Join us for a powerful, Spirit-filled weekend in the Word and united prayer, commencing Thursday February 27th and finishing Sunday March 2nd. Featuring inspiring messages, uplifting worship, workshops, fellowship, plus a special kids program for children ages 3-12 years! It will be a weekend not to miss!
Pr Pavel Goia and Melody Mason (USA, GC)
Feb 27- Mar 2, 2025 Yarra Holiday Park
Pastor Cristian Copaceanu NNSW Conference president
The Great Commission is a wonderfully concise, clear and inspiring marching order for Christians throughout history. Until we start trying to fulfil it. Thomas Edison warned that “vision without execution is hallucination” and for us as a church, it’s not so much the vision (Gospel Commission) that we struggle with as the execution of the given task which is easier said than done – especially in our increasingly secular context.
Looking at the challenges ahead, even the disciples quipped “who then can be saved”? Where do we start? To Moses, overwhelmed by the impossible task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt, God challenged him to start small – “what is in your hand?” To the disciples stumped by the challenge of feeding thousands with empty pockets, Jesus challenged them to start small – “how many loaves do you have?”
The challenge of the Gospel Commission is truly insurmountable, from a human point of view. But in answer to the question “who then can be saved”? Jesus reply was “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:1630). God’s invitation throughout the stories of the Old and New Testament is; start small, with what you have, and do something. Let’s not focus on what we can’t do, the money we don’t have, the time we can’t spare.
Do you have 5 minutes? Pick up the phone and call, encourage, pray with someone. Share a hope filled scripture, inspired theme or message on your social media feed. Say hello to a stranger at church, or in the park or on your street. Maybe you’re not ready to give a Bible study, but perhaps you can sit in on one and learn. Maybe you’re not ready to teach a Sabbath School class, but perhaps you can share a story, or organize an activity, or pray for the participants? Maybe you’re not ready to lead an outreach team, but you can put up your hand to be on one, learn, grow, serve, share.
The Gospel Commission will not be fulfilled by a few doing much but rather by many who are “faithful with little”.
Photo: Henrique Felix/NNSW Archive
Mathew Barber Taree Church
Taree church celebrated the opening of its community garden on June 2, a project aimed at building relationships with the local community. Initiated by the women’s ministries group, the project received initial funding from the church, and grants from ADRA, the North New South Wales health department and the Morisset ADRA Op Shop. The garden’s mission, displayed on a sign at the site, is to “sow, grow and share” fresh vegetables with the local community, fostering connections and providing support through fresh produce. Attending the opening day were church members and local residents. Special guests included MidCoast mayor Claire Pontin, ADRA NSW manager Lazio Crescentini, NNSW health director Erin Keegan, and local church pastors Mike Collum and Graham Stewart.
Shanna Duke/NorthPoint staff
NNSW Youth Ministries
Master Guides gathered from July 9 to 12 to continue part two of their course. “Following a successful trial last year, we are pleased to announce that Master Guides now have the option to complete their entire course within one year,” said NNSW youth and young adults team support administrator, Shanna Duke. With the exception of a few subjects that require completion within the club or at home, all other subjects can now be accomplished during the two designated Master Guide weekends. “Congratulations to the youth who participated and a special thanks to the District Directors who organised and facilitated the weekend activities,” said Ms Duke.
Shanna Duke NNSW Youth Ministries
Teens from Central Coast and Avondale schools dedicated part of their winter holidays to serving the community through StormCo. From July 7 to 19, the teams revisited the towns of Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Brewarrina and Cobar where they served alongside local children. Church members interested in organising a StormCo initiative at their church or school can contact the NNSW youth department for information and assistance.
Joy Guy Wallsend Church
An iconic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Newcastle, NSW, is featured in a composite mural celebrating the 150th anniversary of the suburb of Wallsend. The mural, created by renowned local artist Trevor Dickinson, occupies an entire wall of the Wallsend Village shopping centre. The church was constructed in 1966. Its striking sloping roofline and hilltop location make it a significant landmark in Newcastle’s western suburbs. The church accommodated Wallsend members until 1998 when it was sold to the Multicultural Adventist congregation.
