NorthPoint - April, 2015

Mid-North Coast hosts UR Church launch

On the weekend of 28 February and 1 March, the first phase of UR Church was launched at the Stuarts Point Convention Centre. UR Church is a new initiative of the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference that aims to effectively engage and equip members to nurture and disciple newcomers (you can read more about what UR Church is on page 3).

In February, Leadership in the Local Church weekend attendees were given some information about the UR Church, which will be rolled out across the conference in time, but churches from the Mid-North Coast had the chance to sample it first. And the response from churches in the region was fantastic, with numbers of people wanting to attend far exceeding expectations. In the end, more than 200 people took part in the Phase 1 training weekend, which featured guest speakers and workshops.

In welcoming attendees on the Saturday night, Pastor Neil Thompson, Ministerial Secretary for the NNSW Conference, said, “The journey of UR Church isn’t new, but you may see it for the first time this weekend with new eyes. We’re doing UR Church because we desperately need the power of Christ in our lives.”

Ty Gibson was the guest speaker for Saturday night, and he gave a memorable presentation on Adventist identity. His focus was on faith being energised by love, and righteousness coming through that faith. “Humans are engineered to operate on the fuel source of God’s love,” Ty told attendees.

Everything was framed around “Christ as the living centre,” exploring the gospel of God’s grace. Ty said, “Our people don’t need conservatism to ‘correct’ liberalism, or liberalism to ‘correct’ conservatism. What we need to be is centred in Christ and Him crucified. This is the one great, eternal truth. . . . Other truths should contribute to showing the beauty of Christ, with all truth centred in that one truth.”

Sharing the matchless love of God with others is at the heart of UR Church, although the first phase of training is focused on creating small groups in local churches and preparing yourself — and your group — for a greater connection with Christ in order to make you ready to welcome others in.

Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the NNSW Conference, told attendees, “This weekend is about connecting with God. We want to break through cultural barriers that aren’t usual to us. We want to release God’s church.”

The training began in earnest on the Sunday morning, with everyone dividing into their allocated groups after breakfast and an introduction to the day’s events. These groups were led by facilitators from around the conference, ranging from pastors to conference office staff to church members who are passionate about communicating God’s love with others.

(Continued on page 3)

In

Page 2: From the President: My attitude in church

Page 4: Vanuatu: ADRA responds as Cyclone Pam destruction revealed

Page 6: Attendance doubles for “Back To Coffs Day”

OUR CONFERENCE

From the President: My attitude in church

In many ways, our consumer culture has affected our spiritual journey. So often I find myself going to church with an attitude that’s just not quite where God would want it to be.

Constantly analysing and critiquing everything that’s done — from the welcome through to the song selection, and certainly the sermon and how it relates to my life — means I can give it the thumbs up or thumbs down if it meets my “need.”

The truth is, when I go to church, I should be there to worship the God of the universe and to hear His voice. I should go with an attitude that is characterised by an open heart, knowing that God has a message for me today. Maybe it’s through the prayer; maybe it’s the singing; or maybe the preacher has been inspired by God to speak directly to me.

I have discovered that when I go to church with this attitude, I’ve never left disappointed.

Everything that’s taken place during the six days leading up to the Sabbath will impact my worship of God in some way. That’s why being a seven-day Christian — rather than a seventh-day Christian — is so important. If God has played a minor part in my life that week, chances are He’s going to have a minor part in the church service as well. But if I’ve walked through the past week hand-in-hand with my Saviour, with all of the highs and lows, my time in worship is always awesome.

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of looking at the people up the front and my fellow worshippers when, in reality, my eyes should be only on God.

I don’t want to down-play fellowship with a community of believers. In fact, I find that God sometimes uses them to speak to me more powerfully than anything else. Sitting at home and watching a good sermon on TV is not the same as worshipping together with my family that we call church.

As you enter into the time of worship this Sabbath, keep your heart open to the voice of God. I’m sure He’s got something to say to you.

— Pastor Justin Lawman

Around The Traps is a weekly e-newsletter from Pastor Justin Lawman. It features a devotional and news from the conference. To subscribe, fill out the form at <http://nnsw. adventist.org.au/aroundthe-traps>.

From the General Secretary: Listening for God’s voice

The geographic boundaries of the North New South Wales Conference have witnessed a rich history of significant events that have contributed to the global mission of the Seventhday Adventist Church.

In December 1899, there was a camp meeting in Gregson Park, opposite the current Hamilton Church.

Ellen White had been living in Australia for almost nine years and had taken up residence at Sunnyside, in Cooranbong. She attended the camp meeting, which stretched through until early 1900. While there, she witnessed a woman teaching some children, and felt strongly impressed that the global church should be involved in establishing schools connected to local churches.

Writing to the General Conference in the sixth volume of the Testimonies, she outlined a vision for a global system of schools designed to train the children and youth of the church for useful service for Christ, and to shield them from the influences of the world. As a result of that counsel, look what God hath wrought.

Around the same time, she was receiving very specific counsel from God in relation to the establishment and operation of the Avondale School. It was to be a model for the global church in the training of medical missionary workers.

Over the preceding years during her time in Australia, she had been in consistent dialogue with the General Conference administration and Dr John Harvey Kellogg about God’s instruction to her regarding “medical missionary work,” a broader concept in her mind than what our current understanding would be.

