NorthPoint - March, 2016

750+ attend Leadership in the Local Church weekend

The North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference’s goal has been to grow the numbers at its annual Leadership in the Local Church weekend, and this year more than met that goal with a capacity crowd turning up to learn more about leadership from a variety of special keynote speakers.

From numbers around 350 at last year’s event, this year saw more than 750 leaders from churches around our conference apply to attend the free weekend, which was held at Avondale College over the weekend of 5 to 7 February.

Dr Paul Ratsara, President of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, was the keynote speaker for the weekend. He shared his personal testimony that showed the power of God’s leading in his life, and also spoke about the importance and power of prayer, the need for greater faith, and how it’s important to plan big because God is a big God. He told attendees that he wants to support the NNSW Conference because he can see God’s power in action in NNSW, saying, “I am impressed by this conference and their boldness!”

Workshop speakers included Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the NNSW Conference; Pastor Tom Evans, Associate Director of the Northern American Division Evangelism Institute; Matt Parra, Evangelism Director for the NNSW Conference; Pastor David Asscherick, senior pastor at Kingscliff Church and key member of the ARISE Australia team; Pastor Rick Hergenhan, Director of Youth Ministries for the NNSW Conference; Pastor Michael Chapman, Associate Director of Youth Ministries for the NNSW Conference; and Pastor Daron Pratt, Director of Children’s and Family Ministries for the NNSW Conference.

As well as the fantastic presentations, there was inspiring praise and worship, and the opportunity for churches to break into discussion groups to explore what they would do with what they had learned during the weekend. The weekend also featured a Green Sash Dinner for Pathfinder leaders on the Saturday night, which was organised by Justin and Katrina Boyd (and greatly enjoyed by the leaders who attended). There was also the opportunity for the NNSW Conference to announce its new partnership with It Is Written Oceania and launch Training Manual 1 of UR Church for conference-wide use (see Page 6 for more about UR Church in 2016).

Pastor Lawman says of the Leadership in the Local Church initiative, “It’s been incredible to see how much our members have really appreciated being treated as leaders, and the power of a united team in a church all working toward the same goal. Our pastors have really appreciated being able to have their leaders be a part of that process. We’d really like to see the Leadership in the Local Church weekend numbers keep growing and we appreciate people’s feedback on how to make the weekend even better!”

— Adele Nash

More photos from the Leadership in the Local Church weekend on Page 3

OUR CONFERENCE

From the President: We’re

In recent years, the North New South Wales Conference has made a significant shift in its focus. It would be fair to say that, historically, our focus has been on running programs. While we love to run programs, when you take a close look at the life of Jesus, you see that His focus was on growing people and developing leaders. Reflecting this, our new mission statement is “We invest in others.”

If you have to explain discipleship, we think it’s best understood as investing in others who will then go on to do ministry and reproduce what they’ve learned in another generation.

As part of the refocusing efforts of our conference, we are engaging with the local churches in North New South Wales in three important ways.

1: Small-group discipleship paths

This concept is under the banner of UR Church, which was launched conferencewide at our leadership weekend in February. Every month, it’s our intention to visit the different regions of our conference on a Sabbath afternoon and launch the next phase of the UR Church Training Manuals until all eight Training Manuals have been launched. Our first Sabbath afternoon meetings will be held on 2 April.

2: Mystery worshippers

The second way we want to interact with our churches is through mystery worshippers. We believe every Sabbath should be an evangelistic event and that our public worship service should be geared to meeting the needs of a visitor who is searching for God. We’re enlisting groups of volunteers who will visit churches unannounced as mystery worshippers. How they experience that church will then be relayed back to the local church via its board. We have found this to be very transformative for churches in the Mid-North Coast as they trialled the UR Church process in 2015. We’re very excited about the potential it has for churches around the rest of the conference.

3: Media engagement

We’ve teamed up with It Is Written Oceania and, by the grace of God, we will be on two different commercial television stations on Sunday mornings around our conference. We want churches to pray for this, to advertise and promote it, and then to be engaged with following up the interests generated from this media ministry. We will communicate with you about the times and stations when we have the details in the coming weeks.

Let’s pray that God will pour His Holy Spirit out on His church. I’m taking the personal challenge to pray for this three times a day. I would love for you to join me in doing this.

— Pastor Justin Lawman

Around The Traps is a regular 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/around-the-traps>

In January and February 2016, no less than 774 people participated in the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference tithe survey, which is an amazing result and provides a statistically valid survey on which we can make observations about our members’ tithing beliefs and practices.

