NorthPoint - May, 2009

Unconditional love

cards and the scent of carnations just make me sad and serve as reminders of how far apart we are.

While whatever it is that ends up being crammed inside this year’s Express Post parcel will be just a token; remembering my mother on this special day is more than just a sentiment.

For I am blessed.

pain this Mother’s Day. God gave up His only child, a son named Jesus — His most precious, priceless possession, as His perfect gift to the world. It is this gift that stirs a hope that one day there will be no more pain, and we will be recreated in unblemished perfection. For that is the story of His gift.

But right now I’m surrounded by a sea of chocolates, a mountain of fluffy slippers and a plethora of unnecessary kitchen appliances. And still I can’t find the perfect Mother’s Day gift in all this extravagant commercialism.

The additional challenge in my search for the perfect Mother’s Day gift is that size actually does matter, especially when it comes to complying with Australia Post regulations. Experience has taught me that some gifts are definitely intended to be delivered in person!

The fact that my mother and I have lived in different countries for so long (and not spent Mother’s Day together in more than a decade) is probably one of the reasons why mushy Hallmark

Blessed to have been given the precious gift of a Heaven-sent mother. Blessed to know the indescribable, limitless and truly unconditional love of a mother; and blessed to continually experience the selfless sacrifices of a mother who will do anything for her children.

She is both tenacious and tender, faithful and fiercely protective, her mother love exemplifying God’s love here on earth.

Yet to those who have never known the love of a mother; who are separated from their mother’s or grieving a loss; to those who are struggling with the challenges of being a mother; or whom, like me, just long to be mother’s — there is someone who shares our

“For God loved us so much, that He gave His one and only son, to die in our place so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

This Mother’s Day I will once again be separated from my mum, and no gift seems quite right, despite the abundance of suggestions bombarding my attention. So my gift to my mum this Mother’s Day is to simply thank her for being the one who introduced me to the greatest gift of all — the gift of God’s son to the world. I love you mum, for eternity.

Sharlene Guest, Director of Communications, Marketing & Public Relations

My mother is a never-ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune. ~Graycie Harmon

I hate Mother’s Day. There you are, I said it! Don’t get me wrong. I love mothers, especially mine.

OUR CHURCHES

Eastward College Health Expo

Students at Eastward Missionary College recently conducted their first Health Expo at a Port Macquarie Sunday market. About 75 people took advantage of this new service that provides basic health

assessment and lifestyle tools such as height/weight, blood pressure, body fat content, body water, lung peak flow, a five minute chair massage, hydrotherapy demonstration, Your Health Age, and lifestyle counselling.

People were impressed with the professional presentation of the Health Expo and many questions were asked, not only about their individual health needs, but also about who we were, why we were conducting the service and why it was free.

Visiting teacher James Hartley (Lay Institute of Global Health Training & Wildwood College of Health Evangelism, USA) lead the students through this busy hands-on training experience that proved Health Expo’s effectiveness when used in a very busy place. At some stages people were queued up waiting their turn! The Health Expo

World Day of Prayer at Dorrigo

This year the World Day of Prayer was held at the Dorrigo Church on Friday night, 6 March. It was a beautiful evening and the weather was just right.

The meeting commenced with 27 people in attendance. Seven of these were from the Dorrigo Church and the others from the Catholic, CLC, Uniting and Anglican churches. Most of the hymns were taken from our hymnal and the singing was meaningful.

A printed program was used which included participation by several of the congregation. The theme was on Papua New Guinea and Pastor Colin Dunn presented an excellent spiritual talk on the theme.

After the meeting a supper was prepared and we got to meet and know some of the members from the other churches. The feedback was very positive and everyone gained a spiritual blessing from attending.

is used internationally with great success to provide an interface with the public that then leads to follow-up through personal contact, ongoing health counselling, or formal community health programs.

The following week the small rural community of Rollands Plains was also introduced to Health Expo as part of a community auction day. It was an excellent opportunity for students and staff to mingle with their local community and make or strengthen contacts.

Eastward students commented on how effective this program was at meeting the public in a non-threatening way and for providing them with an easy

introduction to God’s principles of health. Further Health Expo’s are planned for Telegraph Point, Wauchope and Port Macquarie over the next few months.

For more information about Health Expo and how you could use it as part of your local health ministry, please contact Rod at Eastward on (02) 65858085. For information about Eastward and our courses, please visit our website at: www.eastward.edu.au

Wyong Church History

It was 75 years ago when a young Avondale College ministerial student, Albert Macauly, packed his lunch and a bundle of Signs and cycled to Wyong for a day of visitation. A few of the history makers who have labored there since, gathered at Allen Wright’s unit in the Avondale Retirement Village at Cooranbong on April 5, 2009. He was assisted by his daughter Carolyne and Alyna, from Loma Linda. A happy day of inspiring memories was enjoyed by all.

