NorthPoint - December, 2008

N O R TH N S W CO N FE R E N CE N E WS Jacaranda trees in bloom in the Hunter, NSW

DEC

08

A child-like faith I have recently discovered that four-year olds can be excellent conversationalists, especially one gorgeous little girl whom I get the privilege of visiting regularly.

I continue to be astounded by the things I am learning from her.

Time is a difficult concept for her, as it is for most pre-schoolers, so her parents often use the length of a half hour episode of ABC’s “Playschool” as a frame of reference for time. When she asks the dreaded “Are we there yet?” question half way through a one-hour drive, the answer (quite obviously) is “only one more Playschool”. This seems to make perfect sense to her.

So it seemed natural that during one of our recent conversations — as we joined the Barbie Dolls in daintily sipping air from her tea set — that when a question of time arose, she should use this Playschool analogy.

Our discussion had naturally turned towards Christmas, and her face radiated with anticipation as she and her Barbie Dolls practised waking up on Christmas morning.

Suddenly her sparkling eyes turned serious as she set her Barbie Dolls aside, looked at me and asked: “You know how we talked about Jesus being born at Christmas?”.

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“Yes,” I answered slowly.

“You know how you said He’s coming back again soon?”

“Yes.” “Well, how many Playschool’s before Jesus gets here?”

Grappling for an appropriate response, I attempted to explain that Jesus is planning a great big surprise, so we don’t know exactly when He’s coming back (or it wouldn’t be a surprise then would it?). I then qualified this by saying that it might still be a few more Playschool’s yet.

This made the serious eyes turn sad and her cute bottom lip protrude ever so slightly as she said “I know, but I want Him to come back now”. At a loss for words, all I could do was hug her tight and say “me too”.

As quickly as the frown had come, the smile returned as her attention seemingly turned to something else. Running off to play with her Barbie Dolls once more, this techsavvy toddler hesitated, turned and then said with a cheeky grin “Can

you fast-forward Playschool?”.

When Jesus said in Mark 10:14 “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (NIV) I think He had this little girl in mind. He knew that she got it!

And I think that’s why he included the next part of that verse: “Unless you accept God’s Kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” (The Message) I realised that while my four-yearold friend is very excited about

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Christmas and the celebrations around Jesus’ birthday, she is actually much more excited about the celebrations still to come when Jesus returns.

Still tongue-tied by her final question, I hugged this precious little girl once more, inspired by her impatient enthusiasm and praying that her excitement never fades.

Sharlene Guest, Director of Marketing & Communications

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OUR CHILDREN Why is Children’s Ministries important? Let me share five very good reasons why...

Because: • Jesus demanded it. Jesus said that the “Kingdom of heaven belongs to children” (Matthew 18 and Mark 19).

• According to recent research, most people make a decision to follow Jesus before the age of 13.

(Barna Research 28/7/08) • The future spirituality of our church members is strongly linked to the quality of the discipleship of our children.

• Children are our most underutilised evangelistic resource. If we reach the heart of our children with the gospel message of salvation, they will reach their families and friends.

• God has a passion to win the heart of every child everywhere.

God calls parents, teachers, pastors and church families to refocus. People are most open to being discipled to Jesus when they are children. Kids find it easier to listen, learn, laugh and to fall in love with their friend and Saviour Jesus. They are eager to share this friend with others.

Need any more reasons?

Next year (2009) is the International Year of the Child and this gives us a great opportunity to put children first in line in our churches.

• F = Faith foundations built through Gracelink Sabbath School, family worship and mentoring • I = Involvement of children in worship, small groups, service and evangelistic ministries • R = Reach out to community children through Vacation Bible Schools, Kids clubs, play groups and Kids Reach rallies • S=Support and empower parents as disciple-makers through Kids in Discipleship • T= Treasure children and ensure that they have a personal relationship with Jesus — teaching them how to read the Bible and pray.

Discipling Children for Life If you would like to learn more about Children’s Ministries and how it can transform your church, mark August 7-9, 2009 in your diary as a must attend event. We would love to see you at the NSW Children’s Expo 2009 to be held at Collaroy Convention Centre.