NorthPoint staff
Aiming to connect with the community, Lismore church recently began running the Happy Hands Art Time (HHAT) program— an outreach initiative designed to promote relationships between parents and children in a creative, Christian environment.
Coordinated in Lismore by church member Amanda Foster, the program quickly reached full capacity, with all 18 spots filled within two days of advertising and a waiting list of 23 families.
“After feeling the call to ministry in some form for some time, when I saw HHAT advertised at Super Sunday last year(Big Camp 2023), I knew it was certainly something our community so desperately needed,” said Mrs Foster.
She noted the project is a meaningful way to connect with parents in a community that has faced many challenges in the past few years, such as floods and fires. “The Happy Hands Art ministry has not only connected us to our wider community but has also connected our church members as we unite to represent Christ and His love for all,” she added.
Churches and individuals interested in running this ministry can get in touch with HHAT founder Carolin Schmitz by calling 0451 532 840 or emailing <carolin@ happyhandsart.com.au>. Full program, craft materials and support for the full term are provided.
Mary Fedorow/NorthPoint staff Hillview Church
Hillview church in Morisset has been actively addressing the Church Growth Crisis in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through significant financial support and community initiatives.
After four church members—Pastor Calvyn Townend, Pastor Sven Ostring, and Praveen and Sharmila Saggurthi—witnessed the urgent needs in PNG during the PNG For Christ campaign, the church is aiming to raise $24,000 to provide Bibles and build infrastructure.
Committed to the goal, the church has already raised $7200 through eGiving and hosted a fundraising talent evening on June 28, which brought in more than $3000 through the sale of desserts. The total amount raised from the talent night will be included in the overall fundraising efforts. The event featured diverse performances, including cultural dances, musical acts, and a martial arts display.
“This event not only raised significant funds but also strengthened the bonds among members, ensuring ongoing support for their mission and for those in need,” said church member Mary Fedorow.
Around 16 young people participated in the Youth Rush program from July 7 to 12 in the Warners Bay surrounding community. The young evangelists went from door to door, offering Christian literature, prayers and Bible studies.
During the two-week program, the team distributed more than 914 books on a donation basis, raising more than $7000 to go towards mission work, university fees and personal projects. They also handed out 500 flyers to advertise the local Adventist church and made seven contacts for the local Bible worker to follow up.
“The team did an amazing work”, said NNSW young adults director Blair Lemke. “They knocked on four months’ worth of doors that one person could have knocked on,” he added.
According to Pr Lemke, the experience also had a positive impact on the participants. “Each of them came out of the experience having witnessed miracles and being involved in divine appointments. We heard reports from several of the attendants saying ‘this was the best two weeks of my year’ and ‘I feel closer to God and have made lots of new friends,’” said Pr Lemke.
Juliana Muniz Adventist Record
Pastor Leticia Moreno, from Avondale Memorial church, received an award for “Outstanding Contribution by a School Community Member” for volunteering at the Morisset Public school. She was awarded on Thursday, August 8, by the Western Shores Learning Alliance (WSLA) as a recognition for her “commitment to the school’s Breakfast Club and assistance with student learning”.
Volunteering at the school every Thursday for the past 18 months, Pastor Moreno helps run an initiative that provides breakfast for the children as they arrive at school. “Some of the kids are barely having breakfast or are not having any at all. So this may be the only breakfast they have. For others, it may just be a top-up,” she said.
Pastor Moreno helps with prepping, serving and bringing bread and spreads donated regularly by Memorial church member Annette Lamplough.
“During the time we serve them, it also allows for the opportunity to talk to the kids and to see how they’re going and connect with them as they talk about their hobbies, friendships, family, etc,” Pastor Moreno explained.
In addition to the Breakfast Club, she also helps children in the kindergarten classrooms with literacy activities. “Sometimes it’s reading with the kids, sometimes talking to them, encouraging and listening to them. I also support the kindergarten teachers with anything practical.”
The award presented by WSLA—formed by the Dora Creek, Cooranbong, Bonnells Bay, Morisset and Wyee Public schools—is part of a yearly event that happens during Education Week at Morisset High. The nomination for the award came from the teachers and staff with whom Pastor Moreno serves.
