NorthPoint - March, 2011

GC President visits North NSW

Although the heat on 2 February 2011 was intense with temperatures reaching above 40 degrees in some areas, Avondale Memorial Seventhday Adventist Church was filled to almost capacity with people eager to listen to General Conference (GC) president Dr Ted Wilson in his only speaking appointment in Australia.

Dr Wilson’s visit to the church was part of his 16-day tour of the South Pacific Division (SPD), which saw him visit numerous towns and cities in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Fiji.

At the beginning of the evening meeting, Pastor John Lang, president of the North New South Wales Conference, reflected on the travel Dr Wilson had done around the SPD and each of the welcomes he had received in various countries. He then welcomed Dr Wilson (pictured below) with the “traditional” Australian greeting of, “G’day, mate.”

“I trust that as you visit with us and share with us, that God will lead you and bless you,” Pastor Lang told Dr Wilson. “There’s a work to do and we want to put our shoulders to the wheel so we can complete this work together and go home.”

SPD president Dr Barry Oliver led the introductory prayer and noted that the audience was privileged to have not one but four visitors from the GC. Dr Wilson’s wife Nancy was in attendance, as well as Pastor Jerry and Jannet Page — ministerial association secretary for the GC and Shepherdess International director respectively.

In his prayer, Dr Oliver acknowledged that everyone is God’s creation and gave thanks for being able to meet in the church. He also gave thanks that “we can experience your power and transforming grace, not just now, but at every moment of our lives.”

He also prayed for rejuvenation through the Word, and for protection for North Queensland, which was threatened by Tropical Cyclone Yasi. “You are the God of the wind and the waves,” prayed Dr Oliver. “You are the One whose power is limitless. We commit everything in the path of this cyclone to You.”

A number of special items were presented in the program, with Anna Weatherup singing ‘Softly and Tenderly’, and Memorial Men accompanied by Lyndell Dale singing ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’. David Menzies was the organist for the hymns sung by the congregation.

Dr Wilson began his talk by sharing some of his experiences from his tour of the SPD. “On behalf of your 16-and-a-half million brothers and sisters around the world, I want to bring you greetings,” Dr Wilson said. “We thank God for the world-wide family we’re part of.”

He noted that on this “whirlwind” tour, he had seen many exciting things. One of these exciting things included conducting a meeting with more than 80,000 Adventists at a stadium in Papua New Guinea. He also spoke about visiting various churches and villages and said, “It was thrilling to have these beautiful experiences”.

He also played some passages from the Pidgin Bible on a GodPod — a solar-powered MP3 device with the Bible and other scriptural readings on it in Pidgin. He took part in handing some of these out during his visit to Papua New Guinea.

CONCERT: Paul Coleman Trio (PC3)

DATE: 13 April 2011

VENUE: Avondale School Multi-Purpose Centre

COST: Adult $30 | Student $15 | Group (5 adults) $100

BOOKINGS: (02) 4977 0206

WEBSITE: www.paulcolemantrio.com

Lighthouse at Byron Bay, NSW

Dr Wilson’s sermon focus was “Lift up Jesus,” and he challenged the congregation to not get so wrapped up in the workings of the church, church politics or church gossip that they forgot or became hesitant about talking to others about Jesus.

“Are you lifting up Jesus in all that you do?” he asked. “Regardless of what position you hold or whether you’re retired or in active service; regardless of your age or what work you’re doing, lift up Jesus.”

Members of the Adventist Church should be foremost in pointing people to Christ, according to Dr Wilson, who also noted that at the centre of all of the church’s beliefs is the emphasis on lifting up Jesus.

“The world needs a clear revelation of Christ today,” he said, adding that the practical way to do this is to follow God’s word. “Take care of how you live and what you choose to watch, read and think about,” said Dr Wilson, noting the message of Philippians 4:8 about focusing on pure and lovely things. “Let these biblical principles guide us.”

He also encouraged attendees to lift up Christ in their relationships with others, building on a common faith in God. The importance of the Sabbath was emphasised, with Dr Wilson saying it is important to keep it holy through building strong personal connections with Jesus Christ.

