The Point Archives - Tasmanian Baptists

25 June 202515 July 2026

reCharge NEWS June 2025

23rd Baptist World Congress

Virtual Registration Closes June 30

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

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

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

More reason to become a child sponsor

Baptist World Aid

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

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

The result clearly revealed powerful and tangible impacts.

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

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

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

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

Alpha Australia

Alpha hits 1 million Australian Participants

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

Zenos Media

Brand New Kids App!

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

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

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

Tas/Texas Partnership 2025

The Point Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

Baptist World Aid

Matching Grant Appeal

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

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

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

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

Meet Jagmati

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

Library Aid International

Supporting Global Education from Tasmania

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

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

Recent Highlights

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

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

Heartfelt Messages

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

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

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

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

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

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

GLS Aus and NZ Leaders Networking Event

Still Standing – Building Resilience as a Leader

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topics covered:

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

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

Visit the website here for more details or to buy tickets

reCharge News June 2025

Around the Churches August – September 2024

What’s going on?

Here is the third quarter news from our Baptist churches around Tasmania. This time we hear from: Lifeway Devonport, Newstead Baptist, The Point, Citywide and Hobart Baptist Church. I hope this update from our churches encourages you and reminds us of the precious community that we have in Jesus Christ!

Around the Churches August – September 2024

Northwest

Lifeway Devonport

August began with a group of people from LifeWay joining with a team from Landcare to revegetate a strip of coastline in East Devonport. The area was spread with topsoil, covered with bark mulch and planted with a variety of shrubs and grasses. With plenty of LifeWay people to help, the Landcare team had time to clean up the nearby beach. LifeWay valued this opportunity to make a positive contribution to the Devonport community. LifeWay marked Fathers’ Day with a special morning tea of scones, jam and cream that were enjoyed by everyone, not just fathers!

North

City Baptist Church

City Baptist church has been engaging in the Seasons of Creation and enjoyed a combined gathering with Pilgrim Uniting Church on 8 September 2024. They also celebrated their annual general meeting, sharing stories from City Seeds, including the community garden, weekly drop-in centre, Re-Imagine (young adults) and more. They are finishing Alpha at the end of September and looking forward to a great Holy Spirit Day on 21 September.

Newstead Baptist

Newstead Baptist Church recently enjoyed an introductory HEART OF WINTER EXPO highlighting some of the 17 businesses and ministries held weekly on its church premises.

Businesses involved on the day were Wise Learning Tutoring Services, Lions Club of Launceston, Drop-in Centre, Men @ Maccas, Men in the Shed, Chat ‘n’ Choose, Active Ageing, Launceston Dance Centre, Tasmanian Performing Arts Centre, Andrea Badcock Vocals, Rosemary Hill Art. The Expo also included a Kids Zone with craft activities by Scripture Union, face painting and a colour-in competition.

About 100 people attended the Expo – a very warm and friendly occasion on a cold, wet day. It was a great opportunity for representatives from all groups to meet and mingle over the displays, refreshments and a sausage sizzle. (use photos from Facebook)

The Point Baptist Church

The Point Baptist survived the recent wild weather. They are praying for one of their members, Gavin, who works with Transend and is helping to restore the power to homes and businesses.

The church is encouraged by the increased participation of their young adults and youth, who are leading worship and taking on other activities. They are still looking for a part time youth leader.

Craig Hawkins returned from a two-month Creation speaking tour through Victoria, NSW and Queensland. He spoke to nearly 2000 people, including over 500 school students. The two Craig’s: Craig Ellem and Craig Hawkins were thankful that Anthony McClone assisted while they were away on preaching duties.

The Creation Discovery Centre has had some recent additions and improvements made to it.

Some of the Creation Discovery Centre Displays

Briar Marshall leading praise and worship

South

Citywide Baptist (Mornington, Lenah Valley, Levendale and Nepalese)

Time Out 30th Celebrations

Great were the memories and celebration of the craft program, Time Out, in July after 30 years! Many people and past team members attended this very special morning. Time Out ministry has offered friendship, a listening ear, and creative craft opportunities to many people in the community through the years.