Known as “Pastor Leticia” by students and staff, she said the school knows she serves at Avondale Memorial church, “And I often give them donations of food or other things that church members give to me to give to the school.”
According to her, volunteering at a public school is a way to create a bridge between the local Adventist church and the community. "They may not understand everything about my faith, they may not know Jesus yet, but they know and can appreciate love. Love and care are things we all respond to, and it’s what Jesus commanded us to give as a gift to this world,” she concluded.
NNSW Adventist Schools staff
Adventist schools in the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference recently engaged in church visits, where students led worship services and participated in musical performances.
Students from Toronto Seventh-day Adventist School “shone brightly” as they led the Sabbath program at Hillview church on May 25 and at Toronto Church the following Sabbath. The group of 22 primary students performed musical pieces, including kindy students playing violins. They also recited passages from Psalm 91 and Mark 15. Pastor Ashley Smith delivered a sermon on Adventist Education, while Pastor Brad Rae introduced the school’s upcoming Week of Spiritual Emphasis with a message centered on a lighthouse theme. Pre-kindy students also contributed with a bells performance.
Tweed Valley Adventist College hosted a Sabbath service at Murwillumbah Adventist Church in Week 4, attended by General Conference president Pastor Ted Wilson and his wife Nancy. The service, themed “Remember,” featured choir performances, special items, and a children’s story led by Dr David McClintock, former South Pacific Division education director. Pastor Wilson shared how God is leading the church globally, especially through the PNG For Christ evangelism campaign. The Avondale School Orchestra recently led church programs at Hillview and Lakeside churches. The young musicians performed various musical pieces, including a rendition of Psalms 150.
Ashley Smith NNSW Adventist Schools Mission Manager
Recent Week of Worship (WOW) and Week of Spiritual Emphasis (WOSE) held by Adventist schools across the North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) have resulted in spiritual growth and commitments among students.
At Kempsey Adventist School, the entire school participated in a dynamic WOW during Week 9 of Term 2. Primary and Secondary students reenacted the miracles of Jesus through drama presentations. Guest speaker Pastor Jonathan Dawson explored the power of Jesus over nature, disease, evil spirits and death, leading many students to commit their lives to Christ. The week concluded with several students deciding to be baptised and increase their involvement in church activities.
Tweed Valley Adventist College held its Primary WOSE in Week 10, focusing on the theme “From Prison to Palace,” inspired by the Vacation Bible School (VBS) kit of the same name. Year 6 students created memory verse cards, performed daily plays based on Joseph’s life and assisted with technical aspects of the event. Guest speaker Pastor Tema Pologa from Blue Hills College presented the daily messages that led 11 students to express their desire for baptism.
Toronto Adventist School’s WOSE, held from June 3 to 7, was themed “Rocky Point Lighthouse”. Pastor Brad Rea from Macquarie College dressed as a fisherman and emphasised the call for students to be the light of the world. Toronto chaplain Pastor Phil Bishop led the musical program. Students engaged in creative activities, such as crafting lighthouses, to reinforce the message, with many making personal commitments to Jesus at the end of the special week.
Every choice we make, from what to eat and wear, to whether we help someone or not, is fundamentally about pursuing pleasure and avoiding pain. In most cases, we don’t like pain, and we’ll do whatever it takes to avoid doing the hard things .
However, I recently came across a different perspective on the “easy and hard” struggle when I read the transcript of President John F. Kennedy’s speech on September 12, 1962, encouraging Americans to support the Apollo program. In his speech, President Kennedy said the following: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard (emphasis added). […] And therefore, as we set sail, we ask God’s blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure that man has ever gone.”
Pastor Abel Iorgulescu NNSW Conference general secretary
So how does this approach resonate with us as followers of Christ? Fulfilling the Great Commission is not necessarily the most comfortable thing; it may not be easy, but the love of Christ compels us to step out of our comfort zone to reach the unreached (2 Corinthians 5:14).
As followers of Christ, we often wonder: What is God up to in His mission field? Does evangelism still work in this post-modern (post-truth) society? Do we still need to proclaim the three angels' messages? Do my tithe and offerings still enhance the work of missionaries in unreached areas?
