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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.

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. L

Have anything exciting or extraordinary to share? Email us at sydney@adventist.org.au. Have news or a story to share? Email us at GSCComms@ adventist.org.au.

Photo via Kelly-ann Oosterbeek

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01. YOUTH FOR JESUS AT ST MARY'S SAMOAN CHURCH

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, expressing all the feelings and passions 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.

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.

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.

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Church. The highlights being a young mother and her twin boys choosing to be baptised together. But the surprise highlight was Pr Ramese Tupe baptising his eldest daughter, Asenath.

Congratulations to Taulesulu Vao, Justin Vao, Jayden Vao, Condeleeza Seupule, Archilles Seupule, Kane Lemalu and Asenath Tupe!

04. SUBMISSIONS WANTED FOR ASHREI ART PRIZE & EXHIBITION

accepting submissions (paintings, photography and sculptures) for this year's showcase. The total prize pool for the Exhibition is valued at $3,500.

Ashrei is an outgrowth of the monthly Woollahra Painting Meetup that began in 2017 at the Woollahra Seventh-day Adventist Community Hall. [www. meetup.com/en-AU/Woollahra-Painting-Meetup], and the inaugural Ashrei Art Prize held in September 2018.

ASHREI is a Hebrew word meaning Happy or Blessed. It is said to be a calm contentment rather than a giddy

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or jolly feeling. Studies have shown that happiness is encouraged by “whole person” wellness, which encompasses various Dimensions, such as the: 1) Physical, 2) Social, 3) Emotional, 4) Spiritual, 5) Intellectual, 6) Environmental and 7) Vocational, aspects of life. The overall theme of “ASHREI: Everyone wants to be Happy” will cover the above 7 Dimensions as Categories for art submissions. An additional, special category of “Joy,” will be included in the 2020 list of categories.

for art submissions visit bit.ly/ashrei-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 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. 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 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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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.

#SHOPLOCAL

01 Rodney Papaofo, Elsiha Ieremia, Veronica Ieremia, Mariana Atileo, Grace Uatea & Lima Toso.

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

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

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!

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.

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

Retreat IGNITING PRAYER Retreat IGNITING PRAYER Retreat IGNITING PRAYER

GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCE GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCE GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCE

27-29 MARCH 2020 27-29 MARCH 202027-29 MARCH 2020

A dedicated weekend for exploring ways to ignite a passion for prayer individually and corporately thus raising our spiritual temperature. Open to all! Inspiring devotional sessions and workshops - Variety of engaging speakers - Affordable - Various accommodation options - Family friendly REGISTRATIONS AT: https://bit.ly/2PvlINz A dedicated weekend for exploring ways to ignite a passion for prayer individually and corporately thus raising our spiritual temperature. Open to all! Inspiring devotional sessions and workshops - Variety of engaging speakers - Affordable - Various accommodation options - Family friendly REGISTRATIONS AT: https://bit.ly/2PvlINz A dedicated weekend for exploring ways to ignite a passion for prayer individually and corporately thus raising our spiritual temperature. Open to all! Inspiring devotional sessions and workshops - Variety of engaging speakers - Affordable - Various accommodation options - Family friendly REGISTRATIONS AT: https://bit.ly/2PvlINz

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 Con- ference Prayer Ministry is to raise the profile and importance of prayer and thus raise the spiritu- al 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 inti- mate 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.

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”. Our Mission | We work toward this vision by:  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. 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 Raising the Spiritual Temperature REGISTRATIONS AT: https://bit.ly/2PvlINz

INTRASYD February 2020 17 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. 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 A dedicated weekend for exploring ways to ignite a passion for prayer individually and corporately thus raising our spiritual temperature. Open to all! Inspiring devotional sessions and workshops - Variety of engaging speakers - Affordable - Various accommodation options - Family friendly 27-29 MARCH

bankwest stadium 14-15 FEBRUARY 2020

SPEAKERS

Dr Ruth Powell Director of NCLS Research “church vitality & community spirituality & wellbeing”

Pr Alina Van Rensberg South Queensland Conference “Growing Together”

think tank conference

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.

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REGISTRATION OPEN/CLOSE: 1 JULY-30 SEPTEMBER 2019 http://bit.ly/GSCThinkTank FOLLOW @SYDNEYADVENTISTS

by Alina van Rensburg Growing Together

‘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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