November - December 2016 IntraSyd

MAGAZINE

intrasyd NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2016

June - July 2016

contents FEATURES 9

LOCAL NEWS 6

EDUCATION 12

PHY

Anxie phys 14

04 - Editorials 09 - Mission Stories: Leandro Costa

14 - 2014-2015 Financial

06 - Mount Druitt 08 - The Reids Hit Platinum 09 - Woollahra Church

Statements

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SUNSET TIMES:

EVENTS:

02 Dec 7:53 Fri 09 Dec 7:59 Fri 16 Dec 8:03 Fri 23 Dec 8:07 Fri 30 Dec 8:07 Fri 06 Jan 8:10 Fri 13 Jan 8:10 Fri

22 Dec – GSC Office Closes 02 Jan – GSC Office Opens

– – – – – – –

7:54 Sabbath 7:59 Sabbath 8:04 Sabbath 8:07 Sabbath 8:07 Sabbath 8:10 Sabbath 7:40 Sabbath

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2016

Muscle tensio Sweating/flu Feelings of c Rapid breath holding Difficulty con Restlessness 12 - A Reflection on 2016 13 - Mental Health & Our ChildrenNumbness, o Recurring he Fatigue, diff OFFERINGS: Using the toi 13

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For the latest event information, visit Sydney.adventist.org.au/ events and /announcements.

sydney.adventist.org.au

03 Dec / Local Church 10 Dec / SPD Strategy 17 Dec / Local Church 24 Dec/ Fund for Needy 31 Dec / Local Church 07 Jan / Local Church 14 Jan / Local Church

Sydney Adventists

FROM THE president We are living in tumultuous and uncertain times. Political instability, financial instability

and natural disasters seem to be the common headlines in our daily newspapers.

It is too easy to become accustomed to these headlines and fail to recognise the times in which we live. It causes me to continually reflect, “How much longer, oh Lord, until Jesus comes?”

In the meantime, we have been commanded by the Lord to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). This is our purpose as Seventhday Adventist Christians. Hebrews 10:2325 [NLT] inspires and encourages me as I contemplate the events of the last month, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

This is amazing counsel as we consider that true worshippers worship in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24). We are called not just to have a knowledge of the truth, but to be transformed by the Holy Spirit to be people of character and integrity who display not only the gifts of the Spirit, but also the fruit of the Spirit.

I have been inspired by hearing many stories of mission and service taking place in our Conference, and you will read a number of these stories in this IntraSyd. It is exciting to see many people also making decisions for baptism and to join God’s church.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you once again of our Ignite program (sydney.adventist.org.au/ignite) on 17-18 March 2017. This is going to be an exciting time for the whole Conference to come

together for worship and mission. We are asking that all churches close and come to the Sydney Showground for this special weekend. It will be a launching pad for our focus on reclaiming former and inactive members as well as the launch of our Conference-wide 40 days of prayer. We are also planning to take up a special offering at Ignite for planting churches on the Eastern Seaboard of Sydney. So please pray and plan to give generously to support the greatest mission field in our Conference.

A special concert will be held on the Saturday night of Ignite with Reggie and Ladye Love Smith from the Gaither singers.

This will be a great opportunity to invite friends and family to come to a gospel concert.

One other burden on my heart is our partnership with the Solomon Island Mission.

We are still raising funds for sending containers of resources to the Solomon Islands. I would encourage you to give generously to support our partners in the Islands. You can do this through your tithe envelope or the eGIVING website (egiving. org.au).

I want to wish you God’s blessing as we come to the end of 2016. I pray that you will be able to take some time out with family and friends and to be able to recommit to serving the Lord faithfully until He comes. I am excited about what God has in store for 2017, let’s embark on this journey of faith together.

PR Michael Worker President

OUR TEAM President Michael Worker michaelworker@adventist.org.au Editor Joyce Taylor joycetaylor@adventist.org.au Design & Layout Lynda G. Abreu lyndagomes@adventist.org.au Editorial Consultant Adrian Raethel adrianraethel@adventist.org.au Other Contributors Anjuli Cruz, Katrina Jorgensen (cover) Caroline Lolohea, Raul Moran, Scott Wegener Next Intrasyd Deadline 12 January 2017

Want to talk to us?

Communications Department 4 Cambridge Street, Epping NSW 2121 Ph: 02 9868 6522 sydney@adventist.org.au Follow us on social media: Tweet @SydneyAdventist Facebook SydneyAdventists

EDITORIALS

FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY

ADRIAN RAETHEL

You would have read in the previous edition of IntraSyd (September-October) that the Conference was allocated a government chaplaincy subsidy to provide an additional chaplaincy service at Long Bay jail. Previous pastor of the Marrickville, Blacktown, Fairfield and Cabramatta Spanish churches Wellington Caqui-Bazan, has been appointed to fill this position.

Other opportunities are presenting themselves behind closed doors. The Religious Liaison Officer at the Villawood Detention Centre contacted the Conference regarding the request of a group of detainees with Adventist backgrounds to have weekly worship services. As a result, Pr Tapiwa Mutseriwa now conducts such services on a Tuesday morning. In addition, one of the active lay leaders from Parramatta Church has been invited to conduct weekly Bible studies inside the Detention Centre. God is still opening locked doors and prison gates.

From the Church Ltd Board • The Currawah Indigenous boarding school near Brewarrina will re-launch in 2017. The Australian Union Conference, NNSW and GS Conferences are supporting the School with some seed funding; • Work continues on the transition from Safe Place Services to the new AdSAFE entity including the setting up of their office at Wahroonga and the appointment of staff; • The Wahroonga ABC will continue operations for another 12 months with a further review to be conducted in August 2017. The Conference is continuing to work with hospital administration with a view to improve the long-term viability of the shop.

