North New South Wales Conference News November/December 2023
2024 Prayer Conference Join us for a weekend in the Word & united prayer, as we seek to follow the Lamb.
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Come and be blessed by powerful messages, uplifting worship and sweet fellowship. A special kids program will also be run by the NNSW Children’s Ministries department.
Special guests
advnt.au/PrayerConf
Dwayne Lemon (USA), Sandra Entermann and more…
February 2–4, 2024
Yarra Holiday Park
North New South Wales
Pastor Cristian Copaceanu NNSW Conference president
What is our Mission? There was a time when the word “awful” meant “to be worthy of awe”. Of course commenting on someone’s fashion choice as “awful” today won’t win you any friends. Words change meaning over time, and sometimes the same word can mean different things to different people depending on culture, experience or education. Take the word “mission” for example. In a secular sense, it can be used for business ideals, life goals or military objectives. In our Seventh-day Adventist context, “mission” can have just as many varied meanings from community service, to prophetic proclamation or Church growth. However definitions are important and failing to find common words, language and descriptions can fracture, divide and dilute our “mission” effectiveness. Thankfully Jesus provides a more “sure word of prophecy” that offers identity, clarity and unity. Matthew 28:19-20 offers an explicit definition of our “mission”—to “make disciples”. How do we do that? Jesus hasn’t left that to a committee vote, a brainstorming session or our creative imagination. Making disciples involves baptizing and teaching others to obey and follow Jesus. For what purpose? Because obeying and following Jesus is the one and only way to an abundant life, now and for eternity. As followers of Jesus, our “mission” for every aspect of our lives, every initiative of our churches and every activity of our institutions is unambiguously clear. And as Seventh-day Adventists, we have an added sense of urgency for this mission due to our prophetic understanding of the times we live in. In fulfilling our mission, Ellen White provides a succinct and powerful outline of how Jesus modelled this for us: “The Savior mingled with people as one who desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He invited them, ‘Follow Me.ʼ” (MH, 143) Within this framework there is scope and necessity for a wide variety of ministries which are only effective when combined and complimentary. This includes our ministries that care for our communities, those that proclaim biblical truth and everything in between—all indispensable when combined towards the ultimate goal of making disciples. Let us work together, using our gifts in synergy to make disciples of Jesus– the Way and the Truth to the abundant life.
The Well celebrates 10-year anniversary
Hillview Church celebrates cultural diversity and unity
Lloyd Turner Wallsend Church
Mary Fedorow/Juliana Muniz Hillview Church/Adventist Record
Wallsend church celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Well program on August 26. The Well is a once-a-month parallel church program at Wallsend that emphasises intergenerational, interactive and contemporary worship. Over the ten years, The Well has delivered a diverse speaker lineup, including local youth to internationally known preachers. The speakers have included both men and women, giving a richness of experiences and viewpoints.
Hillview celebrated their diverse community at the church’s second annual International Night on September 30. With more than 20 different nationalities among the church members, the celebration, organised by social leader Claudia Campos Diaz, gathered more than 100 attendees—some in traditional costumes. Held in a hall decorated with flags and banners, the event featured a variety of international foods. “The heart of the International Night was undoubtedly the food,” said church member Mary Fedorow. “Attendees were treated to a mouthwatering buffet with dishes from more than seven countries.” According to Mrs Fedorow, while the Australian section showcased vegemite sandwiches, fairy bread, Tim Tams and lamingtons, the various dishes from South Africa, Italy and South America had a wide variety of curries, rice dishes, empanadas, pasta and more. Event organisers said the aim of this celebration wasn’t only to celebrate diversity but also to foster unity. “People from different backgrounds came together, shared stories, and formed connections. It was a night of laughter, learning and taking the opportunity to learn more about each other’s cultures and appreciate the beauty of diversity within the church,” said Ms Diaz.
TOP: Members of all ages leading praise and worship. LEFT: Leighton and Jo Darby sharing a segment at 10th anniversary. RIGHT: Teens assisting children with activity.
