Church Family News, 20 June 2021 – Hobart Baptist Church

Welcome to Church!

For many years we have sensed God’s call to engage with our city.

And at last we are doing it! The launch of Michael Henderson’s art installation last Thursday night was a huge success. And a promise of many good things to come.

TODAY, we begin our celebration of Christmas in Winter, with Stephen Baxter preaching – Jesus: Our Prophet.
Bible Reading: Hebrews 1:1-3

DON’T FORGET! Christmas in Winter – Carols in the Tab, Friday 2 July.
MORE ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN WINTER >>>

The Luminous Festival continues this week. Come and see Breathe, Shine and Seek to Mend an Art Installation by Michael Henderson on display in the HBC Foyer and Soundy Lounge. Daily 11:00am to 6.00pm, until Tuesday 22 June.

EVENTS THIS WEEK: A Conversation with Ruth Burgess, 6pm Wednesday 23 June and a Conversation Panel on the topic Religion, Spirituality and the Future of Tasmania, 6pm Friday 25 June.

Call for Luminous Volunteers

Our application for a grant from the Tas Christian Fund to host the Luminous Festival was successful! Thank you to those who have already volunteered to fill some of the available positions. Opportunities still exist for volunteers each day (Sat 19th to Tues 22nd) to hang out with Michael at the art installation from either 11am-2:30pm, or 2:30-6pm.

If you are available please contact Heather Galloway: secretary@hobartbaptist.org.au

Dates for Your Diary

18-22 JUN 11:00am to 6:00pm – Breathe, Shine and Seek to Mend Art Installation.
SUN 20 JUN Advent 1 – NO Members’ Meeting today – postponed to Sun 27 June.
WED 23 JUN Luminous Conversation with Ruth Burgess REGISTER
FRI 25 JUN Luminous Conversation Panel REGISTER
SUN 27 JUN Advent 2 – Members’ Meeting after 10:00am Service
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

11am-6pm until 22 June, 2021

Michael Henderson’s thought-provoking art installation is on view in the Soundy Lounge. Please do come, and take the time to be impacted.

The launch last Thursday night was a great success! Close to 50 people admired the artworks, enjoyed the new foyer/Soundy Lounge area, listened to atmospheric music (thanks to Joy and Peter), and grazed on delicious food and drinks (thanks to our new cafe team).

Michael says, “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.”

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? Back in 2015 we talked specifically about engaging in the area of the arts. A few years’ ago, God brought Michael to us with a sense of God’s call to be involved in the Arts. Our journey and his journey have merged. With Tasmania’s spectacular midwinter arts festival Dark MoFo back again for winter 2021, Michael Henderson is taking the opportunity to engage with it again in Breathe, Shine, and Seek to Mend.

Our Redevelopment is Finished!

The New Foyer — *Mustard Seed Cafe* forecourt – waiting for tables!

At long last we are able to occupy the upgraded facilities – praise God!

Morning tea resumes this Sunday. Please stay after the 10am service to take a look around, check out Michael’s Art Installation, and enjoy fellowship over morning tea in the new Foyer. The new kitchen looks fresh and bright, but it will take time to establish a new routine.

Whilst there are a few finishing touches to be completed, the spaces look great – and we can use them! There is much to be done to set up for use, so please be patient. Your help is welcome.

Contact Kath Smith on kathsmith@y7mail.com if you are keen to help with after-service hospitality.

POSTPONED: HBC Members’ Meeting – (Now) Next Sunday 27 June 2021

The HBC Members’ Meeting, scheduled for today after the 10am Service today, has been postponed by a week and will be held next Sunday 27 June 2021. Apologies for any inconvenience the change might cause, but as above, HBC is in the middle of a momentous occasion, and we should embrace it.

Both Members and Others are welcome! For more information view our members’ page here.

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>>>

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.

You can give online here>>>

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.