NorthPoint - February, 2014

N O R TH N S W CO N FE R E N CE N E WS

FEB

2014

Service trips: Students making a difference trip was hosted by Tanya Lawrence, who helps run a non-profit organisation called Restore One. We spent our first few days in Phnom Penh learning about the history of Cambodia. Walking through the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng prison is an incredibly sobering experience.

“Under the rule of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, more than three million people were killed in Cambodia between 1975 and 1979. These two sites remain as a reminder to the Cambodia people — and the world — of what happened there. Many problems that exist in Cambodia today are the result of these events.”

Year 12 Schoolies on the Gold Coast has become an institution. But for so many, it has also become a negative experience with days and nights of partying so often leading to tragic consequences.

He adds, “After our visit to Phnom Penh, we travelled to Kompong Thomar and began our work in the village. In the village, we built a new home for a family. Watching a house take shape and seeing the joy on the faces of the family was an unforgettable experience. In addition to this, our team spent time at two different schools playing games with the children, and also treating the students for head lice. While in the village, we also had the privilege of beginning a new school building that will be completed within the next few months. The people we met in Cambodia, and the memories we have, will hold a special place in our hearts forever.”

The life-changing experiences don’t end there, though.

A group of Avondale School’s Year 12 leavers believe you can celebrate and reward yourself without the hangover. In December 2013, 26 of the school’s graduates returned from two weeks spent in Cambodia enjoying new sights, sounds, smells and experiences while using the talents gifted to them for the good of others.

Earlier in 2013 and in partnership with Asian Aid, graduating Year 12 students from Kempsey Adventist School (KAS), together with school staff, travelled to Nepal over the period 14 to 26 November to complete a service project at the new Chitwan Adventist School.

“This Cambodia Schoolies adventure has opened our eyes to true poverty,” said Avondale School chaplain Pastor Brian Reed. “It also showed that even just a little bit of help can go a long way, with our students building a house for a family in need, helping trauma injury patients and their families at a local hospital, and connecting with children at an orphanage,” he adds.

The staff at this new school also operate a hostel/orphanage that provides a home to many of the school’s students. The KAS students, supported by Chaplains Lossy (Continued on page 2)

“It was an amazing cultural experience,” said student Shanay Hayden. “[It was] so much more fun than I imagine a Gold Coast Schoolies to be. We slept overnight in a village, experiencing the beautiful, simple, yet tough life of the villagers first hand.

We danced, laughed, bathed at the water pump, slept on mats under mosquito nets, listened to cows and chickens beneath the house, and woke to the sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking.

“It was definitely a challenging experience, but very rewarding,” adds Shanay. “I can totally recommend a similar trip to other schoolies. Not only did we have so much fun and make a difference in the lives of others, but our parents were also able to relax knowing we were doing something different but safe. The trip has opened my eyes to so much more that I feel I was a little closed minded before it.”

Pastor Reed, says, “The Avondale Cambodia Trip in 2013 was a huge success. Our

In this issue:

Page 2: From the President: The community of ministry Pages 3: 2014 pastoral appointments Page 5: Fires damage Tamworth and Inverell Adventist Churches N O RT H P O I N T // 1 Insert: Adventist Senior Living: at home among friends

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OUR Conference

From the President:

The community of ministry Two very significant things are about to take place in the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference: 1. The pastors and local leaders are meeting together for the “Leadership in the Local Church” conference from 7 to 9 February.

2. The Year of Evangelism for 2014 is going to involve lots of lay-led programs, with pastors training and supporting members.

Why are these two events so significant and why should you be a part of this?

In NNSW, we are trying to re-create the dynamic community of the early church where the local leadership of the church was done as a team. Increasingly over the decades, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Western world has become dependent on the paid pastoral staff to do the majority of ministry. This was not and is not what God wants for His church.

It is God’s intention for the church members to exist in community with each other, each functioning differently according to their gifts, but each dependent on the other. Paul outlines this in Romans 12:4, 5 where he writes, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

Isolation after baptism would be viewed as heresy by Paul. Members are to participate in a community that is mutually dependent and caring. The concept that one or even two people could care for the whole community is just not biblical.

Members were to mutually care for each other.

Service trips: Students making a difference (Continued from page 1) Thompson and Billy Otto, facilitated several days of teaching, worship, music, games and activities to the school’s students, while KAS Principal Rohan Deanshaw provided professional learning to the school’s largely untrained teaching staff.

This service project was a particularly rewarding one for the KAS chaplaincy program, which saw an obvious outpouring of the Holy Spirit through the work of the chaplains who guided the largely non-Adventist KAS students in presenting traditional Adventist ministry to a largely Hindu student population in Nepal. The KAS students literally became the hands, feet and heart of Christ to a largely unchurched community.

KAS students and staff also visited the Adventist boarding school in Kathmandu, where the KAS chaplains led the Sabbath morning worship program, including both Sabbath school and Church services, prior to enjoying a traditional Nepalese meal with the school’s staff. Sabbath afternoon was then spent sightseeing in the snowcapped mountains surrounding Kathmandu.