The 10-year celebration featured a children's activity by Nathan Hawkins, the first guest speaker. The children crafted plasticine butterflies, assisted by the teens, many of whom had participated in The Well's very first children's activity crafting caterpillars. The program also included a special tribute to Leighton and Jo Darby, who founded and continue to curate this program. Mrs Darby said, "I am grateful for all the people we have worked with over the years to create such a unique culture at The Well and deliver quality programming so consistently for so many years. Musicians, speakers, AV staff, greeting and hosting staff, storytellers, artists and many more. We couldn't have served our community at The Well without a team of local champions and special guests."
JOIN THE FIGHT!
NNSW churches get behind the fight against diabetes. Hamilton Church recently hosted the campaign coordinator for 10,000 Toes, Pamela Townend, to share about the news and work being done by this ministry in the South Pacific. 10,000 Toes runs events throughout Australia, like the one held recently at the South Queensland Camp during the month of September. In 2021, an estimated 1 in 20 Australians (that’s just over 1.3 million people) were living with diabetes. However, this figure is likely to be grossly underestimated as Australian studies have shown that many people are living with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. This makes diabetes the biggest health crisis facing Australians today. The 10,000 Toes campaign has been diligently working for the past 6 years and now has over 6,800 ambassadors across 12 countries all with the focus of turning the tide on diabetes. Through education, connection, community engagement, and sharing of health principles, it has committed to saving the lives and limbs of those affected by diabetes and is extending its footprint to help communities join the fight against diabetes right here on home soil. 10,000 Toes has begun the search and process of training Ambassadors from Hamilton Church, The Bay Church and others
Save Lives & Limbs
Purchase the new range of merchandise online now at www.10000toes.com/shop and help us fundraise to Turn the Tide on Diabetes.
Find out more at www.10000toes.com/toes4all
By Elizabeth Travers 10,000 Toes Ambassador
quickly showing interest to join the fight against diabetes and become the hands and feet we have been called to be, by becoming part of the change in their local communities. If you or someone you know has been affected by diabetes, now is the time to join the fight and take up the banner for health and education in your local community against Australia’s largest health crisis. There are many ways to get involved and help extend our reach to change and save as many lives and limbs as possible. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Become an Ambassador Purchase socks/umbrella/thongs/market bags/cookbook from their online shop Make a donation Host a fundraising event Invite our campaign manager to speak at your church
To join the movement visit www.10000toes.com or email info@10000toes.com
NEW!
Samoan Cookbook This cookbook features a collection of delicious recipes, drawn from Pacific communities, that use local ingredients and follow good health principles. By eating well, we can prevent, halt and, in some instances, even reverse the debilitating effects of diabetes - and enjoy happier, healthier lives.
www.10000toes.com f @10toes I @10toes E info@10000toes.com
Adventist volunteers digging in to help their community Tracey Bridcutt Adventist Record
A
rmed with mowers and whipper snippers, Adventists in the Northern Rivers have started a “backyard blitz” in their local community. Wearing their distinctive orange shirts emblazoned with “Adventist Community Services”, the volunteers not only tame wild gardens, but also lend their hands to property repairs, painting and cleaning. And it’s creating a real buzz in the community, with locals curious to discover more about these kind helpers who are providing a much-needed hand to those who need it. The activities have sparked conversations about faith and spirituality with community members. Some of the locals have started Bible studies. One lady is
soon to be baptised—a spiritual journey ignited by the simple act of tidying up and painting her home. The initiative kicked off six months ago and is a collaborative project of Bray Park, Tumbulgum, Kingscliff and Murwillumbah churches, with support from students from the Arise Bible school. The churches already operate an op-shop in the area and wanted to extend their community outreach. Funds generated from op-shop sales have helped to purchase gardening equipment and two trailers for the project. “Many people in the region are experiencing financial struggles, so we wanted to follow Jesus’ example by meeting their needs,” said Bray Park pastor Steven Teale, who also leads a church plant at Pottsville.
