NorthPoint - November, 2008

NORTH NSW CONFERENCE NEWS Grassy Head Beach, Grassy Head, NSW

NOV The outskirts of Brewarrina, NSW

Location Location The methods of evangelism may be different and the locations for baptism may vary, but the commitments are still the same and the celebrations in heaven are just as joyful.

Beach Baptism While many teenagers headed to the beach for fun in the surf during the school holidays, five young people chose the beach during Big Camp ‘08 as the place to make their public commitment to God in baptism.

Hundreds of people gathered on the beach to witness the re-birth of lives given in total dedication to God. For all five, StormCo trips were the turning point in their decisions to follow Jesus and give their lives in service to Him. “I know that today is not the end of the journey,” said Chris. “It’s just the beginning of a life led by God and serving others is what it’s all about.”

Chris was excited to be able to share the experience with his brother Ryan, who still attends Avondale School

where both brothers were first introduced to God and the Adventist Church. Proud Avondale Schools principal Dr David Faull said that this is exactly what Adventist Education is all about.

For Keira, her own baptism was the first baptism she’s ever been to — and what an experience! Keira said she is now following the calling of her Heavenly Father and can’t wait to share that with others.

Emma-Lea Lawrence attends Avondale Schools, is an active member of Avondale Memorial Church and is a member of the Tenterfield StormCo team. Emma-Lea and her parents tell us that StormCo was a major factor in her decision to give her life to Jesus.

For Luke Martin, there was nowhere else to get baptised. “Yarra and Stuarts Point have been such a big part of my journey to Jesus,” he said.

Chris and Ryan were baptised by Pr Mark Craig and Pr Mel Lemke

Upcoming Events...

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Church Baptism Port Macquarie Church was the location for two wonderful people to commit their lives to Jesus on September 27. Two young men, Justin Gillies and Ben Trotter were baptised — Justin by Pastor Joseph Maticic and Ben by Kempsey Adventist School Chaplain David Fletcher.

Both young men have been having studies for a couple of years. Justin made his decision after the Twelth Gate Pathfinder Camporee at Stuarts Point and Ben made his decision after attending Summer Camps at Yarrahapinni.

Keira was baptised by Pr Mark Craig

School Baptism Students and staff at the Kempsey Adventist School (KAS) were recently joined by members of the school community to witness the baptism of Year 7 student, Barbie Cohen, during a Friday morning Chapel service.

Barbie, who was enrolled at KAS this year from a State primary school, was baptised by Pastor Esava Koro from the South Kempsey Church. Following her baptism Barbie said “It is great to be part of a school where it is ok to love Jesus and share Him with other students”.

School community members also commented that it is amazing to see the Holy Spirit working in the lives of the students at KAS. Following the baptism, 20 students responded to Pastor Koro’s invitation to stand up if they wanted to be baptised. These students have joined 24 other KAS students currently having Bible studies with the school’s chaplain, David Fletcher.

Emma-Lea was baptised by Pr Paul von Bratt and Pr James Venegas

Justin Gillies and Ben Trotter after their baptism

Luke Martin was baptised by Pr Ian Howie

Adventist Students Association Convention ’09 ‘Opening the Door’ featuring Paul Colman

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January 5–11 | Central Coast | For youth aged 18+ | Cost $220 (all inclusive) To register or find out more visit www.myasa.org.au NORTHPOINT // 3

OUR SCHOOLS

Smell the colour nine Avondale School recently enjoyed a Week of Worship (WoW) that lifted spirits across campus. The Secondary School met daily in the Multi Purpose Centre to worship through music, speech and drama. Taking the role of speaker for the week, a number of Year 12’s shared personal testimonies and led the daily explorations of the Word.

to mentor the younger students in their journey towards a life with God. The commitment and enthusiasm of these students was made all the more evident through the outstanding worship music.

Also lead by the Year 12 students, this was a fantastic way for senior school students to use their talents for God’s work.

The theme of this year’s WoW focused on how God has revealed Himself to us through our senses. The song ‘Smell the Colour 9’ by Chris Rice featured; it speaks of how strange and difficult it can be to relate to God, but how He constantly reveals Himself through Jesus.

