July-August 2022 IntraSyd

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intrasyd JULY - AUGUST 2022

Future AUC Pastors Explore Their Calling Through Ministerial Internships

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Greater Sydney

FEATURES: FUTURE PASTORS EXPLORE CALLING & ABC EPPING RELOCATION

FROM THE PRESIDENT Alban Matohiti Brothers and Sisters in Sydney,

PRESIDENT Alban Matohiti Editors

Joyce Taylor Lee Dunstan Lauren Bongard Graphics

Lynda G. Abreu Katrina Jorgensen Nathalia Valenca Other Contributors ADRA Australia Ashley Fell Dr Darius Jankiewicz Pr Jinha Kim Daniel Lavaiamat Peter Roennfeldt Lauren Bongard Brian Swanepoel

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the Holy Spirit affects our minds and hearts as we self-reflect on the order of priorities in our lives. God As Jesus was walking beside wants us to be aware of what is imthe Sea of Galilee, He saw two portant in light of the gospel. Don’t brothers, Simeon, called Peter, and let things hold you back—be ready Andrew. Jesus extended them the to say yes. invitation to follow Him, promising that He would make them fishers The conference recently held its of men. Peter and Andrew had one regular ministerial meeting, and as choice to make: to go or not go. a team of pastors we decided on a They decided to go. cycle of evangelism for our churches here in Sydney over the next few Often in our journey of faith Jesus years. We believe that we can be extends us a similar invitation. He effective in the work of the gospel wants us to make a decision to join through the different gifts God has Him in the direction He sets for us. blessed us with as individuals. We Like Peter and Andrew, the chalwill share more on this as we come lenge for us will be to go or not. It together in our session time. is important to notice that faith will not grow unless we say yes to God. As we journey together through Often the only way to experience 2022, God is constantly inviting the blessing that God has set in our each one of us to say yes to His lives is to say “Yes” and “I will go” invitation of grace to make a differto Him. ence for His kingdom in Sydney. I hope and pray that you will say yes In Joshua, chapter 3, the Bible tells to God and be involved in His work. us that only when the feet of the Often that is the only way to experipriests who were carrying the ark ence His biggest blessings. touched the water of the flood-level Jordan River did it stop flowing. Of- May God’s love and mercy continue ten, as we contemplate whether to to be with you. go or not go for God, it seems that only when we take first step in faith and put our feet in the water that the blessing of God takes place. We need to take the first step in faith. It is part of God’s way of dealing with His people.

Alban Matohiti

Further, as we are challenged to go for the Lord, often the main thing we need to confront is what is holding us back. This is a time when

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AUGUST 2022

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ADDRESS Shannon Bldg, 185 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga NSW 2076 PHONE (02) 9868 6522 EMAIL GSCComms@adventist.org.au

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Future pastors explore calling

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Pastors are made, not born. And ministerial internships are an important part of that process. Learn more about this essential step in a pastor's ministry. Page 14-15

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Serving the Community Cook Islands Community Seventhday Adventist Church Group Organised. The group, which came from an independent congregation, accepted the leading of the GSC. Page 08

MUSIC PROGRAM RECEIVES A BOOST! What a joy it is to listen to music and make music!

Adventist schools through the generosity of a retired businessman, Mr Paul Stewart, who recently donated an outstanding array of quality orchestral music instruments to the music department.

Mr Stewart responded, “It has been our gracious Lord who has placed all this in my hand. I played a very minor role.”

Mr Stewart was treated free of charge 37 years ago at the Sydney Adventist Hospital. He remembers, “They never sent me a bill. All I was asked was, ‘Who the most serene man I was ever fortunate to meet.”

Because of that generosity many years ago, Mr Stewart has likewise been generous to others as his

Many more students at Wahroonga Adventist School will now have access to a range of instruments,

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eGiving.org.au 20-08 / AUC: Mamarapha College 10-09 / Annual Sacrifice 24-09 / EDU: MVAC Scholarships 08-10 / ADRA Project 05-11 / EDU: Hills Scholarships Read more at bit.ly/2MJvRr5

ARTICLE

orchestra. Furthermore, neuroscientist are

ABC Epping Relocation Epping ABC has moved to Minchinbury. The location will be a temporary home until the Greater Sydney Conference Office is completed at the Cambridge Street building.