Coinciding with this milestone, Raie Semmens stepped down from her long tenure of leading the program after 22 years. What an amazing ministry Raie has given, sharing her heart for people and her dedication to Jesus. Marg Moss has stepped into the role and is bringing her own creative gifting to the program.

Citywide’s Trivia Night

Stuart Semmens has again excelled in his amazing planning and running of this fun night, helped by our young adults’ group. Over 90 people attended, and every table had visitors and friends sharing in the fun and challenge.

Tabletop Sale

Again, over 30 tables were booked for this event – most from the wider community. The aim is to open the premises for the community and share in this service.

Wedding Congratulations

The church rejoiced with Nic Mayall and Ben Tomlison as they were married on 31 August. The ceremony was held at Blue Lagoon and the reception at Citywide. Citywide’s love and prayers are with them as they journey together into their future. May they know God’s blessings in abundance.

Hobart Baptist Church

HBC held a thanksgiving service for Stephen Jenny Baxter on 1 September. Members at Hobart Baptist Church prayed for Stephen & Jenny Baxter during the service and Stephen wrote this letter to for church community:

Dear brothers and sisters of Hobart Baptist Church,

Thank you. From the depths of my heart, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your support, love, and prayers throughout my time as pastor at HBC. It has been an honour to serve you and to serve God over the years.

Together, we’ve shared moments of joy, growth, challenge, and deepening faith. Your faithfulness has been a constant source of inspiration, and I’m truly grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me.

As I reflect on this chapter of my life, which represents a quarter of my working years, I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude for your kindness and encouragement. They have been invaluable, shaping both my ministry and own my personal growth.

Jenny and I are especially thankful for your continuing prayers as we have walked alongside each other on this journey. The memories and the bonds formed over the years will always be cherished.

While this is an end to being your pastor, it is not the end of our relationship. Looking ahead, I’m confident God will continue to bless and guide this congregation, and we look forward to being part of it.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Stephen

Around the Churches August – September 2024

reCharge Articles 2024

Reflections on Muster by Kathy Fogarty
Stand with Myanmar by Kathy Thompson and Rev Moo Hei
Foster Care Sunday by Mary Blake
I Am Not Ok by Maddy Svoboda
Future of the Planet by Liam Conway
Being the Bad Guys by Fiona Bradley
No Matter What God Will Provide by Karla Miller
Weddings, Funerals, Baptism and Dedications Workshop by Michael Henderson
Around the Churches June – July 2024
DOWNLOAD Recent Issues

Around the Churches August – September

22 November 202319 June 2024

Around the Churches, Oct-Nov 2023

Around the Churches October-November 2023

This is the final Around the Churches for 2023

North

RIVERLANDS, Longford

Stay and Play teaparty

Stay and Play (playgroup) recently held an all ages tea party at Riverlands on 26 October. It was attended by little people with their parents/guardians and grandparents and some Riverlands congregational people. There was lots of yummy morning tea and play and chatter.

Associate Pastor

At our recent members meeting held 29 October, 2023, there was a unanimous decision to renew Liam Conway’s employment contract as Associate Pastor at Riverlands. We are excited to see what God’s ministry through Liam and his wife Hannah, will bring for Riverlands and the wider community of Longford. We feel very blessed that they are part of our Riverlands family.

Driveway resurfacing

Riverlands recently had a successful government grant which has enabled us to proceed with resurfacing our driveway. This will improve access and safety for vehicles as they enter and exit our carpark.

Riverlands driveway, before and after; Around the Churches October-November 2023 — 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 120 women from many denominations attended, enjoying a wonderful day of encouragement and fellowship. Guest speaker, Rev. Karen Wilson, also launched the Tasmanian cohort of the global Women’s Leaders Network on the day.

READ Riverland’s Church Profile >

PERTH

Perth Baptist Church is a place where we are honouring the church of the past, caring for the church of today, building the church of tomorrow.

Celebration services

There are so many great parts of our church, and so many great people that make this church a wonderful place to be. Celebration Services take place whenever a 5th Sunday occurs in the month. On 29th October, we dedicated our celebration to Jesus. Following the service, a potluck luncheon was enjoyed.