As the last WoW for this year’s HSC students, the week presented a time of community-building interaction and spiritual development. Students were challenged and enlightened, with many responding positively to God’s call at the end of the week. Chaplain, Leighton Heise prayed with the 85 students that stood below the cross to make their commitment.

Two Year 12 students spoke each day, and expanded on the concept of having spiritual sensitivity to God. They used life experience and Biblical reference

Susan Rogers, Avondale Schools

Macquarie College Fair Parents, teachers and students came together on Sunday, September 14 with an uplifting demonstration of community spirit at the Macquarie College Spring Fair.

School takes Church in a tent Manning Adventist School conducted a combined church service on our property for Taree and Wingham Churches.

The Manning Adventist School students and staff held Sabbath services on their property under a big marquee on August 30. Taree and Wingham Adventist Churches closed their church buildings and supported the program and Forster and Gloucester churches were also invited. Upwards of 150 people attended and enjoyed a high spiritual day with the children singing and speaking about the Fruit of the Spirit. The message was clear — being connected to Jesus, in a real and meaningful way, will result in us reflecting Jesus’ character traits — love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, 1 // NORTHPOINT

goodness, kindness, faith and self-control.

Pastor Daniel Cinzio and Pastor David Kosmeier were both involved in the service and the sense of unity and community was heart-warming. Much time and hard work went into the day, and the school wishes to thank those who contributed to its success.

Manning Adventist School has 21 students currently enrolled. Families who are interested in relocating to the Taree/Manning region would be impressed, not just by the fabulous facilities, but also by the wonderfully warm, Christian, family atmosphere that exists here. Your inquiry is welcome.

Although rain threatened throughout the morning, a large crowd attended the Fair. They were offered a wide array of displays, performances and fabulous stalls. The highlights included the Macquarie College Stage Band performing contemporary and traditional

tunes, various food stalls offering many delicious and tempting dishes and fun rides for people of all ages to participate in and enjoy.

One of the main purposes of the Spring Fair is as a fundraising event, with this year’s funds contributing to the purchase of a number of projects. However, it is also a time where the whole community can celebrate and share the many blessings we experience at Macquarie College.

Our thanks to all the many volunteers who made the day such a success.

Planning is already underway for the 2009 Macquarie College Spring Fair.

Karyn Asher, Macquarie College

Karen Horsley NORTHPOINT // 1

OUR CHURCHES Port Macquarie girl receives Pierre De Coubertin Award Katie Burt of Port Macquarie was among a number of youth presented with the Pierre De Coubertin Award on 27 June 2008 at the Hall of Legends at Sydney Olympic Park.

Katie’s award was presented by three-time Olympic swimmer Sarah Ryan. The awards were presented after the youth spent the morning with past and present Olympians who spent time with the nominees, encouraging them to keep up the good work, go for it and live their dream.

The Pierre De Coubertin Awards are named after the founder of the Modern Olympic Games. The awards recognise senior secondary students who demonstrate

attributes consistent with the fundamental aims of the Olympic movement through participation in sporting activities. This year over 280 awards were presented Australia-wide, in a joint initiative of the Department of Education and Training and the Olympic Committee.

Awards at Port Macquarie

Katie was nominated for the award by staff at Port Macquarie High School where she is in her final year. To be nominated, Katie demonstrated her participation in a range of sporting activities and showed exemplary effort in achieving her personal best, displaying qualities of fair play and helping to inspire the involvement of others. Congratulations Katie.

Christopher Clark (centre) with Russell Shelton and Ann Doyle

Silver for Christopher Christopher Clark of Port Macquarie was presented with the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award in the Seventh-day Adventist Church recently. The Award was presented to Christopher by local representative Russell Shelton and Pathfinder leader Ann Doyle.

Katie Burt with three-time Olympic swimmer Sarah Ryan

To earn the award Christopher had to participate in a number of activities to develop his character and sense of community. The areas of participation included skills, recreation, service and expedition. For his skill area, Christopher completed his Grade 6 AMEB music exam with honours in Saxophone and is a member of the MacKillop Jazz band.

