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MAGAZINE
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020
IGNITING IGNITING PRAYER PRAYER
Raising the Spiritual Temperature, Page 16 Greater Sydney
27-29 MARCH 27-29 MARC Features: Growing together & Updates @ Kings Langley Residence
FROM THE PRESIDENT Terry Johnson
PRESIDENT Terry Johnson terryjohnson@adventist.org.au
Editor Joyce Taylor joycetaylor@adventist.org.au
Graphic Designer Lynda G. Abreu lyndagomes@adventist.org.au
Other Contributors Angela Baglin Jonathan Dawson Katrina Jorgensen (Graphics) Beryl Landers Daniel Lavaiamat Alina van Rensburg Diana Simumpande (Cover photo) Josh Withers
Next content deadline 06 MAR bit.ly/intraSYD
It has been an intense time of fires in Australia. At the time of writing on January 6th 2020, 24 people are confirmed dead ,10+ are unaccounted for, 1600+ homes have been destroyed in NSW with another 700 homes severely damaged, and a conservative estimate of 500+ million of God’s creatures perished in these infernos. It’s not over and we have yet to enter the warmest time of our summer! It has truly been a difficult time for us as Australians. What will the future hold for our great south land?
For Seventh-day Adventists and Christians in general, the Bible gives us clarity and purpose in the wonderful hope that it articulates. The Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:1 says “But mark this: there will be terrible times in the last days.” Clearly the end of time will be difficult, not only because people will be lovers of self, but with spreading pestilence (like the recent tragic measles outbreak) and the earth crying out in its pain as a result of sin coming to its ultimate conclusion. Make no mistake, Satan is hard at work. I thank God for Paul and the counsel he gives in 2 Timothy 4:14-16 on what to do as we await the coming of the Lord: “But as for you, members of the Greater Sydney Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy (in the faith) you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus! All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the people of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
There are several items in that Biblical pericope that we need to identify: 1. Continue in what you’ve learned and accepted! Don’t deviate simply because it’s no longer convenient to do so. 2. Don’t forget those stalwarts of Godly faith who shared the truth with you and honour them for what they testified about. How about you and I doing the same for someone else whom God will place in our lives in 2020? 3. Continue to study the Scriptures regularly because it gives you wisdom by faith during a time lacking in rational thinking. As the word of God, it gives life and trains us in being righteous people...not by our own works, but by Faith! 4. We need to be involved in doing good works. Not to be saved nor for pats on the back, but because we are the hands and feet of Jesus and have been instructed to do this work on behalf of His kingdom. We haven’t been granted permission to drop out of society and support ourselves. God forbid! Yes, these days are terrible and tragic indeed. But light can shine in them. Take opportunities to share the good news of hope. Care and serve wherever and whenever you can to alleviate the suffering of people and nature. Empathise. That’s life changing wisdom for the last days straight from the Word. May God bless us and our nation in 2020.
Terry Johnson
February 2020
@SydneyAdventists
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
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UPCOMING EVENTS
ADDRESS Shannon Bldg,185 Fox Valley Rd Wahroonga NSW 2076 PHONE (02) 9868 6522 EMAIL GSCComms@adventist.org.au
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Growing Together
Alina van Rensburg:"Growing together is about helping local churches pass on spirtitual legacy from one generation to the next. It’s a cultural shift that moves youth and young adult ministry from the periphery to the heart of the local church." Page 19 ARTICLE
Save the Date
16 Feb / 30 Days of Prayer Starts 23 Feb / Women's Mins. Brunch 29-01/ Growing Together Summit 1 20 Mar / Men's Mates Worship 27-29 Mar / Igniting Prayer Retreat 28 Mar / ATSIM Regional W. Sydney Get the 2020 cal at bit.ly/2R1A9cT NEWS
Aged Care Updates
It’s been an exciting year for the Aged Care team at Kings Langley Retirement Village. The expansion program positions it amongst some of the finest in Sydney as it sees completion of Stage One. Page 11
ARTICLE
Staffing Changes
We've had a few staffing changes at the GSC. From teary goodbyes to warm welcomes, the new decade has kicked off to an exciting start. Plus, get the scoop on 2020 pastoral assignments inside! Page 05
NEWS
Igniting Prayer
Prayer is an amazing gift. It's powerful. It’s what transforms us through the working of the Holy Spirit. It is the only effective weapon against evil and temptation. Prayer is the key to revival. Page 17
INTRASYD
Sydney Adventist School
From graduations, speeches and performances to art exhibitions and using learned skills to help the vulnurable, the students of our schools have been busy. Page 14
OCTOBER
2018
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EDITORIALS General Secretary
Cheonneth Strickland Happy New Year from the Secretariats office. I pray that in 2020 our faith grows stronger in an ever-changing world. I am happy to bring you some news from the Church Board Limited and Executive Committee. FROM THE CHURCH LTD BOARD
• Risk is everywhere you look - your home, workplace and even your local church. To mitigate against risk, a Risk Control Report document has been prepared to help local churches measure risk and see where improvements need to be made. This will be rolled out in 2020. We need to keep our churches and ourselves safe! • Last year we had 4 senior pastors retire, giving us the opportunity to hire more ministers and interns. In 2020, we have
Chief Financial Officer
Eva Ing It is a new decade! As we close the chapter on 2019 and embark on 2020, it’s good to reflect on the year and decade that was. Think of where you were in 2010 and compare that to where you are today. Are you surprised, shocked or amazed as to how God has led you in the past 10 years? For me personally, I could not have imagined God’s plan for me. Back then I was working in a senior role at a secular higher educational institution. I had no idea that God would call me to my current role at the Conference in 3 years. The experiences we’ve had as a conference during the last 10 years has been truly amazing. God has led us through thick and thin.