Community activities

Our Hearts & Craft Group, and Men’s Group, continue to foster strong bonds of fellowship and friendship among our members. Our commitment to reaching out to the community remains steadfast through our weekly Bread Run and the Sunday Café.

Once again this year, we successfully prepared and sent 100 shoeboxes as a part of Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.

We had a Rock ‘n’ Roll night on November 11th, with our local Elvis!

Farewell Peter

It is with a heavy heart that we remember our dear friend Peter Wellard from Eskleigh, who peacefully joined his Lord on Monday, October 23rd. Despite battling a debilitating illness, Peter cherished attending worship at Perth Baptist, and his absence will be keenly felt.

Christmas is coming!

Preparations are underway for Annual Community Christmas celebration in Perth on December 16th. This will be a great event to reach and connect with the community. Anyone from the local Baptist churches is welcome to attend.

Most exciting of all though is the commencement of a weekly prayer meeting just before church each Sunday!

READ Perth’s Church Profile >

THE POINT, Beauty Point

Praising God

Our founding pastor Ray Hawkins and his wife Mary have moved into full-time care accommodation at Beaconsfield Hospital. Visitors are welcome.

Dempsey Horton, youth leader form Texas, The Point Baptist, Around the Churches October-November 2023

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

READ The Point’s Church Profile >

Around the Churches October-November 2023

GEORGE TOWN

Focussing on Children

We are working very hard to continue with the task of reaching those who are unchurched and uninitiated into the things of Christ.

Earlier this year, we established a Sunday School program for the few children who occasioned our Sunday Services, and over time it has continued to grow. We are the only church in town that offers Sunday School, and as a result, new people have come to the church simply because of that. It is easy to tell that they have little understanding of what the gospel is all about, and we have been careful to allow them to “soak it in”.

All year long, we have declared 2023 to be “The Year of the Child”, and welcome children from the pulpit each and every Sunday. The first song is always geared to children, and now, the children are preparing presentations to bring where they sing and perform actions to some of the songs themselves.

We are using the young people as ushers for receiving the offering prior to dismissing them to their class for the day. We have been able to add a couple of new workers, but to succeed we will need to double the staff. Soon, we won’t have room enough in our small building, and will have to find ways to expand.

Our other outreaches are functioning well, but reaching the youngest in our town brings the greatest joy of all.

READ George Town’s Church Profile >

WESTBURY

Both the Gospels of Matthew and Mark record the two greatest commandments: To love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul and all your mind and all your strength … and to love your neighbour as yourself (Matt 22:378-39; Mark 12:30-31). A tough call but nothing too untoward or controversial.

Far tougher are the words recorded in Matthew where Jesus told his disciples “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matt 20:18-20)

Having a go

As Christians we’ve been commanded to ‘go and make disciples’ and Westbury Baptist Church is seeking to have a go. Our new pastor Matt Holloway, and Lacey, called in April 2022, have rolled up their sleeves and they along with support from the church congregation are seeking to have a determined ‘slash’. There’s a common story of declining church numbers across many congregations in Tasmania and God willing, we intend to keep our church open.

Without fail, Matt’s sermons focus on this mandate and the church has over the past year set in place a number of programs to make the vision of ‘making HIM better known’ a reality in the Westbury Community.

Westbury Baptist, Around the Churches October-November 2023 — 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.

READ Wynyard’s Church Profile >

ULVERSTONE

The Bible Society

It was a joy to host and join with the churches and community groups of Ulverstone, raising awareness and fundraising for the Bible Society with their annual Festival of Word and Song. A collection was taken up with this year’s funds supporting aid work in Syria and Türkiye.

Social Activities

Our seniors continue to meet on the first Friday of each month to enjoy fellowship, morning tea, sing, and listen to several guest speakers.

Both ladies and men have enjoyed a breakfast over the winter months with guest speakers, Bronwyn Waterhouse and Peter Bennet sharing their heart.

Our UBC men have also continued to enjoy their monthly Men’s Events.

October Prayer Gatherings

Throughout the month of October each Monday evening we used our regular prayer gathering evenings to stand in the gap and pray specifically for prayer needs within our church family.