This is brought to you by the North NSW, Greater Sydney and South NSW Conferences.

The purpose of the Expo is to equip, facilitate, coordinate and increase a broadening and deepening of the churches spiritual nurture of children, in order to draw them into a loving and serving relationship with Jesus.

There will be 20 presenters, including plenary speaker Pr Don Mclafferty, who wrote the Kids in Discipleship Ministry tool. Watch this space for further details.

NSW Children’s Expo 09 Discipling Children For Life

Pastor Daron Pratt, Director of Children’s Ministries 7-9 Aug 2009 Collaroy Convention Centre

NEEDED: Help with Kids Raymond Terrace Adventist Church has five children (three kindy & two primary) and four youth. They need a Sabbath School that is for them.

There are more children who could potentially come if a Sabbath School was running. Even if you could commit to one Sabbath a month or even every fortnight, it would be appreiciated.

Earlier this year an outreach in the Raymond Terrace area saw a number of parents bring their children along.

The children enjoyed the Bible stories and related activities that ran at the same time as the adults program.

It would be great to have been able to invite those children to an active Sabbath School at our Church.

If you feel you could help make this happen or are interested in helping out at Raymond Terrace, please contact Narelle or Ken Love on (02) 4981 3898.

Brought to you by: Greater Sydney, North NSW & South NSW Conferences.

OUR CHURCHES

Telegraph Point Health Ministry Last month the Telegraph Point Adventist company held another series of health lectures. The speaker Barbara O’neill is a well known naturopath, nutritionist and health director of Misty Mountain Health Retreat.

Barbara covered topics relating to cancer, diabetes, weightloss,

and blood pressure etc.

These lectures were well received by the community,having up to 80 in attendance. These lectures were also followed by a vegetarian cooking demonstration, where all in attendance enjoy a free lunch.

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KID University Vacation Bible Schools Churches in our conference are quickly realising that evangelism to children is an excellent way to grow God’s Kingdom.

“I am convinced that if you reach the heart of the child with the gospel message, you will also reach the heart of their parents and family,” sys Pr Daron Pratt. Group Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) are run in many churches throughout our Conference each year. This resource is great for reaching our own as well as unchurched children. Group Vacation Bible Schools are easy to run and organise. And if you’re not sure where to start, visit the ABC for some great VBS resources such as the “Romp through the Swamp”VBS Kit, which is easy to decorate and heaps of fun. Orders for this Kit can be placed at the ABC or you can order online with a credit card at www.nnswabc.com Phone Daron Pratt or email him at dpratt@adventist.org.au for further information.

The North New South Wales and Greater Sydney Conference Children’s Ministries Departments combined recently to train churches for the Kids in Discipleship Ministry (KIDS). Dora Creek and Hamilton churches sent delegates to be trained. Pr Daron Pratt reports that the philosophy of KIDS is to “empower children to be disciples of Jesus now. KID puts spiritual nurture and discipleship back where it should be; the home!” This ministry equips parents and then through intergenerational small groups, disciples families. Pr Daron firmly believes that this is a quiet revolution that is transforming families, which in turn will revive our Churches and will raise up a generation of children who will seize their destiny and mission like we have never seen before.

The next KID Universtiy will be held on the Mid North Coast on May 19 next year. We require a team of three church members plus the Pastor to attend this weekend. Spaces are limited and subsidies are available. Keep an eye on your church mail for advertising or express your interest by contacting Pr Daron on 0410 665 923 or email dpratt@adventist.org.au.

Kids Reach Rally at Memorial Around 300 kids and adults were taken away to the tropical Island paradise of APPRECIATION — as part of Avondale Memorial Church’s Kids Reach Rally (KRR) on November 8. Marvin (acted

by Daniel Venegas) was an ungrateful child that had to slowly learn that on this Island there were some strange things that happen when anyone was ungrateful.

Marvin soon realised the consequences of his ungrateful behaviour when his new friends Grattitude, Thanks and a local couple Grate & Full all were impacted severely by his actions.

There was also a surprise appearance by Ronald McDonald, who played the local clown. By the end of the drama Marvin learns that it pays to be thankful for all the blessings he has, and as a result is doubly blessed.

