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ReCharge NEWS June 2023

21st June 2023 | ReCharge News

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    School Chaplains

    Positions Vacant with Scripture Union Tas

    Provide emotional, social, and spiritual support to school communities…

    Scripture Union has multiple chaplaincy positions available across Tasmania. Chaplains provide emotional, social, spiritual, and often practical support to school communities. They are in the prevention and support business: helping students find a better way to deal with issues ranging from family breakdown, loneliness, depression and anxiety.

    SU Chaplaincy models the compassion and unconditional love demonstrated and taught by Jesus, as recorded in the Bible. Chaplains will be sensitive to, respectful of, and available to all regardless of beliefs or religious affiliations. All SU Chaplaincy staff and volunteers are empowered and equipped to champion a child-safe culture, and are committed to the highest standards of safety and care in our work with children, young people and families.

    See positions available in Tasmania >

    Chaplaincy in Tasmania

    Last Daughter

    In Cinemas – but you can arrange to watch at your church!

    After being raised by a white family, a young girl is taken away and returned to the Aboriginal family she didn’t know. Decades later, she’s on a journey to discover where she truly belongs.

    Brenda’s first memories were of growing up in a loving white foster family, before she was suddenly taken away and returned to her Aboriginal family. Decades later, she feels disconnected from both halves of her life. But the traumas of her past do not lie quietly buried. So, she goes searching for the foster family with whom she had lost all contact.

    INFO for Churches > | READ review >

    WATCH at the movies: Launceston Star > | Hobart State Cinema >

    WATCH the trailer:

    Our Baptist Values

    From Australian Baptist Ministries

    As mentioned at the May Assembly

    A great resource for your church or small group, the Values Project* is designed to help individuals, churches and groups reflect, talk and learn about our identity and values as communities of faith within the Australian Baptist movement.

    The Values Project strengthens our sense of identity, encourages connectedness and community across our movement, and informs decision making and leadership.

    Four free episodes are available, along with corresponding Scripts, Facilitator’s Guide, Discussion notes, and sermon ideas.

    They are a great basis for discussion and understanding Baptists, particularly for those new to the movement.

    The 4-5 minute videos each focus on one of our four values: 1. Jesus-Centred; 2. Community; 3. Mission; 4. Freedom

    FIND OUT MORE

    WATCH Value 1: Being Jesus-Centred …

    * The Values Project was made possible by the support of Baptist Insurance Services, Baptist Financial Services and Baplink.

    Famine Relief Announcement

    News from Micah Australia

    As reported in reCharge in November 2022, the Horn of Africa is suffering a severe famine. So it is encouraging to learn that in the recent federal budget, the government announced Australia will contribute $29 million from the Humanitarian Emergency Fund to partners in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.

    This includes:

    • $15 million to address increased humanitarian, displacement and protection needs of people in drought-affected areas in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.
    • $4 million to provide food and nutrition support to the most vulnerable in Yemen.
    • $10 million for food and monetary assistance to refugees and vulnerable populations in Lebanon and Jordan.

    Read the full story >

    Samine relief from Australia's federal budget 2023

    EmpowHer Day of Courage

    Heads Up!

    Saturday 18th November 2023, Riverlands Longford

    Karen Wilson
    Karen Wilson, who lives in WA, is excited to come and be with us!

    Calling all women! EmpowHer are gathering women around the state for a Day of Courage.

    SPEAKER: Karen Wilson President, Baptist World Alliance Women; CEO Global Leadership Network Australia.

    Watch out for more details available soon.

    DOWNLOAD THIS IMAGE HERE FOR DISTRIBUTION / INVITATIONS

    On the Move

    City Baptist Launceston

    Have you heard City is moving to two new locations?

    Our Sunday Gatherings will be held at The Boathouse, 55 Lindsay Street Invermay, for at least the next 12 months. The Boathouse is an attractive modern building in the Seaport precinct, overlooking the North Esk River and Trevallyn, and next to Riverbend Park. Our first Gathering there will be on 18 June.

    Our Drop in Centre will remain operating on Saturday nights out of the Red Dove Café in the Pilgrim Uniting facilities in Paterson Street.

    City Baptist Launceston - some people
    City Baptist Launceston – some of our people

    Events at Hobart and Perth

    Hobart Baptist’s Luminous Festival

    For more details visit hobartbaptist.org.au, or Eventbrite for essential free bookings (catering).

    Hobart Baptist church is again running its mid-winter festival, Luminous. This is the third year for Luminous, which aims to shed light on important topics for the people of Hobart during Dark Mofo. The festival runs for two weeks from 8-25 June and hosts conversations around spirituality and hope and showcases installation art.

    Luminous Main events 2023
    • 6pm, Thursday 8th June, FESTIVAL LAUNCH AND ARTWORK

    Michael Henderson’s art installation opens. Michael is an artist based in lutruwita / Tasmania and his work is entitled: The Seed of Life, Weighed Down. He uses symbols and metaphors to tell stories about identity, faith and longing. 
    The artwork will be open from 12pm-6pm until 16th June.

    • 6pm, Tuesday 13th, Thursday 15th, Tuesday 20th June, LUMINOUS CONVERSATIONS

    Over successive evenings with free refreshments, this year’s topics ask, ‘Is Tasmania A Place for Everyone?’; ‘How can we help Tasmanian Children flourish?’; and ‘How Do We Create Healthy Families?’ Each of the conversations are a safe space for discussion, and not just for people of faith. We value the unique journey and point of view each of our panellists can contribute. 

    CHRISTMAS IN WINTER – IN THE TAB
    • 6pm Friday 23rd June Luminous Carols
    • 10am Sunday 25th June A traditional Christmas Service

    All are welcome to the festival and entry is free, but bookings for evening events (catering) are essential.

    Luminous Carols, Christmas in winter

    Perth Tabernacle’s coming events

    Women’s Collective

    For women in Launceston

    Calling all women in Launceston and surrounds who are interested in growing in their faith-in-action journey. You might be leading or interested in leadership, serving, or wanting to grow in faith that leads to action. This is a new space for you! Join with other women who want a safe space to process and learn together.

    No life qualifications necessary. This is not a small group, or a Bible study. It’s a collective of women who are serious about learning and living in the ways of our good God, doing the journey with others, and hopefully having some laughs along the way.

    Get in touch to express interest or find out more:
    jenna@tasbaptists.org.au | gabi.dunn@allsaints.network

    Women's Collective for femaile leaders, Launceston

    About Us

    Jenna Blackwell is Tasmanian Baptists’ Mission Leadership Coach. Gabi Dunn works for the Anglicans. They are housemates, great friends, and peer supports in ministry. With the support of their organisations, they are collaborating to bring a new space for women.

    No, they don’t think events/gatherings have to be gender-specific. But yes, they acknowledge the complexity of life and history, and that sometimes you just need a space with other women.