Learn more. Page 06

about the positive impact music has on the brain.

Just as in Nehemiah where the musicians did important work for God, so too will students be actively supported in their music education and

program with the establishment of a symphonic

CORRECTION

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Music programs receive a boost!

The donation of an outstanding array of quality musical instruments will help to establish a symphonic orchestra at the Wahroonga Adventist School. Page 11

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The cash at beginning of year in the statement of cash flow of the Adventist Aged Care Ltd should be $18,779,841 (year 2021) and $24,340,969 (year 2020) instead of $10,056,462 (year 2021) and $12,699,483 (year 2020), as printed in the last issue. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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editorials General Secretary

Cheonneth Strickland As we are already in the second half of 2022, I pray that everything is going well for you and yours. Here are some highlights of what has been happening in our conference: • We have been busy developing and tweaking the strategic plans for church, schools and aged care companies. This is to help us be more strategic and guide what we do and how we do ministry.

• We are in the middle of preparing for the Constituency Meeting on 27 and 28 August 2022. This will be a time where the conference will come together and praise God for His leading from 2018 to 2021. It will also be a time where we hear reports on what has been happening in our conference. The Constituency Meeting will be held at Mountain View Adventist College starting at 3:30 p.m. with a praise service that anyone can attend.

• The Conference Office is on the move again. We are having to relocate from the Sydney Adventist Hospital Shannon Building

CFO

Colin Raymond After close to three and a half years, we recently went on an overseas trip to Europe. The trip was impromptu—with just under six weeks to plan and book—and we just made it onto our flight out of Sydney after collecting my new passport literally the day before.

One of the special highlights was visiting the Czech capital, Prague, thus ticking one item off my wife’s bucket list. At the centre of the Old Town Square in Prague stands the (Jan Hus) John Huss monument, commemorating the great Czech reformer’s death. His notable words are inscribed around the base of this monument: “Love each other and wish the truth to everyone.” Huss lived only half as long as many modern Australians expect to live. Born in 1372, he only reached 43 years of age. When he was burned at the stake in 1415, the authorities declared him a martyr.

Why was he martyred?

He made what we would call today “career limiting moves”. He preached in the language of the people and focused on the Scriptures. He spoke against indulgences, the authority of the pope and purgatory,

at 185 Fox Valley Rd, Wahroonga, due to compliance and health issues of the building. Given this, we are moving across the road to the South Wing of the South Pacific Division, 148 Fox Valley Rd, Wahroonga. This will happen in the latter half of September.

• In our schools, the education department held their annual professional development for all staff, called Curriculum for Adventist Primary and Secondary Educators (CAPE CASE), at Hills Adventist College. Special guest Pr Jose Rojas from the USA encouraged staff by reminding them that “First, you must believe.” He challenged teachers and non-teaching staff that they are making a difference with an eternal impact to the next generation.

It was inspirational.

• In our aged care facilities, we praise God for his protection from COVID-19. Over 50 per cent of our aged care staff have had COVID, but none of them contracted it from their work. All infections were from being in the community.

• We have had some employee changes in the Conference Office. We farewell Mrs Linda Streatfeild, Youth Ministry departmental assistant, who is pursuing other interests. We also have to say goodbye to Mrs Angela Kim, who is leaving us to work for SPD IT. We wish them all the best in their new endeavours.

We thank God for His continual guidance of our church, schools and aged care ministry. Please continue to pray for our work here in Sydney. Stay safe and warm! God bless! to name a few. He taught that the Bible presents Christ as “the way and the truth and the life”. Huss came to be regarded by leaders of both church and state as a “critic” and a rebel.

On July 6, 1415, he was taken to the cathedral dressed in his priestly garments, then was stripped of them one by one. He refused one last chance to recant at the stake, where he prayed, "Lord Jesus, it is for thee that I patiently endure this cruel death. I pray thee to have mercy on my enemies." He was heard reciting the Psalms as the flames engulfed him.