At the end of the program the kids had the opportunity to share some of their blessings through donating their KRR dollars to either of two charitable causes — namely the Currawah Aboriginal School, and Rob & Sheree Moodie’s African Orphanage. Around $700 was raised for these charities.

The local clown (Chrys Martin) is being interviewed by Ms Nosy Parker from KRTV (Carmen Borrott)

Inverell Annual Festival On Sunday, October 26 at 11.00am, people of Inverell and nearby towns gathered at Campbell Park, Inverell to conclude Inverell’s usual Annual Festival with a Church Service. The Church Service was a combined effort of the Inverell Minister’s Fraternal.

Pastor Eti Seupule-Feau preached a message of ‘Hope’, which was the theme of the day. He spoke about God’s desire for our lives and the fact that community is what we were created for.

People from around Inverell gathered in Campbell Park to conclude the Annual Festival with a church service, led by Pr Seupule-Feau.

“Seeking God is not just a statement out of desparation, it is a way of

life,” said Pastor Seupule-Feau.

“Despite what is happening in the world today, we need to be seeking and maximising God.” The following week, the Inverell Adventist Church mail-boxed the entire Inverell town for a seminar entitled ‘Bait of Satan’ which was held in November as a follow up from the Annual Festival. Pastor Eti Seupule-Feau says he believes that a community is not just a place for people to live and have fun. It is a place of ‘resurrection’.

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OUR SCHOOLS

Hallelujah to the King Avondale College Church played host to the 2nd annual Combined Schools Worship event on Sabbath, November 15, which saw both the church and adjoining Ladies Chapel full to overflowing with proud parents and friends from Central Coast Adventist School, Macquarie College and Avondale Schools.

Themed ‘Hallelujah to the King’ the program included outstanding performances from each of the schools, with choirs performing a variety of contemporary Christian music. An inspiring presentation by Pastor Bevan Craig about the meaning of the word ‘hallelujah’ reminded

everyone of the song of redemption we will sing when Jesus returns.

The program culminated in a spinetingling rendition of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ by the 250 voice combined schools choir, under the direction of Avondale Schools teacher Benton Craig.

“It was both a privilege and a pleasure to experience the talent, enthusiasm and spirit of unity displayed by our schools in creating this program,” said Avondale Schools Principal, Dr David Faull, who has been inundated with positive comments from the school community.

It’s Academic On Wednesday, July 23, fifteen Year 6 students from Central Coast Adventist School (CCAS) competed in the Channel 7 series “Its Academic” in Sydney.

The students had a great day being treated as stars and had the opportunity to meet the show’s presenter, Simon Reeve. CCAS finished a competitive second and

received some great prizes. The students received many comments throughout the day on the standard of their uniform, great behaviour and good attitude. Congratulations to all the students involved.

The episodes aired from Monday, 29 September through until Friday, 3 October at 4:00pm each day.

PHOTO: Year 6 students from CCAS on the set of ‘It’s Academic’

Inspirational teacher

Parenting seminar with Dr Irvine In a joint initiative of Wallsend Adventist Church and Macquarie College, a parenting seminar was conducted on Wednesday evening, October 29. Well-known child psychologist and author, Dr John Irvine was the guest speaker for the event and spoke on the topic of “Guiding Children’s Behaviour.”

Dr Irvine gave practical and often humorous parenting advice to the 150 people that attended.

Through the use of acronyms, which help both himself and others

to remember the points, he described children and their needs and motivations and provided positive parenting strategies.

Information about his techniques is available in the books and DVDs that Dr Irvine has authored. There is an audio recording of the evening on the Wallsend Adventist Church website at http://wallsend.adventist.org.au

During Avondale Schools World Teachers’ Day celebrations on Friday, October 31, primary teacher, Ms Celia Moncrieff was awarded with a prestigious national award.

Having been nominated by a school parent, she was one of only 60 teachers to receive a National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) ASG ‘Inspirational Teachers Award’ in 2008. It specifically commended Ms Moncrieff for creating outstanding teaching environments that inspire her students and their families.