    Jenna Blackwell, Gabi Dunn
    Jenna Blackwell; Gabi Dunn

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    ReCharge News June 2023

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    Possible Steps to Positive Shifts

    Dive into Diversity, Photo by Matthew de Livera on Unsplash

    Sacred Agents

    Diving Into Diversity

    In this Sacred Agents blog, Crossover Director Andrew Turner explores how we can shift demographics by diving Into diversity.

    My father always enjoys belting out Amazing Grace in church, not least because he likes to tweak the second line to “…that saved a wretch like TREVOR SMITH” (or some other friend within earshot). God’s grace for people like you and me (and Dad) is truly amazing. Amazing too is his grace for people who are unlike you and me.

    As such, God’s Spirit is often prompting and challenging us to see a greater diversity in our churches and groups. How often have you said or heard, ‘It would be great to have more [insert demographic] people here’, referring to a missing segment that might be generational, racial, economic, intellectual, or something else in nature.

    It just doesn’t seem right for God’s family to be segregated, so we want to listen to those nudges of the Spirit. But what to do about them?

    Possible Steps

    There’s a whole range of possible steps, and let’s put them along an imaginary spectrum:

    Down one end would be practical and immediate actions, such as going straight to the people you’d love to have with you and simply inviting them. Thoughtful arrangements to make space for them would be down that end too.

    At the other end of the spectrum are deep, underlying heart issues and systemic norms that may need to be addressed. These might include raising awareness, prayers of repentance, symbolic steps towards reconciliation, and contemplating your way through a heap of books and conferences.

    The trouble is, where to start? If you start at the first end, you hope to solve the issue within a fortnight. But your efforts may quickly be stymied by the systemic and underlying stuff. “We saw that we were missing young people, so we invited them, they didn’t come, so I guess we can say we tried.”

    But if you start at the other end, you can feel that any real progress will take 100 years. And you can take 100 years of talking and praying and thinking about the people you’re missing, and wondering whether your group is even a thing that would be good for them, and even whether your group should exist at all.

    It means well at first, but it can become busy work that is essentially procrastination which perpetuates the status quo. You are always inching closer to, but conveniently never achieving the aim. “We can always say that we’re taking steps.”

    So what do we do?

    How can we make real progress to see the body of Christ actually come together more fully? I suggest starting at both ends at the same time. Each will serve the other. The practical end will bring to light what underlying work is (and what isn’t) necessary, and the underlying work will shape the practical actions to be less and less clumsy and more and more wholehearted.

    May the Spirit give us all the wisdom, humility and love we need – and also all the shrewdness, daring and energy of faith – to be effective agents of reconciliation as the body of Christ builds itself up in love.

    Andrew Turner is the director of Crossover, and author of the Sacred Agents blog

    Andrew Turner is Director of Crossover for Australian Baptist Ministries.

    Crossover exists to Help Australian Baptists Share Jesus.
    Browse all our resources on crossover.org.au

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    Diving Into Diversity

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    Safe Churches Update

    Safe Churches update June 2023

    Safe Churches

    Keeping Our Children Safe

    ATTENTION ALL CHURCH SECRETARIES, DEACONS and leadership teams!

    Tas Baptists’ Administrator Rodney Marshall explains the new legislation our churches must engage with.

    On the 30th of May the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act passed the houses of parliament, fulfilling the Sate’s responsibility to enact the 10 Child Safe Principles and to establish an Independent Regulator.

    The 10 standards mirror the recommendations from the Royal Commission and the principles developed by the Australia Human Rights Commission. Their scope encompasses all forms of harm to children and young people, in addition to child sexual abuse, requiring adherence to the following …

    The Ten Standards for Safe Churches

    Standard 1

    Requires organisations to ensure that child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

    Standard 2

    Ensures that children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

    Standard 3

    Ensures families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

    Standard 4

    Guarantees that equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and in practice.

    Standard 5

    Requires that people working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.

    Standard 6

    Requires processes to respond to complaints and concerns to be child-focused.

    Standard 7

    Expects that staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.

    Standard 8

    Requires physical and online environments to promote safety and wellbeing, while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

    Standard 9

    Sees regular review and improvement of the child and youth safe standards within the organisation.

    Standard 10

    Ensures policies and procedures document how the entity is safe for children and young people.

    In addition

    As well, there is an additional overarching principle that embeds the right of Aboriginal children and young people to cultural safety which sits across all 10 Child and Youth Safe Standards.

    What churches need to do now

    Several years back, at the request of our insurers, Tas Baptists churches updated their policies to incorporate these standards. The main task that remains is to appropriately train and support our workers and volunteers.

    Training completion date: 1st January 2024.

    Matt Henderson (S), Owen Muskett (NW) and Linda Guy (N) have agreed to assist by providing training around the state. In addition, online training will be available in the Safety Management Online system. Once the trainers are trained, Workshop details for each region will be made available.

    So as to comply with the new laws we need to ensure that everyone 18 and over, who ministers (has direct care or gives spiritual direction) to a person under 18, understands the principles and their application.

    I hope the workshops will answer most of your questions, but if you would like to check on something before then please contact me on 0407 903 620 or rodney@tasbaptists.org.au

    Rodney Marshall

    Rodney Marshall
    Tas Baptists Administrator

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    Discovering Deep, Resilient Faith

    Deep resilient faith

    Faith Works

    Christian author Mel Saward contemplates what we can do to help our children and youth become strong Christians.

    Discovering Deep, Resilient Faith

    Many statistics have emerged over the last few years that have painted a jarring picture of the state of faith for Millennials and Gen Z. But none quite so shocking as a study completed by the Barna Group recently, finding that 75% of young Christians will leave church.

    But there is hope. Unlike other studies, this one listed common factors present in the 25% who stayed.

    These included:

    • Eating dinner five out of seven nights a week as a family
    • Serving WITH their families in a ministry
    • Having one spiritual experience in the home during the week
    • Being entrusted with responsibility in ministry at an early age
    • Having at least one faith-focused adult in their lives, other than their parents
    75% OF KIDS LEFT THE CHURCH AND WHY 25% STAYED. Deep resilient faith
    DOWNLOAD INFOGRAPHIC >

    Extra questions

    It must be noted that this was a rather helpful study!

    Finally, something constructive we might all be able to implement for our children. But despite the usefulness of this information the resounding questions still remain: How is this possible? 75%? Do these small habits really make such a significant difference?

    The habits seem so simple! There are at least three factors out of the five that have nothing to do with church itself! Were any of these factors present in the 75% too? 

    There is something missing

    Maybe it is this simple. Maybe there is more to this. But what can’t be denied is that there is something missing in the Millennials’ and Gen Zs’ experience of faith, that is often observed through their relationship with the Church. Surely that is demonstrated rather clearly in these statistics.

    In my latest book, Deep Faith Resilient Faith, I examine what I believe to be the cause of this phenomenon. The missing piece is DEPTH.

    It has always been a temptation in our Christian culture to become preoccupied with external matters and not those of the heart. From the day the church began, there were smaller sections that concerned themselves with rituals. And in the generations just prior to Millennials, church attendance has been the universal sign of commitment to Christ.