employed 6 interns, 2 Pastoral Assistants & 1 Ordained pastor. • Five of our ministers will be ordained into pastoral ministry this year. We praise God for His calling on their life.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
• A new church plant has started in the north west of Sydney in Riverstone, which is in the north west of Sydney. There are 16 adults and 17 youth and children meeting each Sabbath. They also conduct 4 Bible studies groups during the week. • When you drive on the Northern beaches on a Sabbath morning, there will be an additional church plant starting up in 2020 called ‘Living Water.’ It will be based in the suburb of Dee Why. It is a church plant that is being birthed out of the Freshwater and Pittwater Churches. • Not to be left alone, the west of Sydney also has a group starting. It is called St Mary’s Group with members coming from the Mt Druitt Church to establish this group.
UPCOMING EVENTS
• On 15 February, the Australian Union Conference (AUC) is wanting all churches to do a head count of attendance in Sabbath School and Church Service. Make your presence count! • Think Tank will run February 14-15, 2020 • Ignite Prayer Retreat will be held March 27-29, 2020
Here are some of the things that have happened during the decade: • Completion of school halls at Hills, Auburn, Macarthur and Mountain View schools. • New churches and companies started so that we are now around 100 entities! • New church buildings or significant renovations at the Sydney Tongan Church, Campbelltown Church, Sydney Korean Church, Dundas Croatian Church and Kellyville Church. • Major renovations to Esther Somerville and Aged Care at Wahroonga and new facilities at Kings Langley nearing completion. • Purchase of new properties in Redfern and Lilyfield. • New Mission to the Cities and Global Mission church plants/revitalisation at The Way, Echo Community, Northern Beaches, Camden Valley and Parramatta Central in addition to cultural group (Indian Church plants and Eastwood Chinese). There are times that when we get discouraged and feel that we’re not achieving results, or that we have not been blessed us. It is times like these that it is important to reflect objectively and recognise that this is patently untrue. Our efforts have not been in vain. We serve an almighty God who makes all things possible.
STAFFING CHANGES AT GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCE
1. Pr Cheonneth Strickland Cheonneth Strickland is taking on the role of general secretary, a position that became vacant after Pastor Adrian Raethel was appointed president of the North NSW Conference. Pastor Strickland has worked in the Greater Sydney Conference for the past 21 years.
2. Pr Nataniel Pereira Pastor Nataniel Pereira retired as ministerial association secretary at the end of 2019. He served the Greater Sydney Conference for over 30 years. This is the only conference he has served in. Pr Pereira looks forward to continuing to serve God and spending time with his family.
3. Pr Alban Matohiti Pastor Alban Matohiti replaces Pastor Nataniel Pereira as ministerial secretary. Pr Matohiti served on the pastoral team at Wahroonga church for the past 12 years and previously worked as a church planter, church pastor and acting president of the Albanian Mission.
4. Dr Jean Carter Dr Jean Carter has retired from the Greater Sydney Conference after 21 years of service. Prior to serving as Executive Director of Education for the past 10 years, she served as Associate Executive Director of Education for two years, and in our local schools for nine years. In this new chapter of life, Dr Carter will be serving future educators as a lecturer at Avondale University College.
5. Pr Richard Reid Pastor Richie Reid joins the conference this year as Director of Spiritual Care - Chaplains for Greater Sydney Schools. In addition to leading our school's spiritual wellbeing, Pr Reid will serve as a chaplain for Wahroonga Adventist School.
