tea, then free play time. First session free, then $5 per family. We are having a blast and still have room for more families!
Here are some prayer points! Please pray God would prepare and equip the mainly music team and for success and longevityof this ministry. Pray He uses them as they connect with families in the area. Also, please pray God brings families who are open to developing relationships which lead to meaningful discussions about faith and God.
Around the Churches August-September 2023
Northwest
LIFEWAY, Devonpot
Student Pastors
Lifeway recently welcomed two new student pastors, Stuart Crabtree and Morgan Read.
Please be in prayer for them as they settle into their positions. Stuart and Morgan are slowly coming up to speed! Pray God’s blessing for them.
Morgan Read
Stuart Crabtree
LATROBE
Special event
At the annual Chocolate Winterfest on Sunday 13th August, Latrobe hosted the Choir of High Hopes.
WYNYARD
On Fathers Day, we had a time of fellowship with the church familly over morning tea in the foyer.
Many of our ladies met for an afternoon with JUST GIRLS. Our guest speakers, Layla and her grandmother, spoke about their Charity project Laylas Gifts. They explained how they arrange for donated boxes of gifts to be presented to people in need in the community.
At our Just Blokes Pizza Night on Friday 1st September, Craig Hawkins from the Creation Discovery Centre in Beauty Point spoke about Noah’s flood, and the questionable attempts of some contemporary scientific voices to explain the origin of birds as an evolutionary step from dinosaurs. We had a great night with good fellowship and valuable insights from what Craig shared with us.
Around the Churches August-September 2023
South
CITYWIDE
Special Services
Lenah Valley’s 75th Anniversary on Sunday 6th August was a momentous occasion as we celebrated the ministry and life of the Lenah Valley Baptist Church over 75 years. With the help of Maurice French and Laurie Rowston we published a book full of anecdotes, colour pictures and history which is an interesting read. Copies are available from Citywide for $20.
Baptism We held another baptism service on 20 August. Troy is another new convert to the Kingdom from his touches into our web page. Be encouraged – God moves and works on the hearts of people who have never been in his church before. Keep praying for those in the shadows who are seeking something to fulfil their lives.
Table Top Sale Our lively 30’s group organized, promoted and ran a Table Top Sale on Satruday 1st July. More than half the participants who booked tables and attended were from outside the church. so this became a great way for other community members to come into the building where we could meet and serve them. Proceeds went towards the vision of developing a youth space.
Table Top Sale
HOBART
Scott Darlow Visits
On Sunday 9th July Hobart Baptist hosted Scott Darlow and his band during the 10am service. Scott is an indigenous singer from Melbourne. It was an amazing morning of encouragement, inspiration, and laughter!
On the same weekend a Multicultural Bazaar took over the building! Several new artists showcased their works, with special food from other cultures being prepared and served.
Clockwise from Top Left: John Kumara Tasmanian Australian of the year 2023, drumming; Anna opens her Ukrainian artwork; Ethnic food a-plenty!; Ren being filmed for ABC News
Scott Darlow and band visited HBC on Sunday 9th July
Around the Churches August-September 2023
Around the Churches June-July 2023
Read More ReCharge!
August/September 2023
It’s a New DayKaren Wilson, Day of Courage Keynote Speaker
National Baptism Week will be an opportunity for Baptist churches, youth groups, small groups and ministries across Australia to celebrate, explore and offer baptism.
Watch the explainer video and ideas pack. Joining in will be very simple – no need to register or report back – you can use Baptism Week in your own way.
Check out the new Baptism Hub which also includes new baptism resources and more to come.
As the Church, we are representatives of Jesus, bringing compassion and comfort to our world. Sharing Hope in Crisis further equips us to do this well, allowing people to journey through a life-changing circumstance.
This seminar is to provide resource and equip you to help those going through crisis. Tea and coffee and light refreshments available. Bring your lunch, or choose from local cafes.
Let’s learn more on how to journey with someone through crisis, grief and difficult life changing circumstances.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:)
Sharing hope in Crisis Seminar
Date: Saturday 23rd September 2023 Time: 8.30am for a 9.00am start – 4.00 pm finish Venue: Your Church, (29 Charles Street, Moonah) RSVP’s required for venue and resource supplies.
Sadly, more than 120 people have been killed, 250 places of worship destroyed or damaged and up to 50,000 people displaced. More than 1,700 homes are now seriously damaged or destroyed as a result of the recent violence.
Rev. Prof. Akheto Sema, General Secretary, CBCNEI (Council of Baptist Churches, Northeast India) writes:
The State of Manipur requires unceasing and deepest concern. Due to recent unrest and violence which started from 3rd May 2023 thousands of men, women and children are displaced, rendered homeless and are made to suffer.
Several churches destroyed and burnt down, houses belonging to the victims burnt down; children and college/university going students had to seek admissions outside of Manipur since the institutions are closed.
On Sunday, 6th August, Citywide Baptist celebrated the 75th anniversary of the commencement of the Lenah Valley Church. About 120 past members and adherents were present at the celebration.
The anniversary occasion was held at the Lenah Valley Church following the morning service. As part of the celebration, a printed history was made available entitled 75 Years of Christian Witness. A History of the Lenah Valley Baptist Church, by Laurie Rowston and Maurice French.
Cover of the book, launched on the day
The work began when the leadership of the Hobart Baptist Tabernacle saw the need for outreach in this growing suburb. To that end, the afternoon Sunday school was commenced in the Community Hall, on 1st August 1948.
The afternoon Sunday school was the only Christian witness in the suburb at that time. Today the Lenah Valley congregation is part of the Hobart Citywide Church, which includes the Citywide Hobart Nepalese Church.
Office Administrator Position
Newstead Christian School
Established in 1996 to provide a distinctly Christian education, Newstead Christian School is a friendly and supportive school community comprising of 120 students from K-10, in stunning Launceston, Tasmania.
Committed to equipping and empowering our students to serve wherever God might call them, we focus on teaching the Australian Curriculum from a biblical perspective; support-ing students to grow in character and faith, as well as academic and sporting excellence.
We are currently seeking a person with excellent interpersonal and communication skills to join our cohesive team here at NCS from the beginning of Term Three.
Position Overview As part of the school office team, this employee provides a broad range of general administrative support consisting of effective client (Children, Teachers, Other Staff, Parents, Suppliers, etc.) services and advice and operation of school-based systems.
HOURS: 8.30am-3.30pm, Mon- Fri, 42 weeks/year. ALLOWANCES: 11% Superannuation and standard leave allowances. JOB-SHARING? Possible, should two suitable candidates present themselves. POSITION DESCRIPTION/APPLICATION FORM: Visit the NCS website at ncs.tas.edu.au SUBMIT BY: Friday 25th August 2023 to principal@ncs.tas.edu.au,
Youth Alive Undivided
NORTH: 6pm 18th August | NW: 6pm 19th August | SOUTH: 6pm 25th August
In August, Youth Alive are running “Undivided” – three regional youth gatherings. They would love to invite your youth ministry and young people!
Youth Alive’s mission is to reach young people with the message of Jesus. They believe these events will see youth ministries united, faith ignited, momentum gained, and young people respond to the Gospel!
Outreach events are a great way to unite young people, reach youth, and share the truth of Jesus. At every one of these events attendees will be invited to a local church or youth ministry as a next step of faith. They would like to partner with you to help reach the next generation.
The Youth Alive team are building volunteer teams for each of these events. If you would like to volunteer, please click the button, below.
Read More ReCharge!
August/September 2023
It’s a New DayKaren Wilson, Day of Courage Keynote Speaker