Unfortunately, the church largely ignored her counsel at that time, but maybe it’s time to re-look at what she was trying to say from our very shores to the global church via the pen of inspiration.

Through this period also, she was penning some of the greatest contributions to literature ever written: Desire of Ages, Steps to Christ and Christ’s Object Lessons among others.

God is still endeavouring to speak with equal clarity to the North New South Wales Conference — and globally — church today. But our lives seem so busy, and our personal agendas so strong, that we often struggle to attune ourselves to that voice. Or maybe what we hear cuts across something we cherish too much to let go.

Possibly sitting under a tree in Cooranbong, Ellen White wrote, “When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God” (Desire of Ages, page 363).

May His words be audible in your life, and may we as a church march in harmony with the God-given instructions.

— Pastor Paul Geelan

Mid-North Coast hosts UR Church launch

(Continued from page 1)

Groups rotated through the first three weeks of the four-week training manual with these facilitators, exploring the topics of “Connection with Christ,” “24/7 Christian” and “When God Speaks.”

Following lunch, everyone met together for “The Upper Room” experience. They were encouraged to share foot-washing and breaking bread together with their churches. Churches also got into groups and spoke about what they need to do to make UR Church happen locally.

Nic Coutet, UR Church Project Coordinator, says there has been a wave of positive feedback about the training. “Everyone’s saying it’s life-changing and has brought them together. For example, Kempsey Church members have said that it’s been what they’ve been missing in their church and they are excited about UR Church.”

From the 17 churches represented, the variety of people who attended showed their commitment to making a difference in their churches and communities — whether they were Sabbath school leaders, elders, deacons, pastors or simply ordinary members.

“The church members who came made the weekend,” says Pastor Lawman. “Their commitment and their thirst to do something for God humbled me. They’re Adventists who really want to make their churches better and share their faith in Jesus.”

UR Church training will be rolled out a phase-per-month until October on the Mid-North Coast. In June, July and August, the media campaign will be run in the region — from TV to newspaper to online. Plans are in place to commence training with other regions of the conference from February next year.

Nic says, “Other churches want to have UR Church training already, but they’ll have to wait! The wait will be worth it though.”

— Adele Nash

OUR CONFERENCE

What is UR Church?

Bricks and mortar may break my bones, but church they’ll never be. So then what is the church? A pastor? A potluck? A praise band?

When a first-time visitor musters the superhuman courage vital to entering what, to them, is a totally foreign place of worship, it is not the sermon, songs or Sabbath school that instantly and permanently etch into their neurological pathways.

Ground-breaking research suggests that the single largest health epidemic ravaging through our society is . . . loneliness. You don’t just walk into a new church because you are bored. You walk in because you are looking and longing for something to fill the void.

And sure enough, it’s a God-sized void only He can fill — which He chooses to do through His church. As that visitor takes that first step, crossing the seemingly endless chasm from the council-managed footpath on to churchowned “holy ground,” only one thing burns deep into their memory — you. Who are you? What are you like? And do you care about me?

If you care about me, I want to know why (cue Bible studies). If you don’t care about me… (cue squeaky door forever shutting behind a first time visitor on his way out).

You are the church.

In the book of Acts, a committed group of praying men and women met in the upper room, seeking the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to fulfil the great commission. They loved Jesus, enjoyed fellowship together and God added to their number daily (Acts 2:47).

A simple formula with explosive results.

UR Church is an experimental partnership between local churches, pastors and the conference to reignite love for Jesus and passion for the lost. It involves a seven-stage journey of practical monthly training, enhancing our walk with Jesus, deepening love for each other and awakening compassion for the community.

This combined effort will culminate in a TV and newspaper media campaign, sharing stories of men and women whose lives have been forever changed through their encounter with Jesus.

Over the next few months, UR Church will roll out throughout the MidNorth Coast before expanding to the rest of the conference in 2016. Please keep the churches in this region in your prayers, and prepare your heart to become the church that shows Jesus to those living in your neighbourhood.

— Nic Coutet (UR Church Project Coordinator)

OUR CONFERENCE

Passion for Children’s Ministries awarded

At the 2015 Kidsreach Conference, held on 21 February in Sydney, Tammy Bennett was honoured with the Passionate Award for her work with ministering to children. Kidsreach is an inter-denominational organisation training and encouraging people who minister to children

Pastor Daron Pratt, Director of Children’s Ministries for the North New South Wales Conference, says that David Goodwin, Director of Kid’s Reach, had requested nominations for the award, but Pastor Pratt said he hadn’t responded. But when Tammy applied to attend, David noticed her.

Pastor Pratt says, “Tammy enrolled with 21 names of people who were going to go with her. David emailed me and asked who she was and if she’d qualify for the Passionate Award. I explained what she’d done locally and out west, and he said that she was definitely what they wanted to promote!”

Tammy is the Children’s Ministries leader at Lakeside Adventist Church, and is also helping to mentor a team to run a Vacation Bible School-style children’s club at the Bay Community Church in Bonnells Bay. She is also involved in running VBS programs in Coonamble with a team from Lakeside and elsewhere.

Tammy says her passion for ministry has been a feature in her life since her teenage years, noting, “I’ve been involved in helping to run and running children’s Sabbath schools since I was 14 years old. I love working with kids and believe that God has called me to this ministry. I love seeing kids give their lives to Jesus. I love watching a young child say they want Jesus in their lives and getting baptised. I love watching them light up when God is fun and they never knew He could be.”