89 per cent of NNSW Conference members who responded to the tithe survey conducted by McCrindle Research believe it is wrong to divert tithe away from the church. However, a surprisingly high 40 per cent of respondents are diverting tithe to charities like Rotary, ICC and ADRA.

64 per cent of respondents have a high to very high confidence in the NNSW Conference and 53 per cent believe that the conference is the best place to return tithe in order to spread the Gospel.

Here is a small sample of what NNSW Church members said about tithe:

“I have attended Adventist churches all my life and never heard a sermon or presentation on tithe, why it is important, why it is biblical, the blessings involved.”

“I must admit when I first became an Adventist, I was a bit scared about paying tithe at first of just how I would manage, but I have never been left wanting”

“It would be good to have meetings once in a while to tell Adventist members how tithes are being used (not just statistics), and allow them to ask questions so they can fully understand how tithes are being used”

“The church administration has let itself down. Over the years, I have heard too many stories of people’s dissatisfaction with our leaders and thus cease to tithe.”

“I don’t think people are connecting returning tithe with souls in the kingdom. Returning tithe is a missionary activity!”

Potential NNSW Conference tithe is double current levels

An algorithm that factors in employment to population ratio, unemployment rate, average weekly earnings, self-funded retirees and Adventist membership has estimated the faithful tithe potential for NNSW Conference is $31 million, based on a tithe engagement ratio of 48 per cent. To give you context, last year we received $15.5 million in tithe. 77 per cent of respondents to the tithe survey believed that if everyone returned a full tithe, the mission of the church would be improved. How members are paying tithe and what can we do differently?

According to the survey data, 44 per cent of people are paying tithe through the offering plate, 19 per cent use the eGiving app or website, and 27 per cent return tithe through their employer. 45 per cent of people who responded to the survey want to be shown the impact of their tithe on the mission of the church and be provided with more information on where their tithe goes. 27 per cent want to be given more confidence in how tithe is used.

Thank you

A big thank you to all those who participated in the survey. Around 200 participants generously said that they would be happy to share their personal tithe experience story in order to encourage others.

I prayerfully ask God to touch all our hearts with a greater sense of mission, purpose and urgency to help spread the message to our generation. Remember that tithe powers mission and that is its sole purpose.

— Russell Halliday

coming to you!

Tithe survey results: Is it wrong to divert tithe?

OUR CONFERENCE

Retirement village fights generation gap

The simple idea of connecting local high school students with aged care residents is serving to fight the generation gap, while sending a powerful message to the aged care industry at the same time.

The trial of a unique intergenerational initiative, based on connecting local high school students with the elderly residents of Cooranbong’s Adventist Senior Living-run Avondale Lifestyle Community Residential Aged Care facilities, has given both students and elderly participants alike the opportunity to develop new bonds and perceptions with outstanding results — not least of which has been a surprise win of a highly-contested national award for the program.

Through a living classroom partnership with Avondale Lifestyle Community, students benefit enormously in their technology course outcomes, according to Avondale High School Head of Technology Nigel Lynn. Following site visits to the aged care facility and individual consultations with residents, students design and create individual items to gift their “client” in a reallife approach to learning. “As students engage with residents from design concept through to production, they receive an important lesson in making incremental improvements in design and implementation strategy along the way,” says Nigel. “They receive enormous satisfaction in seeing the joy of gifting their final product.”

Program coordinator and Avondale Lifestyle Community Diversional Therapist Lindl Webster says the change in residents throughout the program is remarkable. All experience a new fullness of life, self esteem and an increased sense of validation, she says. “Residents find true joy in the interaction, in conversations with the students and in the final gift itself,” she adds.

In recognising the living classroom initiative as an exemplar for all aged care services, the federal Australian Aged Care Quality Agency awarded Adventist Senior Living the top gong in its nationallycoveted Better Practice Awards, Consumer Directed Care and Re-ablement category. Adventist Senior Living CEO David Knight accepted the award in a special ceremony in Cooranbong in early February.

— Felicity Pittaway

OUR CONFERENCE

Summer Camps 2016

Although the weather was a little wild in other areas of the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference during the time that our annual Summer Camps were on, you generally couldn’t have asked for better conditions at Yarrahapinni for the duration of the camps.

Everyone could get out and about for activities, which kept the campers busy during the day; and then they were blessed by worships in the evenings that focused on the theme “Relentless” (exploring God’s relentless love for us through the story of Hosea). The guest speakers for the camps were Jonathan Hildago (Junior), David Leo (Teen 1) and Luis Bermudes (Teen 2).