Much effort by college students, church members from Cooranbong and ministers of this area has been poured into this township. In 1977 a church was organised in the area with a membership of 28. The then Conference President, Pastor Athol Tolhurst, officiated. The church has had many ups and downs since but

the dedicated service of many faithful witnesses will no doubt prove in eternity that it has been well worthwhile.

L‐R David, Andrew, Amanda, Kim, Christie, Kezia, Rod, James, Guy

Leah Lee and Geoffrey Lomas having blood pressure taken

(L to R back) B. Miller, N. Oliver, W. Cross, J. Macauley, D & P Holmes, J. Demas. (L to R front) L. Barnard, A. Wright, M. Geddes, D. Demas.

Len Barnard

Tamworth Church revitalises

Three years ago I visited Tamworth Church and was disappointed to find no children there.

In March this year, I visited the church again and was pleasantly surprised to have 15 children come down the front for the children’s story.

Tamworth church intentionally started reaching out to their community two years ago through a Kids Spot/ Branch Sabbath School every Sabbath morning. Between 35-40 community children attend each week and a number now stay for church as well.

Ed Stetzer in his book “Comeback Churches” discovered that one of the key revitalisation factors in churches was that they invested and made significant changes in children’s ministries. Tamworth is enjoying a new vitality because of the children in its congregation.

Cooking up a storm

February and March saw a flurry of activity at the Forster/Tuncurry Church.

Tamworth Church Sabbath School Coordinator and Elder, Peter Grothe is pictured below with one of the children he is mentoring as they play their guitars for church. On the day that I visited, Peter gave Anthony a new mouth organ. The look on his face was priceless. Truly I was witnessing a mentoring moment.

I could not help but think of the quote out of the book called “Post Modern Childrens Ministries” by Ivy Beckwith. “Adult lives need to be modelled in front of the children. When the child brushes up against people of faith, they see models of faith. They see adults who struggle, who trust God, who make mistakes and are forgiven, who work for justice and mercy and model kingdom values. Children will remember the people in their faith community more than what they learned.”

If you want to revitalise your church, then it is time to put children first!

Pastor Daron Pratt, Sabbath School & Children’s Ministries Director

Barbara O’Neill, nutritionalist from Misty Mountain Health Retreat presented six community talks on healthy eating, how to get more energy, eating for diabetes. The last session was presented in the Sabbath morning church service, followed by a healthy lunch, demonstrating to the visitors how tasty healthy food can be!

On the last evening session, 19 community members attended, with others attending separate nights during the week.

Erina Church celebrates 90 years

On Sabbath April 18, members, former members and friends gathered at the Erina Church to mark the 90th Anniversary of the church.

On April 12, 1919 Pastor L.D.A. Lemke dedicated the first Erina Church Building, which was on the same site as the present church. Over the years, alterations and additions were made to this church building. Then on December 18, 1976 the current church was opened and this church later also underwent alterations.

The Sabbath program commenced with a combined Worship Service. The sermon was delivered by Pastor David McKibben of the South Australian Conference, who is a former Minister of Erina Church.

Following a combined lunch and period of fellowship, the afternoon meeting was a time for memories and reflection. During the afternoon meeting, presentations were made to Laurie and Betty Dixon who have been

Following on from the nutrition talks, Sharon Pannekoek and her team from the Taree Church presented two cooking demonstrations with 63 people from the community attending. After both demonstrations, the recipes were available for tasting, and recipe sheets were available to take home. Attendees were amazed at the ease of cooking and great taste of the recipes.

Marcia Kosmeier also presented a demonstration of how to make great sour dough bread.

Forster is now fighting fit and jumping out of their skins, with their second youngest member (3 years old) starting in his first triathlon soon after!

members at Erina for 55 years and to Madge Geddes a former member of Erina who is 100 years of age. She addressed those present in a clear voice for several minutes.

Many former Ministers of the Erina Church were present and Division President Dr Barry Oliver attended representing his late father, Pastor Ted Oliver who was an Erina Church Pastor.

All who attended the Anniversary Day agreed that it was a wonderful time and rejoiced in the way God has led over the past 90 years.

What of the furure? Erina Church currently has a development application before the Gosford City Council for a new Church complex to be built two kilometres from the current church. Land for the new building has been secured.

The current Erina Church

Peter Grothe & Anthony Seckolt playing their guitars

Gillian’s Brave Shave Through a woman’s eyes...

