Church Family News – August 2024
Hobart Baptist Church, Sunday 25 August
ALL WELCOME this Sunday at 10am as we gather together in worship, giving praise and encouraging each other.
Kelvin Smith will bring part 2 of the Sermon on the Mount as we continue the Matthew: Future Kingdom Now Sermon Series.
This is Stephen’s second last service as Senior Pastor of HBC.
BIBLE READING: Matthew 7:12-20
SERMON: Sermon on the Mount #2
A Q&A session will take place after the sermon. During the sermon you are invited to SMS questions for Kelvin to: 0491 070 718.
MORNING TEA: Enjoy fellowship over Morning Tea following the service, including the option to buy hot drinks from Esteem and catch up with the Baxters.
YOUNG PEOPLE: Kids’ Church and HBC Youth are on.
WATCH: LIVE on YouTube at 10.00am Sunday
REMEMBER: For enquiries regarding room use/hire, please email Kelvin Smith (kelvin@citynetworks.org.au) or Connie Sim (connie@citynetworks.org.au).
PLEASE NOTE: To contribute to Connecter and Church Family News for any Sunday, please email connecter@hobartbaptist.org.au no later than 9am the Wednesday prior.
Do you need PASTORAL VISITATION?
The pastoral care team would love to visit!
FEEL FREE TO HAVE A CHAT OR SEND AN EMAIL TO:
* DAVID david@hobartbaptist.org.au
* ANNABEL annabel@hobartbaptist.org.au
* CELIA celia@hobartbaptist.org.au
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
AUGUST
SUNDAY 25th 10am. Matthew Sermon Series continues.
WEDNESDAY 28th 7:30am City Breakfast. Salvation Army Hobart Citadel (180 Elizabeth Street). Details below.
SEPTEMBER
SUNDAY 1st 10am. Stephen Baxter’s final service as Senior Pastor of HBC. Lunch to follow.
FRIDAY – SUNDAY 5pm 20th – early 22nd Day of Presence, EmpowHer Retreat, Maydena
SERMON SERIES – MATTHEW: Future Kingdom, Now
7 July – 29 September
As we read through Matthew, we find Jesus establishing a ‘New Thing’ as he proclaims and shares about the Kingdom of God and challenges us to have a bigger idea of God and also lays out an agenda of what it means to follow and serve God in this world.
Matthew is an account of revolutionary change. Jesus has come to change the world. As we journey through this book, it is an opportunity to reflect on what the revolutionary and disruptive message of Jesus means for us in the city of Hobart in 2024, and how we can better align ourselves with Jesus.
Stephen Baxter’s final Service as Senior Pastor of HBC
Sunday 1 September at 10am.
After 14 years of ministry among us there is a lot to give thanks for. The Diaconate extends an open invitation to all who have been part of that journey to attend this service as we give thanks to both Stephen and Jenny for their ministry in and through HBC.
Morning tea will be held after the service followed by a special
Lunch commencing around midday.
Yes, it is Fathers’ Day too, but hopefully this will give time for you to catch up with Stephen and Jenny.
Whilst an RSVP is not required, if you are planning to attend the lunch, it would assist with catering if you could let me know, including any special dietary requirements, by Thursday 29 August.
Heather Galloway
UPDATE – Esteem Coffee
Great news! There is movement on the upgrade of the church kitchen. Please pray that this gains momentum and that the doors will open for this to happen very soon.
More good news! Thanks to a generous anonymous donation, the Church is in a position to purchase the coffee machine and coffee grinder. Praise God!
At Kelvin’s request, a review of Esteem’s operation and the church’s priorities for the building, our mission and ministry is underway. Your prayers for this process and input into the conversations would be appreciated. Thank you to those who have already provided feedback.
If you would like more information feel free to catch up with Kelvin, Heather or Scott.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Hobart Baptist are supporting the Operation Christmas Child program during 2024.
Every Sunday, there will be a red tub available near the kitchen entrance for your donations – both gifts and cash donations are welcome!
It’s AUGUST and we are collecting something Special:
- Carry bag or purse
- Sunglasses
- Necklaces, bangles
- Craft kits
- Wind-up torch
- A personal note or photo of yourself, etc
October 12 – packing of Shoeboxes in the Soundy Lounge. And what a fun day that will be!
Or, if you prefer, why not take a box or two home and pack them yourself? Contributions towards postage also welcome. $13 per box.
Please see Kylie Henderson or Celia Munro for more info.
Here are some ideas for gifts >
DAY OF PRESENCE RETREAT
5pm Friday 20th to early Sunday 22nd September – Book soon, numbers limited!
Are you looking to get away for a day or two and discover more about God?
Do you need some time with other women to escape the hustle-bustle of your life, to quietly rest in God’s presence?
“But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done.” Psalm 73:28
The Day of Presence will be held in Maydena to create space for busy women to stop, experience God’s presence, and B-R-E-A-T-H-E.
– Led by Denise Stephenson, an experienced spiritual director and gifted retreat leader.
– $150/person for 2 nights. Plus Friday night dinner will be at a nearby restaurant at your expense. (Please contact us if you have hesitations about cost. There are other ways you can contribute).
– $50/person to attend as a day guest on Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
– Register your interest in coming by emailing empowher@tasbaptists.org.au and Jenny Baxter will get back to you with more details.
CHRISTIAN ETHICS SURVEY
This is a research project being led by Prof Douglas Ezzy from the University of Tasmania. It is part of a larger project funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) grant and has been approved by the Tasmania Social Sciences Human Research Ethics Committee, with project ID 30760.
This survey aims to describe the ethical approaches and attitudes of Christians in Australia, with a particular focus on their attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people.
If you would like more details talk to Matt Henderson, and to take this survey, click here, https://utas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1FDS3etuls9HdGe.
FRIENDSHIP GROUPS AT ESTEEM
English Conversation is on hold for now
Adult Colouring and Jigsaw Table
- Friday mornings
- COME AND ENJOY SOME DOWN TIME!
- Hosted by Karen Conway and Celia Munro
Tuesday Discussion Group on hold for the rest of the year.
William and Camille will be away from 4 September until mid-December.
Email Kelvin if you are interested or have ideas for other groups: kelvin@citynetworks.org.au
CITY PRAYER
Want to come together with other Christians and pray for our City?
Details for 2024 dates
7.15am for 7.30am.
City Prayer: Finish 8.30am | City Breakfasts: Finish 8.30am
28th August – BREAKFAST – Salvation Army Hobart Citadel (180 Elizabeth Street) RSVP Sharyn Hill
25th September – Hobart City Church of Christ (8 Goulburn St, Hobart)
30th October – Hobart Baptist (282 Elizabeth St. Nth Hobart)
27th November – Hobart City Church of Christ (8 Goulburn St, Hobart)
Let’s come together and pray for our city – knowing that ALL things are possible in Him.
Pastor Dave Morse, Your Church Moonah.
TITHES, GIFTS AND OFFERINGS
‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’
2 Corinthians 9:7
We thank all who give faithfully on a regular basis, as without this support we would not be able to operate. Your offerings support our budget: and through that it enables the church to continue to be an important part of the North Hobart landscape and the place from where we can prophetically serve the City of Hobart.
It is where we can know the benefit of worshipping with others, where we hear the stories of Jesus and how they apply to us, where we are encouraged in our journey with Jesus, from where we can share God’s love with others and help them to know and trust in God themselves. Our influence can also be far reaching – there is no limit to God’s love through our deeds and actions. Thank you for your generosity.
EFT is a great way to ensure regular giving and as well there are offering boxes available for use as you leave the Sanctuary.