Church Family News, 13 June 2021
Welcome to Church!
For many years we have sensed God’s call to engage with our city.
Back in 2015 we talked specifically about engaging in the area of the arts. A few years’ ago, God brought Michael to us. He came from Sydney to Hobart with a sense of God’s call to be involved in the Arts. Our journey and his journey have merged, and now as we move into our redeveloped building it is growing further.
This Sunday both Stephen and Michael will share the background to this year’s Luminous Festival and our hopes for what God might bring out of it.
Bible Readings: Ex 35:4-10; 30-35 and 1 Corinthians 13:12-13
Our Luminous Festival, beginning this week, includes:
- Breathe, Shine and Seek to Mend Art Installation by Michael Henderson
- A Conversation with Ruth Burgess, Wednesday 23 June
- A Conversation Panel, Friday 25 June, and
- Christmas in Winter – Carols in the Tab, Friday 2 July.
Or join our YouTube service available from 10.15am Sunday >>> or listen to Audio copies of our services, including Q&A >>>
Call for Luminous Volunteers
Our application for a grant from the Tas Christian Fund to host the Luminous Festival was successful! This means volunteers are required to serve food at the three main events. As well, volunteers are needed each day (Fri 18th to Tues 22nd) to hang out with Michael at the art installation from either 11am-2:30pm, or 2:30-6pm.
To indicate your willingness to serve food, or to assist at the installation
please contact Heather Galloway: secretary@hobartbaptist.org.au
Dates for Your Diary
WED 16 JUN 7:30pm – Prayer and Dedication of new areas
THU 17 JUN 6:00pm – Opening Night Luminous, LAUNCH of Michael Henderson’s Installation REGISTER
18-22 JUN 11:00am to 6:00pm – Breathe, Shine and Seek to Mend Art Installation (Main Foyer and Soundy Lounge, marking the start of the Luminous Festival).
SAT 19 JUN – EmpowHer TasBaptist Women Walk at South Arm
SUN 20 JUN – Advent 1 & Members Meeting after 10:00am service
WED 23 JUN – Luminous Conversation with Ruth Burgess REGISTER
FRI 25 JUN – Luminous Conversation Panel REGISTER
SUN 27 JUN – Advent 2
28 JUN – 3 JUL Christmas in Winter week (Hearty meals with friends)
FRI 2 JUL – Carols at the Tab (First weekend of school holidays) REGISTER
SUN 4 JUL – Christmas Day Service
SAVE THE DATE: 21 – 24 OCTOBER CHURCH CAMP!
Breathe, Shine and Seek to Mend
17 to 22 June, 2021
Tasmania’s spectacular midwinter arts festival, Dark MoFo, is back for winter 2021. Michael Henderson is taking the opportunity to engage with it again and he writes:
“This year’s art work draws attention to our response to the crucifixion. More than 30 works to challenge, inspire, and offer a genuine space for anyone to have a conversation with Jesus on their own terms.”
The art installation will be on view in the new main Foyer and the Soundy lounge. Put it in your diary, it is not to be missed! REGISTER >>>
Redevelopment Update – The End is in Sight!
The finishing touches are nearly done, praise God! At the time of writing the exact date for handover is not known, but we are praying and preparing for the opening of Breathe, Shine and Seek to mend.
The new church kitchen is complete, morning tea after the 10am service is not far away, so if you have a calling to help in this space, Kath Smith would love to hear from you, kathsmith@y7mail.com.
The new courtyard pictured at right is just waiting for the tables when The Mustard Seed opens!
HBC Members’ Meeting – NEXT Sunday 20th June
The HBC Members’ Meeting will be held after the 10am Service next Sunday. The time and venue to be confirmed as this may well be the first opportunity to tour the completed building.
Both Members and guests welcome! For more information view our members’ page here.
Accommodation Needed
One of our Anuak families is struggling with a small apartment for too many people. If you can assist, please contact Margaret: margel1@bigpond.com.
Rice for India – Report from Agape Outreach Mission
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Rice for India.
Hannah Smith, who organised the project, said, ‘I’m so thrilled that we managed to exceed the original goal and I’m so thankful for everyone’s contribution. In total we managed to raise over $2,000! This has been the first time I have raised money for something like this and I’m glad it worked out well. At the start I was a bit nervous that we wouldn’t reach my original goal of $750 but as time went on, I realized that it was possible.
Hannah also passed on this report from Sreeraj in India…
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Blessings and prayers in Jesus name. Our sincere gratitudes to many who have constantly prayed and praying for Us … Read More from Sreeraj>>>
Southern Coastal Walk
Saturday 19 June, 8:30am to 1pm
EmpowHer (Tasmanian Baptist Women) invite all women and girls to participate in a 7km walking adventure!
Invite your workmates, friends and family for a bracing walk around the tip of South Arm.
MORE INFO AND BROCHURE HERE >>>
Or talk to Jenny Baxter (0401 652 566) or Jo Sinclair (0401 297 151).
SAVE THE DATE! Camp Joseph in October
Please pencil in the HBC camp for Thursday 21st to Sunday 25th at Spring Beach Campsite, near Orford.
Come for the day; come for one night; come for the whole time. Just come!
ALL WELCOME. We’ll have more information soon.
Check in TAS App – Thank You for remembering
We can now fill the church to 100% capacity, which is great news. Work has begun on shortening the pews on the northern side of the church – we will soon be back to normal .
Thank you to all who have embraced the use of the Check in TAS app. as mandated by the Tasmanian Government. It is great to see everyone either scanning the QR code or checking in by using the sign-in sheet in the foyer or on the check-in table inside the Church.
Keep up the good work, it is just part of our lifestyle now, wherever we go.
Heather Galloway
Duty of Care Officer
GIVING – Your tithes and offerings
Offerings – why do we give?
Baptist churches operate independently – they do not receive financial support from a parent body or government agency. We therefore have to generate our own income to support our budget: to pay our Pastoral staff, cover administrative costs and general running costs as well as supporting local and overseas missions.
Offerings from the congregation are the major source of our income, and as such are very important. We thank all who continue to give faithfully on a regular basis. We could not operate without this support.
Currently our offerings income falls short of meeting our budget, hence we are looking forward to the whole building being available for use by the community, and the revenue from hiring the spaces increasing our potential to reach out and minister to the community.
EFT is a great way to ensure regular giving and as well there are offering boxes available for use as you leave the Sanctuary.
COVID-19 Reminders
Please remember the simple guidelines to keeping everyone safe, including:
- Stay at home if you are unwell – always cover coughs and sneezes.
- Please use hand sanitiser when you arrive and before you leave
- Ensure your name is recorded – Either using the Check in TAS QR code or sign the attendance sheet.
- Family members may sit close together – others please remember the 1.5m rule.
Thank you for your assistance.