Church Family News – December 2024
This Sunday, 15 December
YOU ARE WELCOME to the 75th EMPTY CHRISTMAS TREE service at 10am this Sunday!
The third Advent candle will be lit.
David Knox will continue our Christmas Stars Sermon Series, giving Joseph’s account of the Christmas story.
There will be an opportunity to gather around the Lord’s Table during the service.
You are invited to bring an unwrapped gift to place under the Empty Christmas Tree or buy some Christmas treats from the market stall in the foyer. All in support of Hobart City Mission’s Christmas appeal.
And to spread the joy further afield, offering envelopes for Baptist World Aid’s Christmas appeal will be available, plus Better World Gifts can be purchased.
SERMON: Joseph: I don’t understand, but I’m willing to believe!
BIBLE READING: Matthew 1:18-25
You are welcome to join us for MORNING TEA following the service.
YOUNG PEOPLE: Kids’ Church will enjoy a Christmas Party for their last session this year.
WATCH: LIVE on YouTube at 10.00am Sunday
HBC ROOM USE OR HIRE: 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.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
DECEMBER
SUNDAY 15th 10:00am. Empty Christmas Tree Service. Christmas goodies stall.
MONDAY 16th 10-11:30am. Men’s Study Group
SUNDAY 22nd 10:00am. Christmas Stars continues.
WEDNESDAY 25th 9:30am. Christmas Day Service
SUNDAY 29th 10:00am. Christmas Stars concludes.
CHRISTMAS STARS
Following the Stars on our way to Jesus
1 December to 29 Dec 2024
Luke’s gospel tells us that the Magi followed signs in the stars to find Jesus. In Christmas Stars, we will be following the stars of the Christmas story on our way to encountering Jesus this Christmas.
As we explore these stories let’s ask the question of why the different people were included, and what we can learn from each of their stories.
For more information click here>>>
75th EMPTY CHRISTMAS TREE SERVICE
This Sunday, 15 December you will once again have the opportunity to lay a gift under the Empty Christmas Tree during the church service. This is a long-standing tradition at HBC, in fact this is the 75th Anniversary of the Empty Christmas.
You are invited to bring a gift, such as a book, toy, game, clothing, non-perishable food item, gift card, voucher or financial donation to place under the tree. Gifts should be new, unwrapped and can be for all ages.
Come and experience the joy of giving.
All gifts and donations will be delivered to Hobart City Mission for distribution.
Christmas Goodies Market
This Sunday, 15 December there will also be a Christmas Market in the foyer during morning tea.
Donations of baked goods and Christmas treats welcome. Money raised will boost our donations to the needy in our community through Hobart City Mission.
EmpowHer Day of Wonder
Saturday 29 March 2025 I 9:30 for 10am – 3:30pm
at Riverlands, 159 Wellington Street, Longford TAS.
All Women Welcome!
BE ENCOURAGED towards your God-given potential at this special one-day gathering. Treat yourself to enjoy the company of other women, eat some delicious food, hear some great teaching, and go away inspired and refreshed.
This is a statewide event. Invite your girlfriends, co-workers, family-members and even your next-door-neighbour!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Melissa Lipsett, CEO Baptist World Aid
EARLYBIRD Registration ($50), Closes this Sunday 15 Dec 2024
Regular Registration ($60), until 28 Feb 2025 and Late Registration ($70) until 29 March 2025.
The COST Covers morning tea, lunch and materials
IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE PAYING TO REGISTER, PLEASE LET US KNOW. WE CAN HELP: empowher@tasbaptists.org.au
Baptist World Aid Christmas Appeal
Our Christmas Day offering this year will, once again, go to the Baptist World Aid Christmas Appeal. Your donations will help fight poverty this Christmas by funding proven and sustainable solutions that change lives.
“The dream is to see a world where poverty has ended and all people enjoy the fullness of life God intends“.
Envelopes are available for your donations on Christmas Day or the Sundays before or after. If you prefer you can give by depositing the money in the Church Bank Account with the appropriate description.
Better World Gifts
It is also possible to purchase a gift from our own online Better World Gift Stall by using the QR Code on the right, or go to
https://baptistworldaid.org.au/gift-stalls/hobart-baptist-gift-stall/
SMALL GROUPS AT HBC
Youth & Young Adults
The Youth & Young Adults group (aged 16-25) meet weekly on Saturday night at HBC, 6-7:30pm.
Speak to Jeremiah Ambrose for more info.
Men’s Discussion Group
You are welcome to join the very lively group of retired gentlemen who meet at the church on the third Monday of each month at 10.00am. For further information contact Geoffrey Clarke 03 6244 8838.
Weekly Prayer at HBC
Thursday night prayer time at HBC weekly from 6-7pm at HBC.
This is an opportunity to come together, in prayer, as we seek to discern God’s will for the church in the months and years ahead.
Hope to see you there.
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.