KAS is planning to establish a long-term partnership with the Adventist school in Chitwan along similar lines to the school’s existing partnership with Suva Adventist College (SAC) in Fiji. The KAS partnership with SAC has seen the KAS chaplains travel with Year 11 students to Fiji for the past five years, delivering a Week of Worship program, practical service projects — such as the construction of new classrooms and a baptismal font — and participation in the annual KAS/SAC Community Concert, which has become a major outreach activity to the broader community in Suva.

— Felicity Pittaway/Pastor Brian Reed/Rohan Deanshaw

As Russell Burrill says in Recovering an Adventist Approach to the Life and Mission of the Local Church, “All New Testament passages dealing with the care of existing Christians are directed to all Christians, and not to clergy” (page 131). This is why small groups are so helpful in providing a biblical model of care.

What is the role of the pastor? God has set up the church to be missional. It was different from Israel — it had to “go to all the world.” The role of the clergy in the New Testament was to train and support God’s people as they took the Message to the world.

The wonderful book Gospel Workers says, “Sometimes ministers do too much; they seek to embrace the whole work in their arms. It absorbs and dwarfs them; yet they continue to grasp it all. They seem to think that they alone are to work in the cause of God, while the members of the church stand idle. This is not God’s order at all” (page 196). I hope that we can all acknowledge our need to be more of a biblical community where everyone has a role in caring or being cared for, and sharing our love of Jesus with others.

— Pastor Justin Lawman Around The Traps, a weekly e-newsletter from Pastor Justin Lawman, is now available. It features a devotional and news from around the conference.

To subscribe, send an email to <northpoint@adventist.org.au> with “E-newsletter subscription” in the subject line.

NorthPoint is published by the Communications Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (North New South Wales Conference) Ltd. President: Pastor Justin Lawman | General Secretary: Pastor Paul Geelan | NorthPoint Editor: Adele Nash Readers are invited to send news items, stories, testimonies and photographs to: PO Box 7, Wallsend NSW 2287 | Telephone: (02) 4951 8088 | Fax: (02) 4950 1102 | Email: northpoint@adventist.org.au | Website: http://nnsw.adventist.org.au

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OUR COnference 2014 pastoral appointments Alstonville — Tim Kingston

Lakeside — Peter Watts (also Conference Evangelist)

Armidale — Lorenzo Berry

Lightning Ridge — Beulah James

Avondale College — Eddie Hypolite/Mark Craig

Lismore — Keith Jackson/William Maola (Bible Worker)

Avondale Memorial — Vadim Butov/Helen Butov/Danny Milenkov

Macksville — Paul Richardson

Bellbrook — Horace Evans

Maclean — Steven Magaitis

Ballina — Tim Kingston

Maitland — Mark Venz

Bellingen — Bob Manners/Don Sforcina (Intern)

Moree — Tim O’Keefe/Brayden Entermann (Bible Worker)

Blue Haven Church Plant — Danny Milenkov

Mullumbimby — Cranville Tooley

Boolaroo — David Stojcic

Murwillumbah — Peter Howard/Rick Sharp (Intern)/Ashley Smith (Bible Worker)

Bourke — Keith Stockwell (also Global Mission)

Muswellbrook — Miroslav Stilinovic

Bray Park — Rick Sharp

MyChurch — Mark Venz

Byron Bay — Cranville Tooley

My House — Joel Slade (Intern)

Camden Haven — Uriah St Juste

Nambucca Heads — Paul Richardson

Casino — Tim Merritt

Narrabri — Tim O’Keefe/Brayden Entermann (Bible Worker)

Central Coast Community/SPD Church Plant — Wayne Krause/Nimrod Maua (Intern)

Nelson Bay — Ken Love

Cessnock — Talai Mohr Charlestown — Grego Pillay Coffs Harbour — Bob Manners/Abel Iorgulescu (Intern) Coffs Coast — Bob Manners/Abel Iorgulescu (Intern) Coonabarabran — Afiipu Tuaoi Coonamble — Shaun Hepworth (Bible Worker) Dora Creek — Peter Cousins Dorrigo — Bob Manners/Don Sforcina (Intern) Dungog — Mark Venz Erina — Yong Shin Chee Forster/Tuncurry — David Kosmeier Gateway — James Greensill Glen Innes — Adam Cinzio Gloucester — Graham Stewart Gosford — David Price Grafton — Steven Magaitis Gunnedah — Afiipu Tuaoi Guyra — Lorenzo Berry Hamilton — David Stojcic Hillview — Fred Chileshe Inverell — Adam Cinzio Kanwal — Raymond Dabson Kariong XChange — Bob Bolst Kempsey — Marcus Mundall Kingscliff — David Asscherick/Jared Smith (Intern) Kurri Kurri — Ken Love Kyogle — Tim Merritt

