The NNSW Conference provides a complimentary service to church members, their families and friends in the preparation of wills.
Our brains can be compared to soft, mushy, gooey lumps of playdough. As we age, the brain responds to its environment much the same way playdough does when left out to dry. It becomes harder and less malleable requiring more energy and effort to be stretched and shaped.
Children absorb information, develop skills and embrace change at an astonishing rate during their formative years while their brains are highly malleable and responsive to external stimuli. But when we age, our ability to change slows down dramatically as our brains ‘harden’, requiring significantly more effort energy to mould.1
While this helps us understand child development, it can also illuminate how and why we can become comfortable in our faith, church and mission experience. The older we get, the harder it is to change. And since life can be hard enough with incessant turmoil, change and disruption, it is comforting to experience stability through familiar Sabbath school formats, predictable worship services and regular church picnics with close friends.
Of course there is nothing wrong with the stable, familiar and regular. But while we feel safe in our communities, there is a world hungering to experience the hope, peace and joy we have in Jesus. To bring them into our safe haven necessitates change. Not a change of theology, truth or values. But a change in our mindset, activities and efforts.
Jesus made it clear that the harvest is great, but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37). In other words “All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.” (AA 109).
If what we are currently doing is not gathering in those desperate for light and grace, then perhaps it is time we change. Not out of guilt, shame or coercion, but out of incredible gratitude for what Jesus has, is and will do for us. Let us be open to try new approaches, change safe routines and discard old traditions for the sake of the Gospel.
Will this be hard? Absolutely. Will it be worth it? For eternity.
May we be “all things to all people so that by all possible means [we] might save some. (1 Corinthians 9:22)
1 https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/brain-architecture/
Pastor Cristian Copaceanu NNSW Conference president
Avondale Memorial Church experienced a mission-focused Sabbath school service in the format of a live radio show on Sabbath, February 24, featuring hosts of Faith FM’s show Looking Up.
North New South Wales Conference-based presenters Pastor Danny Milenkov, Charissa Torossian and producer Shell Southwell engaged the congregation with discussions on prophecy, end-time events and the study of Psalms.
The hour-long presentation, mirroring the Looking Up program, included an interview with Pastor Terry Johnson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia. Pastor Johnson provided insights into the church’s membership decline and growth across Australia, focusing on the encouraging growth of a small church in Port Headland, Western Australia.
Memorial leader Joy Butler said the information shared during the interview “encouraged us all to continue to support and pray for the growth of the church in Australia.”
“The whole morning was an uplifting and inspirational day where all were drawn closer to our Lord,” she added.
According to Mrs Southwell, Faith FM regularly runs programs in churches. “We do the Bible study time in a live radio show style. It is a great way to promote the station and have the joy of fellowship. Memorial has been hosting these for a few years now—a couple times for The Breakfast Show and now for Looking Up,” explained the producer.
Looking Up is live from Cooranbong, on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30pm AEST.
Joy Butler and Ray Boehm Avondale Memorial Church
Graham Sutherland
Glen Innes Adventist Food Hub
The Glen Innes Adventist Food Hub was recognised for its significant community service, receiving the Volunteer Community Organisation of the Year Award during the 2024 Australia Day celebrations. The Food Hub was acknowledged at a civic function for its eight years of dedicated service to the Glen Innes community. This award follows a letter of appreciation from the Emmaville Central School principal, recognising the Food Hub’s contribution of food hampers to students and the school community. The initiative, started by Pastor Adam Cinzio and continued by Pastors Afi Tuaoi and Brad Cooke, along with many volunteers, supports around 120 people weekly. The current leadership team—Jenni Lloyd-Ward, Pauline Sutherland and Margaret Pennington—was personally thanked by Mayor Rob Banham in a letter stating, “It is truly inspiring to see the impact you have had on our community”.
Edgard Lopez
Kempsey church
Kempsey church hosted a significant regional gathering on March 16, bringing together members from Macleay Valley churches for worship. The service featured a 40-piece orchestra, with participants from various denominations, and was the first regional event of its kind in many years. Almost 300 attendees enjoyed the orchestral music, a combined Sabbath school lesson and a sermon emphasising hope and unity. The day concluded with a special lunch, marking the beginning of more planned regional events in 2024.
Lazio Crescentini
ADRA NSW Regional Manager
Taree church recently planted the inaugural seedling of its first community garden project. Funded by ADRA Australia, the initiative aims to connect and share fresh produce with the local community. The financial support for this project was part of the contributions collected during the ADRA Appeal in October. The church hopes that the garden will not only provide nutritious food to local residents but also cultivate relationships. For more information on starting a community project, contact the Conference office.