“The Godly lifestyle being mocked mustn’t discourage you,” said Dr Wilson. “Know that Jesus has gone before you and borne every temptation and has been rejected.”

Dr Wilson reaffirmed the Adventist Church as the remnant church and a prophetic people who point others to Christ and His return. He believes Christ can be lifted up by church members sharing their confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy, and called on members to unashamedly hold up the Spirit of Prophecy. He noted the importance of Ellen White’s writings, saying, “Stay faithful and don’t let the subtle doubts or the ridicule of others turn you away from the message of Ellen White.”

Repeating his call for reformation and revival that has been integral to his presidency, Dr Wilson called on attendees to humble themselves before God to make way for Him to work. “Brothers and sisters, it’s time for us to go home. We want to go home. It’s time for revival and reformation. It’s time for us to seek the Lord in prayer through consistent, careful connection,” he added.

The meeting concluded with a prayer session lead by the Pages, with attendees engaging in silent prayer and prayers with the people around

them. Pastor Page encouraged people to “pray for your leaders like never before” and for an outpouring of the early and latter rain.

Following this, Dr Wilson spoke of the importance of the GC’s 777 prayer focus, which encourages Seventh-day Adventists to pray daily at 7:00am and 7:00pm, creating a chain of prayer around the world. Dr Wilson encouraged prayer for the GC, each other and for the triumphal return of Jesus. Dr Wilson reflected on the passing of his father Pastor Neal C. Wilson, and his love of Jesus. “By God’s grace, I’m going to see my father again,” said Dr Wilson. “Jesus is coming soon.”

Pastor Lang, reflecting on the visit by Dr Wilson, says, “Ted Wilson is very personable. He was very interested in what’s happening here. I think he’s the right person at the right time for the Adventist Church. His message was good and strong and it is encouraging to see he is totally committed to the Lord and seeing the Work finished.”

Pastor Lang also noted that the North New South Wales Conference Office was opened by Dr Wilson’s father. “It was 23 years ago, on 27 May 1988, that Pastor Neal Wilson was here and opened the office.”

— Adele Nash

High School Students Inspired by GC

President’s Address

A number of young people from Lakeside Seventh-day Adventist Church’s High School Sabbath School class were inspired to hear the GC president, Dr Ted Wilson, at his only Australian address during his recent South Pacific Division tour. He indicated the need for the church to be lifting up Jesus as the focus for our attention as we live in these perilous times. The church’s High School Sabbath School leader Dr Andrew Matthes says, “It’s great to see our young people willing to come out mid-week to take note of what our world church leader is saying, and to have them see the comparison with biblical teachings.” The students are pictured below with Dr Andrew Matthes (L) and Dr Ted Wilson (centre).

— Dr Andrew Matthes

PHOTO: (L to R) Pastor Vadim Butov, Pastor John Lang, Dr Barry Oliver and Dr Ted Wilson join the congregation in a prayer session

OUR VOICE Constituency Meeting — What it’s all about

On 11 September 2011, over 500 members from around our Conference will be converging on the Macksville State High School for our fifty-fifth regular Constituency Meeting. So what is this meeting and why does it matter? Bob Dale addresses some frequently asked questions about our ‘session’.

What is the Constituency Meeting?

The Constituency Meeting, often referred to as “Session”, occurs when delegates from each of the congregations in our Conference, along with special delegates, (including guests from our Union and Division), come together for a time of reviewing the progress of the church and it’s Mission in this Conference over the past four years.

How often does it happen?

In our Conference a Constituency Meeting happens every four years.

Who chooses the delegates?

Each congregation has an allocation of delegates based on membership. The local church board selects the delegates from their membership.

What happens?

Prepared reports from the Conference Office will be tabled and discussed. There is opportunity for delegates to recommend directions and plans for the ensuing four years. Conference Officers and Department Leaders are also elected.

What is the process leading to the election?

A Selection Committee consisting of a delegate from each church will meet at Yarrahapinni on Sunday, 3 April 2011 to appoint a Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will meet numerous times leading up to the Constituency meeting. At the Constituency Meeting, the nominating committee will put forward their recommendations for who will be our officers (President, General Secretary and Chief Financial Officer and Departmental Directors and Associates) for the next four years. They will also recommend a team to serve as the Executive Committee as well as a Standing Appointments Committee which appoint replacement personnel when needed.