    While I suspect such observable signs do matter, they have never completely expressed the true picture of a changed heart. Church attendance was not the goal of our faith, the goal was always to be a disciple: something that is clearly seen in the five factors above. 

    Church attendance was not the goal of our faith, the goal was always to be a disciple

    Signs of depth

    These five factors are all signs of a whole community discipling a child: parents, church leaders, and the larger church community. Truly, they are signs of depth and the priority to instil a deep faith in the next generation.

    Depth of faith is critical, as scripture proposes many times: it was the depth of the soil that determined the response to the seed (Mark 4:5), it was deep digging that stabilised the house built on the rock (Luke 6:48). And so we must explore for ourselves what a deep faith looks like, so that we can exemplify it for the next generation.

    This is the goal of my book. It meticulously unpacks depth in action, and how we can attain it. As you can imagine, the book is quite challenging. But confronting such truths also gives us the greatest hope we could ever have in our faith. 

    "We must explore for ourselves what a deep faith looks like, so we can exemplify it for the next generation." Mel Saward, Author and Christian Communicator

    What they need

    The fact is: the next generations need us. They need those who come before them to demonstrate through the life we live, the kind of depth and meaning that a faith in Jesus can bring. Honestly, they don’t need us to nag them, to judge them, to be frustrated by them.

    They need us to be willing to take up our cross, forego our comforts and go deeper than we have ever gone before. Because the Gospel has always been enough to satisfy all of us, from generation to generation. 

    Mel Saward, Deep faith

    Melanie J. Saward is a Christian author and communicator – meljsaward.com

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    Psalm 91 – A Devotion

    Psalm 91, A Devotion by Frans Ammerlaan, Sassafras

    For You to Ponder – Psalm 91

    What Secret Place?          

    By Frans Ammerlaan, Sassafras Baptist    

                                          

    Every so often you fall over some gem, hidden in plain sight, in God’s Word.

    The more you stare, almost in disbelief, at the opening statement of Psalm 91, the more unbelievable it seems. After learning the psalm by heart, the enormity of the truth displayed, dawns.

    Perhaps some are slower to appreciate God’s love so obviously shown to whoever might want to be acquainted with it. Anybody at all! You or me.

    There is no mistake though! The guarantees He gives for your presence in the Secret Place, are awe-inspiring.

    He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
    Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

    Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)

    The foundation is that if you do dwell in this secret place, you are in fact in the presence; the protection; the radiance; the love; the guidance of the Creator of the universe.

    Once you say: “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust”, the walls he erects to protect you are nothing short of amazing. On an on!

    I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
    My God, in Him I will trust.”

    Psalm 91:2 (NKJV)

    Almighty protection

    In the refuge, under the softness of His wings of protection, you will not experience diseases or pestilences. Just hide behind His truth for protection from bullets during the day and diseases during the night; or even sudden destruction during the day.

    He shall cover you with His feathers,
    And under His wings you shall take refuge;

    Psalm 91:4 (NKJV)

    Everyone around you may be struck down, even close by, but it shall not come close to you. Just look and see how the non-believer fares, He says.

    A thousand may fall at your side,
    And ten thousand at your right hand;
    But it shall not come near you.

    Psalm 91:7 (NKJV)

    Even more stunningly, here follow some more guarantees because you have made the Lord the Most High, your refuge, “No evil shall befall you”!

    Neither shall any plague come near your place. Not only that, but He will also tell His angels to look after you in the way you live.

    Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
    Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
    No evil shall befall you,
    Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
    For He shall give His angels charge over you,
    To keep you in all your ways.

    Psalm 91:9-11 (NKJV)

    And there is much more!

    They shall carry you in case you hurt your foot on a stone. You will also be enabled to stomp on a lion and a cobra under foot.

    In their hands they shall bear you up,
    Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
    You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
    The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

    Psalm 91:12-13 (NKJV)

    God’s love becomes really apparent when He says: “Because he has set his love upon Me therefore, I will deliver him”. “Ï will set him on high because he has known My name”. (Psalm 91: 14, NKJV)

    He will give us an answer when we call on Him. As well, He will be present when we are in trouble and deliver and honour us!

    He will satisfy us with long life and then show you, and me, His salvation.

    He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him . . .
    With long life I will satisfy him,
    And show him My salvation.”

    Psalm 91:15-16

    What does it really mean, to you, now?

    There is a real resting place available. A real spiritual power base in which we are one with our God and Father. One with all life and all power, with all presence of “I am, I am, I am”.

    You can then listen to the silence. The peace for those who wait to hear “All is well”.

    Frans Ammerlaan - there is a real resting place available. A real spiritual power base in which we are one with our God and Father.

    In this closeness we can, and should, tell Him what we need and want, so our lives can proceed in harmony and a happy wellbeing.

    Sadly, only a few come here because they are persuaded that circumstances control our lives.

    The truth is, incredible though it may seem, indirectly the soul directs its own path in this, God’s Law. It becomes obvious that He wants to fulfill our slightest wish and want. Our only requirement is to believe and trust in the power of our Father, our company and Maker.

    Only believe and this ultimate reality becomes the reality of our lives. We create our reality when we see through the eyes of God.

    Psalm 91 shows the way, all we need to do is to apply the principles He has laid out for us to follow. So simple! If it was difficult, who would be able to do it?

    Rest your weight on this psalm and be greatly blessed.

    May God bless you always!

    Frans Ammerlaan plans to publish a book of devotionals he has written, this one included.

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    ReCharge NEWS May 2023

    24th May 2023 | ReCharge News

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      Women’s Collective

      For women in Launceston

      Calling all women in Launceston and surrounds who are interested in growing in their faith-in-action journey. You might be leading or interested in leadership, serving, or wanting to grow in faith that leads to action. This is a new space for you! Join with other women who want a safe space to process and learn together.

      No life qualifications necessary. This is not a small group, or a Bible study. It’s a collective of women who are serious about learning and living in the ways of our good God, doing the journey with others, and hopefully having some laughs along the way.

      Get in touch to express interest or find out more:
      jenna@tasbaptists.org.au | gabi.dunn@allsaints.network

      Women's Collective for femaile leaders, Launceston

      About Us

      Jenna Blackwell is Tasmanian Baptists’ Mission Leadership Coach. Gabi Dunn works for the Anglicans. They are housemates, great friends, and peer supports in ministry. With the support of their organisations, they are collaborating to bring a new space for women.

      No, they don’t think events/gatherings have to be gender-specific. But yes, they acknowledge the complexity of life and history, and that sometimes you just need a space with other women.

      Jenna Blackwell, Gabi Dunn
      Jenna Blackwell; Gabi Dunn

      Advocacy and support for Myanmar

      National Council Resolution:

      Adopted 17 May 2023

      The National Council of Australian Baptist Ministries [ABM] stands in solidarity with all the church communities from Myanmar that are members of State Unions affiliated with ABM. We grieve with them as they witness their family and friends displaced, persecuted, and killed at the hands of the Myanmar military.