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Pastor List We have a few churches with volunteer pastors this year, as well as a Middle Eastern Relationships Director. New pastors that have joined us are Robert Zhang, Fabian Edian, Aurthur Hudson, Justin Boyd and Eden Ashcroft, our youngest recruit. Pastor Nataniel Pereira has retired after 30+ years of service. His role of Ministerial Secretary has been assumed by Pastor Alban Matohiti.
Fountain in the City (Company) Tapiwa Mutseriwa Tim Shelton
Fountain Maroubra (group)
Ministerial Secretary
Blacktown Spanish
Caringbah
Alban Matohiti
Leandro Cisterna
Ben Turner
Tapiwa Mutseriwa Tim Shelton
Min. Admin Assistant
Bondi (Group)
Chatswood
Fox Valley
Alisa Heath
Andre Vieira
Boriss Soldat
Marcus Pereira
Regional Coordinators
Cabramatta
Cherrybrook (group)
Landry Patii
Central: Andre Vieira North: TBD
Usaia Baravilala
Eddy Johnson
Freshwater
Cabramatta Fijian
Church in the Fields (Company)
Usaia Baravilala
Alexis Ratu
Panapa Leuluai Joshua Gonzalez
Cabramatta West Spanish
City Cook Island (group)
Galston
Leandro Cisterna
Sitiveni Teaupa
Arthur Hudson
Camden Valley (Group)
Concord*
Ghanaian
Northwest: Martin Vukmanic
South/SW: Jonathan Valls West: Frank Ropati
3am ryde Andre Vieira Fabian Edian
Ashfield Abigail Figuaroa
Auburn Felix Gyamfi
Bankstown Tai Mokoroa
Bidwill Mele Lolohea
Blacktown Martin Luke
Felix Gyamfi
Anders Svensson
Corrimal
Goshen Fellowship
Stanley Togafau
Allen Bierschbach
Sione Kite
Warwick Sawyer
Dundas Croatian
Granville
Campbelltown Fijian (Group)
Edvard Miler
Boriss Soldat
Mario Guzman
Eastwood Chinese (company)
Granville Fijian
Campbelltown Spanish
Robert Zhang
Shiu Kumar
Mario Guzman
Echo christian community (gp)
Granville Multicultural
Central sydney samoan (Co)
Bernard Deojee
Jimmie Cha
Frank Ropati
Elizabeth Lodge (group)
Guilford Italian
Castle Hill
Tuni Laikum
Matthew Pearce
Pablo Lillo Nicholas Kross Jr Jessica Laws
Enmore Fijian
Toni Marsh
Joseph Talipuan
Harvest fellowship (Group)
Epping
Matthew Pearce
Nigel Ackland
Toni Marsh
Kenneth Lee
Holroyd (COMPANY)
Fairfield
Edvard Miler
Tapiwa Mutseriwa
Hoxton Park
Fairfield Spanish (group)
Andrew Russell
Edvard Miler
Hurstville
Filoship Connect (company)
Jimmie Cha
Horace Evans
Soman Chu
Campbelltown
Indian (group) Shiu Kumar
Ingleburn (group)*
Parramatta
Mario Guzman (Supervisor) Roger Govendar
The Way (Group)
chaplains: Hills college @ Castlehill
Bernard Deojee
Katoomba
Warwick Sawyer
Terence Greenfield
Duane Haora
Parramatta Central (GROUP)
Thornleigh
Kellyville
Daniel Przybylko
Mark Baines
Martin Vukmanic Justin Boyd
Pendle Hill Polish
Toongabbie
Tim Shelton
Janusz Jagiello
Aniele Deojee
Penrith
Ubuntu (Group)
Kings Langley
Janusz Jagiello
Eddy Johnson
Chris Manthey
Pittwater
Wahroonga
Lakemba
Panapa Leuluai Joshua Gonzalez
David McKibben Igor Shemet
Liverpool Samoan
Punchbowl Samoan
Eden Ashcroft
Asofitu Leatuavao
Brian Leuluai
Waitara
Iorangi Eiao PatĂŠ Namakadre Jacqui Namekadre
Lord Howe Island
Riverstone (Group)*
Barend Nieuwstraten
Chaplains: Mt view College
John Wells
Mario Guzman (Supervisor) Dwayne Manoa
Marsden Park (Group)
Ryde Korean (Company)
Wantok (Company)
Ana Lolohea
Nicholas Kross Jr Jessica Laws
chaplain: Hills college @ Kellyville Aniele Deojee Justin Boyd
Chaplains: Hurstville School Soman Chu Cassie Wallace
Chaplains: Macarthur College
Hope Chomczynski Raul Moran Chris Manthey Terence Greenfield
Mario Guzman (Supervisor) Tuni Laikum
Joseph Talipuan
Marrickville Spanish
St Mary's Samoan (Company)
Warrimoo
Carlos Hernandez
Rams Tupe
Roger Vince
Mile End Community (Company)
Southern Asian (group)
Wetherill Park Spanish
Craig Vanas