Newcastle Polish — Jan Jankiewicz Newcastle Multicultural — Esava Koro Newcastle Samoan Church Plant — Talai Mohr Newcastle Spanish — Roberto Valesquez Ocean Shores — Peter Howard Ourimbah — Eddie Mackie Port Macquarie — Joseph Maticic/Marty Thomson (Intern) Quirindi — Obed Soire Raymond Terrace — Esava Koro Singleton — Miroslav Stilinovic South Kempsey — Horace Evans Swansea — Fred Chileshe Tamworth — Obed Soire Taree — David Kosmeier Tenterfield — Bevan Hendricks Telegraph Point — Joseph Maticic The Entrance — Neil Watts The Haven — Bob Bolst Toronto — Michael Chapman Tumbulgum — Errol Wright Tweed Heads Church Plant — Daniel Christie (Intern) Wallsend — John Denne/Brock Goodall (Intern) West Wallsend Korean Group — Bethany Chapman/Dae Sik An Wauchope — Uriah St Juste Wingham — Graham Stewart Woy Woy — Eddie Mackie Wyee — Peter Cousins *This list is accurate as of the date of going to press (20/01/14).

N O R T H P O I N T // 3

Our Conference NNSW Conference Youth Ministries Director moves to AUC role

At the Australian Union Conference (AUC) Executive Committee’s yearend meetings, Pastor Jeff Parker, Director of Youth Ministries for the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference, accepted the call to be the new Director of Youth Ministries for the AUC. Pastor Parker replaces Pastor Tony Knight, who is moving into the role of Director of the AUC’s Resource Centre.

Pastor Parker has been in the NNSW Conference for nine years, and has worked in Youth Ministry roles for 15 years. Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the NNSW Conference, says, “He will bring a wealth of experience to the AUC role. Jeff has been such a blessing to our conference with his work in Youth Ministry, and we will miss him — and his family — a lot.”

Pastor Parker says that he has loved his job here in NNSW, and has appreciated the support of Rick Hergenhan, Assistant Youth Ministries Director, and Susan Manson, Youth Ministries Secretary. “We have an awesome team with Rick and Susan,” Pastor Parker says. “Youth Ministry at conference level is such an important thing for keeping our kids in church. We’re here to support local churches and families around the conference.”

He notes that the decision to move wasn’t easy. “This was a big decision for us, so we left it in God’s hands to open or shut doors,” says Pastor Parker. “For us, there was no doubt in our mind that we were wanted to lead the AUC’s Youth Ministry. It is a huge challenge and we are humbled by that. We’ll miss this conference and its people — there will be many tears as we leave. But we’ll make new friends and grab hold of new challenges as we take the message of Jesus to youth across Australia.”

Rick will be the Acting Youth Ministries Director until the NNSW Conference’s Appointments Committee can meet to elect a new Director.

Rick says, “Working with Jeff has been awesome. It’s the second time I’ve worked with him — I worked with him in Tassie for a year, and I’d do it again! He’s great to work with, has a passion for youth work and still has plenty of energy for it, is willing to think outside the box and tries new stuff. I want to wish Jeff all the best and God’s blessing as he goes to take up his new position. Jeff will do an excellent job and we’ll still get to see him, which will be nice. He’ll be up to visit whoever’s appointed too.”

Susan says, “It has been a huge blessing for me to have spent the past two years working under the leadership of Jeff Parker. He has been an inspiration for me, as he not only had a wealth of experience and knowledge to share, but he also has a contagious passion to see young people led into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Jeff has been a driving force in creating a Spirit-filled youth community within the NNSW Conference. It is sad to see him leave, as he has made such a positive impact here, but know this will continue in his new role.”

— Adele Nash N O R T H P O I N T // 4

Prayer summit: Claiming Newcastle for Jesus

For the first time in many years, Adventist church groups from Newcastle came together to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the city on Wednesday night, 20 November, 2013.

Seven ministers were involved — Pastor John Denne, Pastor Mike Robinson, Pastor Esava Koro, Pastor Jan Jankewitz, Pastor David Stojcic, Grego Pillay and Talai Mohr. They led the prayer summit, focusing on various aspects of prayer. These included praise and thanksgiving, confession, petitions, claiming Scripture promises and responsive reading.

Pastor Stojcic says, “Pastor Justin Lawman, the conference President, led in the prayer of petition seeking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the city, revival in our churches and power to proclaim the Gospel to a dying world.”

The summit was hosted by the Hamilton Church. Pastor Stojcic says, “Among those who attended — around 80 people — there was a distinct feeling of God’s presence. A desire was expressed by many attendees that these prayer summits be held at least once a quarter. It was suggested that these combined prayer meetings be held at different local churches each time.”

The prayer summit idea grew from the Hunter Region ministers, who were impressed

by God to call their members together for prayer, unity and a combined effort to reach Newcastle for Jesus. Another prayer summit is planned for this year, and more details will be available soon.

— Pastor David Stojcic/NorthPoint Photos courtesy of Jeffrey Samuel

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Our Churches Fire rips through Inverell Church Another church has thrown a lifeline to the devastated Inverell Seventh-day Adventist congregation after fire gutted its church on Friday night, 3 January.

The walls and roof remain of the church on the Glen Innes Road, but inside things are much worse following the emergency.

Inverell’s pastor Adam Cinzio said emotional worshippers turned up to the charred remains of their church on Saturday morning for the Sabbath service.