From the Executive Committee • The Harvest Fellowship church plant (currently meeting at Horsley Park) has been granted regular group status; • DA approval has been received for the inner city ministry centre on Cleveland Street in Redfern, which is the new home of “The Way” Church. They are currently fitting out the space and will have an official opening in the near future.

Visit www.faithofdoss.com and register for a free copy of the book Hero of Hacksaw Ridge 4

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2016

sydney.adventist.org.au

Sydney Adventists

ABC collects books for Solomon's Adventist Schools

BY SCOTT WEGENER

Thanks to customer donations,

major high schools so they can be a resource for both English and

the Adventist Book Centres (ABC)

Bible teachers. “Ideally, it would be good to provide class sets of 30 of

in Sydney have begun sup-

these books,” says Long.

plying much-needed books to Adventist schools in the Solomon Islands. The donations have been received through a book-drive initiative started by Ken Long, a Sydneysider who developed a passion to help after visiting the islands in 2014.

The Adventist Book Centres of Sydney were approached to assist the project about a year ago. “We heard the need and could see Ken’s enthusiasm – how could we resist!” says Julene Raymond, longserving sales assistant of the bookshop in Epping. “We started off by just collecting donations of customer’s change after they complete their purchase. It is a thrill to be able to tick off another book for the next set when we reach $20, and we sincerely thank people for their

“I visited Kukudu Adventist College and Tenakoga Adventist College,

generosity. Some people even pull out large bills specifically and give

and noticed both Schools had so few books,” says Long. So far, his

very generous donations. It’s quite humbling.”

initiative, Books for the Solomons, and has managed to source 370 boxes of books for schools in the past two years.

Loanne Liligeto, English teacher at Tenakoga says, “If students don’t have a reasonable grasp of English, then they may not move from primary school to high school as there are limited places in high school.

Reading resources are needed as we have little for our classes”.

One of Ken’s strategies is to send books filled with Bible stories as readers, and he’s endeavouring to build class sets of books in the

The ABC recently added the option to purchase books via their web store. Donations go directly to the Solomons in the following shipment.

“We invite you to sponsor a book online or donate the change from your in-store purchase to the cause. This can be done at both stores - Epping or Wahroonga. For every $20 received, another book specifically requested by the school is gratefully added to their shipment.”

For more info or to donate now, visit www.SydneyABC.com/projects.

LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

happenings at Mount druitt church Members at Mount Druitt rejoiced 17 September as Grace Harkim, Faith Harkim, Esther Harkim and Episitu Dekebo gave their lives to Christ through baptism.

Grace, Faith and Esther grew up in the church. When they were younger, the sisters moved from their home in country in Africa and came to Australia with their parents. All three have academic roots in Mountain View Adventist College. Fatith and Esther has since graduated, leaving Grace the sole attending.

Hailing from the nation of Ethiopia, Episitu had been in the church for many years, but had not made the decision for baptism. Last year she approached Pr Matt Pearce following a sermon he’d given on relationships with God. Something about the message resonated, and Episitu decide it was time then and there.

Although their spiritual paths differed, the four candidates made a personal choice and commitment that led them to baptism on that day. Following the ceremony, two more individuals put up their hands for studies and to be baptised.

Caption (L-R): Pr Matt, Grace, Faith, Esther, Episitu & Pr Michael Worker

From Wahroonga to Vavau Tonga with Love A 40-foot container sent to the Mizpah School in Vavau Tonga recently arrived at its doors and was received with much joy. The container, sent by the Dorcas Society of Wahroonga Church, contained a number of items addressing needs within the school and church as well as outreach mission components.

Mele Vaihola, Principal at the school, sent word that no damages occurred from the lengthy journey and that all went well during the two mid-August days it took to unload the items.

“Since then,” she says, “[life] has been quite busy out here as we all wish to take and distribute things where they are most needed”.

The donations, she noted, had an “enormous impact upon the school and the community”, specifying that they helped provide clothing for disadvantaged students; equipment to improve the school facilities, the learning and the teaching environments; and brought musical life to the Neiafu Church – the largest on the island – with the addition of a new piano. For this, she thanked the society enthusiastically in Tongan: MALO FAU MEI HE TAKELE HOMAU LOTO!!! (Thank you from the depths of our hearts!!!)

The Wahroonga Church has so far financed about 13 containers since the Dorcas Society resumed there in 2004. The containers generally contain a variety of items including books, clothing, desks, lawnmowers, medical supplies, musical instruments and other goods and equipment. At the South Pacific Division each Wednesday, dedicated volunteers sort and pack the items as they are received. Finance for the shipments comes from Wahroonga Church members and from outside the Church.

“These [volunteers] also pack the containers to support the Adopt A Clinic Project, which is run by Dr Chester Kuma at the Division,” said Geoff Hansen, Dorcas Co-Leader at Wahroonga Church. Around 40 containers have been sent for the project since 2006. “Many of the people have been doing this work for up to 12 years”.

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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2016

sydney.adventist.org.au

Sydney Adventists

Caroline Lolohea reports on BidwIll Tongan As the year slips through our fingers, we’re already counting down the days until we welcome 2017. It has been a full-on year in which we’ve faced our shares of trials and triumphs as a church family. But, through it all, God continues to bless us regardless.