What is John Huss’ message to us today?

• Huss challenges us to be grounded in scripture. Writing to his friends in Bohemia the day before he was executed, he declared, “Be diligent in the Word of God.” • Keep Jesus Christ as the head of the church. For Huss, the church was the gathering of all believers who confessed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

• He recognized the centrality of worship to connect people to God, the priesthood of all believers, intended to increase people’s focus on God. • Cultivate the spiritual life. Realizing the realities of persecution for the truth, he wrote less than a month before his death, “It is better to die well than to live wickedly.”

• Huss warns of the reality of temptation. He preached against seeking wealth for its own sake and ignoring the needs of the poor.

Clearly the life and teachings of John Huss were significant not only for Luther and other early Protestants but also for us today.

“Wycliffe striking a spark, Hus lighting up a candle and Luther wielding a torch,” reads an inscription at the Bethlehem Chapel in Prague where Huss preached.

GSC OFFICE ON THE MOVE The Greater Sydney Conference (GSC) Office will relocate to the south wing of the South Pacific Division (SPD) Office at 148 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, NSW, directly across the street from the current location at the Sydney Adventist Hospital. The move is slated for September 2022.

Project Manager Patricia Goncalves will coordinate the relocation. “It is a huge task, moving approximately 50 employees and their respective materials, archive documents and storage items,” she says. “The move is planned for September, but the timeline may be subject to change.”

The relocation is necessary due to the deteriorating state of the Shannon Building at the Sydney Adventist Hospital (SAH). There are major and costly renovations needed to bring the building up to compliance to the building code.

With the owner, SAH, having earmarked the building for eventual demolition, it isn’t economically viable to carry out renovations; therefore, the Conference has decided to relocate the Conference Office until its permanent offices

at the Epping location are completed in or around 2025.

This move has many benefits, according to Conference leadership. Remaining in close proximity to the existing location, reinforcing professional relationships between the GSC and the SPD, and keeping funds within the church family are just a few of the upsides.

“I am excited that the move will bring us closer to our colleagues at SPD,” says Colin Raymond, Chief Financial Officer of the Greater Sydney Conference. “By being under the same roof, we will be able to interact directly with our fellow workers.”

The relocation also keeps the Adventist mission front and center. “The SPD has space in their building, and from a stewardship perspective it is best to rent within the church setting,” says Pr. Alban Matohiti, GSC President.

Mr. Raymond agrees, “Our membership will be pleased to know that with this relocation we are supporting a fellow church entity by renting their premises rather than those of an external party.”

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Epping ABC Temporarily Moves to Minchinbury On 21 January 2022, the Adventist Book Centre (ABC) building at 4 Cambridge Street in Epping was sold to property developers that intend to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new office and residential tower. That meant the current ABC needed to relocate until the building project has been completed.

“In anticipation of the relocation, we conducted a market survey with the purpose of reviewing our existing customers’ demographics, shopping preference for books and vegetarian food, distribution of church members across Sydney, and transport profiles,” says Colin Raymond, Chief Financial Officer at Greater Sydney Conference (GSC).

“The research findings and recommendations has led us to relocate to the West-Northwest corridor of Sydney.”

The new ABC has found a temporary home at 1A/1 Colyton Road, Minchinbury, NSW, until the new Greater Sydney Conference Office is completed at the Cambridge Street building, slated for completion by 2025. At that time, the ABC will relocate back to new, bespoke premises at that address.

The move began on 9th June, and the ABC reopened at the new location on 14th June.

“As you can imagine, moving a bookshop is a large, complicated, and expensive exercise,” says Michael Pupovac, ABC Supervisor for the GSC. “Fortunately, we had help.” He explains that after tradespeople fit out the temporary premises to the ABC’s requirements, removalists transferred the thousands of books, bookshelves, refrigerators, freezers, and office equipment to the new location.

The staff acknowledges that the move will impact customers. “Some will be sorry to see us leave Epping but for others the move to Minchinbury will mean less travel time to visit the ABC,” says Mr. Pupovac. “Many customers live in the Blacktown-to-Penrith corridor, and we will be closer to

a significant portion of our customer base. For them, it will be nice to have an Adventist Book Centre a little closer to home.”