“They still prayed outside, which was really nice,” he said. “They are very sad.

The church certainly can’t be used for a while.”

Insurance assessors were called in to survey the damage after fire tore through the building just after 8.00pm on the Friday night. The intensity of the blaze shut down the road and forced neighbouring homes to be evacuated.

Inverell Sergeant Tim Ginman said police are still looking into the fire.

“The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” he said. “The cause is undetermined, but we’re still looking at whether it may have been electrical.”

The church underwent renovations two years ago, including an extensive facelift inside.

Now, the pastor has vowed to rebuild and, in the meantime, services will continue at another location.

“We’ve had a generous offer to use other facilities from another local church, which we are pursuing,” Adam said. “I’m very thankful for the leadership that certain members have shown at this time.”

Adam said members had shown immense optimism during a very difficult time.

“A number of our leaders were away, but those who are there are very strong and handled things very well,” he said.

The fire is an added blow for the Seventh-day Adventist congregation. Last November, fire ripped through the Tamworth Church, destroying much of the building, while the Glen Innes Church was torched in the early 2000s.

— Breanna Chillingworth (Northern Daily Leader) Photos courtesy of Adam Cinzio

Tamworth Church damaged by fire it to emergency services. It is believed the fire broke out some time around 8.30am, according to Inspector Grant O’Regan from Fire and Rescue New South Wales.

With four fire-fighting appliances responding to calls, the fire was brought under control promptly. However, the pulpit area was extensively damaged and windows were blown out by the fire. According to reports in the Northern Daily Leader, one man was treated by paramedics on the site for what was believed to be mild shock.

Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the North New South Wales Conference, says, “It’s a blessing that no-one was injured and we’re grateful for the hard work put in by the firefighters. Insurance assessors have already come to check the damage, and the church will be repaired and rebuilt as soon as possible.”

On 29 November, 2013, fire damaged around a third of the Tamworth Church’s main building.

The fire reportedly started at the front of the church and quickly spread to the ceiling. It was fortunate that people driving past in the morning noticed the smoke and reported

In the meantime, the local Baptist Church has very generously allowed the congregation the use of their building. They met there on the first Sabbath after the fire, and the three people who were meant to be baptised at the Tamworth Church were baptised there. One person was also welcomed into Tamworth Church membership on a profession of faith.

— NorthPoint/ Northern Daily Leader/ABC News Photos courtesy of the Northern Daily Leader N O R T H P O I N T // 5

OUR Churches Hillview enjoys success with Night Markets and Christmas program

Great community response to Lakeside’s Christmas program Lakeside Church’s Christmas concert on Sabbath evening, 14 December, 2013 was an unforgettable experience for all. With advertising sent out throughout the area around the church in Bonnells Bay, a large number of people were in attendance.

They enjoyed a potluck meal before the concert, which was a good opportunity for people to mingle and chat. The concert began at 7.00pm, and the audience enjoyed the performances of the church’s children. Their items made up the first part of the program.

This was then followed by some beautiful items from other members of the church community. The church’s choir, The Lakeside Vocal Ensemble, which is conducted by Clive McMahon, presented several items and also led the singing of carols by the congregation.

In the week before Christmas last year, Hillview Church hosted a Christmas outreach that was family-friendly and affordable.

Stall holders arrived at the Hillview Church grounds on four consecutive afternoons to set up their stalls for the evening Night Markets. All kinds of wares were on sale, from fruit and vegetables to trash’n’treasure, soaps, perfumes, knick-knacks and last-minute Christmas presents of all kinds.

A jumping castle was set up to entertain the children, along with free craft activities.

The evening was organised by Alexis Deves and Tammy Bennet. Jan and Claire Bernoth decorated the church beautifully, with a tasteful backdrop depicting the Nativity scene, lights and arrangements.

— Pam Hill Photos courtesy of Julie Michel

Two events were run each night to complement the Night Markets and present the real meaning of Christmas. The first was a 30-minute production — a mix of sound, light, puppetry and sand art.

Produced and directed by Jonathan Christian, the teen and youth puppetry team performed songs and black-light puppetry, interspersed with the Christmas Story narrated by Pastor Calvyn Townend and illustrated by sand artist Tiani Page. This was a huge success, with approximately 600 visitors viewing the performance over the four nights.

At the close of that program, people had the opportunity to step back in time and visit a Bethlehem scene, complete with inn keeper, Joseph and Mary, an angel to announce the birth of Jesus, shepherds, wise men and assorted animals, all of which interacted in a heart-warming re-enactment of the Bible story. An opportunity to respond by writing a note of thanks completed the walkthrough.

The whole program was a huge success, with many hundreds of people attending, and many positive comments from stall holders, customers and those who saw the Christmas story and nativity.

— Alvin Christian

Investiture celebration for Moree’s Adventurer On 14 December, Moree Adventist Church had an investiture for their church’s sole Adventurer, Joshua Henley. Joshua had completed another year of being an Adventurer as a Sunbeam. The church is very proud of Joshua, because after a tough year for the church, he was their only remaining Adventurer.