Bidwill Tongan Church is under the leadership of Pr Mele Lolohea and Head Elder Uatisoni Halatokoua with just over 20 families and counting. Our church family is blessed with so many beautiful children who are actively involved in Adventurers, Pathfinders and Bikie youth. The young people work close together with our children and consistently attend church and Pathfinder events such as outreach initiatives, youth programs, fair days, drug-free walks, camps and social activities.

Most recently they took part in the ADRA Appeal and enjoyed working with the elder folk.

With the year-end almost here, we look forward to what the New Year holds for us. An open invitation to anyone who may be in the area on Sabbath: drop by and fellowship with us. It is our prayer that we all keep each other in our prayers, as we all play an important part in finishing God’s work here on earth. God bless & Ofa atu from Bidwill Tongan Church.

Woollahra Church Turns to Art Woollahra Church reported in on a joyful October, having had special blessings each Sabbath during the month. On 29 October, the church had a special treat for those in attendance in the form of professional artist Christina Rogers (pictured). Rogers arrived with a blank canvas, set up to the side of the pulpit and began a portrait of Job, painting throughout Sabbath School and Divine Service.

As the image began to take form, Christina’s skills with the medium could not be denied. Her ability to reflect the morning lesson and sermon in the painting, whilst keeping the message relevant to experiences today, were seemingly effortless.

After service and during fellowship lunch, visitors and members alike took the opportunity to speak with Rogers about the piece, her incredible talent and express their enjoyment of her visit. The painting was not completed that day, but will be finalised and brought to the church at the beginning of December. Church members look forward to that day in much anticipation.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING TO PAINT? Christina will be conducting Sunday art classes at Woollahra church in 2017. Dates for the classes are 29 January, 12 March, 9 April and 14 May, and the cost for the four (4) half-day lessons is $100. Sessions include lunch. A minimal list will be provided for participants to supply their own materials. Contact Pr Daniel Pryzbylko on 0418 525 437 to register and for further information.

The Reids hit Platinum Concord Church publically wishes June and Stewart Reid a happy 70th anniversary.

Pastor L Minchen married the beloved couple at the very church on 12 November 1946.

Forget talking walls, this pair no doubt has a lifetime of stories they could tell.

June and Stewart have shared a rich life together. They’ve been blessed with 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Happy 70th anniversary, June and Stewart! May God continue to bless you.

A Story from Krystyna Kochanski, A Jump Start Literature Evangelist It was a day like any other. I always praise God if people I meet at the door are interested and willing to have spiritual books. That morning I had a few. In the afternoon I came to a street with houses only on one side and a little cul-de-sac at the end. The driveways were very steep. Walking up I felt the strength God gave me to climb. At the top I was more tired spiritually than physically. No one was interested and many were not home.

Going back, there were no houses on the other side, so I talked to God. “Thank you for giving me strength to climb those steep driveways. It is still before knock-off time, but I am pretty tired. That’s it for the day. Thank you God for the people I met. Bless them and lead them by your Holy Spirit to you.”

Just then the thought came to finish the street opposite my parked car. There weren’t many houses, so I started. Nobody was interested. Finally I got to the last house. The door was ajar. I heard a noise that I thought was a vacuum cleaner working. I knocked once. No response. Twice. No response. The third time I knocked on the glass on the door. Normally I wouldn’t, and I don’t know why I was so persistent then. Eventually a lady appeared. I introduced myself and told her what I was doing. “Let me call my husband,” she said.

The gentleman, Sam (not his real name), came and I repeated the reason of my call. He was interested in the health book and we started to chat (45min). He was from Bhutan. I was surprised, as I never met anybody from such a small country. I told him that I believe in a holistic approach to health and showed him the spiritual book and he was interested in it. He told me that he works in a store run by Christians. “Why do Christians say one thing and do another?” he asked. I asked him if he had the Bible. “No,” he said.

“I’m Buddhist.” I said, “Okay.” and offered him one. He said he always wanted a Bible and followed me to the car. I gave him one and explained how Jesus gave us the example of how to live, and that if we don’t obey what the Bible teaches, we’re Christians by name only.

I asked Sam to pray before he opens the Bible for understanding. His first question was if he could take it to his country. I told him yes. He then told me he meditates and I was able to share with him information on the difference between Biblical and Eastern meditation that I read not long ago. I left after that and was later able to provide additional information. I thank God for another Divine appointment.

ADSAFE LTD VACANCIES: APPLICATIONS CLOSE 29 JANUARY 2017 AdSAFE Ltd is a new service that is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited. AdSAFE Ltd is seeking expressions of interest for the following roles.

1.Safeguarding Manager 2.Case Officer (Survivor Support) 3.Case Officer (Offender & Investigations) 4.Redress Officer For more information on each of the above roles and to apply, please visit the South Pacific Division’s website at www.adventistemployment.org.au.

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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2016

sydney.adventist.org.au

Sydney Adventists

Mission Stories: Leandro Costa

BY JOYCE TAYLOR

The name Leandro Costa may not be widely known around Greater Sydney, but at the Sydney Portuguese Church, it’s notoriously that of a once disbeliever who became a fisher of men. What occurred seemingly randomly – perhaps as a nervous breakdown or medical emergency to other drivers on the road – turned out to be the moment one man received a call to witness. But the story doesn’t begin there.

Leandro’s mission story begins in November 2007 when the former Catholic from Brazil married Stefannie Serafim, an Adventist woman also from the country, here in Australia. Although he knew of his wife’s religious beliefs and her devotion to them, he neither shared her zeal nor her conviction. “He just hated going to the vespers Friday evenings and would stay home to watch footy,” said Stefannie. This led to the forming of a small group on his behalf in 2008. “We’d have dinner and a friend would mention something in the Bible. It led to discussions and grew from there.”