Mr. Pupovac expects the new location to have more befits than drawbacks. “The biggest upside to this temporary relocation is that the Adventist Book Centre will have a presence in Western Sydney—a part of the city that we’ve not been in before,” he says. “Having stores in different parts of the city means that an Adventist Book Centre will be accessible to more potential customers than ever before.”

There’s also expectation that the new location will serve as a witness to the community. “Being located on the corner of a busy highway, the new store will have more exposure than our current location and will hopefully entice locals to come and check us out,” Mr. Pupovac says.

For customers who prefer the Epping location, the store at Sydney Adventist Hospital in Wahroonga, just north of Epping, will provide a closer option until the ABC relocates back to the original site once redevelopment is complete.

“I’m excited about the move for two reasons,” shares Mr. Pupovac. “Firstly, the new store is larger and will enable us to expand the range of food and drink, something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Secondly, moving the Epping store to Minchinbury enables us to have a presence in a whole new region of our city. I’m very eager to see how the new location will be received by our customers.”

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Greater Sydney Conference officials Pr Matohiti, Pr Strickland, and

Pr Vieira join Pr Tai Mokoroa and leaders of the Cook Islands Community Seventh-day Adventist Church.

For latest updates, details regarding COVID-safe measures, or/and event contact information, be sure the check the events page at https://sydney.adventist. org.au/events.

Have anything exciting or extraordinary to share?

Email us at sydney@adventist.org.au.

01 01. COOK ISLANDS COMMUNITY 7TH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH GROUP ORGANISED On Sabbath afternoon, May 14th, the Cook Islands Community Seventh-day Adventist Church group was officially organised. Pastors Alban Matohiti (President), Cheonneth Strickland (General Secretary) and Andre Vieira (Ministerial Secretary) represented the Greater Sydney Conference at the celebration service.

The group, which came from an independent congregation, accepted the leading of the Greater Sydney Conference and the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church by becoming part of it. They adopted a community service and fellowship goal that focuses widely on the com-

munity, and they chose to reflect that focus in their name.

This new group, located in the Macquarie Field area and worshipping at the Guise Public School facility, is happy to be part of the Greater Sydney Conference. Strengthened by a vision to be a bigger congregation one day, the church leadership and members came up with an idea of how to do just that—by being nice; respecting others; advancing in the name of Jesus; and, most importantly, letting the gospel touch hearts in the community with power and conviction. Understanding that this can only happen if one stands up and takes that first step, the newly organised Cook Islands Community Church is committed to serving Christ in the community.

02. WOOLLAHRA YOUTH CONNECT & SHARE THROUGH THE BEATITUDES After the Growing Together weekend summit in March, the youth at Woollahra Church were challenged to present the Beatitudes in two separate church services. On 7th of May, Nina, Rob, and William each presented a short message on one verse from Matthew 5:3-5, covering the first three Beatitudes.

After preparing their remarks, Nina and Will both mentioned that they now have a better appreciation for the pastor who prepares a message each Sabbath.

All three speakers were able to share personal experiences. Nina shared about her volunteer work amongst the poor in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

Rob spoke of his past and present personal life struggles and his conversion. Will, a naval officer, recalled a tense moment in the Persian Gulf where he literally handed the wheel to Jesus when being fired upon by the Iranian military.

Church members commented that it was refreshing to see the youth preach on Sabbath. The church was so engaged that attendees could hear a pin drop. Some even shared that they shed tears whilst hearing some of Rob’s struggles and how he holds on to Jesus every day.

But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”

Jeremiah 1:7 (NIV)

Another service was run by the Woollahra youth on the 21st of May. The remaining five verses of the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:6-12, was presented by Emely, Isabelle, Leah, Ethan and Elena.

“None of these young people has ever preached before, so this was definitely pushing them out of their comfort zones,” Pr Daniel says. “We are really proud of our youth group and want them to be involved in all aspects of our church. We seek to do all we can to help our young people put their best foot forward in life with a solid spiritual foundation grounded in the teachings of Jesus.”

