Church Family News, August 2026
Welcome to Hobart Baptist Church
10AM SUNDAYS – Doors open from around 9:30am
WATCH: LIVE on YouTube at 10am Sunday
MORNING TEA: There’s nothing quite like a warm drink and good company on a winter’s day. We’d love you to stay after the 10am service and join us in the Soundy Lounge for tea, coffee and biscuits. Enjoy a relaxed time catching up with friends, meeting new people and connecting with our church family. Esteem Coffee will also be open, serving cappuccinos, lattes and other hot drinks.
HBC YOUNG PEOPLE
- Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade are back for Term 3 and will run every Friday throughout August.
- HBC Youth takes place at 7pm each Saturday.
- Kids’ Church runs every Sunday during the 10am service.
SUNDAY SERMONS DURING AUGUST 2026
Welcome to the Family explores Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians, where we discover what it means to belong to God’s family and grow as followers of Jesus. Join us in August as we journey through 1 & 2 Thessalonians, learning how the gospel shapes our faith, relationships and everyday lives as we mature in Christ together. Find out more >
2 August 🍷 The Role Model Christian, Joel Tabada, 1 Thessalonians 1
9 August Gospel Labour, Hyland Smith, 1 Thessalonians 2
16 August 🍷 Gospel Strength, Ryan Conway, 1 Thessalonians 3
23 August Gospel Lifestyle, Kelvin Smith, 1 Thessalonians 4
30 August Gospel Hope, Joel Tabada, 1 Thessalonians 5
🍷 Communion service
HBC ROOM USE OR HIRE: For enquiries regarding room use/hire, please email Connie Sim (connie@hobartbaptist.org.au).
CONNECTER DISTRIBUTION
All items for September are due by 5pm Friday 28 August to:
connecter@hobartbaptist.org.au
If you have any updates or adjustments, please also email the same address.
TASMANIAN BAPTISTS’ RECHARGE
You can catch up with the recent May issues, below.
There is a big drive on right now from Tas Baptists to SUBSCRIBE > to receive the fortnightly email. Why not do it?
READ the latest by clicking on on the links.
reCharge 2 July > | 12 baptisms at Gateway in 2 years! | Burmese Translation set for launch | Prayer in the Darkness of Mofo
reCharge 16 July > | Encouragement from St. Helens | Visuals Spectacular at Yolla! | Joy’s in Smithton’s Long-Term Partnership
reCharge 30 July > | Valuable Progress from Church Reviews | Remembering Bill Magor | 110 years of witness in Lower Barrington
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY, JULY 2026
- Sat 1 August 7pm HBC Youth Fellowship
- Sun 2 August 10am service
- Sat 8 August 9am-3pm Kamara’s Heart Cafe 2pm-4pm; “Dying to Know Day” Soundy Lounge; 7pm HBC Youth Fellowship
- Sun 9 August 10am Baptismal service
- Thu 13 August 10:30am Ladies’ Coffee Morning, Esteem Cafe
- Sat 15 August 7pm HBC Youth Fellowship
- Sun 16 August 10am service, followed by Church Family Lunch Together
- Mon 17 August 10am Men’s Discussion Group
- Sat 22 August 9am-3pm Kamara’s Heart Cafe; 7pm HBC Youth Fellowship
- Sun 23 August 10am service
- Sat 29 August 7pm HBC Youth Fellowship
- Sun 30 August 10am service
SAVE THE DATE – SAFE SPACES TRAINING
As we care for one another and grow as a church family, Safe Spaces helps us create environments where everyone feels protected and valued.
Saturday 3 October, 3–7pm (plus 7–7:40pm for leaders) A combined training with Hobart Baptist and CityWide Baptist Church. Dinner included.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
Sermon Series 26 July – 6 September
Following Jesus is a lifelong journey of grace and discipleship. Through the gospel, God welcomes us into His family and calls us to grow in Christ.
In this series through 1 & 2 Thessalonians, we explore Paul’s encouragement to a young church learning to stand firm in the gospel, grow in holiness and live with hope. This remains God’s desire for His church today and together we will discover how these timeless truths can shape our life together as the family of God at Hobart Baptist Church.
CHURCH FAMILY UPDATE & PRAYER
Serving Together as a Church Family
We give thanks for all God has been teaching us through The Unstoppable Series, especially the reminder that ACTS calls us to the Advancement of the Gospel, to live Controlled by the Holy Spirit, to Trust God’s Plan and to Serve God Faithfully. These truths continue to shape our life together in Christ as a church family.
We rejoice in encouraging signs of growth among our young people, including a successful Youth tennis tournament and the joy of seeing our kids lead the service through singing. We also look forward with anticipation to the baptismal service on 9 August, giving thanks for those preparing to take this step of faith.
Our Family Lunch Together has been a wonderful time of fellowship and we are delighted that it will now continue every third Sunday. A Special Church Meeting is planned for August to consider three new membership applications and we encourage anyone interested in membership to speak with one of our deacons or elders.