Pastor Michael Chapman, Associate Youth Ministries Director for the NNSW Conference, says, “It was a really successful summer camp season for the Youth Ministries Department. We had minimal incidents and yet another year of fantastic outcomes with young people making decisions to follow Jesus more intently. We also had an exceptional group of staff this year from churches around our conference — they all exhibited tremendous leadership. They all took the camps seriously, not just in terms of safety, but also in the spiritual importance of the camps and in representing Jesus to the campers. Everyone knew they were there to help the kids walk away with a clearer understanding of who God is and how much He values them.”

The staff at the camps were involved in a new experiment being conducted by the Youth Ministries Department, where local churches are encouraged to put together cabin groups for the camps. “This was the first year we’ve offered this,” says Pastor Rick Hergenhan, Director of Youth Ministries for the NNSW Conference. He adds, “The idea is that a young person from church goes with the kids for the week, worships with them, eats with them, does activities with them. Then when they’re home, that young person becomes the point of contact for any follow-up that needs to happen. Being the first year, it took a bit of work — but it did take off and we had a few cabin groups.”

In addition to this, the Youth Ministries Department sent photos to each of the campers of their cabin group. “They hopefully arrived in the mail a day or two after the kids got home,” says Pastor Hergenhan. “We also included a note from their counsellor to try to keep the flame that was started at Summer Camp alive and burning. For a lot of the kids, it was probably the first letter they’d ever received in the mail!”

In total across the three camps, 145 campers said they wanted to be more relentless and get to know Jesus through Bible studies; 104 said that they wanted to be baptised; 61 said they were already baptised, but wanted to recommit their lives to Jesus; and 51 indicated that they would like to find a church and/or Pathfinder club to attend.

— Adele Nash

Photos courtesy of Samantha Crisp (Junior), Sarita MacErlich (Teen 1) and Jake Merritt (Teen 2)

OUR CONFERENCE

Ordination: Yong Shin Chee

Yong Shin Chee was ordained into pastoral ministry on the afternoon of Sabbath, 13 February at the Forresters Beach Adventist Church. The church was filled with family, friends, church members and ministry colleagues who were all there to witness the ordination.

The afternoon service featured special items; a sermonette from Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the North New South Wales Conference; reflections from Pastor Chee’s parents, Pastor Marcus Mundall and Pastor Neil Watts; and the ordination charge from Pastor Brendan Pratt.

Pastor Chee shared his story with attendees, noting, “The truth is, I never wanted to be a pastor. I suspect that among my many colleagues, there are more than a few who share my sentiments. I don’t exactly remember the first time the ‘calling’ came. It was more than once, and it kept coming for many years. Each time, I was able to somehow rationalise it away — through Scripture of all things. I mean, if guys like Daniel and Joseph were called to be ministers in their own right within their own (rich and wealthy) ‘calling,’ why couldn’t I be?

“Well, what changed? What finally caused me to turn around and not run away further from this calling that God clearly has for me? I blame mum — and dad to an extent, of course. Unbeknownst to me, they had been praying — perhaps more so mum than dad — for me. Not just for my well-being and spiritual life and all that, but for my calling. You’ll have to ask them the specifics of what they prayed for, but towards 2007-ish, I had felt the calling to be even stronger than ever.”

Pastor Chee responded to that call and committed to serving God full-time. He says, “With all my inadequacies, faults and doubts, and my hurts and failures, I felt that I would never be good enough to serve Him as a minister of the Gospel, much less an ordained one. And yet somehow, here I am today. While I am encouraged by the North New South Wales Conference and the Australian Union Conference’s confidence in me — I’m thankful for godly leaders and mentors who I continually look to for guidance — I know that the only approval that truly matters is the one from Him.”

He adds, “My friends who I grew up with in Malaysia probably won’t even recognise the kind of person I am today, but that’s how God works. He transforms and He moulds, and He uses us for His glory. I’m blessed that He sees fit to use me through ordained pastoral ministry.”

— NorthPoint

OUR CONFERENCE

UR Church: where to from here

New managers for Stuarts Point Convention Centre

After many years of managing the Stuarts Point Convention Centre, Neil and Karen Radford retired from their positions over the end of the year, handing over management to Glenn and Karen Houssenloge. The Houssenloges are also the managers of the Yarrahapinni Adventist Youth Centre, with both camp grounds now running under the same management.

First and most importantly, have you picked up your UR Church manual?

Better Books and Foods can organise a delivery to your church. And secondly, are you part of a small group scheduled to meet weekly?

If the answer is yes, that’s fantastic! All you need to do now is enjoy the road ahead — Jesus-centred, Bible-based, at times confronting, and definitely instructional as you and your group pray and study together.

If you need more information on starting up a small group or more information on how the UR Church curriculum works, please contact the conference office and ask for the UR Church team. Alternatively, you can email your query to <urchurch@adventist.org.au>.

