Reach Across Notice to Churches The 28th quadrennial Constituency Meeting of the Greater Sydney Conference will convene 23 – 24 August 2014. Part of the business of the meeting is the election of the Conference officers and the Executive Committee. The Nominating Committee (appointed at the 2010 Constituency Meeting) will commence its work on Tuesday 20 May 2014. The Chairman of the Nominating Committee is Pr Chester Stanley, President of the Australian Union Conference. Section 6.3 of the GSC Constituency Meeting and Election Procedures states the following: “Delegates who have substantive concerns with respect to any incumbent officer of the Conference shall formally raise those concerns in writing with the chairperson of the nominating committee prior to the first meeting of this committee, the date of such meeting and the name of the chairperson having been clearly advised to all churches by the Conference. The chairperson will bring those concerns to the committee, giving opportunity for the delegate to address the committee if he/she wishes. In view of this, no opportunity will be given at the constituency meeting for matters of concern to be raised with respect to incumbent officers who are recommended for election by the nominating committee.” Contact details for Pr Stanley: PO Box 4368, Ringwood Vic 3134 chesterstanley@adventist.org.au
Insider’s View: The Making of Youth Group Leaders Who: Concord Youth Leaders: Dani Piot & Rose Miranda Favourite Activities: Camps Outreach Projects: Nursing homes, Soup kitchens, Community Outreach, Visiting with older church members, Helping with Children’s Ministry, Cleaning, Cooking
Rose: It is such an honour that I have been given the opportunity to lead the youth over the past few years. It’s a big responsibility. It is like when God chose David to be king; he knew he was capable to lead a nation. With us, we never know when God is going to use us. I didn’t grow up in the church. Funny thing is what got me involved, when I first got connected to a church, was the youth group. I always remember that verse about not letting people despise or look down on you because you are young. It is a reality check with your faith: what you’re teaching, what you’re living, is what the youth will see. Definitely seeing the work of God’s hand, unveiling His love towards them, and seeing them grow impacts my spiritual life. Dani: I count it a privilege and honour to be a part of the spiritual journeys of the youth. It’s an important role God has asked Rose and I to do this year and we couldn’t be happier, but we also understand the seriousness of it and as a role model to the youth, we have to reflect upon our own lives and actions, as the youth are looking up to us and watching our examples. It makes me want to be more and more like Jesus so our wonderful youth can see Jesus through us and want to be more like Him. Also, studying the Bible with some of the youth has really made me shape up with my Bible knowledge as they have lots of questions and are eager to learn more. This is an encouragement to me and constantly inspires me. Visit http://www.gscadventist.org.au/web/2014/03/27/concordyouthgroup/ to read more about Dani and Rose and Concord Youth
Wollongong Church: Ida’s Blue Ribbon Ministry
Ninety-eight year old Ida Johnson from Wollongong Church has a special ministry; she has been blessed with the amazing gift of hospitality. To this day, she is well known for making special delicious treats for potlucks, youth events and even the local Bulli Show, where she’s won numerous blue ribbons. What drives her to do all of this is her desire to keep young people interested. Fellow church member, Naomi Slow says, “She’s an inspiration. She just soldiers on and nothing slows her down. She has a behind-the-scenes, quiet, background ministry.” Ida credits it all to God saying, the thing that has kept her strong in her relationship with God is “having [her] hand in Jesus’ hand.” Naomi knows first hand how impacting Ida’s ministry is. When Naomi had bypass surgery, one of the other church members enlisted Ida to cook meals for her and freeze them, to allow Naomi time to heal. Ida will turn ninety-nine in June. Over the years and through various experiences, she has learned that by staying steady in the Lord, He will see her through.
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March - April 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au
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