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EDUCATION ADVENTIST SCHOOLS ATTEND SYDNEY PRAYER BREAKFAST Early Tuesday morning, 31st May, saw a number our schools, including Hills Adventist College, Mountain View Adventist College, Macarthur Adventist College and Wahroonga Adventist School come together at the ICC Convention Centre in Darling Harbour for the Sydney Prayer Breakfast.

They joined together with Christian leaders and members from all over Sydney to pray and hear an inspiring testimony from IPROWD founder Peter Gibbs.

Hills Adventist College chaplain Pastor Jess Laws said, “It was such a blessing to be able to pray

together for the greater city of Sydney as well as, on our table, to pray for our school community.

We continue to pray for God’s blessing over our staff and students and their families, for healing and strength, and that every single person who is connected to, or comes in contact with, Adventist Education feels loved, because He first loved us.

Education director David Hobson added, “Praying together over our city was an incredible experience, we were inspired to choose peace over violence, faith over despair, hope over fear and service over resignation.”

MACARTHUR ADVENTIST COLLEGE On Wednesday 8th June, Primary students of Macarthur Adventist College had the once-in-alifetime opportunity to be part of the Ampol Little Origin Series.

This event sees schools selected throughout NSW via application process, with Year 5 teacher Mrs Maua entering our College for selection. Mrs Maua submitted a stirring and ultimately successful application highlighting the values of Macarthur Adventist College and shared about the College’s initiative in creating a Wellbeing Hub for our students as a safe place to access support. were collected from school in a special coach and were able to take part in many behind the scenes experiences such as stadium tours and training match against another school.

This event was one to remember for our whole College community and we are thankful for such a great opportunity for our students.

MUSIC PROGRAM RECEIVES A BOOST! What a joy it is to listen to music and make music!

Adventist schools through the generosity of a retired businessman, Mr Paul Stewart, who recently donated an outstanding array of quality orchestral music instruments to the music department.

Mr Stewart responded, “It has been our gracious Lord who has placed all this in my hand. I played a very minor role.”

Mr Stewart was treated free of charge 37 years ago at the Sydney Adventist Hospital. He remembers, “They never sent me a bill. All I was asked was, ‘Who the most serene man I was ever fortunate to meet.”

Because of that generosity many years ago, Mr Stewart has likewise been generous to others as his Many more students at Wahroonga Adventist School will now have access to a range of instruments,

orchestra. Furthermore, neuroscientist are about the positive impact music has on the brain.

Just as in Nehemiah where the musicians did important work for God, so too will students be actively supported in their music education and

program with the establishment of a symphonic

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EDUCATION

CSSA STATE VOLLEYBALL GALA DAY

On Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th of June, Mountain View Adventist College had the privilege of participating at the CSSA State Volleyball Gala Day. This event was held at the Hawkesbury Indoor Sports Centre competing against other Christian schools from around NSW, including Wahroonga Adventist College and Macarthur Adventist College.

Our students represented the school brilliantly, setting a very competitive and enthusiastic atmosphere that was greatly appreciated by all schools involved.

Mountain View competed in three out of the four divisions over the two days of competition.

Two of our three divisions won and went Junior Mixed (U15’s) and Senior Mixed (16+) divisions. A big congratulations to Macarthur Adventist College for winning the Senior Boys Division. Once again we are so proud of our students for the talent they displayed and the character they exhibited over the two days.

Mr Jensen, Head of PDHP said, “Mountain View had some fantastic results and it was a real pleasure to watch the students display our school values of Respect, Integrity, Initiative and Compassion.”

“Representing Mountain View Adventist College in for us to give back to our College and show our gratitude for the support we have received. We love how talented and well-rounded our College is–academically, spiritually, musically and even

physically. It has been an honour representing our College over these many years competing in competitions and we hope to leave a legacy behind for our younger athletes of a spirit of sportsmanship, determination, grit and teamwork.

– Paul, Year 12.

HILLS ADVENTIST COLLEGE CASTLE HILL CAMPUS IS EXPANDING! Mrs Carlie Deppeler, Principal of Hills Adventist College said, and we are so excited to see the next phase of that growth as our Castle Hill Campus becomes a ELC-6 Campus.