The church was honoured to have Ross Richards, a retired, but faithful Pathfinder director, in attendance to present Joshua with his award.

— Jared Henley

N O RT H P O I N T // 6

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OUR Churches Kurri Kurri celebrates 90th anniversary

During this segment, three of these individuals shared their memories of those times — Dr Jean Harrison and two of her former student nurses, Gwen Stevens and Lola Wilkinson. Also present on the day was Eleanor Scarfe, niece of Matron Scarfe, who trained at Kurri Hospital and then taught there for 10 years from a wheelchair, after having contracted polio while serving in New Guinea. Each story was an inspiration to those present.

This segment was rounded out with a message from the mayor of Cessnock City Council, Councillor Bob Pynsent, who spoke in very positive terms about the values that Adventists share and uphold.

Above: Pearl Cain, whose father helped build the original church; Dr Jean Harrison, doctor at Kurri Kurri Hospital for many years; and Gwen Stevens, nursing student at Kurri Kurri Hospital commencing in 1945 and member at Kurri ever since, cutting the Kurri Kurri 90th anniversary cake.

The 90th anniversary of the founding of Kurri Kurri Adventist Church was celebrated on 30 November, 2013, with about 80 current and past members crowding into the little church for a time of remembering, reflection, sharing, good food and fellowship. Above all, it was a day to praise God for His leading in the past 90 years.

The program for the day consisted of three sessions. The first session, which was hosted by senior elder Merle Cozens, focused on mission service by past and present members. The program commenced with a PowerPoint presentation, which celebrated the lives of some who had spent time in overseas mission service. Among the longestserving of these missionaries were Muriel Howe, Pastor Martin and Joyce Pascoe, Pastor Will and Mona Pascoe, Lola Hill Wilkinson, Pastor Elwyn and Phyl Raethel, and Pastor Bert Cozens and his late wife, Norma. Others served overseas for shorter periods of time, but all made a significant contribution to the mission of the church.

Another well-known former member of Kurri Church is Helen Eager of Asian Aid fame.

However, not all service took place overseas. The second segment of this session focused on the contributions of a succession of Adventist medical personnel who served at the local Kurri Kurri Hospital during a period of more than 40 years, from 1930 till the mid-seventies. These included Dr Henry McMahon, Dr Frank and Dr Jean Harrison, Dr Alan Hellestrand and Matron Scarfe, together with physiotherapists Richmond Hill and Bert Cooper. This Adventist presence attracted a strong contingent of trainee nurses to the Kurri Hospital. Two of these nurses, Natalie Trood Lown and Gwen Musgrave Stevens, who commenced training in 1945, married locals and have been serving in the Kurri Church and local community ever since.

The second morning segment, hosted by current minister Pastor Ken Love, focused on the experiences of past ministers. Four of these ministers, Pastors Cecil Ogg, Ray Jerrard, Robert Craig and Bert Cozens, shared their memories, while four others, Pastors Ed Parker, Des Mowday, Wilf Pascoe and Mark Venz, sent messages via e-mail, phone or DVD, which were presented in the afternoon session. The sharing of memories was followed by the sermon preached by Pastor Paul Geelan, General Secretary of the North New South Wales Conference. His topic, “Stones of Remembrance,” reminded those there on the day to remember God’s leading in their past history as they go forward into the future.

This was followed by a delicious lunch prepared by church members, during which time there was plenty of opportunity for renewing of friendships and reminiscing.

The afternoon program, hosted by Sue Martin, focused on the history of the congregation, commencing with the organisation of the church on 29 September, 1923, with 16 charter members, and the dedication of the original church building on 29 April, 1926. It has since been extended and modified. The main part of this segment consisted of oral history as a number of those present shared their memories of their experiences in the Kurri Church. Highlights of these memories included being accommodated by Kurri members during the Maitland floods of 1955, the operation of a very effective Dorcas Society, participation in a very active Pathfinder Club under the leadership of Planey (Barry Plane) and, more recently, the conducting of successful VBS programs and visits by the Maitland STORM Co team. Some of the stories were reflective and serious in nature, while others were very amusing (Pathfinders will get up to mischief)!

The session concluded with a surprise thank you presentation to Sue and Les Martin, without whose untiring efforts and energy the day would probably not have come together.

The day concluding with the cutting of the anniversary cake by three women: Pearl Cain, whose father helped build the original church; Dr Harrison, much-loved former doctor at Kurri Kurri who at nearly 97 is still very active; and Gwen Stevens, former nursing student and member at Kurri for almost 59 years. The anniversary day was a day of memory-making and inspiration for all.

— Merle Cozens

Church concert benefits local school Donations totalling $777.50 received at the sacred concert held in the Dora Creek Church on Sunday evening, 22 December, have been presented to the Dora Creek Public School and will be used for the purchase of levelled readers for classroom use.

The concert, which featured the Nativity and included solo organ items, solo and duo violinists, string ensemble, vocal items, a bell choir, carol singing and narration. Young performers outnumbered older performers two to one. Community members who attended commented most favourably on the program.

