Church Family News, September 2026
Welcome to Hobart Baptist Church
10AM SUNDAYS – Doors open from around 9:30am
WATCH: LIVE on YouTube at 10am Sunday
MORNING TEA: Spring is here and 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 on every Friday throughout September.
- HBC Youth takes place at 7pm each Saturday.
- Kids’ Church runs every Sunday during the 10am service.
SUNDAY SERMONS DURING SEPTEMBER 2026
Welcome to the Family has taken us through Paul’s teaching in 1 & 2 Thessalonians, helping us explore what it means to belong to God’s family and grow as followers of Jesus. As we move into September, we continue this journey by reflecting on Paul’s encouragement to a young church learning to stand firm in the gospel, grow in holiness and live with hope. These timeless truths keep shaping our faith, relationships and everyday lives as we mature together in Christ at Hobart Baptist Church. Find out more>
6 September 🍷 Hope in Christ, Joel Tabada, 1 Thessalonians 5
13 September Baptismal Service, Boys Brigade
20 September 🍷 Gospel Harmony, Kelvin Smith, 2 Thessalonians 1-3
27 September Intro: The Gratitude Effect, Jo Sinclair, Proverbs 11:24-25
🍷 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 October are due by 5pm Friday 25 September 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 13 August > | 4 Baptisms at Hobart Baptist | Remembering Francis Cole | Sweet Tunes coming to Yolla Baptist!
reCharge 27 August > | New Leaders in the State Team, Summerhill and Hobart Baptist | Bittersweet Goodbyes | Winter Shelter at Ulverstone
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY, JULY 2026
- Sat 5 September 9am-3pm Kamara’s Heart Cafe; 7pm HBC Youth Fellowship
- Sun 6 September 10am service; 12pm-2pm Christmas Fundraiser-Bake Sale, Foyer
- Thu 10 September 10:30am Ladies’ Coffee Morning, Esteem Cafe
- Sat 12 September 7pm HBC Youth Fellowship
- Sun 13 September 10am Baptismal service – Boys’ Brigade
- Sat 19 September 9am-3pm Kamara’s Heart Cafe; 7pm HBC Youth Fellowship
- Sun 20 September 10am service, followed by Church Family Lunch Together
- Mon 21 September 10am Men’s Discussion Group
- Sat 26 September 9am-3pm Kamara’s Heart Cafe; 7pm HBC Youth Fellowship
- Sun 27 September 10am service
SAVE THE DATE – SAFE SPACES TRAINING
Creating a safe and welcoming environment is an important part of our ministry. If you serve as a pastor, elder, deacon, ministry leader, children’s or youth worker, SRE teacher, or in any role involving vulnerable people, we encourage you to attend the Creating Safe Spaces Workshop.
This training will cover practical Safe Church principles, including duty of care, protecting vulnerable people, and best practices for recruiting and supervising leaders. Participants are required to complete the online Creating Safe Spaces module before attending.
CHURCH FAMILY UPDATE & PRAYER
Serving Together as a Church Family
As we reflect on the blessings of August, our hearts are filled with gratitude to God for His faithfulness, grace and goodness toward us as a church family. We have been encouraged by the many ways Christ has been at work among us, drawing us closer to Him and to one another as we seek to love, serve and follow Him together.
One of the greatest joys of the month was celebrating the baptism of Zandro, Julia, Zaph and Emily. It was a wonderful privilege to witness their public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and their desire to follow Him in obedience. Their testimonies reminded us of God’s saving grace and the transforming power of the Gospel. As a church family, we rejoice with them and pray that they will continue to grow in faith, love, and confidence in the Lord.
We also give thanks for our recent Church Meeting, where members gathered prayerfully and united in seeking God’s guidance. We are grateful for the opportunity to affirm Kelvin as Interim Pastor and thank God for his willingness to serve. We pray that the Lord will grant Kelvin wisdom, strength, and encouragement as he shepherds and leads our church during this season and that Kath and their children will know God’s grace, peace, and blessing as they support him in this ministry.
Another cause for thanksgiving was the official recognition of Dorothy, Ryan and Hyland as members of Hobart Baptist Church. We are grateful for their commitment to our church family and look forward to continuing our journey of worship, discipleship and service together.
Our Family Lunch Together has been a wonderful blessing, strengthening friendships and encouraging fellowship in Christ. We are grateful to all who contribute their time, hospitality and generosity. We also thank God for everyone who faithfully serves across our ministries and supports the life of our church through prayer, encouragement, generosity and practical service. We continue to pray for those who are unwell or facing difficult circumstances, asking God to grant them comfort, strength, healing and peace.
As we look ahead, we are excited for our Family Fun Day in October and Christmas Lunch Together in December. May these events provide opportunities to share Christ’s love, deepen fellowship and welcome others into our church community.
May we continue to fix our eyes on Jesus, grow in His grace and serve together for His glory. 🙏✨
CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER
Help us share the love of Christ this Christmas by supporting our Christmas Bake Sale Fundraiser.
Our vision is to create a warm and welcoming Christmas Day Lunch for 50 to 100 guests, including church family, neighbours, and those who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation during the festive season. Through hospitality, fellowship, and a shared meal, we hope to demonstrate God’s love and ensure that everyone has a place to belong on Christmas Day.
Funds raised through our bake sale will help provide a memorable Christmas celebration filled with delicious food, meaningful connections, and the joy of community.
We’re preparing for our upcoming Christmas Lunch Fundraiser and would love your support! Whether you can volunteer your time, bake some delicious goodies, donate ingredients, or assist with setup and serving, every contribution makes a difference.
If you’re bringing baked treats, please include your recipe so we can provide important allergen information for all attendees.
Together, we can help make this Christmas Day a special occasion for those in our wider community, reflecting Christ’s compassion and care through practical acts of kindness and generosity.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40
FAMILY FUN DAY
Save the Date – Saturday 10 October
Bring the family and enjoy a relaxed day of fun, food and friendly activities. Meet some furry friends, decorate a cake, join a music jam, play a game or two, or simply enjoy time together. With plenty happening from 10am to 2pm, it’s a lovely chance to connect, laugh and make memories. We’d love to see you there.
KAMARA’S HEART CAFE
9am-3pm, Saturdays 5 and 19 September
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.
SEPTEMBER – ANY CATEGORY
Ideas for September donations: Choose from any category and pack with love. School supplies, toys, clothing, hygiene items, cuddly gifts, and a personal note or photo can all bring joy and encouragement to a child.
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 21 September.
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, 10 September 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.