      Myanmar Map

      We note, that according to the United Nations, an estimated 1,584,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) were reported across Myanmar as of 30 January 2023, and there are more than 1 million refugees and asylum seekers in neighbouring countries. Church buildings have been destroyed and pastors detained.

      We call on the Australian government to:

      • Increase humanitarian visas to refugees from Myanmar, particularly from ethnic areas such as the Chin, Kachin, Karen and Karenni States. This is where people have been displaced and waiting for settlement for upward of 35 years.
      • Increase humanitarian aid to these ethnic areas that struggle to receive international support due to Myanmar Government restrictions.
      • Increase pressure on the Myanmar government through further sanctions against individuals and companies associated with the Myanmar military. In addition, with further action at ASEAN and the UN.
      • Increase pressure on the Indian Government to issue exit permits to refugees who have already been granted Australian visas.

      We commit ourselves to prayer, to continue to speak out on behalf of the people of Myanmar, in particular those connected to our church community members from Myanmar, and we commit to providing material support to displaced communities in Myanmar and border refugee camps.

      Alongsiders

      May Mission Month

      No matter where you are, you can journey alongside your neighbours and friends.
      Being an alongsider means listening, showing hospitality, bringing peace and humbly sharing the good news of Jesus. 

      It means praying and seeking the Spirit’s leading. It means loving the people God has put in your world, as well as loving the world. 

      Being an alongsider means sharing God’s love in genuine, active and relevant ways. It means partnering together with each other and God – sending and being sent, giving and receiving. Working together as partners in God’s mission. 

      Watch the video to find out more …

      Stamps for Overseas Mission

      Help raise funds for Baptist Mission Australia

      For over 50 years, Australian Baptists have collected and sold postage stamps to raise money for Baptist Mission Australia (baptistmissionaustralia.org/Support/Stamps!) . This simple fundraiser generates about $70,000 every year!

      Accumulations, old stamp albums, postal history and other stamp memorabilia are also very welcome.

      Jill Ashdown, of Gateway Baptist, oversees this ministry in Tasmania, and anyone can assist by collecting stamps. Stamps received by our churches can be delivered to the Tasmanian Baptist State Office at Riverlands Longford.

      What to do

      • Prepare the stamps by cutting the stamps off the envelope, leaving a 5mm border around the edge.
      • Collect a bundle in a box, envelope or bag.
      • Drop them off to Riverlands Longford, 159 Wellington St, Longford. The office is open 9am-12pm Mon/Tues/Thur/Fri. Or else, call to arrange a suitable time: 6391 2202.

      Other questions
      Contact the Tasmanian ‘stamp lady’ Jill Ashdown: 0439 354 849 or mjashdown@netspace.net.au

      Gateway Stamp Collecting night
      Stamp sorting and trimming night at Jill Ashdown’s place

      23rd Baptist World Congress

      Living the Good News

      Brisbane, 7-12 July 2025

      Watch the video explaining the symbolism behind of the logo for the Baptist World Congress 2025.

      The Creation Discovery Centre

      Good conversations

      The Creation Discovery Centre, based at Seahorse World Beauty Point, has had an amazing summer tourism season. The Centre is run by many of our people who attend The Point Baptist Church, which also meets on the premises.

      A display at the Creation Discovery Centre

      During the summer, many hundreds of visitors including numerous non-believers have taken Christian resources, Bibles and tracts. We praise God for one woman who gave her life to the Lord at the centre in March.

      Email Craig Hawkins at tas@creationdiscoverycentre.com if you would like to hear about the latest developments and testimonies from the museum.

      Here are a few stories:

      • Di is an atheist who came in seeking answers and left encouraged with a Bible after hearing the gospel.
      • Mark and Betty came in to buy fossils for their grandson at the end of the day. Two hours later they left after going through the museum, which was not part of their original plan. Mark said, “I have never before heard the message tied in with real history.” They were both very interested and took Christian resources with them as well as a couple of fossils for the grandson!
      • Pray for Carla who had been witnessed to for over three years by a faithful Christian and came in while a school group was receiving a presentation. After a while she went to the front counter to speak with Rachelle and her friend saying, “It all makes sense now”.
        She repented of her sins there and then, which included occult involvement, and now needs to find Christian connections in the rural area where she lives.

      DOWNLOAD AND READ the latest newsletter >

      Tearfund’s Rubbish Campaign

      plastic, plastic, plastic

      New campaign highlights the human cost of our global plastic waste crisis

      Rubbish Crisis, Tearfund, ReCharge News May 2023

      The Rubbish Campaign, by Christian agency Tearfund, is highlighting the human cost of the global plastic waste problem and calling on Australian households to join the effort to address this rubbish crisis.

      As Australian Christians, let’s unite to address the urgent waste crisis that is unfolding: in our households and around the world. Already suffering the worst impacts of COVID-19, extreme weather and hunger, growing landfills are making poverty worse for vulnerable communities around the world. 

      Between 2000 and 2019, plastics production doubled and plastic waste generation more than doubled, with nearly two thirds of this coming from plastics with lifetimes of under five years. (OECD, 2022).

      Tearfund is encouraging Australians to be part of the solution and to demonstrate their care for their global neighbours by signing their petition.

      The petition calls on the Australian Government to do all it can to influence global negotiations and ensure that this plastics treaty helps end the world’s rubbish problem.

      DOWNLOAD THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE >

      Perth Baptist’s Ministries

      Being active in the community

      For more information about any of these activities, see the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PerthTabernacle | READ Perth’s Church Profile >

      • Weekly Sunday Cafe
        Please get in touch for locations
        • 4pm, Adults
        • 4pm, Young People
      • Bread Run 6:45-7pm, Tuesdays
        More than just picking up the remainder of the day’s bread from a local bakery, this is a time for people to pick up pre-cooked meals (when available), coffee, and discussion.
      The Bread Run at Perth Baptist
      • Home groups
        Please get in touch for locations
        • 10am, Thursdays
        • 7:30pm, Thursdays
      • Ladies Craft Group
        1:30pm, Tuesdays
      • Men’s Fellowship
        10am, Alternate Wednesdays
      Eskleigh Residents
      Perth Baptist has a long-standing relationship with the residents of Eskleigh Home for people with disabilities

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      April/May 2023

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      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 30th 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

      CITY BAPTIST, Launceston

      Easter | Your prayers appreciated!

      We had lovely services over Easter – the Good Friday reflective service was a particular highlight for many, working through a Protestant take on the Stations of the Cross.

      City Baptist is still prayerfully seeking a more permanent home to gather in – we would appreciate your prayers for/with us as we seek God’s guidance.

      Impacting our community

      Members in our community continue activism and pastoral work among migrant communities, the street community and with regard to climate action, representing Jesus’ (and our) heart for going to the margins.