At the end of May 2022, Hills Adventist College received registration from the NSW Education Standards Authority, granting the College permission to expand its well-established Junior Campus at Castle Hill. This will see the well-loved ELC to Year 4 Campus grow to include Year 5 in 2023 and Year 6 in 2024.

Hills Adventist College is delighted with this latest development, as the College continues on an upward trajectory of grow in the Hills district of Sydney.

This change will enable a single stream of students to journey through the Castle Hill Campus until Year 6, and then join with the Kellyville Campus students in Year 7.

As we have waiting lists for many of our year groups, this change will provide opportunity for

future growth, continued nurturing of our students and opportunity for choice within our educational Mr Daniel Marsden, Head of Campus at Castle Hill, said this latest development would help the College better serve the community of Castle Hill.

“Our Castle Hill Campus has had a very longstanding relationship with the surrounding community.

Before we embarked on our journey to become an ELC-12 College, Castle Hill was well known in the community for providing quality Christian education that went beyond the classroom.

We now have the opportunity to return to a thriving ELC-6 Campus that has an automatic pathway into Year 7 at our Kellyville Campus.

We are excited to see where this new expansion takes us,” he said.

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Future AUC Pastors Explore Their Calling Through Ministerial Internships University education to calling, beginning pastor to licensed minister, then on to commissioning or ordination.

Pastors are made, not born. And ministerial internships are an important part of that process.

Every year, conference presidents and ministerial secretaries travel to Avondale University to interview graduating theology students. The students indicate their preference for future jobs—usually chaplaincy or pastoring—and program leaders consider those preferences along with candidates’ specific attributes and strengths before recommending them for an internship placement.

“Internships are important because those initial two years are when new pastors develop the basic skills they need to succeed in ministry,” says Pr Andre Vieira, Greater Sydney Conference Ministerial Association Secretary. “They need a lot of supervision and support, time to make mistakes and learn, and the freedom to ask questions so they can grow as much as possible in a safe environment.”

Internships start as soon as ministerial students graduate from college. They receive a calling to intern for a local conference as a school chaplain or pastor for two years.

During this time, interns are accountable to work with an appointed supervisor, a senior minister who will supervise them and serve as a mentor and coach during the internship.

Once a year, all interns in the Australian Union attend a week-long camp, where they meet with union staff and mentor pastors to become inspired, share, learn, and find motivation to serve others. “The intern camp … was vital for my ministry,” says intern Josh Carnie, who is serving as Kellyville.Church Associate Pastor and Hills Adventist College Chaplain. “It inspired me that there were so many leaders that wanted to pour into my leadership and help me understand the reality of ministry in all its glory.”

Mentor pastors aren’t the only ones who help interns as they learn and grow. “Local churches, especially the elders, need to be tolerant and patient,” shares Pr Vieira.

“They can work alongside senior pastors in encouraging, coaching, and mentoring interns so they can grow.” He shares that most church leaders understand interns are new to ministry and grant them patience and grace. “Everyone is in this together,” he says, “and everyone benefits if we have good interns becoming pastors”.

Once the two-year internship process is complete, candidates qualify to become licensed ministers. After more experience, they can be commissioned or ordained. But the internship program is vital in helping support them in the early days of their ministry and helping them move into future leadership roles.

And it’s looking forward to this lifetime of ministry that makes the internship program so important, according to Pr Vieira. “Ministry isn’t a career, it’s a service,” he says. “When people work in a corporation, they expect to grow in rank.

But in ministry, the highest position is ordained minister, so the local church is actually the highest placement. Whatever appointments people receive is the church recognising specific skills that make some people able to serve in different roles, like conference president or official. But those people are ordained ministers first, so there’s no higher position in the church than ordained minister.”

Diversity and inclusion matter more than ever in ministry, and Australian Union officials are working to increase the numbers of women and minorities in pastoral roles. “We have opened doors,” says Pr Vieira. “This year we’ve had

the biggest group of young women yet, and that’s very exciting. We’re spreading the word and trying to encourage women to study to be pastors.” He acknowledges that progress is slow, but he’s proud of how the Australian Union is moving forward. “Especially in chaplaincy and some of the bigger churches, women are in demand. They can connect better with specific groups, and some churches request women ministers because it will facilitate some of the work they do. The culture is changing, but it takes time.”