Charles Chellaiah Jeya
Jonathan Valls
Mark Baines
Stanmore*
Windsor
Tai Mokoroa
Sydney Central Korean
Wollongong
Minto Samoan
Kenneth Lee
Allen Bierschbach
Tuni Laikum
Ramese Tupe
Sydney Chinese
Woollahra
Long Bay Correctional Centre
Mount Colah
Robert Zhang
Daniel Przybylko
Wellington Caqui
Carlos Hernandez
Daniel Chong
Xcell (Company)
Chaplains: Aged Care
Mount Druitt
Sydney Cook Island
Matthew Pearce
Sitiveni Teaupa
Toni Marsh
Minto Cook Island (Grour)
Chaplains: Wahroonga School Richard Reid Eden Ashcroft Landry Patii John Wells
Duane Haora
Chaplain: Prisons
Sydney Indonesian (group)
Director of Middle eastern Relationships
Elizabeth Lodge: Tuni Laikum Elizabeth Lodge: Nigel Ackland Kings Langley: Alwin Hilton
Mount Druitt Samoan
Ben Turner
Edison Akrawi
Chaplains: Hospital
Asofitu Leatuavao
Sydney Portuguese
Director of spiritual care for greater sydney schools
Westmead: Roger Govendar Sydney Adventist Hospital: Tim Shelton
Brian Leuluai
Mountain View Raul Moran
New Hope (Company) Lloyd Grolimund
Andre Vieira
Sydney Russian Igor Shemet
Sydney Tongan Sitiveni Teaupa
Arthur Hudson
Tahmoor (Company)
Norfolk Island
Mario Guzman
Frank Ropati
Richard Reid
chaplain: University
*Churches being cared for by
Abigail Figueroa
volunteer pastors.
chaplain: Sydney School Auburn Fabian Edian
Ken Weslake
INTRASYD
FebrUARY
2020
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LOCAL NEWS
Different speakers were invited to speak throughtout the series and on the final weekend, Pr Ramese Tupe concluded the program with the baptism of six new members into the Church on the Sabbath. We pray God's love and blessings on these you people as the journey with Him.
02. DAILY DEVOTIONALS BY PR GARTH BAINBRIDGE My latest book has just been delivered--a daily devotional book on the Psalms for the entire year. It is a product of 10 years of study and writing. Many of the psalms were written in the grip of despair; others are full of awe at God's amazing acts of Creation and Redemption. Most of them find multiple ways of praising Him, while others are an urgent cry for help. Emotions flow from depression to ecstasy, from frustration and anger to joy and gratitude,
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ives have been lost and hundreds of homes destroyed with no relief in sight. You can support those who’ve literally been through the fire and help them get back on their feet. With a strong global presence and projects, Op Shops and connections with churches across Australia, ADRA is well-placed to help in disasters. During the bushfire season, ADRA is partnering with Adventist Churches on the ground to provide vital material support and a listening ear to people affected. Donate adra.org.au.
Have exHave anything news or aexciting story toorshare? traordinary share? Email us Email us at to GSCComms@ at sydney@adventist.org.au. adventist.org.au.
expressing all the feelings and passions
Photo via Kelly-ann Oosterbeek
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01. YOUTH FOR JESUS AT ST MARY'S SAMOAN CHURCH Six young people were baptised at the St Marys Samoan Church in September. The youth came to their individual decisions at the conclusion of a 7-week program by the Youth Ministry team themed “7 Reasons We Believe in ….”. Held over a seven consecutive Friday nights, the program focused on Adventist doctrines and what make the doctrines so distinct. It's a topic many young Adventists struggle with today and truly want to understand.
of the human psyche. This devotional book is now available to the public. To order a copy ($20 AUD), send a message to garthbainbridge@adventist.org.au.