Across the seven continents, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has experienced remarkable growth, from 3,500 members in 1863 to 22,425,452 members in 2023. Since 2011, more than 3,000 people have been baptised daily into Jesus and become members of the Adventist movement. To be more precise, in 2022 there were, on average, 3,722 people baptised per day; each person with a unique story and journey. This represents 155 people every hour, or around 2 people per minute, giving their lives to Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is alive and at work through His Church, and you and I can be part of this exciting adventure of preparing the world for Christ’s soon return.
Out of the 235 recognised countries in the world, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has established work in 212. We are encouraged to pray that God will open doors for the gospel to be proclaimed in unreached areas where millions of people still live in spiritual darkness. This geographic area is known as the 10/40 window, where 60% of the world’s population lives and is still unreached.1
Coming closer to home, the South Pacific Division has a membership of 626,8672. The Australian Union Conference—part of this division—has a membership of 64,413, representing one Seventh-day Adventist member for every 404 Australians.
In the North New South Wales Conference (NNSW), there are 12,523 members. Out of these, 5,469 attend one of our churches on any given Sabbath, and 4,156 participate in Sabbath School. 3
This is an increase of 5% from the same period last year for church services and an increase of 14% for Sabbath School attendance.
It is interesting to note that overall church attendance is 10% lower compared to the first quarter of 2020—prior to the first COVID lockdown. However, it is gradually growing back.
When it comes to mission and church growth, we need to prayerfully consider our approach to evangelism. In the first three months of 2024, we had 35 baptisms, but sadly, 38 of our members passed away. Additionally, the average net growth of membership in NNSW over the last 10 years is 0.88%, while the average net growth of the Australian population is 1.4%.
The purpose of this data is simply to help us understand our current state and remind us to reach out to God for guidance, help and direction in preparing our communities for the soon return of Jesus. We need to have confidence in the words of Jesus, who said, “The harvest truly is great…” There are people out there in need of God’s love, but as Jesus mentioned, there is one issue: “The labourers are few.” The wonderful thing about this problem is that Jesus gives us the solution: “pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest”4
I encourage you to join us as we pray and work together in bringing the Blessed Hope to NNSW and beyond. We’re doing this not because it’s easy, or hard, but because the “love of Christ compels us.”
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP
12,523
ATTENDING CHURCH
5,469
PARTICIPATE IN SABBATH SCHOOL
4,156
HE WHO IS TRULY CONVERTED WILL WORK TO SAVE OTHERS WHO ARE IN DARKNESS”
Ellen G White, Evangelism, p 355
1These are the countries in the Eastern hemisphere between the 10 and 40 northern lines of latitude.
2As of June 30, 2023
3These numbers reflect all those present in the congregation (it can include visitors and non-baptised attendees)
4Matthew 9:37-38 (NKJV)
Avondale Memorial Church | Cooranbong
November 1
November 2
November 3
07:00pm 09:30am 11:00am 03:30pm 04:00pm 06:00pm 09:00am
Friday evening vespers
Sabbath School
Church Service - Pr Glen Townend
Church Pot Luck Luncheon
Avondale Brass Band
AAA Anniversary
BSN - Best Saturday Night in the Bong
Cessnock Hangar | Cessnock Airport
Brunch and flights
For more details, contact: John Kosmeier - 0418 248 133
Tamara Slade/NorthPoint staff Forresters Beach Church
The Forresters Beach church children’s ministry department organised a community Kids Club during the Winter School Holidays, aiming to connect with local families. The event, advertised through local public schools and community Facebook groups, saw a turnout that exceeded expectations.
Children enjoyed a range of activities, including worship, indoor and outdoor games and sports. Church member Tamara Slade highlighted that volunteers from the church played a vital role in the event’s success.
“We had volunteers painting faces and making balloon animals, running a creche for the littlies, playing outdoor sports games, playing indoor board games and puzzles and running two very busy art and craft tables. The team from Forresters Beach Church were exceptional and the parents from the community were very appreciative,” said Ms Slade.