From the day the group began, Leandro attended, but what he heard didn’t always resonate or stick. Still, he went and studied, eventually making the decision to be baptised in 2010. So the years went by until one autumn day in 2015, Costa found himself next to his car on the shoulder of the highway. The urge to stop had been so sudden and strong. What was so important to command such a reaction? The answer for him was a simple one: awe and gratitude.

“It just occurred to me how blessed I was…”, said Costa. “During my 11 years in Sydney, I got married, had two children and bought a house. And I felt that was time to give back to the community”. With that, he pulled out his phone and sent a message the Brazilians in Sydney Facebook group, inviting anyone who wanted to come to small group, and offering to help others achieve their dreams.

The message garnered 300 responses and kicked off a second small group for the church, which met the following Friday, 30 visitors strong.

What began with a man trying to understand the beliefs of his wife, has grown into a thriving gathering for lost, lonely and hopeful souls. The group, comprised of many who’ve never been in a church, continues to meet every Friday and averages over 30 participants. In addition to Bible study, which begins with dinner, the group constantly provides social activities for members to connect.

Since sending out the message that fateful day, Leandro’s small group efforts have seen more than 15 people baptised. Longtime member of the church Particia Goncalves marvels at the transformation. “This is someone who use to mock us endlessly! To now see him transformed by the Holy Spirit – how much he has changed – further proves to me that God exists. Only he can make that kind of a transformation.”

Caption: Leandro with some members of the Sydney Portuguese small group

Youth Week of Prayer 2016 On 12 September we kicked off with our Conference wide Youth Week of Prayer at Mountain View Adventist College (MVAC). We partnered with MVAC and Mountain View church, and it was such a pleasure to work with an amazing team that have hearts for service and a passion for young people. Thank you to MVAC and Mountain View church for working together with the youth department to make this week a great success for the Lord.

Our theme was “The Mind of God” and we focused on our Adventist culture and distinctions, and how they reveal to us a loving picture of who God really is. Our speaker was Michael B. Kelly (pictured right), Senior Pastor of Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-day Adventist Church in Riverside, California. Every night he challenged us to make a difference in our local churches, in our communities and wherever God sends us. The sermons were powerful and really inspired not just the youth in attendance, but the great number of adults that supported this program. A big thank you to all the mums and dads that brought their children and stayed for the messages.

One of the things we were really excited about during the week was the great response to streaming this program live through Facebook. We had never tried this before at any of our events, but praise God that every night we had an average of 25 people tuning in and interacting on the stream with comments of appreciation for the messages. After the streaming was done the messages were still available to view on our Youth Facebook page and we have had more than 1,300 views on all of our messages, with some reaching as much as 1,800 views. We would encourage youth groups to make positive use of Facebook Live at their events so that the Word of God may be shared with as many people as possible.

Lastly, a big thank you to all the churches that came out throughout the week. And in particular, those that blessed us with special items that really set the mood for worship and the message. We loved working with you all. – Raul Moran (L) & GSC Youth Ministries

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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2016

sydney.adventist.org.au

Sydney Adventists

s e s ru ry Clo 016 H ion , 2 t 16 a r ig st ber Re cem De

Multiplying Disciples Plan ting Churches SPD church planting conference

January 30 - February 2, 2017

Glenn Townend

President, South Pacific Division

What Is It?

Kleber De Oliveira Gonçalves

The 2017 SPD Church Planting Conference is for those serious about Adventist Mission.

This conference will: • Examine Adventism’s unique heritage as a disciple making, church planting movement • Empower and equip individuals, teams, Churches, Conferences, Unions and Missions to plant churches • Show how to facilitate a church planting movement in our conferences • Explore the growing potential in making disciples in an increasingly post-Christian world

Director, Global Missions Centre for Secular and Postmodern Studies

Gary Krause

Director, GC Office of Mission

Who Should Attend?

Church members, pastors, church leaders, administrators . . . anyone who is passionate about making disciples and church planting. We particularly hope that teams of potential church planters will attend. Maybe you want to be inspired, maybe you want to be equipped and empowered, maybe you want teachings, or resourcing - whatever the reason, this Conference is for you!

Simon Martin

Director, UK Office of Mission

With overseas and local speakers, plus over twenty workshops to choose from, this SPD Church Planting Conference, with the Holy Spirit’s leading, promises to be a unique opportunity to be inspired, empowered and equipped to join God in His mission on earth.

Kathy Hernandez

Coordinator of Evangelism, Southern Union Conference

Avondale College will be the venue for the conference.

Accommodation and meals can be booked via the registration process.

Roger Hernandez

Director, Evangelism, Southern Union Conference

Online Registration Only - Closing December 16, 2016 https://events.adventist.org.au/ew/app/registration/index.html?e=1098 Fo r m o re d e t a i l s c o n t a c t J a n | j a n b o l s t @ a d ve n t i s t . o rg. a u | 0 2 9 8 4 7 3 3 0 6 o r Way n e K r a u s e | w ay n e k r a u s e @ a d ve n t i s t . o rg. a u | 0 4 1 4 4 3 5 3 1 4

EDUCATION

Greater Sydney Adventist Schools A Reflection on 2016 As Year 12 formals are held, and Christmas carols and

A year of service and fellowship in Christ. Many of

performances are formed and practised, it’s a rare moment

our schools participated in acts of service across the city, the state,

to be able to stop and reflect on a year quickly coming to an

and even overseas and continue to serve in various ways. During

end. Many glance at their calendars only to realise – at the

the term three break, Hills Adventist College had many of their Year

time of writing this – that there are a mere four weeks left of the 2016

11 class participate on a service trip to Tenakonga in the Solomon

school year. And while many global, political and pop cultural events

Islands. They assisted with construction and renovation in the village

have left multitudes feeling the year 2016 to be one of chaos, for the

and school. You can hear students talk about this trip on the Hills

Greater Sydney Adventist schools, 2016 was promising. Here’s what

Adventist College Facebook page.