03. EVANGELISTIC PROGRAM AT MINTO SAMOAN CHURCH The Minto Samoan Church held an Evangelistic Program, titled “Create”, over three Weekends in September and October. The program was, run by church Pastor Ramese Tupe, looked back at the events of Creation and its significance in our Salvation. The program concluded at the church’s annual Camp Meeting where seven new members were baptised into the
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Church. The highlights being a young
accepting submissions (paintings, pho-
or jolly feeling. Studies have shown
mother and her twin boys choosing to
tography and sculptures) for this year's
that happiness is encouraged by
be baptised together. But the surprise
showcase. The total prize pool for the
“whole person” wellness, which en-
highlight was Pr Ramese Tupe baptising
Exhibition is valued at $3,500.
compasses various Dimensions, such as
his eldest daughter, Asenath.
the: 1) Physical, 2) Social, 3) Emotional, Ashrei is an outgrowth of the monthly
4) Spiritual, 5) Intellectual, 6) Environ-
Congratulations to Taulesulu Vao,
Woollahra Painting Meetup that began
mental and 7) Vocational, aspects of
Justin Vao, Jayden Vao, Condeleeza
in 2017 at the Woollahra Seventh-day
life. The overall theme of “ASHREI: Ev-
Seupule, Archilles Seupule, Kane Lema-
Adventist Community Hall. [www.
eryone wants to be Happy” will cover
lu and Asenath Tupe!
meetup.com/en-AU/Woollahra-Paint-
the above 7 Dimensions as Categories
Art Prize held in September 2018.
cial category of “Joy,” will be included
04. SUBMISSIONS WANTED FOR ASHREI ART PRIZE & EXHIBITION The 2020 Ashrei Art Prize is currently
ing-Meetup], and the inaugural Ashrei
for art submissions. An additional, spein the 2020 list of categories.
ASHREI is a Hebrew word meaning Happy or Blessed. It is said to be a
Further details of the 7 dimensions of
calm contentment rather than a giddy
wellness are provided in the e-form.
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for art submissions visit bit.ly/ash-
rei-2020. Please submit email queries
to ashrei@zoho.com. You can also find us on social media at www.facebook. com/ashreiartprize.
05. SPRITUAL REVIVAL AT MOUNT DRUITT CHURCH Mt Druitt Church closed out 2019 with a baptism of 10 and three professions of faith. The new members found their way
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to Jesus in different ways. All candidates were studied with by local elders.
06. RUOK? COUNSELING SERVICES Anxiety, depression and loneliness can sometimes get the best of us, and that's okay––it's okay not to be okay–– but please don't let it bring the end of you. You are valued and worthy. Need help? Visit bit.ly/GSCFindHelp.
that's okay––it's okay not to be okay–– but please don't let it bring the end of you. You are valued and worthy. Need help? Visit bit.ly/GSCFindHelp.
07. DONATIONS NEEDED AT SYDNEY ADRA CENTRES There is great need for food donations at our Sydney ADRA Centres, especially at ADRA Community Centre Blacktown. Since Christmas, the shelves are now bare and they are desperately needing more food. Call (02) 9622 7188 to donate.
04. BAPTISMS AT MACARTHUR ADVENTIST COLLEGE BY RANGI EIAO September 21st was a blessed Sabbath day at MAC! It was amazing to see how
God has worked through our campus.
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Seven people were baptised on this Saturday in a combined worship service with our church and school. A few of these baptisms were students from the school who went through the “I AM” (bible studies) series at the school over Terms 2 and 3, and a few of the baptisms were people who had been attending our campus church, Church
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in the Fields.It is wonderful to know that there is a powerful campus ministry occurring at Macarthur College. Have exciting news or an extraordinary story to share? Email us at GSCComms@adventist.org.au. Visit
bit.ly/intraSyd for dates and deadlines.
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PHOTOGRAPHY
CAPTIONS/CREDITS 01 Rodney Papaofo, Elsiha Ier-
emia, Veronica Ieremia, Mariana Atileo, Grace Uatea & Lima Toso.
ADVENTIST BOOK STORE EPPING
The Epping ABC store is still operating at its location in Epping and will continue to do so until further notice. Keep informed of their pending move by joining their Facebook page @AdventistBookCentreSydney or by subscribing to their newsletter at eepurl.com/c8UBlb.
02 Pr Garth Bainbridge's new
book, a daily devotional guide to the Psalms of the Bible.
03 Pr Rams Tupe baptising
Young Mum Sulu & her twin boys, siblings, & his daughter, Asenath.
04 Ashrei Art Prize & Exhibit 05 The 13 new members of Mt Druitt Church
#SHOPLOCAL
06 IT IS OKAY. Good mental
health is important. Get the help you need to live and thrive.
07 Sparse shelves at ADRA
Blacktown Community Centre.
