Church Family News, 15 August 2021
Being Made New
This Sunday, Liam Conway will explore the question, ‘How does being made new, happen?’
He will talk through the ideas of regeneration, sanctification, new creation, and the grace of God.
This Week at Hobart Baptist Church
SERMON TITLE How does Being Made New happen?
BIBLE READING Ephesians 4:17-32 >>>
WATCH YouTube service available from 10.15am Sunday >>>
During in the Service, Kids’ Church and Youth will be invited to join in their own activities.
Unfortunately, the Baxters are in quarantine for another week. However, they are both available by phone and email.
Bible Study – the Letter to the HEBREWS
Starting next Sunday 22 August, at 2-3:30pm, in the Soundy Lounge, there will be an opportunity to gather and discuss the incredible truths found in the Letter to the Hebrews.
The letter to the Hebrews is unique. It gives insights into the life of Jesus that are quite different from anything else in the New Testament. Jesus is acknowledged as Prophet and King, but only in Hebrews is he regarded as a Priest.
All are welcome to join Stephen Baxter and Liam Conway as they lead the 10-week study in two five-week blocks:
Block One – 22 August to 19 September; Block Two – 17 October to 14 November.
Join us as we explore the life and teaching of Jesus from this unique vantage point.
Evangelism Conference – Saturday 21 August
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association invites you to the Tasmanian Evangelism Conference! Together with local church partners from Hobart, speakers from around Australia will inspire, equip and engage Christians in reaching their community with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Stephen Baxter is attending, and invites you to participate!
WHEN: 8:30am-1:30pm Sat 21 August | WHERE: C3 Convention Centre | COST: $20 includes morning tea and lunch | REGISTRATION AND MORE INFO >>>
Movie Night!
All Welcome
WHEN: From 4pm, Saturday 11 September
WHERE: The Soundy Lounge
COST: $5 per person, dinner, tea, coffee included
MOVIE: To Be Confirmed – but it will be family friendly
VOLUNTEER TO HELP: Talk to Sam Bradley, Tracy Ortiz, Jenny Baxter
Giving Hope where it is needed
The Karen recently held a fundraiser, motivated by the plight of their Karen brothers and sisters who are displaced and living in poor conditions on the border between Myanmar and Thailand. In total $6,750 was raised, which included personal donations as well as the proceeds from the fundraiser. A heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to all who contributed.
In addition, this week Paw Nay and Klow Klow handed over another $6765 from the Karen community to contribute towards the building project! That’s an amazing act of generosity from the Karen brothers and sisters.
Our prayers go particularly to those who have loved ones who are affected. The photos above tell a little of the story. Forced to leave their homes by the military, and no where to go, too many are also dying because Covid-19. They need food, medicine, oxygen. The first $1000 has been sent to the Covid-19 Response Committee, and was used to purchase PPE’s and oxygen.
We feel so helpless, but we can do something, even from afar.
New Sermon Series
Our new sermon series is on the Genius of Genesis and has been postponed to start on next Sunday, 22 August.
Although controversy and disagreement surround the book of Genesis it is, no doubt, a work of inspired brilliance and a profound literary masterpiece.
In this series, rather than looking for Genesis to answer our questions, we will explore the treasures waiting and accept its invitation to reframe our understanding of reality.
Changes to Kids’ Church
Kids’ Church has resumed and this term we are looking at the Armour of God.
We love our cosy new meeting space designed for younger children This space is limited to primary aged children and leaders. Children leave during the service each week, and meet together in their new location upstairs.
Our high schoolers have not been forgotten! HBC Youth also meet in their own space each week during the service, except on the 2nd Sunday of the month.
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 is still affecting our lives!!
Unfortunately, we are not free of this pandemic yet, as the Baxters can attest! I’m sure you have all been watching the latest news and the result of opening up the country to travel has meant another wave, this time with the delta variant causing even greater concern because of it’s rapid spread.
Have you had your Covid vaccination yet? It is the best way to protect ourselves and our community. Can I encourage you to consider your position prayerfully and ask questions if you are uncertain.
We have been extremely fortunate in Tasmania, but with people moving around it is important not to be complacent and to remember the simple guidelines to keeping everyone safe, including:
- Get vaccinated
- Stay at home if you are unwell – always cover coughs and sneezes, and get tested if you have symptoms
- Please use hand sanitiser when you arrive and before you leave
- Check In – Everyone over 16 years of age is now required check in whenever they enter the building – Please scan the Check in TAS QR code or sign the attendance sheet.
Thank you for your assistance.
Heather Galloway
Duty of Care Officer