Ms Moncrieff, who has been teaching for 26 years, has a distinctive and vivacious approach to teaching and says she is energised by helping her students develop enthusiasm for learning. She has developed a themed approach to teaching, which involves core-learning objectives and a complete set of classroom activities, challenges and progressions.

This year the classroom has been transformed into a Kids Kitchen, in which the students ran a business making and selling food, and a hospital, where the students had to pass a nursing course.

NORTHPOINT // 6 PHOTO: Ms Moncrieff & Pr Lang

OUR Commitments

Baptisms at KAS

Students and staff at Kempsey Adventist School (KAS) were recently joined by members of the school community, together with visitors from interstate, to witness the baptism of Year 10 students, Aaron Ralph and Vincent EmertonBell, during Friday morning Chapel on November 14.

Both Aaron and Vincent gave a short testimony during the baptismal service which was conducted by Pastor Neil Redman, the Assistant Director of Youth for the Victorian Conference, who had accompanied a group of KAS students to the Northern Territory this year as part of the school’s leadership program.

Vincent, who enrolled at KAS from a

State secondary school, stated after his baptism, “When I came to this school, if someone had asked me if I believed in God I would have said yes, because I did believe in Him, but I didn’t know Him. Because of my time at KAS, I now have Jesus in my heart”.

immediately felt the presence of God and the love of the people.

Some time ago, Jackson Jeffrey called to ask if I would be prepared to have some Bible studies that would prepare him for baptism. Jackson said that he had given his heart to the Lord and would like to be baptised. Jackson accepted ‘the Green House’ study guide as our lead to find out what we could about Jesus and His desires for our lives.

Among the people who witnessed Liyata’s baptism were members of her immediate family. Six of her friends from the Pentecostal Church were also present. Her friends sang two special items during Liyata’s baptism.

She is willing to work with the Moree Community, especially her Indigenous family and friends, with her intention that they be brought to the knowledge of God.

On September 20 at the Cessnock Seventh-day Adventist Church, we had a special day where the children acted out the story when Joshua was given the leadership responsibility of God’s people and to lead them into the Promised Land.

The story helped to explain to Jackson and the audience that there is much in life that cannot be explained. But with trust and faith in God we will prevail.

Shortly thereafter, Pastor Mark Venz baptised Jackson. His Mum and Dad seemed to be the happiest people in the world that day. The Church rejoices along with them and the angels.

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Moree baptism Liyata was baptised by Pastor Eteuati Feau on November 1 at the Moree Adventist Church. Being of Aboriginal descent, Liyata had many challenges to overcome in her decision to be baptised, but her love for Jesus was evident when she made her public declaration before God and her Moree Church family.

In her speech following her baptism she spoke of her visits to various Churches but the moment she came to the Seventh-day Adventist Church she

PHOTOS: Aaron & Vincent are baptised by Pr Neil Redman

KAS continues to minister to the needs of its growing school community, with

Cessnock baptism

Jackson Jeffrey was baptised

by Pr Mark Venz

almost 30 students currently completing baptismal studies with school chaplain, David Fletcher.

Liyata was baptised

by Pr Eteuati Feau

Hillview baptism

Jared Powrie was baptised by Pr Murray Hunter & Leighton Heise Jared Powrie chose Jenny Dixon beach on Sabbath, November 1 for his baptism and a large crowd gathered to support him, including friends and family, Hillview Church members, teachers from Avondale High School and even grandparents from interstate. Many spoke of his Christian example to other young people at Church, school and through Pathfinders. Pastor Murray Hunter travelled down from Queensland to baptise Jared and was assisted by Avondale School Chaplain, Leighton Heise.

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60plus Retreat The second annual 60plus Retreat will be held again at the Adventist Alpine Village in February 2009, beginning with an evening meal on Friday night, 20 February, and concluding after breakfast on Monday, February 23. Guest speaker is the ever-popular Dr John Hammond.

Guests just need to bring personal effects, as the Village provides meals and accommodation in ensuite rooms. Cost is only $120 for the weekend. Registration can be made by phoning the Village on (02) 6456 2738, or by visiting www.alpinevillage.org.au

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