What was it really like for Mary, the mother of Jesus, to see her son in agony on the cruel cross? What went through the minds of the other women as they saw their beloved master dying for a crime He had never committed?

Refreshed & Overflowing

I have this bubbling, feeling of joy

Way down deep in my soul. My Lord has entered my innermost being And has made me feel perfectly whole.

I was seeking eternal redemption By doing a lot of good deeds. I had no idea how to find it I knew not of my own personal needs.

Gillian gets her head shaved for charity

Bravery comes in many forms, and for one courageous woman on staff at the North NSW Conference Office, bravery came in the form of shaving her head for a casue she is passionate about. On Friday, 13 March 2009, Gillian Knight bravely participated in the Leukemia Foundation’s fundraising campaign “The World’s Greatest Shave” by having her head shaved in order to raise money to help find a cure.

Gillian’s courageous decision came following the loss of her brother-in-law to Leukemia eight years ago, and then the loss of two close friends to Leukemiarelated diseases. Although she had financially supported this

kind of fundraising in the past, this year she decided it was her turn to shave.

“It wasn’t just about supporting the Leukemia Foundation with donations,” said Gillian, “it was also about showing people that I have a choice to lose my hair when so many others don’t.”

Workmates from the North NSW Conference Office were enthusiastic in their support for Gillian, and demonstrated their support through a fundraising morning tea and with personal donations. Some colleagues even coloured their hair a variety of colours as a visible display of moral support.

This was the theme for the Easter service at Toronto Church on Sabbath, 11 April as five ladies, dressed in costume, re-lived those terrible moments, ending with the triumph of the resurrection. The script was written by Jo Fitzclarence and was a brilliant enactment of that important weekend. The platform was beautifully decorated by Colin and Elza Crawford to add that extra special touch to a memorable service

Michelle Down

There was something missing in my life I knew not what was the cause. I followed the commands as best as I could But there must be more than just laws.

I knew all the Bible legalities, My learning was steadfast and sure. But of the Lord of the Holy Scriptures, My knowledge was scanty and poor.

Then one day I really met Jesus, He asked to come into my heart. Since then my joy bubbles over And a revival is ready to start.

I am now overflowing with heavenly love, My redeemer has become real to me. He guides and teaches by His Holy Spirit, A refreshing has begun for all the world to see.

Barb Watson

Lake Keepit Women’s Retreat

The ladies came from Coonabarabran in the west, to Toronto and Maitland in the south and Coffs Harbour in the east — and many places in between.

They arrived at the seventh annual Lake Keepit Retreat, near Gunnedah, excited to meet new friends, renew old acquaintances, but most importantly to experience a time to be “Refreshed and Overflowing”. Bronwyn Mison encouraged those attending to examine their lives and walk with God, to enrich their relationship until it was overflowing with excitement and a new passion to

share their love for God with those in their families, churches and wider community. The ladies took away encouragement to also examine what they were doing with their time and to find their passion in life and what they can do for God in a mightier way.

Ladies appreciated the relaxed venue and ability to watch the sun rise over the lake as well as the vast wildlife that is abundant in the area, but most importantly, the time spent with other ladies in fellowship and friendship and encouraging those from the more remote areas in the western parts of the Conference that they are still part of a church that cares about them.

Prayer time is always important at Women’s Retreats and a special area was set aside so anyone at

Ladies enjoying the Sabbath sunrise

any time, could spend some quiet time writing in the ‘Prayer Book’ which was then prayed over during the meetings. As this is an ongoing Prayer Book continued from retreat to retreat, ladies were able to look back on what they had written in the past and be encouraged by the many answers to their prayers.

A donation was collected on Sabbath morning for Mission in Action, which is for the Nakuru Baby Orphanage in Kenya. A staggering $1,350 was collected, which will be put towards the finishing of the Nursery School the Orphanage is in the process of building. This was a wonderful sacrifice from the ladies attending and was greatly appreciated by the Orphanage in allowing them to purchase paint and other needed items to finish the nursery school.

“This retreat was the largest we have had at this venue with 57 ladies attending,” said Barb Sadler, Women’s Ministries Area Co-ordinator. “Many ladies attended for the first time. The ladies spoke of how they were inspired to examine their lives, what they were doing for the Lord and go home and reach more people for Him.”

One lady was inspired to visit those who were no longer attending church, something she had been putting off doing. We are all looking forward to next year’s retreat and again having a spiritual refreshing.

Barb Saddler, Women’s Ministries Area Coordinator

Guest Bronwynspeaker, Mison

OUR COMMITMENTS

Three Generations Baptised at Erina

took her granddaughter Breanna, along with her each week. Breanna loved the Sabbath School programs and asked her mother, Carolyn, many questions.