Ineka Martin
Asian Aid
Asian Aid staff, Board directors, volunteers and local group leaders gathered in Wauchope to officially open the Give Hope Today op shop on February 4.
Asian Aid, which supports disadvantaged children in Southeast Asia, has been operating from Wauchope for more than 50 years. The new op shop will also support local children.
Almost 500 people convened at Yarra Holiday and Adventure Park in Stuarts Point for the ninth annual North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) Prayer Conference, held from February 2 to 4.
Delegates came from around the NNSW conference, interstate and overseas. According to the registration data collected, more than 70 churches were represented by those in attendance this year.
NNSW prayer coordinator
Charissa Torossian said she was excited to see the number of young people in attendance this year.
“Of the registered delegates, 30 per cent were between the ages of 13-30. This is a really wonderful statistic! It’s so encouraging to see our youth hungry for a closer walk with Jesus and a desire to strengthen their prayer lives,” she said.
Charissa Torossian NNSW Prayer Ministries Coodinator
This year’s main guest speaker was Pastor Dwayne Lemon who currently lives and serves in the Northern California Conference. He shared five powerful messages that thoughtfully explored the conference’s theme —Follow the Lamb—where he emphasised the importance of following Jesus.
Pastor Lemon shared he was happy to be speaking on the theme for the conference. “I realise that there is a lot of confusion about what’s happening in our world. No matter where I go, I am seeing that the foundation to a lot of people’s confusion is because, even when they profess to follow God, they are following [Him] through the lens and mind of another human being. And this creates a whole lot of problems,” he said. “Long before I heard about this conference, the Lord has really been impressing on my heart this thought, ‘Follow Me’.”
Worship was led by Sabbath Singalong ministry creator Sandra Entermann, who was accompanied by her brother Gary, niece Phoebe, pianist Sanja Kitevski and Marleta Fong. The conference also included a Sabbath afternoon sacred concert which featured music from other artists who were also in attendance.
For the first time this year Prayer Conference delegates were invited to participate in outreach to the local community around the campground on Sabbath afternoon. More than 70 delegates teamed up to go door-to-door, offering to pray with and for the needs of the community. Many positive testimonies were shared that evening from those who went.
The weekend also featured a children’s program run by the NNSW family and children’s ministry director Colleen Savage for around 50 children aged 3-12. Themed Summer Games, the program was designed to show children how living for Jesus is the ultimate goal, as illustrated through the story of Daniel.
Next year’s Prayer Conference will be extended by one day and held from February 27 to March 2, 2025 at the same venue.
Books, Bibles, gifts and food, general supplies, frozen meals
Daily discounts on Bibles, children’s books, health books and more.
Plus, don’t miss the best bargains at camp!
Friday, 26 April | 2pm–3pm | Big Tent
LOTS OF FUN & PRIZES TO BE WON
Joy Butler
Avondale Memorial church
Avondale Memorial Church (Cooranbong, NSW) embraced Australia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage during a special service highlighting the work of the Adventist Church with Indigenous communities on January 20.
Led by Australian Union Conference Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) director Pastor Darren Garlett and Pastor Richie Reid from Greater Sydney Conference, the program featured updates on ATSIM and stories from the frontline of ministry among Indigenous people.
Henry Dunn, a Mamarapha College student, shared insights into the ongoing work in Redfern, Sydney, where he’s known for his community involvement and pastoral presence.
Brewarrina Adventist Church in central NSW was spotlighted for its significant impact over the past decade.
A children’s story presented by Pastor Reid emphasised the importance of knowing Jesus Christ personally, alongside the success of a specially designed illustrated Bible for Indigenous Australians, with more than 8000 copies distributed.
The service concluded with Pastor Garlett’s affirmation of God’s transformative power in people’s lives, especially in remote Outback communities, celebrating the continuous spread of hope through the Adventist Church in Australia.
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A new series depicting the great controversy for children was launched with a special program held at Avondale University church on February 3. Created by Abide Family Ministry for Hope Channel, The Rescue utilises animation and puppetry to simplify Christian teachings and the story of redemption for children with little or no biblical literacy.
“Children today are living in a media-saturated world. A lot of what they see and hear doesn’t necessarily help them grow in positive ways, especially from a biblical perspective,” said Pastor Wayne Boehm, director of Hope Channel South Pacific. “There’s plenty of Bible stories being told on Christian television, but we’re aiming to dig deeper, to help kids really grasp the Biblical story in a way that sticks with them.”