So does becoming a pastor. The long road from school to senior pastor takes years, and the internship opportunity helps shape graduates and determines the type of minster they will become.

“I have really enjoyed my internship experience with the Greater Sydney Conference,” shares intern Josh Carnie.

“Since day one, I have felt supported by the conference, as well as my local church mentor. Being placed at a campus church has been a dream, and I have loved every day of it! My mentor, Pr Martin Vukmanic, has encouraged me to be as active as I can within the community and to find ways according to my giftings, strengths and passions to best serve the church. Being an intern is giving me an opportunity to understand what type of minister I want to be and what that actually looks like from day to day… I love being a pastor, and I feel like the process so far has taught me how to be a pastor for the long run!”

Interested in pastoral ministry? To serve local needs, ask church elders about available volunteer positions, or visit https://sydney. adventist.org.au/volunteer/. If you want to become a pastor, the best pathway is attending Avondale University or Mamarapha College. Admissions counselors and conference ministerial secretaries can help guide you.

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THINK TANK Have you ever considered what makes some couples last the distance with greater love and joy than when they first began while others flounder and fail?

Find out the latest research and learn how to bring out God's very best in you, your partner, and your marriage during the Better Marriages Australia Connect in Kiama Conference on Saturday, 3rd September 2022.

This conference is geared to strengthen good marriages so our relationships can be lights to others along the way. All the presenters and workshop leaders are passionate about helping couples and families to stay connected and thrive rather than just survive.

This is the perfect gift to give to yourselves or your children's marriage—or both! See the website for more the details.

Expecting great things in our marriage through love, commitment and skill

Access www.bettermarriages.org.au for further details.

PARAMATTA CHURCH HOSTS TRAINING FOR GSC ELDERS On Saturday afternoon, 16 July, the Parramatta church (Northmead, NSW) hosted a training session for all GSC elders. Pastor Anthony Kent, General Conference Associate Ministerial Secretary, led the training. He discussed what it means to be an elder and the challenges of spiritual leadership, highlighting the importance of elders to local churches and the impact they have in the lives of church members.

“The meeting was very empowering and inspiring,” says Pr Andre Vieira, GSC Ministerial Association Secretary. “[Pr Anthony] talked about Barnabas in the New Testament and how, even though he was not one of

the apostles or a main character, his role as a leader was decisive in allowing God's purpose to flourish.”

Pr Anthony is originally from Lismore and has been serving at GC for the last 18 years. His specialty is continuing education and professional growth opportunities for church leaders, making him an excellent choice for the event speaker.

Although a similar training event hasn’t happened in years, Pr Vieira says that the plan is to provide regular future sessions. “Training elders is important because they are the ones running and leading the churches on a day-to-day basis,” he affirms. “Pastors might come and go, but elders are sometimes there for decades, leading and preaching to the same congregation. That's why we need to empower them!”

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Notice is hereby given that the 30th Constituency Meeting of the Greater Sydney Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will be held in the auditorium of Mountain View Adventist College, 41 Doonside Road, Doonside, 27-28 AUGUST, 2022. The program will commence on Sabbath, 27 AUGUST AT 3:30 PM, with a praise and inspirational program including the closing of Sabbath. The seating of delegates and the Constituency Meeting, ments for the years 2018 to 2021, will commence at 7:00 pm and will continue on Sunday 28 tee and Constitution Committee of the Conference for the next quadrennium will be elected at this Constituency Meeting. For more on this meeting and its process visit the event page.

C Strickland, General

(02) 9868 6522

Secretary

@SYDNEYADVENTIST

https://bit.ly/GSC2022session

cheonnethstrickland @adventist.org.au

INTRASYD INTRASYD

AUGUST August

2022 2022

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Register for the October ADRA Appeal Doorknock!

Funds raised will help thousands of people in Australia and around the world overcome hardship.

Visit adra.org.au/doorknocking to register.