Around the Churches, June-July 2023
Every two months you can catch up with the latest news in Tasmanian Baptist Churches.
North
RIVERLANDS, LONGFORD
New Youth Group
Every third Friday during term, Riverlands has recently offered a youth group for those in and around the church. The youth group is focused around church-encultured teens and giving them activities through the week.
Our goal is to develop a thriving youth ministry, where the youth can share life and have Christian discipleship. It’s had a strong reception as we’ve gathered together and enjoyed the company of one another whilst playing games, having snacks, and doing small devotions.
Whilst only small we are having a lot of fun and the group is developing well in line with our goals. We would appreciate your prayers and thoughts as we continue to develop the program and its structure.
The youth group has been running in co-operation with the other churches around Launceston where we have been gathering on the Fourth Fridays of the month for larger games, larger connections and better connections between churches and youth in the Launceston and Northern Midlands area.
CITY BAPTIST, Launceston
In the news
Our recent move to the Boathouse Centre received media attention, and, given events in the Southern Baptist scene, they chose to focus on our female leadership. We are enjoying the wonder-inspiring views of the city of Launceston from within our new gathering space, and also creating a partnership with the owners. We are greatly appreciative to Worldview for accommodating us so well during our previous transition.
Radical Hospitality
Over the month of June, we focused on the theme of hospitality – the gift of giving and receiving hospitality, and how it can be as simple as a smile. We continue to explore this theme of ‘radically ordinary hospitality’ in practical and life-giving, everyday ways.
The Saturday night drop-in centre meal continues each week, nearing capacity in the new space at Pilgrim Uniting. Stephen Avery’s presence in the street community furthers the connections.
Over July we will look at the theme of Seeds – seeds of faith, hope, justice and love – and how City can help germinate these seeds in the city of Launceston.
The City Seed Community Garden at St Leonards continues to welcome new members.
Supporting others … in Launceston and beyond
Members of our community hosted a fundraiser afternoon tea and raised $2000 for Betel Ministries in India (Betel International: Break free from drug and alcohol addiction).
Northern Refugee Support continues, with a recent long-awaited breakthrough.
We are also pleased to support outside ministries, such as SU’s upcoming camps, allowing children and families to attend who would otherwise be unable to.
NEWSTEAD
Alpha Underway
We have had a great start to the Alpha course with 24 people attending. Alpha is an evangelistic course which seeks to provide a space to ask questions through a series of talks and discussions. We wil be running Alpha for the next three years, and although this year we planned to first become familiar as a congregation with the course, we are excited to already have cross-over from other ministries during the week.
Week of Prayer and Fasting
It has been very encouraging to hear how many in our congregation during our week of prayer and fasting swapped-out something they loved for precious time in prayer. We had people go without food or a meal, coffee, alcohol, social media, and even the Chase (Aus. and British edition), and instead, spending time praying for our church’s strategic goals, church family prayer points, and our other Baptist churches around Launceston.
Friendship Lunch
We had a great turnout for the Friendship Shortest Day Longest Lunch with the Wentworth room filled with Friends. A delicious selection of BBQ meat and salads for mains, with sweet stuff to follow. Finally, a cake to top it off to celebrate a birthday. Geoff Marston shared on friendship and encouraged ‘’to have a friend; be a friend”. Thanks to the drop-in centre team for a great lunch.
BEAUTY POINT
New Youth and Children’s Leader
The most exciting development for our little church is the induction of our new Youth and Children’s Leader last Sunday. Dempsey Horton from Texas is our new youth and children’s leader for the next 12 months.
Texan Outreach
Friday 23rd June to Wednesday 19th July
We are midway through our regular Texan Mission, with four Texans visiting for almost four weeks.
Events include women’s coffee and dessert night, Bible studies for women, men and youth, Primary school youth group, Hope Night and more youth events to come. There will be a holiday kids’ club and five-day basketball skills clinic.
All events are free and designed to reach the North Tamar population with Hope found in Jesus Christ. If you live nearby you are welcome to attend!
See Info BROCHURE >
OR Contact Rachelle on 0409 272 877
Around the Churches June-July 2023
Northwest
LATROBE
Volunteers Honoured
On Saturday, 20th May, the Latrobe Council presented special awards to volunteers in their community.