The church and local school have an excellent working relationship. Volunteers from the church assist in the school’s reading program and provide the bulk of presenters for the school’s Scripture program. Other activities have included a significant contribution toward the purchase of a SmartBoard, helping with landscaping and gardening, and,

for some years, donations of food for families in need. Both parties look forward to working together in 2014, — Pastor George Drinkall N O RT H P O I N T // 7

OUR Churches Kanwal reaches friends and neighbours for Jesus At the end of 2013, Kanwal Adventist Church celebrated three significant events.

The first of these was the baptism of Frank Miklavcic. Frank has been attending Kanwal Church since moving to the Central Coast in 2006. His daughter, Patricia, has been a member for many years. His wife, Catherine, was baptised by Pastor Len Barnard at Kanwal Church in 1995 after attending from time to time with Patricia. Frank is a lovely Christian man who has enjoyed the fellowship at Kanwal and has decided to give his life fully to Christ.

who are in need of the meal or just the company. “Since starting the program 18 months ago, we have come to know many lovely people as they come in each Wednesday,” says Deborah Shiel, Cornerstone Director. “A number of the people who have come to know us through the Cornerstone program also come to the church service on Sabbath, and many get together on Sabbath afternoons to share their stories and discuss the issues that are important to them.”

It was a real pleasure to the helpers as well to have a special day for the Christmas meal. A number of children were also present and they were given a small gift, to their great delight. Carols were sung and reasonable order was kept with the happy background noise of people who just enjoyed being together.

Following the Cornerstone Centre lunch, the volunteers had their turn to enjoy a special meal together as well.

— Barbara Sutton

Attending the baptism and speaking during the service, which was presented by Pastor Raymond Dabson, was Pastor Barnard, who has been a special friend of the family for some time. It was especially meaningful to Frank as they are about the same age and share a special bond. The photo above shows Frank seated with Pastor Barnard, along with the church’s elders in attendance, welcoming Frank into fellowship. Following this, a luncheon was held for members and friends.

The church also celebrated their 15th annual Christmas Carols and Celebration Program. Kanwal Church has a reputation locally for presenting a beautiful program for Christmas and the community keep an eye on the church notice board to tell them when it will be presented.

This year, the church was filled to capacity again to enjoy carol singing and presentations by Tom Mitchell, Kylie Smith, Don Roy, the Richardson sisters, Douglas Gibbs and the Caldwell Family Ukulele Ensemble, all ably led by Pastor Eric Winter.

Pastor Lyndon Schick and his team prepared an excellent program, which was really appreciated and gave the community time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

Many of the regular concert visitors when asking after the MC from past years — Pastor Owen D’Costa — expressed their sadness on hearing that their friend and ours had passed away. Pastor D’Costa passed away in November last year after a battle with lung cancer.

The Christmas Carols and Celebration Program was followed by a smorgasbord meal and many expressed their thanks for both.

Kanwal’s Cornerstone Centre also joined in the festive spirit. Everyone loves Christmas dinner and our Cornerstone friends enjoyed a delicious hot meal with plum pudding and many other special Christmas sweet treats at their final Cornerstone Centre lunch for 2013.

The centre provides a meal each Wednesday at lunch time for those in the community

A joyous family affair at Casino Church Peter and David started their studies with Pastor Horace Evans around three years ago. Terry didn’t feel the need to make a commitment until earlier in 2013 when God answered a prayer that he was reluctant to pray.

When his prayer was answered, he recognised God’s call and requested Bible studies.

What a joyful day it was for Casino Church members to see Terry baptised alongside his two boys Peter and David.

On the 7 September, 2013 Terry and two of his boys — Peter and David — were baptised in the Casino Adventist Church.

Terry had been attending the Casino Church for around 10 years in support of his family, but never felt the need to commit his life to God through the waters of baptism.

N O RT H P O I N T // 8

Many of Peter and David’s friends from the local Adventist school — Blue Hills College — packed the church to witness this joyous occasion.

Members of Casino Church paise the Lord for these decisions being made for Him, and pray that God continues to bless those who have been baptised as they serve Him. — Jessica Bevan

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OUR churches Happy day for Hillview Church It was a happy surprise when Trevor Mawer asked Kayla Cochrane and Josephine McElroy if they wanted to be baptised.

Trevor, a final year theology student, had been regularly studying the Bible with the two girls for several months when the topic of church membership came up. Trevor was surprised to find out that neither of the girls had been baptised and Above: Kayla Cochrane being baptised by Trevor Mawer asked why. They replied that no-one had yet asked them, but yes, they loved Jesus and did want to follow Him On 14 December, 2013, the girls, along with family, many friends and Hillview Church family, met for the baptism at Catherine Hill Bay. The day was warm, but the water chilly, leading to some surprised faces as many close friends also went into the water to be close around the girls as they publicly showed their love for Jesus by following Him into the waters of baptism.

Hillview members were all very happy to see the girls baptised and welcomed them as members into the Hillview Church family.

— Alvin Christian

Each year Maclean Church has a stall in the local community show. They conduct Your Health Age assessments to help people find out what areas of their lifestyle can be improved in. Some years ago, Maclean Church commenced a Recipe Club to follow up with those who expressed an interest in vegetarian cooking.