You can also visit our conference website at <http://nnsw.adventist.org.au> for more information, and to watch our weekly video blog with helpful tips for running a successful small group and reviews on weekly discussions based on training manual chapters.

As part of the UR Church process, it is important that UR Church participants from the region meet once every month to share their experiences, receive further training and support from the conference office team and also receive the next UR Church training manual. Visit our conference website for the monthly UR Church dates, times and locations. These meetings run on Sabbath afternoons.

So what’s the first Training Manual “UR the Branches” about?

God calls us to be fully connected to Him every day. In order for us to reach people effectively, we need to answer this call faithfully, because true love and power comes only from Christ. This manual lovingly and practically guides believers into renewed connection with God.

Step 1: Obtain a UR Church Training Manual

Step 2: Organise to meet with your small group, commencing as soon as possible

Step 3: Spend an hour to an hour and a half at most working through the manual including time to socialise and pray together. Don’t go over time. It’s OK if you don’t manage to go through the entire chapter in one week — you’ve got time

Step 4: Attend the monthly UR Church rallies — check our website for dates, locations and times

Step 5: Share your experience on our UR Church page <http://nnsw. adventist.org.au/ur-church>

May you find your delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4), and be stimulated to love and do good deeds more and more as the day approaches (Hebrews 10:2426). God bless and welcome to the journey!

— Nic Coutet

Glenn and Karen have been married for nine years this year, and between them have three boys: Ben (18), Michael (15) and Matthew (seven). Before coming to Stuarts Point, Glenn ran his own software consulting business and had done so for seven years after working in IT in various roles since the early 90s. Karen is an AIN, and is experienced in working in aged care and disability services, as well as sales and marketing in the medical supplies industry.

“Neil and Karen Radford, the previous caretakers, were great in helping us transition into the roles,” says Glenn. “We only had about a month to understand the workings of the convention centre, and without their guidance and assistance, we would have been lost. Through their years of dedication and effort, they left us with a centre in excellent order, making the transition much easier. The same applies to Richard and Debbie Ludlow from Yarrahapinni, who have been helpful and open with us, assisting in any way they possibly can. We look forward to working with Richard and Debbie — and all the existing staff — as we move forward.”

He adds, “The learning curves have been steep to say the least. The Christmas period was crazy and hectic, but we really enjoyed the challenge. We’ve met so many friendly people. People have been very encouraging and supportive of our new endeavour.”

The Houssenloges believe the posting to Stuarts Point is an answer to prayer. “I was seeking change, and had prayed for direction and guidance, and for doors to open and close,” says Glenn. “We were ready to purchase a block of land to build our ‘dream home’ west of Coffs Harbour at Nana Glen. The land had been on the market for close to two years. After viewing the block, we waited for the following weekend as our parents were coming down for us to show them. We decided to purchase it and called the agent on the following Monday, only to find that the seller had accepted an offer on the Saturday! It wasn’t meant to be — God had other plans.”

There are also many plans for both the convention centre and Yarrahapinni. The Houssenloges aim to get more people to use the wonderful God-given facilities. “I don’t want them to be the world’s best-kept secret,” says Glenn. “There are many opportunities for new ministries and outreach programs where these facilities can be utilised, not only by members of the North New South Wales Conference, but also Sydney, south-east Queensland and beyond our church.”

Yarrahapinni will be rebranded with a new website, and more events are planned for both Yarra and the convention centre. Two new superior cabins will be added at the convention centre, and there are plans to not only communicate more with church members, but also work out more benefits for church members staying at either centre.

Glenn says, “Before coming to Stuarts Point, we had spent two years in Coffs Harbour, where we had attended the Coffs Coast Church. Prior to this, we spent three and a half years in Stanthorpe, Queensland, seeking a ‘tree change.’ Before that, we attended The Haven Church on the Central Coast. We have always been active in the churches we attend.” NorthPoint

Central Coast’s mission outreach

In January 2016, Stewart and Leny Jackson led a team of three families connected with the Central Coast Adventist School (CCAS) and Haven Campus Church on a mission trip to the Philippines. Through the generous support of a men’s small group they delivered a 40-foot container of school supplies, supported Bible workers to work in a new area for six months and funded the building of a new church. The ARK Team (Acts of Random Kindness) visited 13 Adventist schools during the day to share the love of Jesus, and conducted health and evangelistic meetings at night in a new area. At the end of the meetings, there were more than 200 new souls baptised (see below) and commitments made for Bible studies. The ARK Team then opened the newly-built church for the new members.