Mayor Peter Freshney handed out over 30 awards, and amazingly Latrobe Baptist Church received seven of them!
- Latrobe Baptist church for its many community programmes
- Latrobe Baptist Chat ‘n’ Choose
- Latrobe Men’s Shed
- Glenis Smith – 30 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose
- John Langmaid – 30 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose
- Glad Purdy– 20 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose
- Fay Horne – 20 years of volunteer service, Chat ‘n’ Choose
SASSAFRAS
Winter Service
This annual event is always a success because it is always so cold and the hot chocolate always so welcome.
The real reason is, of course, to bring to mind that Jesus is the light of the world John 8:10, “Ï am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.
A few Sunday School children play their part by reciting a relevant poem they wrote and sing a children’s hymn. As always Cathy, Ruth and Max lead and inspire.
This event is always the simple reflection of children, though lead by adults, it is always a real blessing to us all, in the pews! Some of the hymns we sung were ” Showers of blessing”, “The Light of the World” and “Jeus bids us shine”. The inspiring message was from Ben Hallam followed by the three “S’s”, Soup, Sandwiches and Savouries!
Every one left the service fed in “Body, Mind, and Spirit!” It was great.
SHEFFIELD
Vale Mrs Beverly Duff
On 3rd June, the Lord called home to glory Mrs Beverly Duff who was a stalwart of the Sheffield Baptist church for over seventy five years. Mrs. Duff (nee Irvine) was baptised in 1947, and from that time took an active part in the church.
In 1953 she married Bruce Duff, and together they played a major role in the Church. In the late 1970’s Mrs Duff became church organist. She played for both the morning and evening services, as well as playing for funerals and weddings in the Sheffield Baptist church. As well, she often played for the West Kentish and Paradise churches.
When then church commenced our monthly fellowship teas and singing your favourite hymns in 2005, Beverly played until ill-health took its toll.
Mrs Duff was actively involved in the Ladies group, and was a keen supporter of the overseas missionary work of the church. She loved CWA and craft groups, and was a highly respected lady in the Kentish community.
Mrs Duff was truly a fine Christian lady who is now resting in the everlasting arms of her Saviour. The Sheffield Baptist church extends to Stephanie, Ashley, brother Desmond and their families our deepest sympathy.
WYNYARD
SUPPORTING OTHERS
Our church continues to support two children, Tithi and Rafin, through Baptist World Aid with the proceeds of our cappuccino sales on Sunday mornings.
JUST BLOKES
This is a quarterly gathering of men from the community when they enjoy a pizza and an interesting speaker. Greg White who works in the engineering department at Caterpillar was the speaker in June.
JUST GIRLS
The girls met recently for fellowship where they were able to enjoy some Filipino food. The afternoon was spent making a fridge magnet with Beth and Kester.
ULVERSTONE
Mother’s Day
Inviting our friends, mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunties, our UBC ladies enjoyed an evening out dining at Café RA. After our Mother’s Day service, and to honour the women in our midst, our UBC men provided morning tea. This was a bake-off competition from which we have now discovered we have a number of very capable and talented cooks at UBC! Prizes were awarded to Matt Cox for his macarons, Robbie Cunningham for his savory toast and Andrew Gurr for his apple cakes.
May Mission Month
May Mission Month was embraced as we listened and were challenged by guest speakers Paul Manning from Baptist World Aid, and Geoff Maddock from Baptist Mission Australia
Table Tennis
Our winter table tennis competition has once again commenced on Monday evenings with 27 registered players. Table tennis at UBC has been running for about 40 years.
Men’s events
Our recent Men’s Events have included go-karting, indoor cricket, a men’s breakfast, and an evening of carpet bowls and pizza. These events have been well attended by a variety of ages and has been a wonderful opportunity to reach out, encourage and strengthen relationships.
Dylan Standridge
In June we were privileged to spend an evening with Dylan Standridge. Dylan partners with Iris Global Ministries, he has a heart for Tasmania and has a prophetic call upon his life.
Home to Glory
Our church family have mourned the passing of three dear ladies and sisters in Christ.
Nalda King passed away on 19th March aged 85. Margaret McCall passed away on 18th June aged 94, and Pauline Beasley passed away on 22nd of June. Our thoughts and prayers continue for their families.