“What’s really cool is that when we’re helping people, their neighbours are coming out and asking, ‘What’s going on, who are these guys?’ They can’t understand why people would do what we’re doing for nothing. And they want to know more. “And what we’ve discovered is that as soon as you meet people’s immediate needs, they begin asking questions about our faith. We leave books like Steps to Christ at the places we’ve worked on, and these are being shared around the neighbourhood. Bible studies are now starting to happen. It’s a simple project but it’s working.” Along with the “backyard blitz” initiative, the local churches are extending their support in various other ways, such as distributing food hampers, providing tents for the homeless, operating soup kitchens and organising cooking workshops. They offer car washes and oil changes. And if you don’t have a car and need transport, they even have a few vehicles available to loan. Earlier this year, they helped the Pottsville and District Returned and Services League sub-branch by cleaning the local cenotaph and tidying up the gardens ahead of Anzac Day. Sub-branch honorary secretary Wendy Bower expressed “gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful work” in a heartfelt letter to the group. “The support you gave us was fantastic and certainly contributed to our Anzac Day success,” she said. The activities are helping to create awareness and a positive feeling about Adventists. “We’re hoping that as more and more locals see our orange shirts and the Adventist logo, they’ll come to recognise us,” said Pastor Teale. “They’ll know that we’re from Adventist Community Services and we’re here to help.”
LEFT: Ready for their next "backyard blitz" are, from left, Tom McMaster, Jabel Asscherick, Pastor Steven Teale and Kyle Morrison.
ABOVE: Funds generated
from op-shop sales have helped to purchase gardening equipment and two trailers.
RIGHT: The team not only tackle
gardens but help with cleaning and other community needs.
BELOW: On the job,
Jabel Asscherick and Tom McMaster wearing their distinctive orange shirts.
Get Involved with ACS Join Adventist Community Services in serving communities in Christ's name. From helping hands in gardens to initiating spiritual conversations, your participation can enrich our community initiatives. For details and how to join ACS, scan the QR code or visit our website.
Young people connect at teen rally NorthPoint Staff Wallsend church hosted a teen rally for young people from the Hunter and Central Coast on September 22. The rally was well attended and featured guest speaker Pastor Marcus Pereira who serves at Fox Valley church in Sydney. The program included music from local Wallsend teens, refreshments, activities and more. Pastor Pereira inspired the teens to embrace their faith and walk with Jesus in a deep and authentic way.
TOP: A group of teen rally attendees.
LEFT: Guest speaker Pastor Marcus Pereira.
RIGHT: Wallsend youth band leading in praise and worship.
According to 17-year-old attendee Matthias Scanlan, “The atmosphere was beaming with joy and laughter from the start all the way till the end of the night. You could just feel the Holy Spirit dwelling within the place and the people.” Associate pastor Adam Schultz shared that the teen rally “was a celebration of faith, love and community centred around Jesus. It was an amazing way to finish the school term as it refreshed faith, forged new friendships and reminded them of the other communities outside of their space that worship and love Jesus too.”
Many “restored” at Newcastle University church camp NorthPoint Staff Newcastle University church held its annual camp at Glenrock Scout Camp from September 29 to October 2. Approximately 40 people attended the event and participated in activities, praise, worship and small group discussions. The guest speaker for the camp was Tom Kent, who shared messages based on the theme “Restored”. He drew from Revelation and encouraged the campers to commit to God to "share the light with the dying world". The camp was organised and led by mostly university students from the campus association Adventist Students on Campus under the leadership of president James Butcher. Newcastle University church Bible worker Hana Nakagawa shares, “Our church mission is to experience what God can do through you [and] this camp testified how our Heavenly Father could use each of us. Praise the Lord!”
Pinewood Derby at Gosford Church NorthPoint Staff Gosford church hosted a Pinewood Derby on August 27 for church and community members. The day began with a worship session led by church pastor Andy Matthes, followed by the preparation of the racecourse. Displayed were race cars designed and painted over the preceding evenings. Judges John Hammond, Alex Currie and Robbie Matthes presided over the competition, with Mel Trevena and his team overseeing months of preparation. Colleen Savage, NNSW family and children’s ministries director, said, “I must admit, I did not know what to expect, but as soon as I entered the church
gates, I knew that a lot of effort had been put into the program and that it would be fun for all ages. Numbers exceeded their expectations. They were blessed to have a Year 5 boy from the neighbourhood who came and joined with his Dad. It was their first time into Gosford church [and] they responded positively to a knock on the door and invitation.” The event was well-received and brought together church and community members for a day of friendly competition and fellowship.