According to her, the positive response from parents has inspired plans to make this an annual event, hoping to expand and improve each year.
Henrique Felix NNSW Communications Coordinator
This year’s Big Camp Survey invited attendees to provide feedback and share their perceptions of the event. The survey was open from April 24 to May 5, and we received more than 300 valid submissions.
As we reviewed the feedback, we gained valuable insights that will help us keep making Big Camp better each year.
One thing that stood out was how important the camp’s spiritual and relational aspects are. The results on the right show the highlights for most attendees, with a significant 85.76% planning to return next year.
Big Camp has always aimed to be a small taste of what Heaven will be like, and these results show that we’re getting close to that vision.
For more statistics and insights from the Big Camp 24 Survey, visit <advnt.au/bcs24results>
Troy Eggleton/NorthPoint staff Wauchope Church
A ministry by Wauchope Adventist Church has been expanding significantly after becoming an official ADRA project. The SouperVan ministry, which has been serving hot soup and buns to the community for more than two years, now also provides fresh produce, blankets, sleeping bags and pet food.
According to Troy Eggleton, ADRA Community Connect Wauchope Activity Manager, the initiative has also seen increased attendance and volunteer support at its Wednesday evening Soup Nights. “We have made local connections, had visits from councillors and other organisations that operate in the area of supporting needs in our community, and visits from our local IGA management who are engaging with us in supportive ways,” said Mr Eggleton.
The project has also secured grants from the FRRR and local council, and received donations from the Asian Aid Give Hope Shop of an outdoor heater, café tables and chairs.
Mr Eggleton explained that the goal of the project is “to show the love of Jesus to those struggling in various ways in our community and having relevance in our community as a whole.”
According to him, the most encouraging aspect is the support the team is receiving on the project’s Facebook page and the feedback from their patrons.
“One patron was so grateful for the support that allowed her to simply wash her clothes—she was provided with washing liquid. She found our church site and sent an email to our Pastor. He shared her message before his sermon, bringing tears to many eyes as the reality of how tough many people are currently experiencing life touched the hearts of our many,” said Mr Eggleton.
In addition to meeting the immediate needs of the community, the SouperVan is also connecting individuals to other church programs, including the Depression and Anxiety Recovery Program (DARP).
The project has also been receiving support from businesses and community members. BELOW: Blankets and sleeping bags were provided during winter. BOTTOM: In addition to hot meals, the ministry also offers fresh produce and pantry staples to those in need.
Henrique Felix Editor, NorthPoint
Hillview Church, in Morisset NSW, celebrated Pastor Danuta Stockwell’s commissioning to ministry on May 25. Pastor Stockwell has served in many churches across the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference, including Bourke, Brewarrina and Nelson Bay. She currently serves as Hillview associate pastor, NNSW associate ministerial secretary and ATSIM associate director.
Church leaders praying over the newly commissioned pastor. LEFT: Pastor Stockwell holds her commissioning certificate. RIGHT: Dr Jankiewicz gave the commissioning charge to Pastor Stockwell.
The commissioning service included testimonies, unique items and a sermon by NNSW evangelism director Pastor Lyle Southwell. The commissioning charge was delivered by Dr Darius Jankiewicz, South Pacific Division (SPD) ministerial secretary. Doctor Edyta Jankiewicz, SPD associate ministerial secretary, Dr Wendy Jackson, head of Avondale Seminary and Dr Lyell Heise, former Institute of Workshop director at Avondale University, made the commissioning prayers. Friends, community and church members from across Australia attended the ceremony to support Pastor Stockwell and her family.
Speaking about the ceremony, Pastor Stockwell said, “This is not about me, but a testimony about what God has done in my life through the years since I began in ministry. All glory to God.” She is married to Pastor Keith Stockwell, NNSW ATSIM director and Hunter Aboriginal church plant pastor.
Consulting Editor Cristian Copaceanu
Editor Henrique Felix
Cover Henrique Felix
We would love to share news from your local church with the Conference in print or online. Please send through relevant contributions to <nnswcommunication@adventist.org.au>
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Email nnsw.conf@adventist.org.au Website nnsw.adventist.org.au
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