      Jeff McKinnon and Garry Billing have started a home-grown discipleship opportunity titled Learning Circles, for people of all backgrounds, who are interested in growing in discipleship, spirituality and mission – learning the ways of Jesus. If you would like to know more, please contact Jeff (jeff@citybaptistchurch.net).

      IN OUR THOUGHTS
      • John Tomkinson passed away in late March. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Gwen and the family.
      • David and Pat Jacobs celebrated a milestone wedding anniversary.

      NEWSTEAD

      Hutchison Family Update

      Newstead Baptist Church is very pleased to announce the safe arrival of its newest member, a baby boy, Rafael (Raffy) Warren Hutchison. Raffy was born at 1:56pm on 3rd April and weighed 9.8 pounds (4.46 kgs).

      Congratulations to Dan and Maria, Skylah, Octavia and Boaz for this exciting addition to the family.  Pastor Dan is on leave until May 17 to be with his family.

      Around the Churches Apr-May 2023, Newstead
      Dan with Skylah, Octavia and Raffy; Playing Scrabble at the Drop-In Centre
      Drop-In Centre

      Our Friday Senior’s Drop in Centre has recently dropped the “Senior’s” from their name in order to better align with our Strategic Plan. 

      People of all ages are now welcome to attend the Drop-In Centre each Friday from 1pm until about 3:30pm.  Activities include good conversation, tea and coffee, yummy food (cake on special occasions!), darts, eight-ball, and a range of board games including scrabble and upwords.

      We really appreciate the willingness of the older members of our congregation to embrace change and the future vision of our church and we look forward to what is in store for this special ministry.

      Family Fun Walks

      Newstead Baptist Church has partnered with Scripture Union to promote a series of Family Fun Walks.  These monthly, short family-friendly walks, are on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 pm, and easy to get to for those in or near Launceston.

      All walks are manageable for families with young children, although not all are pram/stroller-friendly.  Our walks so far have been a great opportunity to meet new people and create deeper conversations around our discussion topics. For example, “Are you feeling full or empty?” for recent Trevallyn Dam walk.

      All northern Baptist Churches are invited to join us at any of the upcoming walks listed below.  This list of walks, along with Scripture Union’s bushwalk series, can be found at https://bootsnall.sutas.org.au, including some useful preparation and safety tips. 

      Anyone from other local churches or the surrounding community are also welcome.

      Upcoming walks
      • 4th June                  Youngtown Regional Park
      • 2nd July                    Lilydale Falls
      • 3rd September    Gorge Circuit
      • 8th Octobe           Tamar Island
      • 10th November    Old Macs Farm

      THE POINT

      Baptisms

      The church was blessed with the baptism of the Cousens family at Greens Beach on the 24th of March: Adam, Sarah, Erica and Tom.
      So great to see the family growing in the Lord.

      Passover celebrated

      On Palm Sunday, The Point Baptist Church welcomed Mark Rogers from The Friends of Israel, who conducted a Passover Seder meal as part of the Sunday service. The event was greatly appreciated by the church, and helped understanding of the significance of the Passover event.

      Around the Churches Apr-May 2023, the Point Baptist
      Baptisms at Greens Beach; Mark Rogers of Friends of Israel

      Northwest

      LATROBE

      Harvest Festival

      On March 19th we celebrated our Harvest Festival. The bread, water and the sheaf of wheat along with the Bible, were centre of place, as they remind us of the basic things needed for life.

      Food items were brought and displayed, and Pastor Ralph shared with us a reading from Leviticus reminding us of the need to be continually thanking the Lord for all our provisions.

      The food was available for purchase after the service and the money raised along with remaining items was given to Gran’s Van.  Gran’s Van operates in Devonport to help feed the homeless and people struggling to feed themselves.

      Latrobe Baptist Harvest Festival 2023

      SASSAFRAS

      Please pray!

      Although it would be true to say our congregation is “getting on”, we have suddenly experienced quite a few ‘sickies’!

      Please pray for David’s back op; Sheryl’s leg op; Gordon’s cancer struggle; Jean and Karl’s Covid attack and Frans’s back attack! That is a third of our church! Join us to pray for their rapid recovery in every aspect of this attack. We ask in Jesus’s Name:

      “Ask in my Name and I will do it”!

      John 14:14
      Sassafras Baptist Church_ photo credit Duncan Grant

      WESTBURY

      Welcome little Macey

      On 18th March, Pastor Matt Holloway, Lacey and big brother Larry welcomed Macey Kate into their family. Let’s celebrate with them for a safe arrival.

      The Holloways
      Matt and Lacey with Larry, and Macey

      WYNYARD

      Strengthening our community
      • Recently, 17 of our ladies enjoyed a day out with JUST GIRLS to Stanley, where they visited Highfield House, and Joe Lions cottage.
      • Many people attended a day of fun and fellowship at the Church Family picnic at Railway Institute hall in April..
      • Due to inclement weather, the combined churches Good Friday service was held in our church rather than in Guttridge Gardens as planned.
      • Chat n Choose continues to meet on Thursday morning in the school term.
      • Wednesday Get Together meet on the first and third Wednesday of the month when people meet for morning tea ,and fellowship and carpet bowls and table games.
      • The Food Hub continues to operate on Monday and Friday.
      Franz and Heidi Brosch
      Franz and Heidi Brosch
      Franz and Heidi Brosch

      We are pleased to have welcomed our associate Pastor Franz and Heidi Brosch into our church family,

      They input into our church services, with Heidi in the worship team and Franz on the keyboard.

      Around the Churches Apr-May 2023

      South

      CITYWIDE

      Clean Up Australia

      On 5th March again participated in the Clean Up Australia Day, this year at three different locations.  We did not hold a service at Mornington that day, and at Lenah Valley had a prayer time for those not in the field, linking into some of the sites for a report on what was happening.  Evaluation of the day will see some changes for next year.

      Renovations

      There has been some energy and money expended in our first stage of some renovations.  We painted our front rooms, and refreshed with new carpet, windows and blinds.  Also there has been significant hours and work effected on our roof in a bid to fix numerous leaks.  Fund raising is underway for stage 2.  

      Mission Partnership

      Our BMA grant towards outreach to the Hindu community in Hobart has seen the purchase of a 12-seater bus and employment of a coordinator for two-days per week. to facilitate community services.  This is now up and running. Praise God.

      Anzac Day

      In conjunction with the local RSL, we’ve had another exciting Anzac Day in the Park at Lenah Valley.  This has grown to be a significant annual community event, this year with an estimated attendance of 800. 

      We offer various crafts and activities to suit the whole family, all with an Anzac Day theme.  We gave away Sausages, drinks and Anzac biscuits.  The public were involved and everyone has a fun time.  Conversations take place, and links are established. Citywide is blessed by serving.

      Around the Churches Apr-May 2023, Citywide
      Good Friday dawn service; Lenah Valley clean-up team; Anzac Day in the Park

      CLAREMONT

      Garage Sale

      Claremont Baptist members cleaned out their garages and storerooms to hold a very successful Garage Sale.