This passion leads Tammy to communities out West in the conference to run VBS programs. “My team and I will be going to Coonamble again this year to run a VBS during the September holidays. None of what I do is possible with out my amazing teams, which I believe have been hand-selected by God,” says Tammy. These God-led experiences include some surprising blessings. “Last time I was at Coonabarabran [to run a VBS program], I had an Aboriginal lady I went to school with come up to me as say she knew me from school,” says Tammy. “I was worried, as I was picked on for my religion at school. She then said, ‘You were a good kid. I’m bringing my kids all week and all my cousins too.’ God was using me even back then for this moment. That is a ‘WOW!’ moment for me!”

Tammy says that 80 per cent of people in church make up their minds about God around the age of nine — “Yet we often look at how to just keep children entertained while we do the ‘serious’ Bible study,” she notes. This bothers Tammy, and she believes it’s important to connect with and teach children at their most “vulnerable” age, rather than waiting until they’re older. “Let’s equip our children to see with biblical eyes in this out-of-control world,” she says. Pastor Pratt says, “I commend Tammy for her enthusiasm and passion for children, and for evangelism. She is the type of person I would love to duplicate and place in every church in our conference!”

— Adele Nash

As calm skies begin to reveal the disastrous extent of Cyclone Pam’s path across Vanuatu, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) was on the ground, providing vital supplies to those affected.

The cyclone is expected to have affected more than 50 per cent of the country’s population, or more than 125,000 people.

“Communication between the islands was still down on 16 March,” reports Mark le Roux, country director for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Vanuatu. “We still don’t have a good picture of the cyclones impact on many of the islands.”

On Efate, which houses the capital of Port Vila, more than 3000 people sheltered in evacuation centres.

Early assessments indicated that these centres are critically under-resourced — 80 per cent had no access to hand-washing facilities and a single toilet was servicing an average of 105 people. In the worst case, it rose to one toilet for more than 390 people.

“Ensuring good hygiene is critical following a disaster like this,” said Mark. “Disease can spread quickly and, with health services already stretched, the situation can turn deadly.”

ADRA will play a key role in securing the health and sanitation of evacuation centres on Efate, while also continuing to assess the needs of those on other islands as they are revealed. “We have supplies pre-positioned in three warehouses across Vanuatu,” said Mark. “Because of this we can act quickly despite the challenging logistics.”

A regional Emergency Response Team, comprised of ADRA staff from offices around South Pacific has been mobilised to provide additional support for ADRA’s ongoing activities.

Following the cyclone, ADRA Vanuatu staff travelled around Port Vila to check on conditions, and reported that trees and power lines across the roads were blocking passage to main roads. The team also reported a “pre-organised evacuation centre that started to get ripped apart during the night, so people had to be moved to another site in the middle of the cyclone.”

Field staff are also reporting that families whose homes have survived the previous two cyclones lost their houses during Pam.

— Braden Blyde

Photos courtesy of ADRA Vanuatu

To donate to the relief effort, visit <www.adra.org.au>

Vanuatu: ADRA responds as Cyclone Pam destruction revealed

OUR CONFERENCE

Adventist Aviation Association launches newsletter

In February, the Adventist Aviation Association (AAA) NNSW launched a bimonthly e-newsletter, which is full of information about what AAA and the churches it services are up to. Alicia Cooke, a member of the AAA team, says, “There used to be an AAA newsletter a long time ago, which was posted out, but it kind of went by the wayside. We’ve been very keen for everyone to hear about what AAA’s doing, so we started up this e-newsletter. We’ve found a lot of people don’t know what AAA is doing or understand what we’re about, so we wanted to share the stories of what we’re doing. A newsletter is a great way to capture that!”

The newsletter is sent out via MailChimp and you can subscribe to it by filling out the forms on the AAA website, <http://aviationnnsw.adventist.org.au>. “Technology makes it so much more available and accessible,” says Alicia. “It’s simpler doing the newsletter this way than via old-fashioned mail. It also helps to ensure the funding we have available for the AAA program stays there, instead of being spent on mailing things out.”

In the first issue of their newsletter, AAA shared the renewed vision of AAA, a message from AAA President Trevor Robinson, news about the passing of Pastor Len Barnard, and information about what has been happening in the churches and communities they visit. The stories AAA shares are often remarkable, with God answering prayers and opening doors in unexpected ways. “We have all our teams — currently there are four, but there are hopefully more in the pipeline — go out once a month,” says Alicia. The bimonthly issue means that there are plenty of stories to choose from with the church visits these teams make

Feedback about the first issue of the newsletter was positive. AAA has noticed an

management team to retire

increase in their following on Facebook (< www.facebook.com/AAANNSW>) due to people hearing more about what they do. “We’ve also had new subscriptions come through for the newsletter, and have been getting enquiries from people who want to be involved,” says Alicia.

The aim of the newsletter is to also help provide people with an accurate perspective of what AAA is about. “Often people think it’s just for pilots or only about aeroplanes,” says Alicia. “It’s not just that — it’s about what we can do in remote communities to share God. The easiest way we can do that is via aeroplane. They only take one-and-ahalf to two hours, whereas you’d spend a whole day — or more — driving out to some towns. We’re passionate about spreading the Gospel into remote communities where our church has had minimal contact.”