Father’s Day

This Father’s Day, we supported the work of Mission Aviation Fellowship and raised a total of $1850.00. This money will assist in fuelling life-saving flights in some of the worlds most isolated communities and will also give an opportunity for people to receive the Good News of God’s love.

Kids Church

Having our UBC kids in our service is simply delightful. In October our Kids Church kids took over the service, sharing what they had been learning and doing throughout the year. This year they took part in filling shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse and were active in dedicating the boxes in our service.

From the Pulpit

Over the past months we have enjoyed been challenged by the teachings of Pastor Louis, Lyn McKay, Greg Venz, Laurie Rowston, Stephen and Jocelyn Head, Ken Collyer and Nerrelie Cann. Listen to UBC sermon podcast >

BURNIE

The Burnie 10
Sunday, 29th October
Burnie Baptist opened up for athletes for the ‘Burnie 10’.

This is an annual opportunity to show hospitality to local, national and international runners, provide a secure place for personal belongings, and chat to the runners as they come in before, and also after, the race when recovery refreshments were provided.

Around the Churches October-November 2023

South

CITYWIDE

Mornington/Lenah Valley/Nepali/lEVENDALE

Church Camp

At the end of September, 140 people attended our annual Church Camp at Poatina – a well-serviced spot to get away to. One of the highlights was our annual Nepal vs Rest of the World soccer game. It was won this year by The Rest of the World – surprisingly!

Matt Garvin challenged us with some fresh thoughts from his new book (not released yet) about true community, and what is the Biblical expression of the Gospel? – based on Jesus’ prayer in John 17.

Mal Garvin

A major event for Citywide was the death and Memorial Service for Mal Garvin. What a man of God he was! What a legacy he has left! And what influence he has left in many lives.
Citywide Mornington was full, with around 300 people attending and staying on for lunch.

Empower Her Day of Courage

Many of our ladies attended the Day of Courage at Longford. They prepared the prayer stations for the Baptist women’s global Day of Prayer.

Mission Trip to Nepal

Pastor Paul Rai from our Nepali congregation has been ministering in Nepal through the month of November, particularly regions in the South West and South East where our mission focus is to support the rural pastors. He conducted 15 baptisms, led several seminars, taught and encouraged hundreds of pastors, leaving a trail of blessing behind him. Citywide has been praying daily in his itinerary, for safety, protection and anointing.

READ Citywide’s Church Profile >

CLAREMONT

Open Day

Our members were very busy over the past few months growing seedlings, succulents, bulbs and other shrubs. These were in preparation for another Open Day in October, when our community could drop by, enjoy a free sausage sizzle and a cuppa in the tea room. We sold the plants, seeds and some craft.

Torrential rain made for a soggy BBQ, however indoors was warm and welcoming. There was a lovely atmosphere and it was good to spend some time chatting to folk who might usually just walk on by. We trust the seeds sold will be seeds sown for the kingdom.

New growth

This past month we were delighted to welcome Hazel Mohan into membership. It was also a blessing to baptise Ellie Fitz-Gerald.

ICC* members have been joining us for worship services and have brought a breath of vitality and enthusiasm that has enhanced our worship. We are learning Hindi words to old favourite songs, and the influx of under 18’s has reinvigorated the Kidz Klub.

We look forward to growing and maturing in faith together.

READ Claremont’s Church Profile >

*Inter-Cultural Church

Around the Churches October-November 2023

HOBART

Long Table Banquets

On Sunday 22nd October, Hobart Baptist church was again the venue for the monthly Long Table Banquet. This time featuring Burmese (Karen) food. Thanks to Kelvin (host), Elle (event organiser), and Say Wah (chef) for all their work!

Hpbart Baptist Church long table; Around the Churches October-November 2023 — 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.

Karen shared her wisdom on “Seeing Differently”, based on the story about Elisha’s servant whose eyes were opened to see the hillsides surrounded by chariots of fire, as told in 2 Kings 6.

READ Hobart’s Church Profile >

Around the Churches October-November 2023

13 September 202316 October 2023

Around the Churches, August-September 2023

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!

City - Around the Churches August-September 2023 — 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.