      While we benefited financially the purpose was to open our doors to our community. We offered a free sausage sizzle and tea and coffee which gave us time to chat to people. At least four people told us they never knew there was a church on the corner (it is a quite inconspicuous building!) Church families got to socialise too and there was a wonderful atmosphere.

      Unfortunately, the event also proved to be a Covid super-spreader! So, by Easter Sunday we only had eight attending.

      A moving and intimate service,  a wonderful time of rejoicing that Our Lord has Risen! On Good Friday we were also able to share in coffee and buns at Edge Anglican as has become our tradition. 

      Around the Churches Apr-May 2023, Claremont Baptist Garage Sale
      Garage Sale Day at Claremont

      HOBART

      Sanctuary Sunday

      On Sunday 19th March, Hobart Baptist celebrated Sanctuary Sunday when all our congregations gathered to worship together. This includes the Karen Community, Mabuhay (Filipino), Vietnamese Fellowships, as well as Hobart Vision Church (Korean). During the service, Yvette Ambrose was baptised.

      The Vietnamese Christian Fellowship National Conference

      From 11-14 April, almost 200 registrants from the mainland and Vietnam took over the building for their annual conference. Our Vietnamese Family Fellowship hosted the visitors.

      Karen Wedding

      Congratulations to Karen couple Pan Tay and Nya Le, who were married on Saturday 15th April by Joel Ortiz.

      Pray for Christians in Kyiv

      Pastor Anton, who we support in Kyiv, sent this message on 1st May. Please pray for him and the faithful people there who are providing hope, help and lodging for refugees:
      There was a missile attack 25km south of our refugee centre. Some of our men have been working in the rescue team and were able to help save some of the people in the attack.

      Around the Churches Apr-May 2023 - Hobart Baptist
      SANCTUARY SUNDAY: Korean Youth dance; followed by a wonderful morning tea; Vietnamese Conference; Karen Wedding

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      April/May 2023

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      Around the Churches Apr-May 2023

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      Associate Pastor, Matt Henderson – Hobart

      Matt Henderson Hobart

      Ministry Profile

      Matt Henderson, Hobart

      Associate Pastor Matt Henderson was inducted at Hobart Baptist Church in February 2022, so it’s high time to find out about him. Read on to discover where he came from, and what his ride has been like over the last year.

      I was born in Fairfield, Sydney but I’ve lived in Tasmania since I was very young. My family moved around a lot and we lived in many homes right across Hobart. I also spent a lot of my childhood on my grandparent’s farm in Geeveston. Tasmania was a wonderful place to grow up, and although I considered moving interstate as a young adult, I’m now very glad that I stayed here.

      I love the ‘smallness’ of Tasmania. Our community here in Tasmania is still small enough that it is possible to build and maintain strong and close-knit communities. We are so blessed to live on an island with so much natural beauty, and because Tasmania is so small, all of that natural beauty is accessible in a way you can’t find in many places in Australia, or anywhere else. Kylie and I believe that Tasmania is the best place in the world to raise children.

      I grew up in a very loving family. My older sister has a disability, and because of this I grew up with a different perspective about diversity, inclusion and people with special needs. My wife, Kylie, and I met at a young people’s Bible study, eventually marrying in December 2006. Kylie and I have two boys, Daniel (15) and David (10). Both of our sons are on the Autism Spectrum. I also have an older son, Isaac (23). Kylie and I recently became grandparents. Our granddaughter’s name is Dawn.

      Kylie works as Citywide’s Accounts Manager, and does similar work for HBC as a volunteer. Kylie feels led to serve churches in the area of finance, and she also assists a couple of other churches in the Baptist Union in this area.

      Matt Henderson, Hobart at Isaac's wedding
      The Henderson family at Isaac’s wedding in 2021

      Growing Up

      I was raised in a Christian family and became a Christian when I was nine, on a children’s camp at the Blue Lagoon Christian Campsite. Unfortunately, I had negative experiences of churches as a child, and did not attend a church for a long time. I became serious and committed about my faith and working for Jesus in my mid-twenties when I became involved with a community of Christian young adults and families and got involved with children’s ministry and camps.

      Growing up, my family attended very traditional Brethren churches. I was attending Eastern Shore Brethren Assembly when I met Kylie, who was a new Christian attending there because her mum attended there. After we got married, we attended another Brethren church in Hobart, where I worked for a year as the Sunday School coordinator. However, we became increasingly uncomfortable with the teaching around the role of women in these churches. Then, after Daniel was born and began exhibiting early signs of being on the Autism Spectrum, we felt increasingly excluded from that community.

      We spent a lot of time un-churched, as we didn’t know how to navigate fitting into a church community as a special needs family.

      Finding a Church Home

      We really struggled to find a church that was accepting of a special needs family. However, when we visited Citywide’s Lenah Valley campus in 2015, we were immediately blown away by how welcoming and accepting the people there were. We became part of a church family there for the first time. When Matt Garvin arrived in 2017, he showed both myself and Kylie a way of following Jesus that lit a fire for both of us to become more active in serving.

      At Citywide I discovered, developed and built my skills, stepping into areas of service and leadership I had previously shied away from. While there, we experienced Christian community in a very different, and much more fulfilling way, than I had ever experienced before. We became more open as individuals, more open as a family, and more willing to share with others.

      Matt and Kylie
      Matt and Kylie, 2023

      As a result of encouragement at Citywide, I got some theological training. This challenged me to develop and practice leadership skills While there, I learned a lot about being part of a community of Jesus followers. I learned that I had leadership skills and I learned a lot about teamwork and church governance.

      Our time at Citywide was a pivotal time of personal growth for both myself and for Kylie. We grew up spiritually there, and some very special people mentored us. Citywide is a place and community we will always have tremendous love for.

      What Matt does now

      Now, I am the Associate Pastor at Hobart Baptist Church. I wear many hats, and it’s both challenging and a lot of fun. My first job is to learn. This is my first time serving in pastoral ministry, and there are a lot of mistakes to be made, and a lot of learning to do. I see my most important task as building relationships within the church community.

      Our senior pastor, Stephen Baxter, has a lot of big picture stuff to do with Tas Baptists, so I try to handle as many of the small picture, but just as important, details at Hobart Baptist Church (HBC). Much of my work involves liaising between different teams.

      I oversee HBC church service planning, including our livestreaming, and a lot of our social media interactions. As well, I work with Stephen on our vision and direction for HBC, and our teaching plan and roster. I also do fairly regular preaching at HBC.

      Leaving a church community like Citywide where we had built up deep roots over seven years was a very costly and difficult change for us. However, we have found the community at HBC to be welcoming, accepting and full of wonderful people. The culture is very different and adjusting has taken a little while for us.

      I am still adjusting to working in pastoral ministry. Thankfully, I love the challenge and it is a blessing to have a great mentor to work with in Stephen. I am quite introverted, so there are many aspects of my work I find challenging, but also rewarding.

