The Advocate November 2011

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In conversation The Advocate celebrates its 10th anniversary. PAGE 12 >>

NOVEMBER 2011

“Poverty is a fact of life for far too many Australians ...” BAPTISTCARE CEO, DR LUCY MORRIS

4 Campsite safe

Photo: Steinberg Tan

Baptist Churches Western Australia has renewed the lease for the Busselton Baptist Camping Centre >>

Tony Campolo speaking at the churchtogether event in Perth.

churchtogether 2011 Crowds flocked to G.O. Edwards Park in Burswood from mid-afternoon on 23 October ready for the churchtogether 2011 celebrations.

churchtogether is one of the largest Christian combined church events of its kind in Australasia, and in a powerful statement of unity, 7,000 people from 160 different churches filled the park.

A stunningly beautiful Perth spring day enticed many to bring their picnic sets and eat in family and church groups before the celebration began.

More than 500 volunteers served as ushers during the afternoon and evening.

Local musicians, including Jonas and Lucinda, Rob Humphreys and Paul Morrison entertained the crowd with acoustic music during the hour before the program started.

Mark Wilson, Director of Ministries for Baptist Churches Western Australia, welcomed the crowd and set the program themed ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ in motion.

Dr Tony Campolo, President of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, Pennsylvania, USA spoke to the crowd.

His topic ‘Bringing the Kingdom into your world’ related well to the entire crowd.

An elder statesman of the Christian community, the renowned author told stories highlighting God’s wisdom and involvement with individuals to bring transformation and hope to broken lives.

Phil Baker, former Senior Minister of Riverview Church,

took the idea of a city wide gathering of Christians to a group of influential church leaders almost 20 years ago. The first churchtogether was held in 1993.

Senior Minister of Riverview Church, Haydn Nelson, invited Phil and his wife Heather on stage at this year’s churchtogether. The crowd cheered wildly to honour Phil who spoke briefly about his journey with churchtogether.

He continues to recover from serious medical issues.

Tim Hanna, CEO of Compassion Australia and Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision

Australia talked together about their work among the poor of the world.

Although both men lead hugely influential teams that are making significant differences on the global scene, Tim Hanna said the thing that keeps him awake at night is children dying from preventable diseases. Tim Costello loses sleep because of slavery.

Later in the program guest performers, Parachute Band, from New Zealand cranked out some brilliant music. A highlight for everyone was Henry Seeley joining Parachute Band on stage.

Bus fire at Sportsfest A leaking fuel line caused fire in the engine of a bus taking 40 young people home to Albany from SportsFest in Australind on Sunday, 2 October.

Albany Baptist Church Youth Pastor, Craig Sullivan, said the

passengers evacuated smoothly from the bus while one of the men put out the fire. No one was hurt.

Several passengers travelled home to Albany later in the day in private vehicles with other competitors due to work and school commitments on Monday morning. Some students were sitting exams on Monday.

More than 30 competitors spent the night at Eaton Baptist

Church then travelled to Albany on Monday, arriving in town around 3:00 pm.

“We’d really like to thank Geoff Black from Bunbury who drove us home in his hire bus and didn’t charge us,” Craig Sullivan said. “We only paid for the petrol.”

“The whole team from Baptist Churches Western Australia were so helpful and the people at Eaton Baptist were great too.”

7 SportsFest 2011 SportsFest continues to be a highlight of many churches’ annual youth programs >>

11 Poverty for 1.5m Over 100,000 Australians are homeless each night and 25 percent of those are aged 12 to 18 >>

We value community because we are stronger when we work together.

BAPTIST CHURCHES WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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my view NOVEMBER 2011

The significance of baptism The significance of baptism has been watered down substantially over the years in Protestant circles. The outcome has often been a reduction to the lowest common denominator — Jesus did it, so we should too.

Mark Wilson Mark Wilson is the Director of Ministries for Baptist Churches Western Australia.

I’m not a baptismal regenerationist (someone who believes that if we can just immerse them we’ll save them). It is by God’s grace that we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8). However, let’s dispel some of the common myths that sink us.

Jesus’ baptism is not a model for us. Jesus did not refer to it as a model, neither did Peter or Paul in the New Testament writings.

Jesus’ baptism was not a Christian baptism. Nor was it John’s

baptism. It was a priestly baptism that was entirely unrelated to sin.

It was ceremonial preparation for priestly service (see Leviticus 8:6 ff).

Paul states in Romans 6 we are buried with Christ through baptism into death. Paul makes no mention of the word ‘symbol’ or ‘symbolise’. Something actually happens. It may be that baptism symbolises our faith, but for Paul it actualises a spiritual death and

resurrection experience.

Then there is the old Augustinian phrase that drips incessantly — an outward sign of an inward experience, sign and symbol. Christian baptism is simply an expression of, or testimony to an experience that has already taken place.

Specifically, a born again experience of one’s own defining that did not necessitate any specific act of obedience.

You won’t find this phrase or sentiment in the New Testament.

Christian baptism is an act of obedience. Matthew 28:1920 includes it in the Great Commission as the means by which we make disciples. We go

and make disciples by baptising and teaching people. Christ commanded it, so we do it, but the Bible teaches so much more about this wonderful ordinance.

I am puzzled by the current state of conviction among many Christian leaders. I suspect that much of the ambiguity and softpeddling on baptism springs from a desire not to rock the boat or offend people who have followed Christ for years without being baptised.