The ARK mission trips all started with Vladka Henley, a teacher a CCAS who had a dream as a little girl to go on a mission trip. If you are interested in putting a team together at your church to go on a similar mission trip, please contact Stewart Jackson on 0419 471 980.

— Colin Hone

Church to hold fundraiser for fire family

The beautiful old home’s renovation was almost complete. The family, currently renting, was soon to move back in. This was until at 2.00am on 19 December last year, when arsonists — believed to be partying teenagers — set fire to the home and burnt it to the ground. The family — Terry and his three daughters and his fiancée Samantha and her two daughters and the baby they are expecting — face years of debt with no home and many hurdles. And this is where the Forster/Tuncurry Church has stepped in. They will hold a special fundraising evening for the family on 19 March from 6.00pm. Although the family isn’t Adventist, they are amazed that people who don’t know them care enough to help and have been overwhelmed that the church would assist them in this way. With an entry fee of $15 per person, there will also be goods for sale and an auction to raise funds to help the family get back on their feet, giving them hope. As well as great Italian food, there will be special items (including a signed Sydney Swans 2015 guernsey and Sydney 2000 Olympic banner) available to buy in the auction.

— Gwenda Duncan

OUR CHURCHES

Busy year for Taree Church

For more details, phone Gwenda on 0481100 072

Although 2015 was a quiet year for Taree Church in NorthPoint, it wasn’t because they weren’t busy — in fact, it’s quite the opposite. 2015 was a very active and busy year for Taree Church, and if you decide to move to Taree or send your children to their Adventist school, there are plenty of activities for you to be involved in!

The church’s 10-member+ voice choir enjoyed practices each week during school terms with some beautiful songs. Performances were held at various churches, a retirement hostel and a “flash mob” at their local shopping centre.

Taree has also been running several open small groups each week, as well as a Men’s Group every Tuesday lunchtime. They also had great involvement with UR Church. Youth Fellowship Friday Nights were also a highlight of the year, with meetings happening every second week.

With an increase in public interest in end-time prophecies, the church has also run a weekly DVD session of Doug Batchelor programs. “Paths to Peace” letterboxing also took place, with many responses asking for more books, Bible studies and home visits.

Violinist Linda Gilbert (pictured below) also performed at the church. An enthusiastic number of friends from the church and community, along with many prominent local musicians, gathered in the church hall to witness a classical concert of exceptional calibre. Paul Cheung accompanied her on the piano. Linda is currently a third year undergraduate student at the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, majoring in Violin Performance.

The church also ran a health education series (pictured above). At the final program of a series of seven lectures, they counted 95 persons present, including children. Most of these were from the local community. Dr John Clark presented the series. Dr Clark, his wife Julie and son Connor are currently living in Australia, working on a number of projects. He lectures on a wide variety of lifestyle-related diseases and conditions, and dedicates his time to bringing his presentations to as many people as he can.

During the year, Taree Church also ran a Depression Recovery Program and cooking demonstrations. The Depression Recovery Program was a great benefit to those who attended, while the cooking demonstrations were well-attended and appreciated. Many people from the local community came along to learn how to cook plant-based meals in a delightfully tasty way! Attendees got to share a meal of the food demonstrated after each session.

— Alison Gilbert/Bernice Pannekoek

OUR CHURCHES

Fun and games at Blue Haven’s international night

A really wonderful evening of fellowship and tasting delicious food was followed by fun and games for the members of the Blue Haven Community Church who attended the “International Night” on 13 December 2015. It was organised by some hardworking and talented women — Peta Morris and Jenny Myers in particular.

Delicious food was prepared and brought along by every family attending. The church group had the choice of bringing food from the following countries and regions: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Australia, New Zealand, Mauritian, Asian and Mexican. Many of the members had connections to or were from these countries/regions originally.

Underneath a beautifully decorated Christmas tree were placed two pretty baskets in which each family attending placed nonperishable goods. These were filled up and later distributed to the needy.

Peta, assisted by her husband Rich, and Jenny gave the evening a splendid finish with lots of fun and laughter, as they supervised games for young and old alike.

— Margaret Majors

Armidale celebrates special baptisms

Late on the afternoon of 14 November, Nikita Giles and Breanna Boyd, along with a large group of family and friends, prepared to see yet another Sabbath pass as the sun dipped behind the mountain ranges that surround the city of Armidale. But they were also about to take the most important step that they would ever take throughout their lives — baptism.

Although still young, both girls nearing their 12th birthdays, they recalled that Jesus was the same age when He realised that He had to be about His Father’s business. They had studied diligently over the previous eight months and were well-prepared for baptism. And so it was with a large joyfilled group of family and friends that Breanna and Nikita gave their hearts to the Lord. After welcoming the girls into membership, they were honoured with a special church tea, closing Sabbath program and social night.