Does it matter?

Absolutely! While it might look like a whole lot of committees, the Leadership and future direction of our conference is consequential in regard to our sisterhood of churches achieving God’s mission – that’s a big deal.

We encourage members to make themselves available as local church delegates. Please speak to your local church pastor if you are interested in being nominated as a delegate to attend the Conference Constituency meeting.

The Conference Constitution requires no less than sixty percent of delegates be present, so it is very important to attend if you agree to be a delegate.

Please be praying for this meeting.

— Bob Dale is the General Secretary for the North NSW Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

OUR SUMMER CAMPS

Our annual Yarrahapinni summer camps provide a unique privilege to share Jesus with the young people in our Conference. During December 2010 and January 2011, over 268 campers and 150 staff came together in a journey of fun, friendship and faith.

“Love Revolution” was the theme of the camps this summer. Peter Beamish, Pastor Mark Craig and Kym Brown were the speakers for Junior and Teen Camps respectively. Each of our camp speakers challenged the campers to step up and receive God into their lives.

Throughout the summer camp programs, campers were impacted by God and many made decisions to follow Him, including 192 young people who pledged to give their heart to Jesus and 119 who requested baptism. Please continue to pray for all our young people as they grow in their knowledge of and relationship with Jesus.

—

Tara Gates/Sharlene Guest

OUR SCHOOLS

Blue Hills College graduates first Year 12 class

Blue Hills College in Goonellabah has marked a major milestone with its first crop of Year 12 students, who graduated from the College in December 2010. The four girls finished the year when they completed their HSC exams in November, but were back at the K-12 school in December to attend the awards ceremony. They had become ‘like sisters’ over the course of the year, they said, and their excitement at ending their school lives was mixed with sadness.

Tracy Hamilton, 18, joined Blue Hills three years ago, when she was old enough to face the 90-minute bus journey from Lennox Head, though now she has her licence to drive. “It’s cool to know that we will always be remembered as the first graduates,” she said. Tracy plans to go to Avondale College, at Cooranbong, to study international development, so she can follow in her father’s footsteps and work in the aid sector.

Sarah Watts, 18, of Alstonville, is also heading to Avondale, where she hopes to win a scholarship to study education and science.

Sarah, who was named school dux , said she valued Blue Hills because of its Christian ethos, which instilled respect for each other among all the pupils.

The size of the school, with 267 students, helped in this regard, said Caitlin Strong, 17, who lives near Casino. “It’s still small, even though it’s growing,” she said. “So it is easy to get to know each other. That’s the thing that makes it a great school, as opposed to just a good one.” Caitlin received an early acceptance at Southern Cross University (SCU) to study primary education.

Joining her at SCU is Ashleigh Robinson, 18, of Bexhill, who will complete a major in sports science and education, with a view to working with Aboriginal children. Ashleigh gained 100 per cent in Aboriginal Studies for a quilt she made during the year — eight months’ work. Her memory of her five years at Blue Hills is that ‘the teachers all know me well, and have been able to guide me’.

— Courtesy of The Northern Star newspaper

Macquarie’s outstanding Year 12 results

Macquarie College wishes to congratulate their 2010 HSC students and their respective teachers for the outstanding results achieved. The College was ranked among the top four schools out of 100+ schools from Central Coast through to Nelson Bay including Independent, Catholic and Selective Schools; and ranked 84th in the State of 3092 schools. Interestingly, 30 percent of the College’s HSC class received ATARs in the 90s and over 60 percent received ATARs above 80.