LEADERS IN THE BIBLE: FIND-A-WORD G Z Z T G I L X N O A E
B U O Z S E I E U N I L
K E P A I A M Z G D N C
D Q T R V E E E J R N A
F O B H S B L Z O E K R
P A N I L S H D S H E I
G C W K C E N P E P E M
W X C U E Z H U P E P W
D O W V E Y E E H H E Z
Y R A M H O I U M S R C
R S H E E P C A N D L E
L M D L V E L B A T S B
MARY ANGEL JOSEPH BETHLEHEM SHEEP SHEPHERD WISEMEN
EAST STABLE INNKEEPER DONKEY CANDLE GABRIEL MIRACLE
Avondale Memorial church shares welcome packs with neighbours Megantha Kiruwi Associate Editor, NorthPoint With many new families moving to Cooranbong amidst a local development boom, the Avondale Memorial church has come up with a way to connect with them through community welcome baskets. Church members create and distribute the baskets to new residents of the Watagan estate, many of whom have no ties with the church. Within the welcome baskets are household food items like sugar, salt and other staples. In groups, the church members have been knocking on doors, forming connections, introducing themselves as members of the local Adventist church and extending a warm welcome to the newcomers. Associate pastor Leticia Moreno believes this is a practical way of showing Jesus to a community that may otherwise not know Him. "We are not preaching or doing evangelistic campaigns. We are simply doing good," she shares. Pastor Moreno says the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. “We have even had people say, 'We were so touched by this gesture that we will consider going to your church. I also got a phone call from someone who wanted to thank our church for the community welcome basket that they received. I prayed over the phone with him and he said they want to come and visit our church.” This experience has also been positive for the church members, as it has nurtured intergenerational connections between the young and old, providing opportunities for young people to receive mentorship in ministry. Pastor Moreno shares that it "encourages children to be involved and gives people within the church a sense of purpose as to why we gather. We are the church when we are connected. When we do things like this and serve the community without strings attached and show God's love practically, those who have been antagonistic in the past have a reason to be interested in church."
TOP: Church members with Pastor Moreno (right) ready to deliver packs ABOVE: Rows of completed welcome packs ready for distribution. BELOW: Younger church members ready to serve the community.
Consulting Editor Cristian Copaceanu Editor Henrique Felix Associate Editor Megantha Kiruwi Cover Marta Rutkowska 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>.
Pastor Andrew Pratt ordained at Forresters Beach Megantha Kiruwi Associate Editor, NorthPoint Pastor Andrew Pratt was ordained as a minister on August 26 at Forresters Beach church (NSW). Pastor Pratt has served in many churches in the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference, including Wingham, Gloucester, Byron Bay, and Kingscliff and now serves in the ministerial team at Forresters Beach. The ordination service included testimonies, a special item and a sermonette conducted by Dr Brendan Pratt, ministerial secretary at the Australian Union Conference (AUC). The ordination charge was delivered by Pastor Abel Iorgulescu, general secretary of the NNSW Conference and Pastor Lyndelle Petersen, AUC director of personal ministry, Sabbath school and stewardship.
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Publisher The NorthPoint Bulletin is printed 10 times per year by the Seventh-day Adventist Church (North New South Wales Conference) Disclaimer Articles express the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The North New South Wales Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church acknowledges the First Nations People as the traditional custodians of this land. We also pay our respects to the elders, past, present, and emerging. Read the full acknowledgement at advnt.au/AckCountry
Pastor Pratt said, "I'm incredibly humbled to see this longstanding calling on my life acknowledged and affirmed. I eagerly look ahead to a future where I can continue to serve, minister and navigate life's journey wherever that path may lead."
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