— Bernice Underwood

Five baptised in special service at Macksville

Macksville Adventist Church had a particularly special celebration the Sabbath afternoon of 23 January. While it was raining outside, inside there were praises, smiles, tears, encouragement and heartfelt testimonies that would touch the hearts of those who were there forever.

Five persons demonstrated their love for their Saviour in front of nearly 200 people. The special day was a fusion of baptismal candidates, pastors and families all coming together because of their own unique journey with God.

Joshua Trindall and Colin Quinlin had attended a UR Church concert last year, and then asked for Bible studies with Pastor Paul Richardson. Colin invited Jane Richardson to study with his sister Candace Russell — she then moved to Armidale and continued her studies with Pastor Lorenzo Berry.

Because Candace wanted to be baptised with Colin, Pastor Berry drove to Macksville to baptise her at the same celebration. Colin has also encouraged his brother to seek the Lord and he has started Bible studies in Sydney. Joshua’s three children have also been studying with Jane, creating much joy for their household.

Macksville Year 8 student Jewel Kumar has been going through Bible studies with Pastor Richardson and Jane, but was very excited to be baptised by her father, Pastor Shiu Kumar. And Kim Shannon, after stepping out of the church for several years, once again found her faith stronger than ever and was baptised on her birthday while her dad (Pastor Max Mulligan) gladly watched.

Lynelda Tippo, Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries for the North New South Wales Conference, also attended and gave beautiful words of encouragement to the candidates. It was a beautiful celebration of our God, who can and will pull us from the holds of this world and into His loving arms. Congratulations to these five special people who God calls His own.

— Kerry Howard

Baptism at Gara Gorge

After some days of rain followed by an overcast morning, the sun broke through on a large party of family, friends and church members who came out to Gara Gorge near Armidale to witness the baptism of Rochelle Stuart. The beautiful natural setting gave them all reasons to reflect on how it must have been in more primitive times and how it still is in some places. It took many back in thought to the days of Jesus and His baptism.

Following Rochelle’s baptism, everyone present gathered on the bank and she was welcomed into the fellowship of the Armidale Church. It was a very special day for her in that, in addition to her baptism, she celebrated her 21st birthday that evening. Rochelle is a very talented young woman and has returned to Avondale College to complete her studies. We all wait to see God’s plans unfold in her life as He promised His people through Jeremiah. God bless you, Rochelle, in everything you attempt for Jesus.

— Bernice Underwood

Back row from left to right: Pastor Paul Richardson, Joshua Trindall, Pastor Lorenzo Berry, Colin Quinlin and Pastor Shiu Kumar. Front row from left to right: Jewel Kumar, Kim Shannon and Candace Russell.

OUR CHURCHES

Big year of baptisms for Boolaroo Church

Boolaroo Church had a very blessed year in 2015 as the celebrated a number of baptisms. The font had been unable to be used for quite some years due to some structural engineering issues. But once these were remedied in 2014, the church has been able to celebrate baptisms again, beginning with Rachel Butcher in June 2014. Rachel had been involved in a Bible study group with Pastor Rick Hergenhan, along with a number of friends from school, and it was a pleasure for Pastor Hergenhan to baptise her in the presence of family, friends from school and her local church family.

In August 2015, Kylie Harvey was baptised by Pastor David Stojcic. Kylie had reconnected with a local church member who she had known from school days, and was also working with an Adventist from another local church. She found that her search for meaning and fulfilment was being met through the spiritual journey God was leading her on. Through studies and friendships built, she and her husband Ian have been involved in contributing positively to the local church, and their commitments to God and willingness to be involved with programs — such as Depression Recovery — have been a wonderful witness to their friends, family and colleagues.

The end of August brought a Sabbath afternoon baptism of James Butcher and Joyce Chitera, and then in October, brothers Malek and Rhys Hoschke celebrated their baptisms in an afternoon program. Pastor Stojcic had the pleasure of baptising each of these candidates and has enjoyed the many hours he spent in weekly Bible studies with the Junior-Teen study group.

Through journeys of family faith, studies with grandparents, Sabbath schools, church Adventurers and Pathfinders, and guidance from school teachers, chaplains, pastors and many others who have taken part in contributing to their spiritual journeys, each of these young people have been willing to make a public stand for their choice to place their lives in God’s hands, allowing Him to be their Saviour and King.

It was wonderful to have extended family from interstate, cultural family from other regional churches, and many friends from school and the community present

to witness each of the baptisms. The testimonies given, musical items presented, multigenerational mentoring and willingness of each of these young people to be actively involved in church roles, using their gifts to the glory of God, has been inspirational for many.