Macquarie College is proud of the entire class and their success last year. The following 2010 Year 12 students are deserving of special mention receiving rankings in the 90s: Nicole Wilson, Nick Raymond, Rachelle Fair, Tori Hain, Rebeca Tamas, Bradley Martin, Daniel Youlden, Alessandra Cannavale, Brianna Lewis, James Smith, Amy-Lee Lynch, Elise Kelly. — Michael Heath

‘Schoolies’ swapped for Cambodian Mission Trip

For the second year running, Avondale School has sent a team of its HSC students overseas to help less fortunate children at the end of 2010. As usual, the opportunity was met with great enthusiasm. A team of 23 students flew to Cambodia along with seven staff members. The mission trip is offered as an alternative to the conventional Schoolies experience. Students spend the year fundraising for the trip and preparing for Cambodian culture.

The first week in Cambodia was spent visiting a number of significant historical places. The students saw the killing fields at Phnom Penh and S21 — a school that Pol Pot’s followers turned into a prison where they executed the educated people in the country.

After this, they travelled to an orphanage not far from Siem Reap called Wat Preah Yesu. While there, the students helped to build five new classrooms and also taught English to the Cambodian students. The week spent helping the students was rewarding and gave the students from Avondale School a lot to think about. With no electricity or running water, the orphanage offered a very different lifestyle to the one students were used to.

The team returned from the trip with a new appreciation for their country and comforts of home. It was a great experience for those who participated and the memories of it will have a strong impact on them.

— Susan Rogers

PHOTO: Macquarie College’s Year 12 Class of 2010

OUR NEW SCHOOL

In spite of challenges provided by flooding in New South Wales over the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011, classes commenced at Currawah Adventist Aboriginal College (CAAC) on Monday, 7 February, with 25 students enrolled for the first Year 7 class at the school. Students came from Sydney, Burke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Moree, Dubbo and other areas around New South Wales.

Flooding at Dubbo — where transportable buildings were constructed for CAAC — saw about a metre and a half of water go through the caretaker’s house and two fifths of the girls’ dormitory on the building site. “They were finally repaired and delivered in the middle of January,” says George Spero, principal of CAAC.

These buildings joined the classrooms, houses and boys’ dormitory already on the site. Students will live in the dormitories at CAAC, going home at the end of each term.

environments they’re exposed to. “They’re interested in a positive environment for their children — one that will provide them with greater opportunities. None of the families who have enrolled their children at CAAC are Adventist.”

Pastor Lang has had the vision for an Aboriginal education facility in this region for many years, and has spent a lot of time working with numerous conference staff members and volunteers on the school site.

“I’ve had this dream for 20-odd years and it’s great to see it come to fruition,” says Pastor Lang. “It’s always good to be doing something that will make a huge impact on the community. CAAC will be a base for our work to expand into the west, and will provide an ‘instant church’ with 10 staff members and more than 20 students.”

The students were picked up between 4–6 February, by a bus that has been purchased for CAAC with funding provided by the Australian Union Conference (AUC). “The bus is essential to the running of the school as CAAC is in a fairly isolated location, and we are very grateful to the AUC for supporting the school in this way” said Pastor John Lang, president of the North NSW Conference.

The first activity of the school year was a camp for the students and staff from 7–13 February at Yarrahapinni for the first half of that week, and then Exodus Outdoor Adventures near Buccarumbi, Grafton. George said the camp focused on leadership, goal setting and team work, and provided a good way for students and staff to get to know each other.

The College has 10 staff members, with caretakers, cooks, house parents, a chaplain and teachers. All will share the workload of educating and caring for the students who attend CAAC.

The curriculum being taught is in line with the New South Wales Board of Studies curriculum, with an intensive numeracy and literacy focus. George says it will also have a strong practical focus. In the future, they hope to be able to expand the school to set up a library and woodwork shop, although they currently do not have the equipment to do so. Some of the other challenges faced in getting CAAC ready to open its doors for the 2011 school year included getting electricity on the site, and working in unbearably hot conditions to dig trenches and install plumbing and cables. Other challenges have included building relationships with families interested in enrolling their children at the school. “You have to go and meet with the parents at least twice and talk over things with them,” says George. “We’re getting to know the families and are building relationships with them.