With that focus on sharing the Gospel through the use of aircraft, AAA isn’t just for pilots — there are opportunities for anyone who shares the common interest of sharing Jesus in remote areas of New South Wales. There are already a large number of people involved with AAA, but there is always room for more.

Apart from the AAA Committee, there are the teams who go out to churches, and people who donate money, Signs magazines or food. Alicia says, “We’ve got to say a huge thank you to the cooks at the Avondale Retirement Village. The head chef there has taken it on as a community service project to prepare a whole lot of food for us to take out with us to churches we visit. A lot of people at the ARV also prepare food and donate it.”

Thanks also go to the people who loan AAA aeroplanes, and the pilots who fly them. “There are a lot of people involved one way or another,” says Alicia. “So it’s easy to get involved if you want to. You don’t have to go out on trips. You can do something simple like put craft packs together. For example, the women at Toronto Church make quilts as their ministry and send them out with us occasionally. There’s no end of opportunities!”

Adele Nash

To sign up for the AAA newsletter, visit <http://aviationnnsw.adventist.org.au>

Allan Hill, Manager of Better Books and Food (BBF) (formerly known as the Adventist Book Centre (ABC)) in Cooranbong is retiring later this year, as is his wife Julie, who is the Assistant Manager. As a management team, they have grown the shop and changed lives in the Cooranbong community. Most recently, the shop underwent extensive renovations and now sells health food products — including lines from Sanitarium — in addition to the usual Christian bookshop fare.

Allan commenced work as the manager of the ABC on 22 April, 2002 and says his work for ABC/BBF has been “very satisfying.” Allan has found meeting people and getting to know them to be a pleasure, as has serving the church and helping members grow spiritually. “Being able to share Jesus with church members and non-members through books, music, DVDs and food has been exciting,” he says. “It’s exciting when people come back to us with their stories of how a book or Bible has been part of changing someone’s life. When a person comes into the shop and says, ‘Wow, I can feel the Holy Spirit in here!’ it just gives you tingles.”

Allan has found that working more than 60 hours each week has been well worth it, and has enjoyed being able to work with his wife Julie, sharing their mutual passion for God’s work. The dedicated staff at BBF are also appreciated by Julie and Allan, who say that seeing the shop grow has been exciting, but, “when a lady comes and asks for the manager, and tells me we have incredibly friendly, caring staff, that surpasses any other form of achievement.”

The North New South Wales Conference team is exceptionally grateful to Allan and Julie for their dedication and all of their hard work, and wish them the very best for their retirement.

— NorthPoint

Avondale Lifestyle Community building approval given

Avondale Lifestyle Community has gained Lake Macquarie Council approval to begin construction of the next nine retirement villas in Cooranbong.

This approval is for seven modern villas, comprising of three bedrooms and a double garage, plus two villas with two bedrooms and a wheelchair-friendly single garage.

These new villas will be right opposite Avondale Memorial Church and will have easy access to the recently-built Kressville Activity Centre. Civil works on this project are expected to begin in April 2015. To date, four of these villas have deposits on them, with the five remaining villas to be promoted and sold in the coming months.

Anyone interested if entering the village should contact the Adventist Senior Living sales office on (02) 4977 0001.

— Lorin Bradford

OUR CHURCHES

Valentine’s Day baptisms at Newcastle Multicultural Church

Attendance doubles for “Back To Coffs Day”

Praise to the Almighty God for Newcastle Multicultural Seventh-day Adventist Church as they joyfully celebrated the baptism of five precious souls on 14 February 2015. As young as they may be, they were bold enough to pledge their allegiance to God and took it to the water of baptism. Five young souls were added to the worldwide family of God.

It was the culmination of a number of on-going Bible study programs started some two years ago at the church. Bible study programs were tailored for various categories of young people in the church. Consequently, this resulted in these five baptisms.

The baptismal candidates testified that what led to reaching the decision in eventuality was the previous North New South Wales Youth Ministries Summer Camps, and continuing Bible study programs under the pastoral care of Pastor Esava Koro, initiated by Raul Moran, the youth leader of the Newcastle Multicultural Church. They also said support from their parents and the whole church family underpinned their decision to pledge allegiance to serving God.

The Newcastle Multicultural Church was full to capacity on that Sabbath for the baptisms. Family members and friends of the baptismal candidates converged on Newcastle from as far as Townsville, Melbourne, outback Cobar, Ipswitch, Brisbane and Papua New Guinea.

Among those in attendance were families and friends from other denominations. One of the non-Adventists who attended said, “I am always envious of unique Adventist Church programs.”

Another one said, “When I get back home, I will put my daughter in an Adventist Church” (meaning the church’s Pathfinder program). This woman had realised how important it is to engage young people in Spirit-filled programs at the prime of their life. These will not only add meaning and purpose in life, but grow young people into responsible citizens in this contemporary world — and also for the world to come.

The Newcastle Multicultural Church is grateful to have had a representative from the Youth Ministries Department of the North New South Wales Conference in attendance on the day. Youth Ministries Director Pastor Rick Hergenhan offered the dedicatory prayer.

The church’s extended gratitude also goes to Pastor Greggo Pillay for the rendition of a beautiful song titled, “You pick me up,” dedicated to the baptismal candidates. Celebration continued in the hall with delicious lunch. It was a blessed program and the church members give praise to God.