      From a family standpoint, working pastorally with special needs children is a different kind of challenge. It would be fair to say that even after a full year here, we are still adjusting – but its been largely positive.

      Matt Henderson, Honart

      It’s all about P-E-O-P-L-E

      What’s the best piece of advice I’ve been given? Building a strong church community is not about structures or programs, it’s about the people and what Jesus is doing in their lives.

      Kylie and I would both appreciate prayer for managing the balance between our ministry work, and the needs of our family.

      Short ‘n’ Sweet

      I am looking forward to . . . seeing people grow in their relationship with Jesus.

      I am worried about . . . how negative the public voice of Christianity often is.

      I am confident that . . . as I learn, I will make a lot of mistakes.

      I am joyful about . . . the rich diversity at Hobart Baptist Church.

      I would like to change . . . how we think about disability and inclusion in the church.

      I am at my best when . . . I’m part of a team.

      Matt Henderson Hobart

      More Ministry Profiles

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      ReCharge NEWS April 2023

      26th April 2023 | ReCharge News

      Click Item to Read

        Geoff Maddock Visits Tassie!

        As the Baptist Mission Australia State Leader for Tasmania, it is my privilege to relocate to Tassie for the month of May to walk alongside our Baptist churches. 

        Geoff and Sherry Maddock
        Geoff and Sherry Maddock

        READ MORE ABOUT MY DATES AND DESTINATIONS >

        First and foremost, I seek to listen and learn what God’s people in Tasmania are experiencing as they step out in mission – across the street and around the world!  I’m also honoured to be sharing in church gatherings each Sunday across May and attending pastor gatherings and association events throughout the month. 

        I would also hope to visit with anyone interested in intercultural mission (local and global) or curious about the work of Baptist Mission Australia as we adapt our organisation to a rapidly changing world mission context. 

        Please don’t hesitate to reach out with a phone call, text or email to arrange a time with me.  I will be in the North West 30th April-10th May. Then around Launceston 10th May to 22nd May. And will finish my time in the South of the state from 22nd May to 29th May.

        Following conversations with Tasmanian Baptist leaders, engagement with churches and our own discernment processes, we sense God’s Spirit encouraging us to make ourselves available to journey with Tasmanian Baptists on your missional reimagination journey.

        Geoff Maddock
        Baptist Mission Australia | gmaddock@baptistmissionaustralia.org | 0436 470 535

        Atrocities in Myanmar

        A call for prayer via Australian Baptist Ministries

        The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation condemns in the strongest terms possible the recent aerial bombing of civilian villages in Pazikyi, Kanbalu of Sagaing region in Myanmar, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 innocent civilians.

        This attack is a gross violation of international humanitarian law and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life.

        As members of the Baptist World Alliance, who stand for justice, peace, and respect for human dignity, we are deeply saddened at this heinous act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones, homes and belongings in this inhumane attack.

        We ask our member conventions and churches to pray for the people of Myanmar during these difficult times and to stand in solidarity with them as they seek justice and peace.

        READ: Full press release >

        Riverland’s Ministries

        There is so much going on at Longford! To find out more, or to attend/participate in any of these ministries please check their website (riverlands.org.au), call 6391 2202, or email admin@riverlands.org.au. Office hours are 9am-12pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.

        • 10-11am Mondays and Tuesdays, Libraries Tasmania, Adult Literacy – during school term)
        • 11am-12pm Mondays, Prayer Group
        • 10am-12pm Tuesdays, Threads of Friendship
        • 5.30-9pm Tuesdays Young Adults Group – off site
        • 10am-12pm Wednesdays, Bible Small Group
        • 9.30-11.30 am Thursdays, Stay & Play – during school terms
        • 3-5pm Thursdays, Girls Youth Group – during school terms
        • 11.30am-1.30pm. Thursdays, Bible Discovery Group
        • 7-8.30pm Thursdays, Bible Small Group – fortnightly, off-site
        • 10.30am-12pm Fridays, Neighbours – fortnightly
        • 7-9.pm Fridays, Riverlands Youth group – 3rd Friday of each month, during school terms
        • 11am-1pm Fridays, Meals on Wheels – operate Monday-Friday each week
        Riverlands Minsitries. Snr Pastor Rodney Marshall, Meals on Wheels, Sta & Play, Associate Pastor Liam Conway
        Snr Pastor Rodney Marshall, Meals on Wheels, Stay & Play, Associate Pastor Liam Conway

        Grief Companion Training

        Do you know people who are grieving? Would you like to learn how to support them? You could attend this seminar, being run by New Mornings at Ulverstone Baptist.

        WHEN 9:30am-430pm, Saturdays 20th May AND 3rd June 2023
        COST Day 1 only – $75 (Conc. $55) ) | Days 1 + 2 – $120 (Conc. $85)
        WHERE Ulverstone Baptist Church Hall, 60 Alexandra Road, Ulverstone, 7315
        INFO Contact New Mornings: griefsupport@newmornings.org.au | 03 6411 6212
        OR download the flyer:

        DOWNLOAD FLYER HERE

        What’s Going On – Summerhill

        For more information about any of these activities please contact Maddy Svoboda: pastor@summerhillbaptist.org.au

        • Primary school mentoring at Summerdale (as well as training of mentors), runs weekly throughout the week.
        • Playgroup, 10am-12pm, Wednesdays during school term facilitated by the Salvos.
        • Chat and Choose, every Friday morning during school terms.
        • Craft Group, Saturday mornings once a month.
        • High school Youth Ministry, 7-9pm, 2nd Friday of the month (when not involved with the combined youth initiatives).
        • Life groups, throughout the week.
        • A service in our local aged care facility. We hope to extend to another service soon.
        Summerhill Baptist Ministries

        Stand with the People of Myanmar

        FROM BAPTIST MISSION AUSTRALIA

        More than ever, the people of Myanmar need to know that others stand with them. They need to know they are not forgotten.

        Two years on from a military coup, Myanmar is rocked by violence, oppression and instability. The economy has collapsed, there are severe shortages of food, fuel and other basic supplies. Families are forced to separate, churches continue to be damaged. Pastors have been arrested. The military continue to ignore basic human rights. 

        Since the coup, more than 3000 people have been killed and 16,000 people detained. Almost 1.6 million people are displaced within Myanmar and 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers from Myanmar live in refugee camps on the Thai and Indian borders and within other towns in Thailand and India. 

        Please invite your faith community in sacrificially giving to our Stand with Myanmar appeal, so that together we can make a tangible and practical difference in the lives of people who continue to live with trauma and uncertainty.

        What’s Going on – City Baptist

        City Baptist Church in Launceston has people, as well as activities that people can connect with relationally.