08 www.Waymaker.tv
February INTRASYD FEBRUARY
2020 2019
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UPDATES FROM KINGS LANGLEY AGED CARE By Angela Baglin It’s been an exciting year for the Aged Care team at Kings Langley Retirement Village, ideally situated in the heart of Sydney’s West. The expansion program positions it amongst some of the finest in Sydney as it sees completion of Stage One of eight modern, stylish, well equipped Independent Living Villas. Stage Two and Three will be completed April and June 2020 respectively, making a total of 21 new Villas being offered. Three Villas have already been sold and interest continues to rapidly grow. Existing units in the Village are seeing a major face lift with the addition of spacious Front and Back decks, built from earthy Merbau wood and thereby ensuring the outdoors is even more accessible for residents. Co-located at this site is a Residential Aged Care Facility which is undergoing major extensions and renovations to the existing building. A state-of-the-art secured centre (for Dementia) – to be named ‘Golden Grove’ will form part of this along with two new wings ‘Endeavour’ and ‘James Cook’. This platform will ensure continuum of purpose-built care to meet the needs of residents as their needs change over time. There will be spacious communal lounges, a self-serve café and update to a shaded peaceful court yard which many of the residential rooms lead out to.
“Our Christian ethos that ensures Care with love and dignity within a loving environment that puts people at the heart of all we do, certainly safeguards the way everything is done – this ensures we have the right people in place within the right conditions to deliver this care everyday” said Zia Yasrebi, Business Manager, Adventist Aged Care Sydney. For more, contact Angela Baglin Village Administrator (for Independent Living) or Patricia Vial Admissions Liaison Officer (for Residential Care) on (02) 8834 6100 or aacsyd.org.au.
Stay in the know!
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EDUCATION Hills colleges Students use new skills to help victims of recent bushfires Under the guidence of their teacher, Miss Baxter, Year 9 Textiles students put the skills they learned to use and sewed 30 pouches of varying sizes for injured animals that have been donated to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. The students hope the pouches can be of some comfort to some of the littlest victims of the recent bushfires.
Hurstville Primary School Speech Night December 2nd at Marana Hall Our wish for you is that you see the light in this world, in yourself and in others. We see the light in you. Complement others and be proud of your own achievements. We are proud of you. Believe in yourself for you are stronger than you will ever know. We believe in you. Try hard but know your limits. Ask if you need help and trust others to help you. We will help you. Fill your heart with laughter and smile often. We love to hear your laughter and see your smile. You are unique, special and an amazing person. There will never be another you. We appreciate all of you. Dream, believe, wonder, inspire, love, nurture and always take the time to listen. That is what we will do for you. Go bravely, hold your heads high and live for Jesus who loves you to the moon and back!!! - Principal Miss Neva Taylor
Wahroonga Speech Night 4th December held at Hornsby RSL Wahroonga Adventist School was given a high distinction by International Competitions and assessment for schools (ICAS). Top marks were given to a year 3 student in maths which was a significant achievement. Whether it was raising awareness for diabetes, competing in sports or getting involved with our school musical our students did it with excellence. Finally we say farewell to Dr Jean Carter who served as the Director for Education with in the Greater Sydney Conference. As you Teach our teachers how to teach well at Avondale University College, we wish you well on your new adventure and we really appreciate everything you do. – Principal Mrs Michelle Streatfeild
Art Exhibition 12 December at sydney adventist hospital As part of the God of Hope art exhibition, students from our Adventist Schools around Sydney entered an art competition and were asked, What does Hope look like? This competition encouraged art making as a catalyst for spiritual dialogue across our Greater Sydney schools. Each piece showed glimpses of what hope looks like through the eyes of our young people. Life’s journey can take us through dark and difficult times, however the theme of Hope reassures us that healing and restoration is through Christ alone. – Megan Lillo
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IGNITING IGNITING PRAYER PRAYER
GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCE GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCE GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCE
Retreat Retreat
I s
A i
CROSSLANDS CROSSLANDS YOUTH YOUTH & &CONVENTION &CONVENTION CONVENTION CENTRE CENTRE CROSSLANDS YOUTH CENTRE 100 100 CROSSLANDS CROSSLANDS ROAD, ROAD, GALSTON GALSTON NSW NSW 100 CROSSLANDS ROAD, GALSTON NSW