2016 meant to our schools.

A year for building. Four out of the six schools in Greater

12 classes will be flying out to Vanuatu to participate in Storm Co -

Sydney have had building projects on this past year. These build-

Service To Others Really Matters Company - a youth mission initiative

ings are allowing some schools, like Wahroonga Adventist School, to

PO T T ING A NXIET Y IN of the South PacificSDivision.

grow by leaps and bounds as they transition into a full P-12 school.

Macarthur Adventist College was able to add a new arts building to their campus, which includes a new music classroom, recording rooms and a larger art room with pottery wheels and even a kiln!

KIDS

Above all, Greater Sydney Adventist schools have been a place for students and teachers to grow, learn and share in education and in Christ. Though the year isn’t over just yet, it’s nice to be able to reflect

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

and celebrate what Adventist education is doing our Greater Sydney Anxiety may manifest itself as ain number of

A year to celebrate history and diversity. In October, Hills

physical symptomsgraduating including: this year: YOU DID IT! conference. To the Year 12 students

Adventist College celebrated its 55th anniversary with a beautiful

To all our Primary and Secondary students returning next year: Enjoy Muscle tension; shaking/trembling, heart palpitations

commemoration of Memories and Milestones. Many gathered to reflect on the history of the school, to remember humble beginnings, and to look forward to what the future holds for this school.

To observeSP our diversity, have to look to theIN primary schools’ OT T I you NGonlyANXIETY

KIDS KIDS

POTTING ANXIETY IN Night to collective iFeastsSevent and Macarthur’s Multicultural appreciate how beautiful and diverse our schools are.

PHYSICALSYMPTOMS SYMPTOMS PHYSICAL

Anxiety may manifest itself as a number of

Anxiety maysymptoms manifest itself as a number of physical including: physical symptoms including: Muscle tension; shaking/trembling, heart palpitations Sweating/flushing/blushing; feeling very hot or cold MuscleFeelings tension; shaking/trembling, heart palpitations of choking; dizziness Sweating/flushing/blushing; feeling hot or cold Rapid breathing, shortness of breath,very or breath holding Feelings of choking; dizziness concentrating Rapid Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or breath Restlessness; being easily startled holdingNumbness, or 'pins and needles' in arms and legs Difficulty concentrating Recurring headaches, stomach aches, backaches Fatigue, difficulty sleeping Restlessness; being easily startled Using the toilet more Numbness, or 'pins and frequently needles' in arms and legs

12

At the end of ferm four, Macarthur Adventist College’s Year 11 and

Sweating/flushing/blushing; feeling very hot or cold the holidays and summer. We’ll see you in 2017!

Feelings of choking; dizziness

– Greater

Rapid breathing, shortness of breath, or breath holding Sydney Adventist Education Staff & Difficulty concentrating Restlessness; being easily startled Numbness, or 'pins and needles' in arms and legs Recurring headaches, stomach aches, backaches Fatigue, difficulty sleeping Using the toilet more frequently

Faculty

We are always looking for people who wouldI N like to help S POTTING ANXIETY out and get involved. Please email connect@gs.adventist. edu.au or call (02) 9868 6522.

KIDS

BEHAVIOURAL BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS SYMPTOMS

In addition, children and young people Anxiety may manifest itself as a number of experiencing anxiety may display a number of behavioural symptoms physical symptoms including: including:

Muscle tension; shaking/trembling, heart palpitations (Young children) Clinging to parents; tantrums Sweating/flushing/blushing; Refusing to go to school feeling very hot or cold Withdrawing friends and family Feelings of choking;from dizziness Avoiding particular objects/situations Rapid breathing, shortness of breath, or breath Perfectionism holding Difficulty Shyness concentrating Substance misuse Restlessness; being easily startled Seeking reassurance Numbness, or 'pinspessimism and needles' in arms and legs Negativity; Recurring headaches, stomach aches, backaches Recurring headaches, stomach aches, backaches Fatigue, difficulty sleeping Fatigue, difficulty sleeping UsingSEPTEMBER the toilet more frequently Using the toilet more frequently - OCTOBER 2016 sydney.adventist.org.au Sydney Adventists SOURCE:

Mental Health and Our CHILDREN

BY CLAIRE MARSH

In early October Australian Associated

over two decades, is helping students struggling to learn in a class-

Press (AAP) released an article citing

room and school environment better manage their anxiety in a variety

that the cost of treatment and social

of settings.

stigma is delaying young Australians seeking help for mental heath issues.

Reasons given by 50 per cent of 12-to-25-year-olds were financial cost being a hindrance, and 45 per cent in the same group feeling treatment would not help. Another issue is over half were worried of what others would think.

The research cited was commissioned by national youth mental health foundation Headspace. Founding board member Patrick McGorry said waiting and worry could have severe detrimental effects from social isolation and relationship breakdowns, to substance abuse and self-harm.