— Nickson Waiyo

Attendance doubled in the Coffs Harbour Church on 14 March as non-attending and former members came to celebrate the refurbishment of their 40-year-old building. Included in the more than 200 attendees were people from the community who had been keenly watching the progress of taking the iconic roof and steeple down, and the construction of a new and simpler gable roof. FM Glenn, Jankovic Design & Engineering, Coffs Harbour Demolitions and Design Studio 22 worked on the big roofing project.

There were many testimonies and much praise to God for the new pews and carpet, and the air-conditioned facility, which no longer leaks when it rains. Church pastor Abel Iorgulescu, the keynote speaker for the worship service, says this was an ideal opportunity to connect and reconnect with those who were not previously attending and looks forward to the attendance doubling on a more permanent basis.

Coffs Harbour Church was also recently featured in the Coffs Coast Advocate, with a double-page spread exploring the church’s history and the extensive renovations that have taken place. The main focus of the renovations was the refurbishment of the church’s iconic roof and spire, as the aging roof leaked, requiring the use of buckets to collect the water.

Pastor Bob Manners told the newspaper, “When I first arrived at this church, I thought, ‘Wow, they have really big collection buckets here!’ But once it started to pour down, I soon realised what the buckets were used for.”

The renovations were completed in December last year, and the congregation recommenced worship there in the week before Christmas. In the time the work was being undertaken to repair and refurbish the church, the congregation met at the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Bray Street. The members of Coffs Harbour Church are very grateful to the Wesleyan Methodist Church for their hospitality.

Pastor Bob Manners

Photo courtesy of Pastor Miroslav Stilinovic

Pastor Rick Hergenhan, Matthew Clarke and Pastor Esava Koro with the baptismal candidates (from left to right: Sonniah Waiyo, Megantha Kiruwi, Scollien Waiyo, Phoenix Kiruwi and Nathanier Waiyo)

OUR CHURCHES

Dreams do come true!

On Sunday, 1 March, a small group of leaders (pictured above) representing Erina and The Entrance Adventist Churches gathered to celebrate the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Forresters Beach Church project, as well as to pray for God’s blessing on the building construction. The Forresters Beach Church will see both Erina and The Entrance Churches combine, which has been a dream of both churches for almost 15 years.

Monday, 2 March marked the commencement of the work to erect the new Forrester’s Beach Church on the Central Coast.

In the past two years, 4.16 acres was purchased and paid for; plans were drawn and approved by council just three weeks prior to significant rezoning laws were passed that would have prevented a church building on the new site; both churches were sold; and the necessary funds to commence a structure worth $3 million were approved.

The total cost of the project will be in excess of $3.6 million. It will include a sanctuary that will seat 400 people and a hall equal in size, together with six Sabbath school rooms.

Pluims Constructions have contracted to complete the building by the end of August and the first Sabbath of September should see the combined congregations worshiping in the new church.

In the meantime, the undertakers who purchased the Erina Church complex have agreed for the group to continue worshiping in the church free of charge, which includes electricity, water rates and so on.

Yong Shin Chee, who ministers to The Entrance and Erina Churches, has often recounted the many answers to prayer received at each stage of the development so far, and is confident the new church will be completed within the six-month timeframe allotted. Members of both Erina and The Entrance Churches are excited about forming this new church.

If you happen to bump into an Erina/Entrance Church member, you will understand the reason for their excitement. But more than that, we want to give God the glory for the many miracles that have brought us to this point.

— Vernon B Parmenter/Glenda Harker

Dream leads to baptism at Casino

Samantha was baptised on 6 December, 2014 at Casino Adventist Church. Sam has been doing Bible studies for the past three years and has always shown a keen interest in spiritual things. She originally wanted to get baptised with friends, but when each of her friends were baptised, she felt she was not ready.

This feeling lasted until one night when she was listening to some Christian music. She had a dream of getting baptised and she felt that it was an answer from God that it was her time to give her life to Jesus through the waters of baptism. Sam always has a willingness and keenness to help in any way around the Church and she is a real blessing to Casino Church.

— Jessica Bevan

Coonamble members enjoy their first church camp

Members of the newly-formed Coonamble Church recently experienced their first weekend away together at beautiful Lake Burrendong, 100 kilometres south east of Dubbo in western New South Wales.

Around 30 regular Coonamble Church attendees made the trip to the retreat and enjoyed spiritual blessings, as well as many activities, including tennis, water polo, swimming and fishing.

Lisa Revelly, one of the founding members of the church, said “It was such a wonderful bonding time with us all, but mostly to be able to share Jesus with the Kids Club kids, and see them respond in a positive manner by helping out and being well behaved over the weekend was a blessing.”

Lakeside baptism for Coonamble’s newest church member

On Sabbath afternoon, 24 January, more than 60 family and friends witnessed Nicholas Hepworth’s baptism in Lake Macquarie by Pastor Peter Watts, senior pastor at Lakeside Church.

Nicholas and his family used to attend Lakeside Church until his parents were called to minister to the Coonamble Church. A large number of Lakeside Church members attended the baptism to support the Hepworth family and welcome Nicholas into the worldwide church family.

Nicholas, who is the eldest son of Shaun and Amanda Hepworth, is now a member of his local Adventist church at Coonamble.

— Amanda Hepworth

OUR CHURCHES

Gosford inspired to host vision day after leadership weekend

SuperFridayz kicks off for 2015

Friday night, 27 February saw Avondale College Church host the first SuperFridayz youth program of the year. The theme was “Harvest,” and Avondale College Church’s own Pastor Eddie Hypolite was the speaker for the evening, which featured spirit-led worship — and a mechanical bull.