27-29 MARCH 2020 27-29 27-29MARCH MARCH2020 2020 A dedicated weekend for exploring ways to ignite a passion for prayer A individually dedicated A dedicated weekend weekend for for exploring exploring ways ways to ignite tospiritual ignite a passion atemperature. passion for for prayer prayer and corporately thus raising our individually individually and and corporately corporately thus thus raising raising our our spiritual spiritual temperature. temperature. Open to all! Open Open to all! to all! Inspiring devotional sessions and workshops - Variety of engaging Inspiring Inspiring devotional sessions sessions andand workshops workshops - Variety - Variety of engaging of- engaging speakers -devotional Affordable - Various accommodation options Family friendly speakers speakers - Affordable - Affordable - Various - Various accommodation accommodation options options - Family - Family friendly friendly
REGISTRATIONS https://bit.ly/2PvlINz REGISTRATIONS REGISTRATIONS AT:AT: AT:https://bit.ly/2PvlINz https://bit.ly/2PvlINz
Raising the Spiritual Temperature Raising Raisingthe theSpiritual SpiritualTemperature Temperature
gniting prayer: Raising spiritual heat Prayer is an amazing gift. It is powerful. It’s what transforms us through the working of the Holy Spirit. It is the only effective weapon against evil and temptation. Prayer is the key to revival. Yet as the hymn says, “oh what needless pain we bear – all because we do not carry, EVERY thing to God in prayer.” Our Vision | The goal of the Greater Sydney Conference Prayer Ministry is to raise the profile and importance of prayer and thus raise the spiritual temperature in our churches. We desire that prayer be active, alive and an important way for God’s people to come into a deeper, more intimate love relationship with GOD. There has never been a spiritual awakening in history that did not begin in united earnest, fervent prayer. Our dream is to: See & experience spiritual revival here in Sydney. See members & churches experience the presence of the Holy Spirit tangibly through meaningful prayer. See active, purposeful & unceasing prayer to become an important means to discern God’s direction & leading for our lives and for our Church. Releasing of the Holy Spirit’s power.
We believe there is power in collective prayer. To this end we are excited to bring to you some of the opportunities available in 2020 and look forward with great anticipation at what God is about to do here in Sydney. PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES
• 30 Days of Prayer, 15 February -14 March Will commence directly after THINK TANK & conclude with a dedicated day of prayer on the Sabbath of 14 March. • Igniting Prayer Retreat, 27- 29 March Theme: “Daring to ask for more”. A dedicated weekend for exploring ways to ignite a passion for prayer individually and corporately, thus raising our spiritual temperature. Open to all!
• Prayer Coordinators Brunch – 9 Feb, 14 June, 1 Nov Three opportunities for face-to-face gathering of
spiritual leaders, prayer coordinators and anyone interested in prayer. These prayer brunch mornings are designed to inspire, encourage and together seek ways to making prayer a part of our very DNA. • Annual Week of Prayer, 5-12 September A week set aside for local churches to gather, be challenged and encouraged to a deeper spiritual experience. “It is our privilege to ask and receive the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit to teach and help us to become partners with Christ in His ministry of Intercession for His Kingdom”, says Orette Elysee-Collen, (Adventist Women Prayer Support Team Leader and Prayer Ministry Advisory Member.) “As God is pouring out His Spirit into individual lives, He is longing to revive His church by the outpouring of the Latter Rain. He is calling His people to humble themselves and seek His face and to pray without ceasing." As the Prayer Ministry team, our earnest prayer for Greater Sydney Conference is that the new year which God is opening up before us, will be a year when every church will place Christ at the centre of every plan, every activity, every gathering through an active prayer ministry. It is the mighty God, the Creator, the great I AM who invites us to ask and seek and knock. The One who is able to give us abundantly exceedingly more than we ask. THEREFORE we can pray audaciously and dare to ask for more.
27-29 MA
Raising the Spiritual Temperature
Providing opportunities for prayer through encouraging & resourcing. Facilitating gathering & learning opportunities to individuals &// local churches. Forming prayer networks who commit to be intercessors for the many needs people face.
A dedicated weekend for exploring ways to ignite a passion for prayer individually and corporately thus raising our spiritual temperature. Open to all!
Our Mission | We work toward this vision by:
Inspiring devotional sessions and workshops - Variety of engaging speakers - Affordable - Various accommodation options - Family friendly
REGISTRATIONS AT: https://bit.ly/2PvlINz
EG White writes in Ministry of Healing (page 509) that we “do not value the power and efficacy of prayer as we should. Prayer and faith will do what no power on each can accomplish”.