For recreation, he chose cycling and spent many hours cycling around a variety of tracks and terrain in Port Macquarie. For his service component, Christopher worked in the Landcare Nursery and assisted with the initial survey and assessment of the Coastal Walking Track at Lighthouse Beach.

For his expedition component, Christopher hiked the Overland Track in Tasmania, starting at Dove Lake, climbing to the summit of Cradle Mountain and also climbing the highest mountain in Tasmania, Mt Ossa. It was a five day hike of about 80 kilometres.

Port Macquarie Church

Fathers honoured at Lismore The children of Lismore Church recently honoured their fathers and other important men in their life when they presented the Father’s Day church service.

Fathers were thanked for their vital contribution to the lives of the children and were presented with a bookmark and chocolate to remember the occasion.

A highlight of the service was the Children’s Commitment Ceremony, when nine year old Charlie Tasker

committed her life to Jesus, her best friend. Charlie chose her father, Christopher, as her special faith friend to support and encourage her as she continues her journrey with Jesus.

The members of Lismore Church congratulate Charlie on her decision.

Nadene Lemke, Lismore Church

Mackenzie, Meredith, Katie, Pastor Paul Geelan, Christopher and Charlie following the commitment ceremony

NORTHPOINT // 4

OUR AGED CARE

Bible read-a-thon Over the past 18 months, Wauchope Church has undertaken some initiatives to focus on more effective 13th Sabbath offerings.

Some of these ideas have been to give folks tubs to put their coins in throughout the quarter, a harvest auction and our latest venture was a Bible Read-a-thon, which the Juniors took up with great enthusiasm. They asked members of the church to sponsor them to read chapters of the Bible. Not only was this to raise money for 13th Sabbath offering, but also to encourage our younger members to read their Bibles.

them and raised $900+ dollars with our total offering reaching an all-time high of $1,541. Church members were happily amazed when our average offerings 18 months ago for 13th Sabbath were around the $250 mark. We think we have some pretty amazing children who were happy to work busily on their project, knowing that the money was going to others to help spread the gospel around the world. Well done Wauchope Juniors!

The results were pretty amazing — 10 children read 1,198 chapters between

Sharon Higgins, Wauchope Church

New units for an exciting new stage of life For those wishing to secure a new unit at Avondale at a very reasonable price, this could be the last opportunity for some time, as development on the Avondale site is reaching capacity.

Prices for the base units are expected to start from $295,000.

Stage 8 of the Avondale Retirement Village expansion is now well under way, with 12 new units currently under construction on the Cooranbong site.

Ten of the new units are two bedroom Duplexes. There are also two free standing units being built — one with two bedrooms and the other with three bedrooms.

There are still a few pre-existing two bedroom units available, starting at $195,000.

Contact the Avondale Retirement Village on tel (02) 4977 1071 for more information or to arrange a visit.

Construction of the two freestanding units is expected to be complete

by Christmas this year. The balance of units should be ready by March 2009.

(left to right) Sam Gould, Henry Siems, Matilda Siems, Naomi Brown, Rachel Brown, Genevieve Milenkov, Shaya Bailey, Tomas Bailey, Jamie-Lee Milenkov Absent: Joshua Bailey

Community involvement at Dora Creek For a number of years Dora Creek Church has had a very positive relationship with the local public school. Members continue to donate food for needy families, provide religious instruction and help in other practical ways.

The Church recently asked the principal if there were any other particular areas in which we might be able to help. The school is currently raising funds to purchase a Smartboard for teaching purposes and suggested that we might consider making a donation.

After some discussion, the Church decided to donate $1,000, for which the school was extremely grateful.

The presentation took place at a special assembly and was made by Pastor Wilf Pascoe. A letter of sincere appreciation has been received from the school.