Claire Marsh, a psychologist and manager of Adventist counselling at Greater Sydeny Conference, works with the Greater Sydney Adventist schools to run Cool Kids and similar programs and sessions to help students and families who may be looking for information or need help in identifying any learning, social, or mental health issues some students might be facing.

The stigma around mental health issues can be reduced through education and conversation. Next year, look out for an interview with Claire and an introduction to her column about cognitive and emotional health in kids. Take a look at the infographic for recognising anxiety, and for more resources visit the counselling services page on

Adventist education’s continued aim to enable students to learn at their optimum level can sometimes require more help than what might be available in an ordinary classroom setting. Our schools offer support and counselling to help students who may have difficulties. Cool Kids, a program developed by Macquarie University and running for

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES Cool Kids Program: www.mq.edu.au/research/ research-centres-groups-and-facilities/healthy-people/ centres/centre-for-emotional-health-ceh/services/ programs-for-children-and-teenagers AAP article: Cost, stigma stop schoolkids from reporting mental health issues (released October 11, 2016) www. educationreview.com.au/2016/10/cost-and-stigma-stopping-schoolkids-from-reporting-mental-health-issues Kids Helpine 1800 55 1800 (Free, 24/7) Parentline NSW 1300 1300 52 (cost of a local call)

the conference website, or visit any of the resources below.

Mrs Claire Marsh - Psychologist Manager – Adventist Counselling Services.

(02) 8876 5238 or clairemarsh@adventist.org.au

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GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2014-2015

OUR GSC FINANCE TEAM Chief Financial Officer Eva Ing evaing@adventist.org.au Assistant Chief Financial Officer Maxine Su maxinesu@adventist.org.au GSC Accountant Deanne Deberg deannedeberg@adventist.org.au

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S LETTER We have been abundantly blessed this past financial year. The harvest has been plentiful,

T&O Accountant Richard Hurrell richardhurrell@adventist.org.au

and the Lord has provided at every opportunity. Highlights include:

Accounts Officer Aroya Tambunan aroyatambunan@adventist.org.au

the highest in Australia and has put us in a great position to launch the Mission to the Cities

Other Contributors Natalie Lopez, Meleofa Tovo, Stephen Venter, Penny Fang

1. In our church, tithe has grown nearly 10% in 2015 over the previous year. This growth is projects.

2. In our schools we’ve had a $1m+ surplus for the third year in a row, emphatically proving that our schools are now on a solid financial footing, capable of supporting capital growth.

3. In our aged care, we’ve had a record surplus of $3.3m. This is a significant improvement over prior years due to higher occupancy levels and better processes in reporting and government funding.

4. In our conference, it is the realisation of a number of capital investments, which resulted in a surplus of $4.8m.

While these are outstanding results, it is no time for complacency or standing still, especially in a city where the population is expected to increase by 1 million people over the next 10

For further information regarding the Greater Sydney Conference financial statements please contact: Chief Financial Officer, evaing@adventist.org.au or 9868 6522

years. This is why we’re using our current financial success to invest in improving our facilities and building more capacity. It is our mission to create larger circles of influence to make more disciples in this great city of Sydney. Over the next few pages I will share with you how we’re going to do that.

Eva Ing

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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2016

sydney.adventist.org.au

Sydney Adventists

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10% The percentage of tithe growth.

This growth is the highest in the country and allows us to launch the Mission to the Cities projects.

$4.8m

The total amount of surplus generated from capital investments.

$3.3m

In our aged care, a record surplus of $3.3m being a significant improvement over prior years due to higher occupancy levels and better processes in reporting and government funding.

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GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCE OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Greater Sydney Conference Adventist Church Statement of Surplus or Defiof cit the and Seventh-day Other Comprehensive Income Statement of Surplus or Deficit and Other Comprehensive Income the Year Ended 31 December 2015 - For theFor Year Ended 31 December 2015 -

Note Income Deductible Gift Recipient income Property usage fee income

2014

$

$

341,548

508,909

2,669,493

2,641,038

Investment income

5

770,457

316,107

Other income

6

4,093,545

22,333,565

Appropriations received

7

2,664,851

2,089,846

Total income

10,539,894

27,889,465

Expense Appropriations given

(2,147,802)

(7,584,477)

(230,465)

(169,170)

(32,657)

(40,028)

(2,848,862)

(2,824,731)

(428,241)

(445,600)

(32,321)

(73,020)

Deductible Gift Recipient expenses Session expenses

8

Property expenses Finance costs Other expenses

9

Total expense Surplus before income tax Income tax

(5,720,348) (11,137,026) 4,819,546 -

16,752,439 -

Net surplus Other comprehensive income

4,819,546 -

16,752,439 -

Total comprehensive income for the year

4,819,546

16,752,439

PLANT 15X NEW CHURCHES

16

2015

4

REDEVELOPING THE OFFICE

In Greater Sydney we’re looking to plant 15 new

In our conference, we are well on our way to

churches by 2020 and Mission to the Cities is one

redeveloping the office with the Development

of the ways we’re doing this, particularly in the

Agreement to be lodged in November. By late 2017,

Northern Beaches and Lilyfield. We’re also going

we expect we will have received the full $12m for this

to use proceeds from the redevelopment of the

development. I am reminded of the parable Jesus

Conference office to support additional church plants.

told of the servants who had talents to invest.