We invite you to come on the journey with us in 2020. Take hold of every opportunity to unite in prayer, daily seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit, find or form a prayer group, reignite regular prayer focused gatherings and then watch as God’s power is unleashed in our lives, in our ministries and in our churches. – Beryl Landers, Prayer Coordinator
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think tank conference SPEAKERS
Dr Ruth Powell
Director of NCLS Research “church vitality & community spirituality & wellbeing”
Pr Alina Van Rensberg
South Queensland Conference “Growing Together”
Mr Adam Johnstone
Director of Natural Church Development Australia
2020
In 2018, over 400 delegates from our 102 churches, companies, church plants and groups participated in the 1st bi-annual Greater Sydney Conference Mission2Sydney Think Tank came up with five strategies to guide our Conference. At the 2020 Think Tank Session we will spend time on two of the strategies outlining how we can be stronger in them.
REGISTRATION OPEN/CLOSE: 1 JULY-30 SEPTEMBER 2019 http://bit.ly/GSCThinkTank FOLLOW @SYDNEYADVENTISTS
Growing Together by Alina van Rensburg
‘Growing Together’ is about helping local churches pass on spiritual legacy from one generation to the next. It’s a cultural shift that moves youth and young adult ministry from the periphery to the heart of the local church where everyone can thrive. It is a year-long learning journey for church leadership teams that will help all generations grow stronger together. What does our Church look like right now? Before we talk about what we want to see happen and how to get there, we need to face the confronting reality of what is happening in our surrounding culture and Church right now. As we look around society today, the ‘religious nones’ are on the rise. By this, I mean those people who identify themselves as either atheist, agnostic, or simply nothing - they do not identify with religion. In the 2019 Australian Generation Z Report, it revealed that 52% of Australian Teens aged 13 to 18 are religious nones. The 2017 Faith and Belief in Australia Study revealed that 36% of our current Generation Y--that’s my generation--18-38 year olds identify themselves as ‘nones’. This means that our co-workers, the people we study or work out with, our neighbours, that girl who serves us at Coles - they do not know who Jesus is. We are surrounded by people who have no idea about God. People who are desperate for hope, identity and purpose. And yet there seems to be a disconnect between what happens inside our Church walls and our current culture. The Fuller Youth Institute puts it like this: The Church is calibrated for a world that no longer exists. Kayle de Waal, the Head of Theology at Avondale College puts it like this: We are living in one of the fastest periods of change in human history and the local Adventist Church is in danger of becoming irrelevant, even out-dated. The local church is at the cross roads and needs to Biblically reinvent itself to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. According to ‘The Barna Group’, a Christian Research Organisation, over 60% of young adults who attended church in their teens will ultimately become spiritually disengaged at some point during their twenties. In other words, 1 in 2 young people who grow up in the Church will drift by the time they graduate from high school.
Roughly 70% of Australian young people who attend Church drop out before they are 30 years old. Pres. John Freedman from the North American Division observes: We have a generational crisis that is not adequately being addressed. We are failing to adequately incorporate young adults into church ministry and mission. John Freedman, NPU President, July 27, 2017 Our current reality is confronting. It brings many of us to tears. But in the midst of this crisis, I believe that God is in the midst of bringing about a renewal. I believe that the Spirit WILL and already is, working through some very simple, practical, Biblical principles, that will transform our Church and enable this Bride to thrive. The Fuller Youth Institute explains them in their latest research project, ‘Growing Young.’ In the book, “Good to Great”, Jim Collins studied great companies, to discern principles of best practice. In a similar way, the Fuller Youth Institute decided to study great churches, that were thriving and growing their church through younger generations, and they recorded their findings in the book ‘Growing Young.’ Fuller uses the term ‘Growing Young’ to describe Churches that aren’t shrinking and ageing, but are growing in involving and retaining young people (ages 15-29), which brings overall vitality to the whole Church. 1. Keychain Leadership - Empower others - especially young people instead of centralising authority 2. Empathise with young people - Step into the shoes of others instead of judging or criticising 3. Taking Jesus’ Message Seriously - Welcome young people into a Jesus-centred way of life 4. Fuelling a Warm Community - Cultivate warm relationships and intergenerational friendships 5. Prioritise Young Adults (& Families) Everywhere - Look for creative ways to tangibly support, resource and involve young people in all facets of the Church 6. Be the Best Neighbours - Engage in the community as a Church and enable young people to neighbour well locally and globally. These 6 principles are so simple, and yet they lead us to ask ourselves some thought-provoking questions. I believe that our responses to these questions, will provide a framework for moving our Church forward, and embarking on a journey of ‘Growing Together.’
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3:30PM - 6:30PM | YOUTH RALLY & WORSHIP SDA CUP SDA CUP CUP SDA CUP NIMROD MAUA, SDA HEAD PASTOR, COLLEGE CHURCH ALL FOOD DONATIONS TO ADRA BLACKTOWN 21.03
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