First Baptism at The Entrance

Sabbath, 4 April was a very special day for members and visitors at Erina Adventist Church when a grandmother, her daughter and her granddaughter were baptised by Pastor Russel Stanley.

Julie was brought up in an Adventist home and baptised in her teens. Although she drifted away from the church she never lost interest in things of a spiritual nature. Now a grandmother, she commenced attending the Erina Church and

Julie began studying the Bible with Pastor Stanley and asked him to talk to Carolyn to answer some of the questions Breanna was asking. Pastor Stanley intoroduced the family to church members Kerralyn and Michael McPhee who lived close by and together they studied the Bible. Breanna also started attending the Central Coast Adventist School. Carolyn and Breanna became convicted and requested baptism. Julie also wished to return to the Adventist Church as a member.

Breanna’s teacher, Mrs Lambert, together with school friends, were present for the baptism, along with Julie’s husband Ken. Erina Church members warmly welcome these three ladies into the fellowship of the Erina Church family.

Sabbath, 14 March was truly a day to celebrate! Ryan Smith grew up in The Entrance Church to become an energetic but serious young man. There was no question in his mind that he wanted to be baptised as evidence of his love for and faith in Jesus Christ. He had been prepared for the day of his baptism by his uncle, James Chambacaille. He had requested his friend from childhood days, Pastor Owen D’Costa, to baptise him. The members of the local church were excited about the fact that they were to have the first baptism ever in their church on this Sabbath morning.

It was Ryan’s wish to have The Mauritian Singers present to enrich the day’s worship. Ryan also invited his Scripture teacher from school to come. The ladies of the church put on a delicious lunch to cap off this day of celebration.

Brad’s Baptism

Brad Aitken, a member of the active Dora Creek youth group, was recently baptised in a waterhole in the Watagan Mountains near Cooranbong. He had initially completed a series of studies conducted by the former Children’s Ministries leader, Christine Geelan, and Robyne Butler. He then followed with some revision lessons. At Brad’s request veteran missionary Pastor Len Barnard, a long time friend of the Aitken family — both parents and grandparents, was invited to perform the ceremony.

His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)

Pastor Len Barnard baptises Brad Aitken

(L to R): Breanna & Carolyn Collyer & Julie Chambers

Pastor Owen D’Costa baptises Ryan Smith

OUR SERVICE

CRANKT: A driven ministry

Like a crank is a driving force for a bike, Crankt is a ministry that is a driving force for boys in the local Morriset community. Crankt began in May 2005 when a group of young adult males met to discuss the need for positive role models in the area.

Mark Craig, Associate Pastor at Avondale College Church and General Manager of Crankt says, “We realised we had a mission field in our own backyard. So many boys in our area just needed a positive male role model in their lives.”

They formed the idea of providing a monthly mountain

bike program for at-risk youth as a way to reach the boys and be a positive influence. For twelve months, Crankt used NNSW Conference bikes, taking eight to ten boys out once a month to go mountain biking. “After a year we decided to get bigger and better and get more people involved,” says Mark. “We found donors and bought our own bikes. We went to Morriset High School and asked the teachers what kids were really in need of positive influences in their lives.”

Crankt now has three boy teams and this year, two girl teams will start up — each team with six to ten staff and six to ten

kids. Education students, Alisha Fenwick and Jasmine Thompson are running one of the Crankt girls groups this year.

“Crankt is great because it’s something for kids who aren’t in church,” says Jasmine. “We are doing something with a purpose, giving these kids a purpose and building their self- esteem,” says Alisha.

This year ADRA has funded Crankt, donating $12,000. Mark Craig thinks that Crankt has the potential to go to another level. “There is so much need in our local community, we just want to give kids opportunities that they may never have been given otherwise,” he says.

Mark urged people to get involved with service during a

recent College Church worship program themed ‘Sign up for Service Day’.

“We often do things out of obligation or because we’re supposed to. I want to encourage people to serve because of their response to what God’s done for them,” said Mark.

As part of the ‘Sign up for Service Day’, a number of ministries had booths in the church foyer where the congregation could sign up and get involved. Crankt, Tools, practical ministries, Children’s Ministries, pastoral visitations, Avondale School’s Pray for a Child and Outreach were included.

Christel Price, Avondale College Church

FACING THE GIANTS

“The

Facing the Giants is the heart-warming story of a downtrodden Christian high school football coach who turns to God when everything seems to be going against him. Trusting God to do the impossible, Coach Grant Taylor and his Shiloh Christian Eagles soon discover how faith plays out on the field... and off.

This action-packed drama has had audiences laughing, crying, and cheering. The best family-friendly film of the year is now available on DVD at your ABC! ORDERS