“Working with the indigenous communities in this area is a familyoriented thing. When we enroll students, it’s not necessarily the parents who make the decision — it’s usually the aunties and uncles and other family members too. You need to take time to listen to them, give them the time to process the information and get back to you with a decision.” He finds many families are interested in Adventist education for their children, mainly because it will help them to get out of some of the

“Pastor George Quinlin gave the school his nod of approval, which was pretty special. He was a patriarch of the Indigenous work in Australia. CAAC will be the only Indigenous boarding school in New South Wales. The Government is quite excited about it, and the Lord has blessed in that we received funding from the Government before the school even started. The financial support of church members has also been tremendous.”

Pastor Lang says STORMCo trips to towns in the region have also helped to pave the way for the school. “STORMCo has created a strong rapport with the Aboriginal community and allowed us the credibility to attract and enrol the students. Leo Wright, who is the minister in our Bourke church, has spent a lot of time visiting Indigenous communities in the area, and there are still around 20 towns to visit where STORMCo teams have been in the past.”

Pastor Lang also praised the efforts of volunteers who have been involved in the project. “They have contributed so much, and the tremendous effort they’ve made means that without them, it would have never come together.

“Glen King, the education development officer for the North NSW Conference, has coordinated a tremendous amount of the project too. I also want to thank and acknowledge Paul Taylor and his team at Harnett Transportable Homes. They were wonderful to work with. They tried to do everything possible to assist us. Even though their site was flooded out in Dubbo, they’ve gone beyond what could be expected in putting the buildings together for us.”

The Global Mission funding provided to establish the school is something Pastor Lang is also “very thankful” for.

Steve Piez, director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) for the AUC, says, “We are very excited to see CAAC open. I remember when we first went out to view the property with pastors George Quinlin, Eddie Hastie, Murray Chapman, John Lang and others. It was an old, run-down station, but it had potential, and was in a good location.”

Steve says that after inspecting the property, Pastor Quinlin said, “This is the spot.” He went on to say it was the ideal location for the

“CAAC will be a base for our work to expand into the west, and will provide an ‘instant church’ with 10 staff members and more than 20 students.”

establishment of a school for our people,” says Steve.

“Pastor Quinlin was the heart and soul of the ATSIM department, and when he agreed with it, it was an exciting moment for us.”

Steve also praises the North NSW Conference for working so hard to bring the dream of CAAC into reality. “It’s rare that conferences take this kind of initiative,” he says. “It’s great that Pastor Lang has had this vision. It’s a way for us to resurrect the church’s presence in these regional communities — we’ve had churches out there in the past, but many of them have closed. More remote, outlying country areas have people moving away from them, but the Indigenous populations of these places are growing.

“If we want to have an influence in more than the costal regions of Australia, this is a good way to do it.”

Steve believes there is a strong potential for CAAC to make a positive difference in the area and says ATSIM dreams of seeing other schools that cater to Indigenous Australians around the country — whether they are mainstream schools that are opening up more to Indigenous students, or schools specifically designed for them. George is also excited about being part of the Currawah dream. “It’s really great, because it’s pioneering stuff, history making,” he says. “It’s a good vision. God is in control and we’ve seen Him working throughout the project. He comes up with solutions every time.

“My wife Tomasina and I took the jobs here at CAAC because we wanted to work with Aboriginal people in ATSIM work. We made that commitment a year ago, but didn’t know where it would lead us. We were waiting for God to show us what He wanted us to do. When we saw the ad for the positions at Currawah, we felt God was calling us.” George and Tomasina have previously worked in Redfern, Sydney doing volunteer work to provide STORMCo programs, taking children on camps and doing outreach work with the community there. Both had also worked in the public sector and organised Indigenous programs for schools, such as NAIDOC week. They also worked with children who were at risk of leaving school.

“We most look forward to making a difference in the kids’ lives — helping them get to know Christ and helping them to make a difference in their own communities.”

With the school already having students enrolled for 2012, CAAC staff ask that people in the North NSW Conference make the school a matter of prayer. “Please pray for the staff, students and their families, and for CAAC to make a positive difference in their lives,” says George.

— Adele Nash/Sharlene Guest

“We most look forward to making a difference in the kids’ lives — helping them get to know Christ and helping them to make a difference in their own communities.”