Around the Churches June-July 2023
South
CITYWIDE
Special Service
On Sunday 11 June we had a special combined service which included several aspects:
- Four Baptisms – what a delight to hear the testimonies and share in the faith journey of 4 people. As a result another person gave their life to the Lord that night.
- New Members – four people were received into membership.
- Dedication of Nepalese Outreach Ministries – Both the Community Bus and the Driver Mentor Car which were donated through BMA grants were in the auditorium and dedicated to the Lord’s work among the Hindu community.
- Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal – in support of our local Salvation Army Corps, everyone was encouraged to wear something red and bring a donation towards feeding children at our local schools as well as supporting families who are struggling. Almost $1000 was raised.
- Healing Prayer – At the close of the service 20 people came forward for anointing with oil.
Future Proofing your Life: 14th June to 12th July
A new initiative from our Pastoral Care team has seen the development of a three-part program for people both in their senior years, as well as for the families of seniors. Over 40 people registered from both the community and local churches.
Week of Prayer and Fasting – 18th-24th June
A dedicated week to draw closer to Jesus, to pray for our outreach into our local suburbs, and to pray for Hobart and people in need. A booklet with guidelines to aid our focus is provided for everyone to help engage us in praying together.
CLAREMONT
Combined Pentecost Service
On the afternoon of the 28th May, Claremont Baptist hosted a combined Pentecost Prayer Meeting with Edge Anglican and Claremont Uniting to pray for unity and our community.
After sharing in reflective prayer, communion and corporate prayer we had some good chats over light refreshments. Good to meet and greet our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Luthys Visit
Missionary family Chris and Amy Luthy and their family will be leading our service on 16th July. They serve with Pioneers and will share some of their experiences.
HOBART
Esteem. Coffee Shop
After a month or so of trials and waiting for final council approval, our coffee shop is now open! Volunteers will staff the coffee shop with a community focus and strong leaning towards supporting and training ex-refugees.
Thanks to Kelvin Smith for his work in the final stages of getting the coffee shop up and running, well over a decade since the dream began.
Luminous Festival
Thursday 8th to Sunday 25th June
Over two weeks, the Luminous Festival at Hobart Baptist hosted various activities, lined up to coincide with Hobart’s mid-winter festival, Dark Mofo.
- An art installation by Michael Henderson, The Seed of Life Weighed Down, on display in the foyer of The Tab. The display generated well over 100 faith-conversations with passers-by.
- Three “Conversations”, which provided a space for thought and discussion. Speakers in the Conversations panels brought expertise on topics asking:
- Is Tasmania A Place for Everyone?’
- How can we help Tasmanian Children flourish?
- How Do We Create Healthy Families?
- The festival culminated with Christmas in Winter, when we celebrated Christmas within its original context of the dark, cold mid-winter.
- Luminous Carols, Friday 23rd June
- Christmas Day service, Sunday 25th June
Art by Michael Henderson questioned ‘what the nativity scene represents, and whether it has an ability today to help us enter the mystery of God and faith’.
Long Table event
Members of the church, and many others, attended this wintry meal on the 25th June. Over 50 people enjoyed Eritrean food together. Thanks to Kelvin Smith and others for organising.
Farewell Margaret Baikie
Our dear friend Margaret Baikie went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Wednesday 14 June 2023. Margaret was a member of HBC for 55 years, and until fairly recently, in a very active capacity.
Loved and loving wife of Albert, mother of Margaret (Luckman) and Gordon, mother-in-law of Greg and Angie (Read). Adored Granny of Gordon James, Alistair, Hamish, James and Sunday Clare.
Around the Churches June-July 2023
Read ReCharge
June/July 2023
- Deep Thought July 2023 Our Expanding Horizons by Stephen Baxter
- Missional Leadership by Bree Mills
- Ministry Profile, Scott Pilgrim Baptist Mission Australia
- Mentoring Training with Fostering Hope
- Tuning in to the Heart of God by Jenna Blackwell, Mission and Leadership Coach
- Diving into Diversity Sacred Agents blog by Crossover Director, Andrew Turner
- Safe Churches Update by TB Administrator Rodney Marshall
- Discovering Deep, Resilient Faith by Melanie Saward
- June NEWS | July NEWS
Around the Churches June-July2023
Around the Churches June-July 2023