Emily Wilson from Central Coast Community Church (CCCC) attended the SuperFridayz program and says, “We dressed up as farmers — or as contenders for Farmer Wants A Wife/Husband for those who didn’t dress up. We had a great time of worship with CCCC’s own Michael Keys as the leading vocalist.

Gosford Church was inspired by the Leadership in the Local Church weekend run by the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference from 6 to 8 February — so much so that they decided to follow it up with a mission and vision day for their church on 21 February.

On that Sabbath, Pastor Neil Thompson, Ministerial Secretary for the NNSW Conference, led the church in an amazingly creative process, which started with a combined Sabbath school class that covered the heart of vision. Then in the church service, he shared inspirational stories of those people who had clear visions and made huge differences in their own lives — and in their communities.

After a nutritious fellowship-style luncheon, Pastor Thompson sought out the visions of the members, before dividing them into their preferred new ministry areas for discussion and planning.

The results?

Gosford Church now has seven new ministry groups meeting, with 38 people involved and more to join as each group spreads their vision for mission in the church’s community.

Pastor David Price, who ministers to Gosford Church, says, “I am so happy with the way we have had the Holy Spirit lead us in the 8 Days of Prayer program, and then Neil came in and allowed the Holy Spirit to blow a fresh vision into our church of what God wants to do through his people. Exciting times are ahead as the laity ignite their vision!”

In the lead-up to the special Sabbath on 21 February, the church had joined together in an 8 Days of Prayer program. Pastor Price says, “It was a huge blessing that so many came along and sang, prayed, listened and shared their hearts in powerful prayers for the outpouring and baptism of the Holy Spirit.”

Meeting in the church each night from 13 to 20 February, members found Pastor Gary Blanchard, one of the keynote speakers from the Leadership in the Local Church weekend, a powerful presenter who gave them a “mighty” start in his presentation on 13 February.

The week was concluded with a beautiful Agape Feast. Pastor Price led in a review of the three temptations Jesus faced in Matthew 4, and explored how those same issues are impacting lives today.

Pastor Price says, “From this base of 8 Days of Prayer, we moved forward in faith to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us into our 2015 Mission and Vision statements, as well as in strategic planning for new ministries and lay-led leadership at Gosford Church.”

— Pastor David Price/NorthPoint

“Pastor Eddie then gave us a sermon on what God can do with your life, even if you haven’t made the best choices. God loves you and is not embarrassed by you — no matter what’s in your past — and wants to use your WHOLE story to bring glory to Him.”

Emily adds, “Hearing Pastor Eddie speak was great and reminded me that we just have to accept people where they are at and let God use them to bring honour to Him. After the sermon, Nimrod Maua got up and said a few words about how they hope SuperFridayz will run this year, as well as a word of prayer.”

Nimrod is one of the members of the SuperFridayz team, which organises the youth programs throughout the year in various locations around the Central Coast/Lake Macquarie/Newcastle region.

SuperFridayz are great ways of connecting with other youth, and Emily says, “Afterwards, we spent more time talking to people from other churches and I was introduced to so many of the girls’ friends from their schools I lost count. It was an amazing night and I can hardly wait until our next SuperFridayz!”

Emily Wilson/Central Coast Community Church Connections/

NorthPoint

Connect with SuperFridayz on Facebook: <www.facebook.com/sfnnsw>

3ABN Radio commences broadcasting

On Friday, 6 March 2015, Radio Station 87.8FM began broadcasting from the 3ABN Production Centre in Morisset, adding another station to the 3ABN Radio Network family, and another Adventist station broadcasting the everlasting Gospel.

87.8FM reaches most of Morisset, Cooranbong and Bonnells Bay. 3ABN Australia Radio adds its local content to the 24/7 3ABN Radio feed to create 3ABN Radio Network.

Local programs include The Bible Speaks, a 15-minute Bible program, a 15-minute book reading and a one hour interview program, Life Learnings, designed to package the Gospel in a person’s life. These programs have been airing for more than six months.

Programs to be broadcast soon are the daily program with Paul Kochanski on weekdays, the Children’s Story Hour and the one-hour full message series. Other programs are in various stages of production. Our focus is evangelism.

If you are not able to receive 3ABN Radio Network through a rebroadcaster in your area, you can receive 3ABN Radio Network through your satellite receiver. Use the TV/Radio toggle button on your set top remote control to switch from TV to Radio. Search/scan for 3ABN Australia Radio (3ABN Radio Network). The location is 12608 Horizontal. You may also locate 3ABN Radio in this scan. Contact 3ABN Australia on (02) 4973 3456 if you need assistance.

For schedules, go to <www.3abnaustralia.org.au>, click on the Radio tab and then Schedules. Find you location. Then find the locally produced content in bold at the bottom of the Schedule. Happy listening!

— Barry Harker

World Day of Prayer at Alstonville

Alstonville Adventist Church hosted the World Day of Prayer program for the community on Friday, 6 March. Women, colourfully dressed and representing five local churches, were actively involved in the program.

The Bahamas was the country of focus for this year. The theme, which centred around the Last Supper, highlighted the radical love of Jesus in choosing to wash the feet of His disciples, thus demonstrating that His love is without borders and, instead, crosses over borders (John 13:1-17).