PHOTOS (from top): the CAAC bus; the first new building arriving onsite; one of the Currawah dormitories; the CAAC entrance sign; CAAC students & staff

OUR STORIES

Book Review: Bill’s Battle of the Bull

Bill’s Battle of the Bull is the second book of bush stories by Errol Wright, and follows on from Bill’s Bush Adventures, which was a collection of 40 stories recounting the childhood exploits of Errol and his mates. Now Bill’s back in another 28 stories that share what it was like to grow up in the Australian bush during the 1940s and also explores the many lessons learned in this time.

The first section of stories are about Bill’s family’s life on a 160-hectare property halfway between Taree and Forster, where the family had moved while Bill’s dad worked as a charcoal burner to help with the war effort. Bill encounters snakes who steal eggs, giant goannas who chase people (including his dad) and a variety of other wildlife. He also meets a variety of people and learns lessons about life from rodeos, weddings and bus accidents.

The eponymous bull is met in this section of stories, when a stray bull is discovered in the family’s cow paddock. Bill and his dogs have to try to chase the bull away, which isn’t the easiest of tasks.

As World War II came to a conclusion, the family moved back to Forster, which is covered in the second section of stories. Bill has more adventures here with his friends and family, as well as with more wildlife.

Bill and his friends “tame” the town bully, go to sea, discover how difficult life can be made for nice people by unpleasant individuals and learn how to catch snakes. Bill also explores a shed full of “treasure” and meets foxes that steal shoes. Of course, he also learns more life lessons and has a lot of fun.

If you enjoyed Bill’s Bush Adventures and were one of the many people who asked for more, you’ll love Bill’s Battle of the Bull. The stories are easy to read, so even younger readers should be able to explore the tales contained in this collection.

Bill’s Battle of the Bull and other bush adventures is available at Adventist Book Centres for $19.95. —

Adele Nash

OUR CHURCHES

Kariong XChange Celebrates

The Kariong XChange is an evangelistic outreach for the local community that has recently celebrated some special days. On 5 February 2011, the XChange celebrated its fourth birthday. The day was a joyous, fun-filled occasion, with more than 30 community kids turning up to celebrate with the group. Pastor Daron Pratt, Director of Children’s Ministries for the North NSW Conference, spoke at the event and did ballooning with the kids. He had a busy time keeping up with the kids as they popped balloons. The day’s highlight was the baptisms of Brandon Davidson and Nicholas Ansell (see Our Baptisms on page 10).

On 15 January, the XChange enjoyed a special Barney’s House Church at the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park in Somersby. Gentle drizzle kept the heat away, and the church group found it to be an “awesome treat” to worship God in the peaceful surroundings of the zoo in the company of kangaroos and emus.

To find out more about what the XChange is doing, visit www.kariongxchange.org.au

PHOTOS (from top): Ballooning was part of the Kariong XChange’s 4th birthday celebrations; Kariong XChange at the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park

Letters from God

Charlestown Seventh-day Adventist Church was privileged to host the annual Scripture and Religious Education (SRE) teacher commissioning service for 2011. A passionate group of believers gathered on 6 February to celebrate the witness of a life of service as a “love letter from God”.

Sue Snedden, from the overseeing body CREST, presented a message from 2 Corinthians 2:14–16, and noted how SRE teachers from the Charlestown area reach out into public schools and teach children about God and His love for them. This is often a role met with challenges from other adults at the schools, as well as behavioural ones from some children. Support from the team of teachers is vital.

“I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory,” she said. “God also helps us to spread the knowledge like it is the smell of perfume.”

Sue went on to encourage the teachers with the words of 2 Corinthians 3:3, saying, “You are like a letter written by Christ and delivered by us. But you aren’t written with pen and ink, or on tablets of stone. You are written in our hearts by the Spirit of the Living God.”

Reaching children in every public primary school is the goal for the SRE program. Up to 10 sessions per week are taught in some schools.

The Charlestown Christian Education Association (CCEA) is made up of representatives from 10 local churches who are reaching out into public high schools. The CCEA support a teacher placed in Whitebridge Public High School.

A report was given that more than 140 children from Year 7 in 2010 volunteered to go into scripture classes. This year, they will be continuing with regular scripture classes in Year 8, the first time the program has been extended.