Building on the success of the Kings Kids TV series, which supported children’s spiritual growth during COVID-19 lockdowns by following the children’s Sabbath school curriculum, the team behind The Rescue identified media gaps in the Church for children post-pandemic. “After the lockdowns, we asked ourselves what we could do next to continue supporting our young audience. The Rescue is our answer to that question,” explained Pastor Boehm.
The series is specially designed to bridge a crucial gap highlighted by Mark Baxter in The Coming Revolu-
tion: Because Status Quo Missions Won’t Finish the Job, which noted that “91 per cent of all Christian outreach/ evangelism does not target non-Christians but targets other Christians.” Based on this statistic, The Rescue was intentionally crafted to engage children from nonchurched or nominal Christian families, as well as those from Adventist homes.
Pastor Boehm emphasised, “The focus of The Rescue is to introduce children to a God who loves them and has a plan for their lives, using language and concepts that are accessible to all, regardless of their prior exposure to the Bible”
The launch event was met with enthusiasm at Avondale University church, drawing a crowd of 150 attendees, including families and children, eager to see the new series. Special guests at the event included Greater Sydney Conference children’s ministry director Pastor Daron Pratt and Australian Union Conference representatives, associate ministerial secretary Pastor Brendan Pratt, family and children’s ministry director Pastor Sylvia Mendez and resource development coordinator Amanda Bews.
Pastor Norman Hurlow, Avondale University Church senior pastor highlighted the importance of children’s content for the local church to help disciple and teach the next generation about the great controversy.
“We at Avondale University Church are passionate about creatively communicating the story of God’s love to our children. What better way to do that than connecting it all to the grand Meta-Narrative found in the Bible and portrayed through The Rescue? Stories inspire and teach. This series teaches our kids about the great controversy between good and evil, and inspires them to choose the way of love,” said Pastor Hurlow.
With more than 100 people involved in the production of the series, The Rescue will be covered in three seasons, totalling 44 episodes, which will be available globally through the website therescue.au, social media and Hope Channel.
Past and present members gathered to celebrate Kurri Kurri Adventist church’s (NSW) 100th anniversary on November 25, 2023.
Around 75 people attended the celebration, which started with a focus on the church’s history. Gwen Stevens, a member since 1945, presented a life sketch written by her daughter, church clerk Robyn Stevens.
“She presented this with the help of others whose families have also had a close association with the church over many years,” said Ms Stevens. “There were wonderful testimonies of how God has blessed them and the church.”
Still located at its original site, the church was organised with 17 members on October 27, 1923. In the early years, the church had a close relationship with the Kurri Kurri Hospital. Seventh-day Adventist doctor Henry McMahon, who studied teaching at Avondale and medicine in Melbourne, was passionate about healthcare and education and encouraged Avondale students to study nursing at the local hospital.
The congregation experienced significant growth in the 1950s and ’60s when Dr Allan Hellestrand and his wife Adele, Dr Frank Harrison and Dr Jean Harrison settled in the area and joined the church.
“As our church reached the grand old age of 100 years, some of us can look back and see as many as four or five generations of our families have been part of the growth and fellowship of this church,” said Ms Stevens.
Speaking at the celebration were former North New South Wales Conference president Pastor Adrian Raethel and Kurri Kurri pastor Dr Robert Bolst. Previous pastors also attended the event, including Pastor Wilfred Pascoe, who also took part in the service. Dr Soyhun Eastman and organist Ralph Du Preez provided music.
“Kurri church is still a little church, but it is filled with love, respect and warmth as we gather together each Sabbath,” concluded Ms Stevens.
The North New South Wales Conference Office has completed a two-stage relocation process.
We have moved out of the Education Building on the Avondale Estate and transitioned to our permanent address at the start of April. Our new location is:
North New South Wales Conference Office Site 9, 582 Freemans Dr, Cooranbong NSW 2265
As planned, this final move marks the end of our relocation process onto the Avondale estate.
We remain committed to maintaining open communication, and our contact details remain unchanged.
Please note that mail sent to the PO Box 7, Wallsend NSW 2287 will continue to be received and processed as usual, and there will be no interruption in our communication channels.
Scan the QR code or visit the conference website nnsw.adventist.org.au for more details, instructions and updates about our relocation. We look forward to continuing to serve the community from our new address.