Dr Glen Hughes, the local dentist and guest speaker, challenged the 85 folk in attendance to consider the experience of Bartimaeus, the blind man who allowed Jesus to not only restore his sight, but have the power of the Holy Spirit transform his life. Should we also be willing for this transformation, then we will be able to live out the radical love of Jesus, which knows no boundaries.

Those in attendance had an opportunity to wash the feet of another. It was a very moving experience for some participants.

Two large colourful backdrops, symbolic objects, charts and a setting of the Last Supper in the time of Jesus, as well as an avenue of tropical plants, helped create the vibrant atmosphere.

The outreach program was blessed abundantly. Folk went away spiritually revitalised, and very appreciative of the fellowship and hospitality at the superb morning tea.

Lydia Kalinowski

90 years young at Coffs

OUR CHURCHES

Joyous new member at Kanwal

A delightful luncheon was enjoyed on 8 February, 2015 at the Coffs Harbour Seventh-day Adventist Church hall to celebrate the 90th birthday of our longstanding member Esme Buckman.

God has richly blessed Esme and her faith maintains her daily. Esme is held in high regard by the church family and her smiling face is seen every Sabbath as the church organist — amazing!

The happy group at the luncheon included her two nieces, Lynette Carlson and Glenda Neuschulz, who, with their husbands, had travelled to Coffs Harbour for this special occasion.

An overview of Esme’s life and many family anecdotes were shared and enjoyed by all. God bless you, Esme.

— Abel Iorgulescu

A very happy new member was welcomed into fellowship at Kanwal Adventist Church following her baptism on 6 December, 2014.

Susan Elliott had been counting down the days until she would become a member of the church that she calls “my church.”

Pastor Raymond Dabson baptised Susan following studies with her and her husband Brian over the months prior to her baptism. The couple first came into contact with the Adventist Church through the Cornerstone Centre, which is open for lunch every Wednesday in the Kanwal Church hall.

Susan now loves to help at the centre, in turn showing God’s love to all those she meets with joy, which radiates her happiness.

Susan says, “I feel that God had led me to a place I have been searching for throughout my life. His love and the friendship of His people is wonderful!”

— Barbara Sutton

Special Sabbath at Taree Church

On 20 December, as well as celebrating the baptism of three new members (see the March issue of NorthPoint), Taree Church had two new elders ordained, and farewelled Pastor David Kosmeier and family, who have moved to serve at the Wauchope and Telegraph Point Churches.

Paul Pannekoek and James Cowan were ordained as elders, and Taree Church members are thrilled to have these two men join their team to lead Taree Church. The Kosmeier family had been a wonderful part of the Taree Church family for seven years. Marsha has been leading and teaching at Manning Adventist School. Daughter Sharna has been playing the church piano so willingly almost every Sabbath for the past few years, as well as being a very active part of the youth group. Sons Nicholas and Jonathon were also very valuable “minute men,” taking an active part in meetings whenever asked and were active in the youth group.

Taree Church member Bernice Pannekoek says, “Pastor David is leaving a large pair of shoes for our next pastor to fill. We are very sad to see them go and wish them the Lord’s abundant blessings in their new church.”

— Bernice Pannekoek

OUR SCHOOLS

New centre, new thinking at Avondale School

Avondale School has a new $1.3 million building that encourages alternative styles of learning thanks to funding from the federal government.

The Collaborative Learning Centre (CLC) was made possible by a $585,000 grant from the government and was officially opened on 20 February this year by Senator Arthur Sinodinos.

The CLC incorporates three individual classrooms with bi-fold doors, which can be opened for collaborative classroom projects. School Principal Dr David Faull said the CLC was a “tremendous resource for the school,” which would give teachers flexibility.

“The big thing with learning these days is collaboration and getting the kids to learn to work in contributing groups,” said Dr Faull. “This style of learning allows a student to grow in areas of trust, communication skills, individual responsibility and social interaction.”

Senator Sinodinos said he was impressed with the energy of the Cooranbong-based school, and the rapid rate at which the area was growing.

“We always have to make sure that, whether it’s federal or state government, we provide the right resources to help people in an area like this to deal with the growth that’s going on,” said Senator Sinodinos.

Senator Greg Piper, State Member for Lake Macquarie, said he was pleased to see the building completed. “Lots of students from right around the area are coming here, and the school is very active in the community, as are the students,” noted Senator Piper.

— Jamieson Murphy

Making a difference at Boolaroo

Boolaroo Public School isn’t one of the schools that belongs to the Seventh-day Adventist Schools (North New South Wales) Ltd company, but it has been “adopted” by the team at the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference Office as part of their effort to make meaningful connections with the local community.

Over two days in the middle of March, members of the NNSW Conference Office team visited the school to help weed and prepare garden beds. Those who volunteered included team members from both the schools and church companies, as well as the CEO of Adventist Senior Living, who pitched in to get his hands dirty on the second day.

Gillian Knight, HR Director for the NNSW Conference and boss of the office’s social committee, says, “It was basically a follow-on from our previous involvement with the school. We had indicated we’d like to help in other ways, and asked what we could do. They said their gardens needed serious work, so we set a date and off we went!”

Over the two days, the team weeded, removed rubbish, and then fertilised and mulched the gardens. Gillian says, “In particular, I want to thank Emma from Bunnings in Glendale for their generous assistance to us in getting the job done. We approached them for assistance, and Bunnings donated the soil, mulch and fertiliser for the gardens.”