The principal, peers and other teachers are now supportive of the initiative, and many barriers have been broken down over the past seven years.

Promises were claimed and praise was given to God for His work through the small group of dedicated SRE teachers. As the 2011 school year commences, commissioning prayers were offered to bless the volunteers who go to “take the good news” (Romans 10:15) through this ministry.

Charlestown Seventh-day Adventist Church asks that you add SRE teachers to your prayer list. If you are in the Charlestown area and are interested in volunteering as a SRE teacher, contact Heidi Tually on (02) 4947 1632.

— Heidi Tually

Maitland’s Kids Church

On 5 February 2011, Maitland Seventh-day Adventist Church used their Kids Church program to celebrate the return to school of nearly 50 children and young people who are all valued members of the Maitland church family. Children’s Ministries coordinators Nikki Court, Glenn Tooley, Rachel Tooley and Hope Langman introduced children to the congregation in the grades they are enrolled in for the 2011 school year, from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The chosen theme of the day was “The Heart of Worship.” Both the praise service and worship service were run by the children and Children’s Ministries team. The church was filled with parents and grandparents, as well as children and teens, who committed the coming year to the nurture and support of its younger members, who spoke of their hopes for the coming year.

The Lord’s Blessing was asked upon all the children for their year ahead at school. Nikki says, “It’s important for everyone — especially the children — to know that they can worship God in their heart every day, wherever they are. Even at school!”

— Russell Schultz

Dora Creek to celebrate 60th

On 21 May this year, Dora Creek Seventh-day Adventist Church will be celebrating its 60th anniversary with a “Back to Dora Creek Day.”

Anyone with memories of the church in Dora Creek is welcome to attend. Church members are interested in receiving information such as stories, photos and memorabilia that may be shared on the day.

If you have any of the church’s history to share, please contact Helen Christian on (02) 4973 3296, or email helenchrstn@gmail.com.

— Helen Christian

PHOTO: Students who attend Maitland Seventh-day Adventist Church were given a special back-to-school dedication

OUR BAPTISMS

Central Coast celebrates three baptisms

On 5 February, as the Central Coast sweltered in the 40-degree heat, Nicholas Ansell, Brandon Davidson and Tim Hope publicly declared their love for God through baptism.

Pastor Daron Pratt performed the honours for Nicholas’s baptism at the Scout Hall in Kariong, where his parents Laurell and Andrew Ansell and others run the weekly XChange program. The XChange is an evangelistic outreach for the local community.

In spite of the weather, 30 local kids turned up to support Nicholas as he was baptised in a blow-up pool. They let off party poppers and blew bubbles after his baptism. Nicholas’s mum Laurell explained to the kids in attendance beforehand that “baptism is a celebration because Nic has chosen Jesus to be his forever friend.”

The XChange has been an enormous leap of faith for the Ansell family, who used to worship at Central Coast Community Church (CCCC). Laurell felt compelled to begin a ministry in Kariong when Nicholas began attending the local public school.

She says, “We usually have 15 kids attending each week, but since most are from single-parent families, it won’t be the same 15, as custody is shared with a different parent each week.”

Later in the afternoon on 6 February, Brandon Davidson, also a regular attendee of the XChange, was baptised at his home in Kariong. This was attended by friends and family, and the baptism was followed by afternoon tea.

Tim Hope was baptised by CCCC’s Pastor Wayne Krause at Toowoon Bay. Tim was supported by around 40 CCCC attendees. Many spoke of their love and admiration for Tim, including Mark Nomes, Ant and Pam Coafield, Nate Chenowith, Padi O’Neill, and his dad Simon. Many spoke of his “exuberant” nature that is also tempered with extreme humility. — Laurell and Andrew Ansell/John and Melissa Sanburg

PHOTOS (from top): Pastor Daron Pratt baptises Nicholas Ansell at Kariong Scout Hall; Pastor Daron Pratt baptises Brandon Davidson at his home; Pastor Wayne Krause (front right) baptises Tim Hope at Toowoon Bay.