We are deeply grateful for all who serve across our ministries, Youth and Kids’ Church, worship and music, technical support, cleaning, hospitality and those who work quietly behind the scenes. We also give thanks for our pastors, elders and deacons who lead and shepherd our church with prayerful dedication. A special thanks goes to those who cook meals, prepare food, serve coffee and offer refreshments after the service, helping create a warm and welcoming space for fellowship.
We also give thanks for those who support our church through their faithful presence – worshipping, praying and encouraging week by week. Your quiet faithfulness strengthens our life together in Christ.
We remember those who are unwell or facing difficult seasons, praying for God’s healing, comfort and strength. We continue to uphold Pastor Matt, Kylie and their family as Matt navigates chronic fatigue, asking for Jesus’ sustaining grace and peace.
We are thankful for the generosity of those who support the mission and ministry of the church through their giving. Together, your service, presence and generosity are a great blessing as we seek to honour Christ.
May the Lord continue to bless and strengthen each of you as we serve Him together.
DYING TO KNOW DAY
Saturday August 8 is “Dying to Know Day” – a chance to have a conversation or do some preparation about an aspect of death and dying. Have you been meaning to write or update a Will? Who would you trust to make decisions about your money or where you live if you no longer had capacity? What do you wish your family and friends knew about what it important to you when it comes to receiving medical treatment?
Come along to an afternoon of cake, tea and conversation with helpful worksheets, plans and guides for things like Wills, Enduring Guardianship and Enduring Power of Attorney and Advanced Care Directives. Bring along your questions and your stories!
Saturday Aug 8: 2 to 4pm
REMEMBERING UNCLE FRANK
Francis Cole answered his final call on 29 July 2026 at 9:15pm, entering the presence of the Lord he loved and served so faithfully. Known affectionately as Uncle Frank to so many, he was a man whose life quietly but powerfully reflected Christ. His faith was steady and unwavering, expressed not only in words but in the way he lived, welcoming others with kindness, offering encouragement and showing genuine interest in every person he met.
Uncle Frank carried the gospel with grace. He was a faithful servant of Christ, a gracious witness who pointed others to Jesus through humility, gentleness and a deep trust in God. His open‑hearted hospitality made people feel seen, valued and at home, whether they were long‑time members or newcomers walking through the doors for the first time.
Much loved and never forgotten, he leaves behind a legacy of faith lived sincerely, love expressed generously and service offered quietly. His life reminds us what it means to follow Christ with devotion, warmth and integrity. We give thanks to God for Uncle Frank, for the blessing he was to our church family and for the example he leaves for us all.
KAMARA’S HEART CAFE
9am-3pm, Saturdays 8 and 22 August
John Kamara and his family treat all comers to delicious home made treats just once during April using the Esteem Coffee Lounge facilities.
This Café is dedicated to supporting children and their families in Africa, and every cent of profits goes directly to this important cause.
You can also order meals in advance which can be collected when the Cafe is open. To browse and order meals, use this WhatsApp link: https://www.wa.me/c/61425474496. Or call/SMS to order: 0425 474 496
Your support truly makes a difference.
EMPOWHER DAY OF ABUNDANCE
Be Filled Beyond Measure!
Be encouraged toward your God‑given potential at this special one‑day gathering. Enjoy the company of other women, share delicious food, hear inspiring teaching and head home refreshed and renewed.
This is a statewide event – invite your girlfriends, co‑workers, family members and even your next‑door neighbour! To order invitation postcards, email empowher@tasbaptists.org.au
WHERE Riverlands, 159 Wellington Street, Longford
WHEN Saturday 24 October 2026 | 9:30 for 10am–3pm
COST Includes morning tea, lunch and materials
$55 EARLYBIRD until 31 July 2026
$65 REGULAR until 15 September 2026
$75 LATE until 23 October 2026
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
During 2026, Hobart Baptist Church will again collect goods and raise funds for the Operation Christmas Child program. Each month there will be a different focus.
AUGUST – SOMETHING SPECIAL
You might like to include something personal and thoughtful – a special item that will bring joy and remind a child that they are loved.
Carry bags, sunglasses, bangles, stickers, necklaces, craft kits, wind-up torches, a personal note, a photo of yourself, etc.
Please drop your donations in the red tub by the kitchen door in the Soundy Lounge any Sunday.
Cash donations are also welcome to help cover distribution costs.
In October, the church will gather to pack the boxes and to pray for those who will receive them.
Questions or comments? Please catch up with Kylie Henderson or Celia Munro.
SMALL GROUPS AT HBC
Youth
The Youth group meets on Saturday nights at HBC, 7pm.
Speak to Kelvin Smith for more info.
Men’s Discussion Group
You are welcome to join the very lively group of gentlemen who meet at the church on the third Monday of each month at 10.00am. The next opportunity will be on Monday 17 August.
For further information contact Geoffrey Clarke 03 6244 8838.
Ladies’ Coffee Morning
Ladies welcome to join the monthly Thursday morning coffee catch ups. These are held on the second Thursday of the month from 10:30am-12 midday at HBC. The next one is on Thursday, 13 August 2026.
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.