Pastor Wilf Pascoe presents the cheque to School Captain, Zoe Kempt

Plan for the new two bedroom units, which start from $295K NORTHPOINT // 5

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OUR BIG CAMP ‘08

Inside Out Camp

I saw was the passionate supporting the hurting, the isolated seeking the isolate — the hungry being fed by those with food to spare. God at work in the heart of His people.

Ever wondered what motivates a bunch of like-minded Christians to Having never been part of a tiny community, I’ve never take a week and a bit out of their busy church really experienced from that perspective the anticipation and schedules to pack up everything, excitement of the rich spiritual including the kitchen sink, and head to and social feast that is ‘Big Camp’. Then again, I always Stuarts Point on an annual pilgrimage? looked forward to Camp. It was Why do we do it? After all, we don’t see too many other organisations the size of the Adventist Church in NNSW running conventions of the size and complexity of Big Camp. In fact, even in Adventist circles, many conferences have reduced their annual convention to a long weekend or a Sabbath-only event.

The camp meeting had its roots in the old evangelistic revival campaigns of the Western USA. These meetings were both a chance to share the excitement of the soon-coming Saviour with a new community and the only opportunity the church members had to refresh their knowledge and revive their passion.

Well things have changed.

We live in a radically different world to the one that saw the introduction of camp meetings to the early church. So why do

we still do it? There’s probably as many reasons for being part of the ‘Big Camp’ experience as there are people on the campground, and someone else will have to provide numbers — I lost count at the end of my row.

Conversations with campers about ‘why’, revealed its share of pain and joy: Three people who have recently lost loved ones, finding solace and support from the larger church family; campers from isolated country communities, eager for the association of like-minded Christians — to recharge and reenergise for the year; and members of vibrant churches passionate about sharing their experience and love for Jesus.

And before I’m misunderstood, I’m not suggesting that the other two categories were any less passionate about their Saviour.

What an awesome mix! What

I guess the time I don’t get with my kids at Big Camp is time they spend with Jesus. I couldn’t even get my kids to be baptised in their home church, can you believe that? They had to be baptised on the beach at Big Camp! Dad

good to meet mates I saw only rarely when I was a kid. But at this camp I chatted with people whose home congregations are just that! Home!

“We hang out for this, it’s like we fast all year in anticipation of this annual party!” Well I guess that’s one way of looking at it!

I started to see something vital about Camp. Something that almost outshone the meetings and messages. In fact, I wondered after these conversations if the messages were merely the backdrop against which all else occurred.

There was no doubt the many and varied messages of Camp were the catalyst, but they urged their hearers to become the heart of Jesus, they identified the first indicator of discipleship as love for one another And disciples grow in that environment.

Ah, I’m getting it. Big Camp is the hot house in which the seeds of discipleship, nourished by the messages from God; grow into fully functioning followers of Jesus Christ.

Big Camp, I discovered, is about introducing kids to Jesus in ways that are going to stick. It’s about memories; about presenting the power of the Gospel in a language and experience the kids understand. Grandad

When I received the theme ‘InsideOut’ I got so excited... I saw the depth of the spirituality there and the opportunity as a speaker to connect with that. God said it best when He said that man looks on the outward appearance but God judges the heart. I saw your theme as laying a foundation for the building on the inside. Pastor James Black

Not a bad reason to be there!

Not surprising that everyone I spoke to “just had to come”!

Pastor Ian Howie

NORTHPOINT // 6

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Inviting all Filipinos to attend our second Division-wide Grand Reunion in Perth, January 14–21. Come and experience the triumph!

For further enquiries and registration, contact the NSW representatives: Jazon Rigor — Jazon.Rigor@team.telstra.com Gladys Rigor — gladz_r@yahoo.com Cristine Rara — surfychick777@yahoo.com.au (Mobile 0437474127)

NorthPoint is published by the Communications Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (North New South Wales Conference) Ltd. Readers are invited to send news items and photographs to: PO Box 7, Wallsend NSW 2287 | Telephone: (02) 4951 8088 | Fax: (02) 4950 1102 Email: northpoint@adventist.org.au | President: Pastor John Lang | Editor: Sharlene Guest NORTHPOINT // 2