“Baptism is a celebration because Nic has chosen Jesus to be his forever friend.”

OUR HEALTH

Simple, Tasty, Good Competition Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the competition from the February edition of NorthPoint to win one of two copies of Simple, Tasty, Good, a recipe book produced to complement the Coronary Health Improvement Project. Our first winner is Deb Robson, who entered the competition with a short poem:

Eight Top Tips for Healthy Habits

Have breakfast — If your new year’s resolution was to lose weight, one of the best ways to start that is by eating a good breakfast. People who skip breakfast are more likely to snack during the day, which can result in consuming more calories, fats and sugars. A healthy breakfast with lots of carbohydrates and some protein — things like Bircher muesli or an omelette with wholemeal toast — will also help to give you a good range of vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre.

Eat less bad stuff, eat more good stuff — Regularly eating food that’s high-calorie, high-fat, high-salt and high-sugar can cause significant health issues, as can skimping on vegetables and fruit. Instead of stocking up on food that’s bad for you, eat more healthy foods. The occasional indulgence isn’t going to make the world end, so don’t feel like you’re going to have to live on Brussels sprouts alone.

We liked the different approach of using a poem and hope that Simple, Tasty, Good can help Deb with her healthy-eating goals!

The second book goes to Louise Wilkie, who wrote: Simple, Tasty, Good is all about helping people to prepare easy vegetarian meals, and we hope that Louise finds the book helpful in her exploration of vegetarian cooking.

Thank you to those who entered the competition to win a copy of Simple, Tasty, Good.

Adele Nash/Sharlene Guest

Drink more water — The kidneys can’t function properly unless we drink enough water. It’s also better for you than drinking other things that have calories in it, like soft drinks. It’s recommended that we drink eight glasses of water per day. Dehydration can make you feel tired, which can lead to snacking in an attempt to boost energy levels.

Brush your teeth — Gum disease has been linked to all kinds of other health problems like chronic inflammation and a higher risk for diabetes. Brushing your teeth can also mean less visits to the dentist, which is great if you’re dentist-phobic.

Exercise — You don’t have to be climbing Mount Everest every morning before jogging the length of the Hume Highway, but moving a little more will be better for you than not exercising. This can be things like taking the stairs, trying to include more walking in your daily life and doing 30 minutes of some sort of exercise.

Rest — Rest isn’t just about getting a good amount of sleep each night, which is important. It’s also about taking breaks and having some time for yourself. Skipping holidays isn’t a good thing, as it’s important to have time to do different things, unwind and relax.

Stress less — Chronic stress, anger or worry have significant impacts on the body and its functions. If you are able to, remove yourself from situations causing you stress. Otherwise, speak with a health professional to get tips for dealing with stress in daily life.

Connect with the people you love — Spend more time having fun with family and friends. Proverbs 17:22 says a cheerful heart is good medicine. Having fun with people you like to spend time with can’t be a bad thing.

—

“I am 64 years young, and as I am new to vegetarian cooking, I would like to have the recipe book to educate myself.”

With Simple, Tasty, Good I’d eat what I should Then I would be meeting My goal of healthy eating!

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POSITION VACANT

Avondale Retirement Village, Cooranbong

Administrative Assistant

Avondale Retirement Village is seeking a highly-motivated Administrative Assistant (HR) to work PPT four days per week in the Avondale Adventist Aged Care Facility. Reporting to the Director of Nursing, the role includes: management of rosters, including developing monthly rosters and filling any daily vacancies within budget; employment procedures for Residential Aged Care staff; and maintenance of the Residential Aged Care staff database.

The successful applicant will also possess a commitment to the mission, vision and values of the organisation, excellent communication skills, the ability to negotiate and liaise, advanced computer skills (with Microsoft Office Suite), highly developed organisational skills, and a strong attention to detail. A Certificate IV Office Admin/Nursing/Aged Care or higher would be highly regarded.

Inquiries and applications are to be directed to Beverly Moss, Director of Nursing, PO Box 10, Cooranbong 2265. Alternatively, you can contact her on (02) 4977 0148 or don@aacnnsw.com.au. Applications close Monday, 21 March.

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