The club meets monthly with presenters Christine Allomes, Jane and Paul Richardson, receptionist Pam Osmond and kitchen organiser Dianne Browning. Presenters demonstrate a variety of recipes, which are then enjoyed by the group. Sometimes a visitor has a recipe to share, which adds to the interest.

To conclude the year’s activities in late October 2013, the participants brought a healthy dish to contribute to a meal together. This was shared around a big table in a very friendly atmosphere. This venture has made many friends in the community and been helpful for those participating in the Depression Recovery Program.

— Jane Richardson/Pam Osmond

Investiture at Maclean Above: Jo McElroy Being Baptised by Trevor Mawer

Casino welcomes new member On 2 November, 2013, Casino Adventist Church welcomed another new member. Glenda Eyears was baptised, and members of the church say that she is beautiful inside and out, and that you can see the love she has toward her Saviour.

In 1987, Glenda prayed for an Adventist to come to visit her — she was interested in Bible studies and getting to know Jesus personally. She initially had wanted her mother to go back to church, but then felt the need to herself.

Her mother Carmen was baptised in August 2012.

The Casino Church members praise God for these souls who have given their hearts to the Lord, and pray that He continues to bless and guide them in their lives.

— Jessica Bevan

Maclean’s Recipe Club builds community relationships

On Sabbath, 7 December, Maclean Church hosted the Maclean Pathfinder and Adventurer Club Investiture.

They were fortunate to have Pastor Jeff Parker, Director of Youth Ministries for the North New South Wales Conference, and Ros and Daryll Camps, Northern Rivers District Directors, present with the church group.

The children took a large part of the service and ably shared some of the highlights of the year. Two Adventurers prayed together and then all the Adventurers shared an item, “Our God is a Good God.” Pastor Parker developed the Pathfinder theme for the year, “Live Loud, Be Authentic” in a very interesting way for the children.

Children attend the club from all over the Clarence Valley. None of these children are from Seventh-day Adventist families. However, through contact with Pathfinders, four children are doing Bible studies and three families are coming to church at either Maclean or Grafton.

A delicious lunch of haystacks was served by the Maclean Church folk, with Pathfinder/Adventurer families bringing the cakes/fruit to follow. A farewell and presentation was given to Jane Richardson, who has been the club director since the club commenced six years ago. Jane is moving with her husband Paul to the Macksville/Nambucca Churches for 2014.

— Ros Camps/Jane Richardson N O RT H P O I N T // 9

OUr Churches First baptism for Newcastle Multicultural Church

to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall proposer in the thing for which I sent it.’”

Pastor Koro adds, “The word of God is true and my encouragement to workers for Christ in the field is that may we just be faithful in preaching and sharing the undiluted word of God because it will never return void.”

When reflecting on his experience, Kamal wrote, “A man by the name of Allan Potts told me about the Seventh-day Adventist Church and every detail he told me came out of the Holy Bible.”

On 5 November, 2013 the Newcastle Multicultural Church had its first baptism. Kamal Dhnaram gave his life to the Lord after a long journey with Christ, coming from a Uniting Church background, since being introduced to the seventh day as the Sabbath in 1956 by Allan Potts.

Kamal worked with the railways in Newcastle and Sydney. While working as a vehicle oiler, Kamal says, “I met a lady by the name of Dawn McGinty who lived close by. She taught me many articles of the Bible. I then started to go to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.”

Pastor Esava Koro says, “Praise the Lord for the faithfulness of people who are unreservedly sharing the truth of God from the Bible. Kamal walked into the church early in 2013 without any invitation and immediately asked for baptism. After six months of Bible studies, he was convicted by the Holy Spirit to be baptised.

He adds, “I got to know Pastor Esava Koro. He gave me lessons twice a week for about six months, and finally agreed to baptise me.”

“The Bible text that came to mind as I reflect on Kamal’s experience is Isaiah 55:11, which says, ‘So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return

— Pastor Esava Koro/NorthPoint

Special day as two are baptised at Lakeside Aaron had attended church from a young age, but from age 18 to 30 had become very lax about attending. Eight years ago, he was involved in an accident, which could have cost him his life and has left him wheelchair-bound.

Sabbath, 7 December, was a very special day at Lakeside as church members witnessed two baptisms for which the church’s minister Peter Watts officiated. During the morning service, Cheryl Buerckner was baptised. At a special service by the lake in the early afternoon, Aaron Hickey was also baptised.

Cheryl had always attended church, but never felt a real commitment. When she came to the Morisset area three years ago, she looked for a church, but she felt she really didn’t fit at the one she began attending.

While she was trying to do some maintenance work in her yard, Pastor Ray Baird rode past on his bike. He stopped and asked her if she would like some help, which she willingly accepted. Over a period of time, Pastor Baird helped her with various jobs and finally invited her to attend some musical programs at Avondale Memorial Church.