The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

1 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2016 sydney.adventist.org.au Sydney Adventists

GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCE OF THEConference SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Greater Sydney of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Statement ofofFinancial Position Statement Financial Position As At 31 December 2015

- As at 31 December 2015 Note

2015

2014

$

$

ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents

10

28,139,971

27,259,634

Trade and other receivables

11

399,305

1,342,372

Other assets

12

25,041

41,039

Land held for sale

13

2,094,188

1,225,555

30,658,505

29,868,600

Total current assets Non-current assets Trade and other receivables

11

10,238,538

10,829,742

Land held for sale

13

3,850,368

7,069,329

Land, improvements and buildings

14

111,397,377 106,201,853

Total non-current assets

125,486,283 124,100,924

TOTAL ASSETS

156,144,788 153,969,524

LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables

15

457,772

Financial liabilities

16

602,316

584,614

Other liabilities

17

471,741

268,837

1,531,829

3,108,270

Total current liabilities

2,254,819

Non-current liabilities Trade and other payables

15

36,289,151

36,754,676

Financial liabilities

16

7,980,465

8,582,781

Total non-current liabilities

44,269,616

45,337,457

TOTAL LIABILITIES

45,801,445

48,445,727

NET ASSETS

110,343,343 105,523,797

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Reserves

18

Denominational equity

19

TOTAL EQUITY

4,101,938

1,890,852

106,241,405 103,632,945 110,343,343 105,523,797

The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

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4

5

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH (GREATER CONFERENCE) TRUST Seventh-day Adventist SYDNEY Church (Greater Sydney Conference) Trust Comprehensive Income Statement Comprehensive Income Statement - For the Ended 31December December ForYear the Year Ended 31 2015 2015 -

Note Adventist Book Centre revenue Sales revenue

2014

$

$

743,467

746,456

(501,511)

(524,970)

Gross Earnings Crosslands Youth and Convention Centre

241,956 481,719

221,486 485,154

Ministry income

329,131

281,146

Rental income

562,348

528,455

Cost of sales

Revenue - investment

5

232,333

263,950

Other income

6

1,018,664

1,022,547

Retained tithe

7

11,459,810

10,454,444

Offerings & donations

8

183,161

190,925

Appropriations

372,286

717,955

Total income

14,881,408

14,166,062

Administrative expense

9

(2,847,980)

(2,674,835)

Ministry expense

10

(2,079,832)

(2,032,867)

Field expense

11

(8,627,582)

(8,012,861)

Evangelism expense

12

(452,679)

(589,539)

Crosslands Youth and Convention Centre expense

13

Adventist Book Centre expense

(442,100)

(469,392)

(401,638)

(402,049)

-

Other expense Total expense

(3,818)

(14,851,811) (14,185,361)

Surplus/(deficit) before income tax Income tax

18

2015

29,597 -

(19,299) -

Net surplus/(deficit) Other comprehensive income

29,597 -

(19,299) -

Total comprehensive income for the year

29,597

(19,299)

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financial statements should sydney.adventist.org.au be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

SEPTEMBER The - OCTOBER 2016 Sydney Adventists 1

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Seventh-day Adventist Church (Greater Sydney Conference) Trust (GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCE) TRUST Balance Sheet Balance Sheet at 31 December 2015 - As atAs31 December 2015 -

Note

2015

2014

$

$

ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents

15

6,260,455

5,668,922

Trade and other receivables

16

1,482,974

1,403,343

Inventories

17

375,345

339,522

560,763

420,524

960,408

809,800

22,782

22,782

9,662,727

8,664,893

67,705

59,619

329,305

653,664

283,659

220,503

680,669

933,786

10,343,396

9,598,679

Financial assets Other current assets

18

Assets classified as held for sale Total current assets Non-current assets Trade and other receivables

16

Financial assets Property, plant and equipment

19

Total non-current assets TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables

21

1,008,423

959,063

Short-term provisions

22

2,579,198

1,961,410

Other current liabilities

23

247,182

240,382

3,834,803

3,160,855

Total current liabilities Non-current liabilities Trade and other payables

21

1,302,796

1,302,796

Long-term provisions

22

229,045

187,873

Total non-current liabilities

1,531,841

1,490,669

TOTAL LIABILITIES

5,366,644

4,651,524

NET ASSETS

4,976,752

4,947,155

EQUITY Reserves

24

95,687

98,206

Denominational equity

25

4,881,065

4,848,949

4,976,752

4,947,155

TOTAL EQUITY

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SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOLS (GREATER SYDNEY) TRUST Statement ofAdventist Profit or Loss and Other(Greater Comprehensive Income Seventh-day Schools Sydney) Trust Statement of Profit Loss and 31 otherDecember Comprehensive Income - For the YearorEnded 2015 For the Year Ended 31 December 2015 Note

2015

2014

$

$

Student tuition

7

6,793,289

5,712,695

Other receipts from students

8

1,873,774

1,670,473

Recurrent Government grants

9

17,844,825

15,963,384

Capital income

10

2,031,715

1,585,812

Trading income

11

3,048,359

3,154,555

Investment income

12

236,359

220,297

330,865

182,878

Appropriations

2,287,074

2,278,051

Total income

34,446,260

30,768,145

(8,031,149)

(6,198,234)

Other income

Administrative costs

13

(18,526,414) (16,065,470)

Tuition expenses

14

Trading expenses

15

(3,149,195)

(3,185,903)

Occupancy costs

16

(2,499,832)

(2,337,632)

Finance costs

(549,620)

(513,045)

Other expenses

(397,897)

(422,673)

Total expense

(33,154,107) (28,722,957)

Surplus before income tax Taxation

1,292,153 -

2,045,188 -

Net surplus Other comprehensive income

1,292,153 -

2,045,188 -

Total comprehensive income for the year

1,292,153

2,045,188

In our schools, we have major capital developments in Wahroonga, Hills, Macarthur and Mountain View.