The October afternoon also included a commitment service for three other children who have expressed a desire to be baptised. Pastor Kevin Amos led the prayer of commitment for Nicole Chitera, and Kesani and Akaylia Hoschke, and the church committed to supporting them as the years come.

— Andrea Hoschke

Special double baptism at Shingle Splitters Point

On Sabbath afternoon, 12 December 2015, Sam Branster and Jade Snedden were baptised into the Lord Jesus Christ at Shingles Splitters Point after they accepted the baptismal vows, which were read by Pastor Danny Milenkov. They have now joined the Blue Haven Adventist Community Church Plant were there are sharing their love of Jesus in an enthusiastic way. They are keen to share with family and friends the amazing love of Jesus, and shared their personal testimonies at the special service at Shingle Splitters.

At the baptism, Pastor Milenkov shared that it was amazing how God works. He said, “It was 25 years ago in 1990 through watching Kenneth Cox videos on Revelation, which were produced by Karl Branster, that I gave my heart to the Lord and the Lord brought me back to Him after spending a number of years living a life far away from God.”

He shared how God must have looked into the future and smiled as he knew that a quarter of a century later, he would baptise two of Karl’s grandchildren — Sam on that day and Leah (his sister) a few months earlier.

After the baptism, Sam and Jade were given some beautiful devotional books by Pastor Milenkov and the head elder of Blue Haven Church, including a hard copy of The Great Controversy for Sam. He had read it many times online. It was truly a beautiful baptism in every way and the testimonies by Sam and Jade were so very powerful. After Pastor Milenkov made a call for others to follow their example at least one hand was raised and other hearts seemed to be contemplating.

— Margaret Majors

You can read Sam and Jade’s testimonies at <http://nnsw.adventist.org.au/sam-and-jade-testimonies>

OUR SCHOOLS

Déjà vu for Kindy teachers

A strong sense of community and the tradition of family are very important values of Avondale School, and it is not uncommon to have generations of students attending the school, following the traditions of their parents and often grandparents before them.

In 2016, Avondale School recognised a rare anomaly: the three Kindergarten teachers Coralie Fraser, Sonya Lawson and Jeannie Lawrence all have students in their Kindy class this year whose parents they also taught in Kindergarten. For most teachers, the thought of teaching the children of their past students is a little daunting and humbling to say the least — a reminder of how quickly the years can fly by in a blink.

Sonya said, “The privilege to work in a career that you love and find rewarding is truly a blessing. Everyday I get to watch these extraordinary young students grow and shape themselves into amazing young people. I am here for part of the journey”.

Caroline Vujica was a student at Avondale School from Preschool through to Year 12, graduating in 2006 and progressing onto study nursing at Avondale College. Her son Milivoj started his Kindergarten journey in Sonya’s class this year and the significance is not lost on Caroline. “My fondest memories in Mrs Lawson’s class were of the pets

she would keep for the children to handle. This year I believe she has a pet bluetongue lizard and three turtles. What an awesome experience for the children to have in their classroom everyday. I also remember Mrs Lawson always had a beautiful warm personality, which made me feel very comfortable and excited to chat with her with whatever was happening in the dramatic life of a 5-year-old. Aside from that, I have vague memories of exciting ‘Show and Tells,’ and loving art and craft.”

Amanda Rochford graduated from Avondale School in 2003 and was a pupil of Jeannie’s in Kindergarten class in 1991. Her son Jayden started big school this year, and listed amongst his favourite things about being in Jeannie’s class were the puzzles and his friends. “Amelia and William are my friends. We went to preschool together and now we go to big school,” said Jayden.

His mum Amanda said, “The decision to send our children to Avondale School is an easy one. Our family are deeply embedded with the school and its rich history, and we feel a sense of pride to be able continue with our children’s academic journey at such a great school.”

Kindergarten teacher Coralie has been teaching at Avondale School for the past 20 years. “It’s a pleasure to have our students start their Avondale School journey with me in Kindy. What a unique and special experience it is this year to have the daughter of a past student, whom I also taught in Kindy, join my class this year,” she says.

Clare Twist and her husband were both students at Avondale School from Kindergarten through to high school, and the decision to send their daughter Victoria to Avondale wasn’t a difficult decision to make. “We love the school and the strong sense of family environment that Avondale School offers.”

Victoria says, “I like Mrs Fraser’s class. We sing and make music, and I have new friends that I play with.”