The staff and students at the school were thrilled with the results.

The children at the school are learning about sustainability this year, as well as Indigenous culture. This means they’re planning to plant edible native plants in the garden beds. “At a later date — probably during second term — we’ll return to donate plants and gardening tools for the kids to use,” says Gillian. “The money for that will come from our donations for Casual Fridays at the office. Every staff member who dresses in casual clothes on Fridays at work donates a gold coin.”

She adds, “It’s the conference’s initiative to reach out to the community. We want to grow this in the future and expand to other community projects. Michael Brown has been the driving force behind the community outreach program that we’re starting.”

— Adele Nash

Review: The Man The ANZACS Revered FEATURES

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.

New fund set up to support Special Religious Education in state schools

The North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference has recently established a new tax-deductible fund to support the work of Special Religious Education (SRE) in state schools.

SRE is an excellent opportunity to go into our state schools each week to present the stories of the Bible to children. This opportunity is currently enshrined in state law, allowing volunteers from churches access to schools each week.

Pastor Daron Pratt, Director of Children’s Ministries for the NNSW Conference, says that this is a unique opportunity. “It’s a shame that not all schools in New South Wales are covered because there are not enough SRE teachers,” he says. “But it is awesome that, each week, we have access to state school students to teach a curriculum that is biblical and ethical.”

The teachers who go into the classes do so as volunteers, but there are considerable costs involved in providing teaching materials and student workbooks for each student. Pastor Pratt says it is essential that only authorised curriculums are used in the classrooms and that material be provided for all students.

It is also imperative that every SRE teacher is authorised by the conference. SRE teachers need to contact Gillian Knight at the NNSW Conference Office to make sure they are authorised and trained before going into classrooms. She can be contacted on (02) 4951 8088.

To further support the work that SRE teachers do, the NNSW Conference has established a fund to raise money and distribute it to assist committees and Seventh-day Adventist Churches that provide scripture materials to local primary schools.

This fund is tax-deductible, and individuals can make a donation to this worthy cause and receive a receipt they can use at tax time. Donations to the fund can either be made through the tithe envelope system by writing your details and “Special Religious Education” on it before placing it in the offering at your local church, or individuals can make direct donations to the conference office fund via cheque. Alternatively, they can also contact the conference office and make a donation via credit card.

eGiving will also shortly have an option set up online so that you can donate to the fund through that.

Pastor Pratt says the SRE fund is drawn upon twice yearly by churches who support SRE, as well as committees that coordinate the work that is done in state schools.

“This is possibly one of the few ways that we have left to ensure that all children in New South Wales have a knowledge of the Bible and the stories it contains,” he says. “Your tax-deductible donation to this fund will go a long way to ensuring that every child has an opportunity to know the Bible through the stories taught in their classrooms each week. Thank you in anticipation for your support of this worthy endeavour.”

— Pastor Daron Pratt

Yet, as we approach the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing this month, some of them have been forgotten over time — even some of those who were famous Anzacs, legendary for what they did on the front lines in Gallipoli, France and elsewhere. One of these heroes whose story has faded over time is that of William “Fighting Mac” McKenzie, a Salvation Army officer and military chaplain.

For a number of years, Dr Daniel Reynaud, associate professor of history at Avondale College of Higher Education, has had a passion for researching the Anzac legend, particularly in relation to faith. This passion has led him to writing a thoroughly-researched biography of Fighting Mac, exploring how a “wowser” who preached against alcohol, brothels, betting and bad language became someone beloved by Anzacs soldiers — and how his story all but faded from our collective memory.

The Man the Anzacs Revered is genuinely fascinating, as Dr Reynaud has put considerable effort into sorting out fact from fiction concerning McKenzie — and there has been a lot of mythologising concerning McKenzie that had to be teased apart to reveal the truth.

This biography traces McKenzie’s life, from his birth in Scotland in 1869 to his family’s move to Queensland in his teen years; to his encounter with the Salvation Army at 19, leading him to become a passionate Christian who would go on to serve as a chaplain for the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF). This service saw him grow to be so beloved that, until he passed away in 1949, he would be mobbed by people who wanted to shake his hand and thank him for his work in the Great War.

The Man The Anzacs Revered shows McKenzie as a man who gave his all to things he felt passionately about, especially his faith and his nation. McKenzie was one of the first chaplains ashore at Gallipoli and his work there was tireless, as it was in any of the other locations he was deployed to with the AIF. Equally tireless was his drive to share the love of God with the soldiers he worked with and for — a mission that found considerable success. Undoubtedly, the meaningful, practical ways he found of connecting with, helping, encouraging and — even though he did not bear arms — fighting alongside the soldiers assisted him in this.

Making time to read Dr Reynaud’s exceptional The Man the Anzacs Revered will not be something you’ll regret. As we approach this Anzac Day, reflecting on the sacrifices made by so many in the Great War is humbling. As McKenzie himself wrote, “War is indeed ‘Hell’ and no adequate description can picture it.”

But as well as providing humbling, sobering reading, the story of William “Fighting Mac” McKenzie will uplift and inspire you in faithfulness and service to God — and others.

— Adele Nash

The Man the Anzacs Revered Dr Daniel Reynaud Signs Publishing, 2015

247 pages