        • Street chaplain (Stephen Avery), coming alongside those in need on our streets
        • Advocacy 
          • Housing provided for refugees (Ivan James)
          • The homeless and those fleeing Family and Domestic Violence (Kay Hunter)
          • Climate activism (Sally Staley, Wendy Miller and friends)
        • Drop in Centre in the Red Dove Café
          6pm-7pm Saturdays, 52 weeks per year (Jeff McKinnon).
        • City Baptist Community Garden –  69 Station Rd, St Leonards (Steve and Marie Pearce)
        • Learning Circle (hosted by Garry Billing and Jeff McKinnon) for those wanting to grow in discipleship, spirituality and mission (three-week sessions)
        • Young adult dinners with Jenna Blackwell
        • Friday Frolics – Intergenerational social outing on last Friday of the month (Merelyn Briton)

        Find out more here > | City Baptist on Facebook >

        Some of the faces at City Baptist, L-R: Tracey and Stephen Avery; Jeff McKinnon; Jenna Blackwell; Kay Hunter

        What’s Going on – Gateway

        The Baptist churches in and around Launceston want to work more closely together and point people to activities going on in other Baptist churches.

        Over the coming weeks reCharge NEWS will highlight one church’s activities, this week, with Gateway Baptist.

        Gateway Baptist, Craft Group, Artway, Basketball, Mentoring and lifeskills
        Gateway’s Ministries most weeks:
        Shekinah House Team

        Volunteering and low level counseling with homeless people
        11am till 3pm, Tuesday to Friday

        Bible Study

        Ladies study with coffee
        3rd and 4th Tuesday of each month  
        Wednesday group
        5:30 – 6:30pm Wednesday
        Eat, Share, Pray Midweek Group
        6:30-8:30pm, Thursday

         Artway            

        Art Therapy and Lessons 12 noon – 2pm Wednesday and Thursday   
        Craft Group 6:30-9pm, Wednesday               

        Walking Group

         Ladies 10am Thursday

        Baptist Basketball

        Saturday Evenings

        To enquire about any of these activities please email: noeleagling@gmail.com

        Easter Camp at Perth

        In 1954, Perth Baptist hosted an enormous Easter Camp!
        Thank you to those who responded about the year this photo was taken.

        Perth Baptist Easter Camp, approx date 10940s

        READ MORE Perth Baptist Church Profile

        What’s Going On – Newstead

        Walk this Way - Newstead Baptist
        Walk this Way 

        2-4pm first Sunday of the month

        Family friendly short walks aimed to be an intergenerational opportunity to create space in creation to walk and talk.

        Life Groups

        Tuesday Life Group 7-9pm in Prospect
        Thursday Life Group 7-9pm in Newstead
        All Welcome! Join a Life Group here >

        In the Community

        Chat’n’Choose 9:30-11:30am Thursdays, at the church.
        Crafts, Conversations, Friendship, Fun. Men and Women of all ages are Welcome.

        Drop-in Centre meets every Friday 1-3pm in “The  Lounge” at the church
        Games for all generations, just drop-in to meet new friends

        Alpha at Newstead Baptist Thursday nights from 1st June 2023

        To enquire about any of these activities at Newstead, please email info@newsteadbaptist.org.au

        Mid-Year Assembly

        Friday/Saturday 5th/6th May, Newstead Baptist (NB new venue!)

        The May Assembly is coming up very fast! All Tasmanian Baptist churches are eligible to have at least two voting delegates in attendance, plus pastors and Tas Baptist Council Members. As well, interested individuals are welcome to attend. However, all attendees do need to register.

        Assembly papers will be sent to Church Secretaries via email on Thursday 6th April.

        Program

        7-9pm, Friday 5th May: Dinner ($30)
        9:30am-3pm, Saturday 6th May: Morning tea and Lunch ($15)

        Payments and registrations will be due to the Tasmanian Baptist office by Monday 5th May 2023. As well as the regular registration process, we are trialing an online payment/registration system. So watch out for that!

        Views of October Assembly 2022
        Views from Tas Baptist Assembly, October 2022

        CROSSOVER Easter Resources

        FROM crossover.org.au

        This Changes Everything is an Easter series that’s ready to go. There are message outlines that you can take, leave or adapt. But the bonus is the artwork for promoting and inviting, easily editable to include your church details.
        All free, because Crossover is here to help you share Jesus.

        Ally & Sally is the shortest soap opera you’ve ever seen! 3x 1-min episodes you can show in church, or embed in your weekly email, or both. Each episode can stand alone, but the story builds – and twists – with a positive encouragement to share our great news.
        Perfect for showing right before promoting the Easter Offering in the three weeks leading up to Easter!

        watch ally & sally

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        ReCharge News April 2023

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        Deep Thought April 2023

        The God of Bethel

        Deep Thought – A bi-monthly feature in reCharge

        The God of Bethel

        While Maddy Svoboda was away on leave over Christmas, God used the time to help him recall some moments of big impact in his life.

        In the Scriptures, there are familiar beats and rhythms that get hit on a regular basis. Examples include: “The Lord is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness”, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”, and “Do not fear”.

        Another one of the regular rhythms and sentences that comes up throughout the narrative of the Hebrew Scriptures is this refrain, “I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”. It comes up in some significant places.

        Over my recent time of long service leave, I was reading through Genesis and came to another phrase in Chapter 31 that, for the first time in my life, stood out to me: “I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land.” (Genesis 31:13 NIV)

        I was familiar with the refrain of “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”, but not so much “the God of Bethel”.

        What was happening here?

        Yahweh is speaking these words to Jacob, a man who had an incredible experience of him in a place he would name Bethel.

        In this place, he had a dream that there was a ladder or stairway going up to the heavens. There were angels going up and down the ladder. God reaffirms the promises made to his grandfather and father and they are made to him.

        When Jacob wakes, he cries out: “Surely the Lord was in this place, and I was not aware of it’ (Genesis 28:16 NIV). He anointed the rock he slept on as a pillar, and called the place Bethel or ‘house of God’.

        Moving right along

        Fast forward to Genesis 31, and we see God identifying himself as The God of Bethel. All of this is deeply personal to Jacob. Yahweh meets him where he is at, in order to call him to the next step of obedience.

        This is the beauty of the incarnation of Jesus: he meets us where we are at by becoming one of us and dwelling among us (see John 1:14).

        For me, he encountered me on the banks of the South Esk River in Hadspen after a horrendous 18th birthday party. Again, he encountered me at a Christian group camp shortly after where I was overwhelmed by the love of God.

        Questions for you

        As you reflect and pray, have a think about the following questions. You could even use your journal to write down your immediate responses.

        Perhaps God will meet you with the next step of obedience, as God did with Jacob.

        • How did God meet you where you were at?
        • What does this mean for your involvement in the mission of God?
        • What does this mean for those in your life, who Jesus loves and you are in relationship with?
        • How might God be wanting to meet them where they are at?
        Maddy Svoboda

        Maddy Svoboda is the pastor at Summerhill Baptist, and represents the Greater Launceston churches on the Tasmanian Baptists Mission Leadership Team.

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        Courage to Make a Difference by Mark Wilson
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