As soon as she walked in, she felt that she belonged. She decided to try the local Adventist church, Lakeside, and she immediately felt at home as she found everyone very friendly. She attended a special class for seekers — the FAQ (frequently asked questions) Class — and found that finally she was being filled spiritually and also learning much from the Bible.

N O RT H P O I N T // 10

He feels that the accident was a wake-up call and that God saved him because He had plans for him. Aaron decided to be re-baptised to signify his recommitment to the Lord. He now feels very happy and secure in God’s love. He has also been able to move to much better accommodation. It’s great to have him worshipping with the Lakeside Church family each week.

— Pam Hill

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OUr Schools Early Christmas at the ARV

Feature Review: Live More Active

Christmas came early to Cooranbong’s Avondale Retirement Village residents last year in the form of personalised gifts designed and made by Year 8 Avondale School students.

In 2013, 80 Avondale School students participated in an innovative new style of collaborative learning as part of their technology studies. Moving away from the traditional model of learning in a single classroom environment, and instead reinforcing a unique concept of collaboration, consultation and designing for a specific client, students from across the entire year group were split into teams of five.

The 16 different student design teams were each introduced to an elderly resident from either Avondale Retirement Village’s Hostel or Kressville Lodge. In consultation with their assigned resident, the teams developed products to match the needs of their clients. Over the following weeks, designs were turned into reality, drawing on skills developed during their two years of technology studies in computer, textiles, polymer and woodwork.

“Every student should be congratulated on interacting so well with our residents, breaking down the social stigma of ageing,” said Diversional Therapist Lindl Webster. “They all made really thoughtful and personalised gifts to improve the everyday lives of our residents, and the quality of workmanship was terrific.”

— Felicity Pittaway

Avondale School students care for special needs

It’s a New Year’s stereotype that people will make resolutions to lose weight, become more active and make changes in their lives for the better. People join gyms, start diets and try their best. But

by February, it does seem like 1 January was a long time ago, and some resolutions are forgotten or there’s not enough time in the day to keep them all.

But one thing I’ve found in the months since May last year is that you don’t need a new year to make and keep resolutions when it comes to health. Between then and the middle of January this year, I’ve lost 15 kilograms by making changes to my diet and exercise habits. And oddly enough, it’s been enjoyable — even getting up at 6.15 every morning to go for walks.

Dr Darren Morton, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Science at Avondale College, says that humans are “made to move — and things go wrong when we don’t.” His new book, Live More Active: Activate your life for good, is an exploration of the most recent scientific research regarding how our inactivity in the Western world has become a health crisis (Section 1). But it’s more than that — it’s also a guide for how we can overcome inactivity by creating activity habits (Section 2).

Dr Morton is the co-presenter and contributing writer for the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP), which Live More Active ties to nicely. He uses his 25 years of experience in health and fitness to create a 21-day program that puts into practice what has been learned in the first section of the book.

Avondale School students Amy Morgan, Zack Morgan and Toby Zeuschner make balloon animals at Special Needs Christmas Party, which was organised by Autism Projects Australia.

To celebrate the first day of summer and kick start the festive season, a number of generous and compassionate Avondale School students recently donated their time to bring joy to the faces of children and families living with special and additional needs on the Central Coast.

Held at San Remo’s Camp Breakaway, the Special Needs Christmas Party was organised by Autism Projects Australia. With a focus on interactive fun, entertainment and pampering, it was a rare day out for many living with additional needs.

The talented Avondale School students, led by creative Kindergarten teacher Sonya Morgan, spent the day greeting children with puppets as they face-painted, and sculpted balloon animals and swords for dozens of excited families.

“We all experienced a very rewarding day, truly filled with the joy of Christmas,” says Sonya “It was a heart warming and humbling experience to bring smiles to so many of those gorgeous little faces.”

— Felicity Pittaway

Apart from this, Live More Active also contains heaps of handy pieces of information and stories, as well as tips for overcoming “excuses” to not exercise. Dr Morton advises setting goals with the SMART principle — making them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. Finding types of exercise you enjoy is also important, as is the physical environment in which you exercise.

But we all know this in a way, right? And now that I’ve read Live More Active, I am planning to put the 21-day program into practice, incorporating it into what I’m already doing. Why not join in? It might be fun, and it will definitely be rewarding.

— Adele Nash Live More Active: Activate your life for good Written by Dr Darren Morton 188 pages (with bonus DVD) Published by Signs Publishing Company, 2014 Available through Adventist Book Centres and at <www.DrDarrenMorton.com> N O RT H P O I N T // 11

Grey Nomads Camp 9–17 May, 2014 Stuarts Point Convention Centre The North New South Wales Conference’s annual Grey Nomads Camp will be held from 9 to 17 May, 2014, at the Adventist Convention Centre, Stuarts Point, New South Wales.

The event is open to grey nomads from across Australia (and beyond!), and is an excellent opportunity for retirees to meet and fellowship together.

Applications for the 2014 Grey Nomads Camp can be downloaded from http://nnsw.adventist.org.au.

Any enquiries can be directed to Debbie Head on (02) 4944 3220 or by sending an email to greynomads@adventist.org.au.

N O RT H P O I N T // 12