— Kerrie Howells

Avondale School Year 7 students set for new adventures

Starting high school is an exciting and scary time for most students. It is also a time of new experiences as they adjust to their new school environment, make new friends, and get used to having different teachers and classrooms for each subject. A few nerves and an undercurrent of excitement were the combination for 71 Year 7 starters at Avondale School’s Cooranbong campus on Wednesday, 27 January.

To help make their transition to secondary school more enjoyable and smooth, Avondale School staff use the Peer Support Program help the Year 7 cohort adapt to secondary school by intentionally connecting them with a chosen group of trained Year 11 Peer Support Leaders. The program supports and enhances many of the values Avondale School espouses and contributes to improved relationships for the students at school and at home.

Head of Secondary School Benton Craig said, “It’s always so exciting to see our new Year 7 cohort eager (with a little hint of nervous anticipation) and enthusiastic for all that the high school is going to bring. It’s like a fresh canvas, and together with our students, we get to make the most amazing creation together that shapes their future! Bring on the energy of 2016!”

Avondale School Year 7 students Sophie Geary, Livinia Pate, Freddy Howard and Jack Ferguson (pictured, right) described their first day experiences.

“At the start of the day I was nervous and excited. We did Peer Support with Year 11 and we had a lot of fun. They showed us around the school campus and we got to meet a lot of the teachers in their classrooms,” said Sophie.

“I’m looking forward to Science and Tech mostly this year. I’m sure I will look forward to everything else as well. My favourite thing so far was Peer Support. It was fun

getting to see what we had in common with the Year 11s,” said Livinia.

“I’ve been a bit nervous over the holidays for high school, but I felt that the Year 11s were very kind and now I’m feeling a bit more confident about high school. I’m looking forward to meeting more people and doing more Maths and Geography,” said Freddie.

”Starting today, I felt very nervous, but the Year 11 students took me in and made me feel welcome,” said Jack. Year 11 specifically trained in Term 4 to become Peer Support leaders to the incoming 2016 Year 7 students.

Matthew Gough of Year 11 said, “The connection between the senior and the junior students was really enjoyable. It was very rewarding to be able to help the younger students transition into more mature, responsible people.”

Avondale School prides itself on providing its students with the opportunity to know Christ, to develop their full potential and cultivate a love of learning. We wish our new and returning students a very successful start to 2016.

— Kerrie Howells

FEATURES

Review: Summer Fades

Summer Fades seems an apt name for a book review for March, the first month of Autumn. It is also the second book written by Amanda Bews, whose debut story Heaven Sent we reviewed a couple of years ago. As with Heaven Sent, Amanda is clearly not afraid to tackle tough topics — this time covering the issue of eating disorders.

Disordered eating is becoming more prevalent globally. There are estimates that one in 20 Australians suffer from some kind of eating disorder, with rates increasing in the past decade. There seems to be a lot of pressure on everyone — but particularly on young people — to look a certain way, even as obesity is reported as reaching epidemic levels in most Western countries.

So if we think that it’s a bit too confronting or a bit too scary to read a story that deals with the issue of eating disorders (and other complex matters), we’re kidding ourselves. Life is confronting and complex.

But Summer Fades is written in a way that doesn’t smack the reader over the head. You won’t be sitting through a guilt trip or feel you’re being preached to. Rather, you’ll just feel a huge amount of sympathy for Summer, the main character, who is a perfectionist who tries to find control of her life through food (well, specifically not eating food).

The other characters around Summer — her best friend Cameron, her brother Bobby, Ben the “love interest” and her childhood friend Julie whose return is a catalyst for a whole lot of chaos — are all well-developed and thoroughly thought out. And its portrayal of the role that faith can play is not that of a “quick fix,” but of a real hope and a gradual healing.

The story moves along quickly — it’s not quite 300 pages — and you can power through it in a relatively short amount of time. There’s enough emotional engagement to keep you interested, but not so much that it seems affected. Summer Fades is a story that anyone can read and relate to — it’s aimed at young adults, but is not too complex for younger readers, although parents might want to check it out first before handing it over to their younger children (because, as mentioned above, there are some confronting issues in it). It’s probably also a good read for parents, particularly those who have concerns about their own children’s eating habits.

It’s important that stories like this are written and published, and it’s impressive that both Amanda and Signs Publishing Company have made it happen. Having friends who have suffered from eating disorders, I know how complex an issue this is. But I also know that there is hope, and that change and healing can and do occur.

— Adele Nash

Summer Fades

Amanda Bews

Signs Publishing Company 2015

283 pages

If you or someone you care about has an eating disorder, you don’t have to try to deal with it all alone — support is available via the Kids Helpline (1800 551 800), Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Butterfly Foundation’s National Support Line (1800 ED HOPE). They all provide confidential support and information