Buildings projects over the next 5 years will exceed $30m. These projects will not only enable us to teach more students, but also enhance the learning and teaching capability we currently have. Furthermore, we’ll be investing significantly in IT infrastructure so that our students will be better equipped for the digital age.

ADVENTIST EDUCATION 20

These are long-term commitments that are a significant challenge and require us to continuously do well.

We have had record enrolments over the past 3 years – with waiting lists at many of our schools – so with good management and God’s blessings, we have confidence that our schools will continue in their success.

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2016

sydney.adventist.org.au

Sydney Adventists

The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOLS (GREATER SYDNEY) TRUST StatementSchools of Financial(Greater Position Sydney) Seventh-day Adventist

8

Trust

of Financial Position - AsStatement at 31 December 2015 As at 31 December 2015 Note

2015

2014

$

$

ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents

18

3,889,456

5,088,387

Trade and other receivables

19

509,149

698,559

Inventories

20

113,480

73,719

Other assets

22

197,559

159,424

4,709,644

6,020,089

Total current assets Non-current assets Trade and other receivables

19

12,856,585

11,997,852

Other financial assets

21

186,677

94,821

Property, plant and equipment

23

1,293,556

916,444

Total non-current assets

14,336,818

13,009,117

TOTAL ASSETS

19,046,462

19,029,206

LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables

25

1,213,681

2,428,788

Financial liabilities

26

602,316

584,614

Provisions

27

2,093,841

1,854,976

Other liabilities

28

577,104

477,301

4,486,942

5,345,679

Total current liabilities Non-current liabilities Financial liabilities

26

7,980,465

8,582,781

Long-term provisions

27

508,939

322,783

8,489,404

8,905,564

12,976,346

14,251,243

6,070,116

4,777,963

Total non-current liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS EQUITY Reserves

29

229,332

131,978

Denominational equity

30

5,840,784

4,645,985

6,070,116

4,777,963

TOTAL EQUITY

9

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST AGED CARE (GREATER SYDNEY) TRUST Sydney) Trust Seventh-day Adventist Aged Care (Greater Statement of ProďŹ t or Loss and other Comprehensive Income Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income

- For the June For Year the YearEnded Ended 3030 June 2016 2016 -

Note

2016

2015

$

$

Revenue from services provided Residential care revenue

6

16,002,785

12,836,955

Independent living units revenue

7

2,654,892

2,594,824

18,657,677

15,431,779

Total revenue Cost of services provided Residential care expenses

8

Independent living units expenses

9

Total cost of services provided

(2,396,599)

(2,325,556)

(15,301,639) (14,378,327)

Gross earnings

3,356,038 -

Finance costs Surplus before income tax Income tax expense

(12,905,040) (12,052,771)

1,053,452 -

3,356,038 -

1,053,452 -

Surplus for the year Other comprehensive income

3,356,038 -

1,053,452 -

Total comprehensive income for the year

3,356,038

1,053,452

4

ADVENTIST AGED CARE In our aged care we’re investing at both Wahroonga and Kings Langley.

The Esther Somerville facility at Wahroonga will be refurbished with added rooms, and a further 45 residential beds and 27 new independent living units will be added at Kings Langley.

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The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. sydney.adventist.org.au Sydney Adventists 3

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2016

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST AGED CARE (GREATER SYDNEY) TRUST Statement of Financial Position Sydney) Trust Seventh-day Adventist Aged Care (Greater - As at of 30Financial JunePosition 2016 Statement As At 30 June 2016 2016

2015

Note

$

$

Current assets Cash and cash equivalents

11

21,736,440

20,292,910

Trade and other receivables

12

1,721,768

2,441,940

Financial assets

13

11,235,182

3,549,373

Other current assets

14

222,372

177,818

34,915,762

26,462,041

ASSETS

Total current assets Non-current assets Trade and other receivables

12

21,655,635

22,821,500

Financial assets

13

289,830

921,812

Property, plant and equipment

15

1,012,604

1,188,034

Intangible assets

16

4,740,000

4,740,000

Total non-current assets

27,698,069

29,671,346

TOTAL ASSETS

62,613,831

56,133,387

1,160,308

1,115,558

LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables

17

Financial liabilities

18

6,701

4,249

Short-term provisions

19

1,056,025

1,010,992

Other current liabilities

20

46,406

30,674

Future payments due to exiting residents

21

51,010,362

47,960,745

53,279,802

50,122,218

187,990

221,168

187,990

221,168

53,467,792

50,343,386

9,146,039

5,790,001

Total current liabilities Non-current liabilities Long-term provisions

19

Total non-current liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS EQUITY Denominational equity

22

5,630,550

3,194,580

Reserves

23

3,515,489

2,595,421

9,146,039

5,790,001

TOTAL EQUITY

The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

4

10

IGNITE 17&18

MARCH

2017

Dwight Nelson is coming to Sydney! He’ll be speaking at Ignite - our citywide weekend of worship. We want Sydney to shine with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and to mobilise the Seventh-day Adventist movement to be even more effective!

SYDNEY SHOWGROUND 1 SHOWGROUND RD, SYDNEY

GUEST SPEAKER: PR DWIGHT NELSON

Senior Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church

PERFORMANCES BY: REGGIE & LADYE LOVE

L & C MUSIC

SYDNEY.ADVENTIST.ORG.AU/IGNITE

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SEPTEMBERAdventist - OCTOBERChurch 2016

in Sydney

sydney.adventist.org.au

Sydney Adventists