Let’s rediscover baptism, not as a work that earns salvation, but as a term of the covenant that God has prescribed and to which we must therefore be obedient if we are to be covenant people.

To lose sight of all coasts ...

The editor informs me that the current edition marks the 10th anniversary of this publication, and wondered if I had any insights to note the milestone.

Given that ten years ago the powers that were didn’t have the foresight to invite me to write for the opening edition, I can’t claim to remember the ‘back then’ days. But it did inspire me to think about what I was doing a decade ago.

Dr Brian Harris Dr Brian Harris is the Principal of Vose Seminary and Senior Pastor of Carey Community Baptist Church.

So I hauled out my trusted diary — in 2001 a notebook and pen affair.

Discovery one was that I prefaced the year with two quotes I had presumably found inspiring.

The first was from French philosopher Andre Guy, “We can never discover new continents

until we have the courage to lose sight of all coasts.” In 2001, I was approached to take up a post at a seminary in the USA. While it all fell over (the institution concerned fired 38 of their 42 theologians at the same time as they withdrew their invitation to

me), I can understand why I was agonising about losing sight of the coast.

The second was from one of the church elders, Jamie Wood, “Visions conceived with God are never stillborn, but often aborted.”

Profound stuff. It’s true that God never wimps out of the plans He has for us, but we often do.

Flicking through my diary has been fascinating. Endless meetings — some with people whose names no longer conjure up a face, while others spark instant nostalgia. For some I have offered a prayer in the dark. I remember how tough things were for them then; and wonder how

they are travelling now.

And how am I travelling?

Well, a few years later we did lose sight of all coasts and made the journey to Perth. It was worth the risk. And we have found that visions conceived with God are not stillborn; and God has given us the strength not to abort.

So sorry, I can’t say much about The Advocate turning ten, but I can affirm that God is faithful, year in, and year out.

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“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

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NOVEMBER 2011

Photo: Jill Birt

Assembly celebrates God

Dancers from the WA Chin Christian Church performed at the Annual Assembly of the Baptist Churches Western Australia in October .

The Annual Assembly of the Baptist Churches Western Australia (BCWA) was a celebration of God’s faithfulness and heart for people.

Almost 90 delegates met at Gosnells Baptist Church on Saturday, 22 October to hear stories of God at work. It was the first BCWA Assembly for Vose Seminary’s Dr Peter Christofides and newly appointed Pastor Ted Ward of the Coolbellup Charismatic Baptist Church.

Accreditation candidate, Karen Siggins, spoke of her journey with God as He prepared her through suffering and pain as well as joy and celebration to the point where she now leads the church at Lesmurdie.

The accreditation culminated with Dr Brian Harris and other senior staff of BCWA as well as Karen’s family and close friends gathering around her and

formally setting her apart for the ministry God has called and equipped her to do.

BCWA Director of Ministries, Mark Wilson, presented her with a certificate of accreditation and a Bible.

The Assembly also welcomed Pastors Chuck Barrett and Nathan Randall whose accreditation was transferred from overseas.

The Assembly voted to extend Mark Wilson’s call as Director of Ministries for five years and accepted the nominations of Bruce Watkins, Brad Entwistle and Karen Siggins as members of the Council of BCWA. Dr Harris outlined the growth of Vose Seminary and

the pressing need for improved facilities.

“We’ve gone from 41 students in 2004 to more than 200 this year,” Dr Harris said.

He outlined the concept of Vose College which will train students who have completed high school. Plans include studies in education and commerce.

“We’re serious about helping people develop a robust and thoughtful Christian faith,” he said. “We want to help grow Christian leaders not only for the church but also for the marketplace.”

The Assembly endorsed a capital giving campaign to enhance and enlarge the facilities of Vose Seminary.

DOM reappointed Mark Wilson was re-appointed as Director of Ministries for Baptist Churches Western Australia (BCWA) for a further five years at the Annual Assembly of the BCWA in late October.

“It’s wonderful to see the overwhelming endorsement of the leadership and ministry of our Director of Ministries, Mark

Wilson,” Chairman of the BCWA Council, Allan Thomas said.

“There is a real sense that God is working through Mark’s

ministry and we look forward to what the next five years will bring.”

Brief video clips highlighted God at work in several arenas of the Kingdom. Pastor Colin Lituri spoke of the progress at Woodvale Baptist Church and Pastor Joanne Jarlett talked about the Karratha Baptist Church; Karen Wilson highlighted the work among Baptist women.

Monica O’Neil from Vose Leadership explained how leadership clusters are helping individuals become better leaders while Dan McGrechan talked of the influence SportsFest is having among young people.

Dr Marc Chan explained that ethnic churches make up 10 percent of Baptist Churches in Western Australia and the unique role they have in ministering to people from other cultures.

The WA Chin Christian Church sent a group of singers and dancers to the Assembly.

Their four-part a cappella harmony chorded with many people at the Assembly. The rich heritage of their culture was also evident in the dance they performed, which told the story of God’s faithfulness.

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news NOVEMBER 2011

Campsite finally safe

All the lease holders that applied for their leases have had their applications confirmed.

Recommendations were approved by the Busselton Shire Council on 12 October at a regular Council meeting.

Baptist Churches Western Australia have been invited to hold leases for two adjoining sites.

“The granting of the leases presents BCWA with exciting opportunities to serve the community,” Terry Hicks, Business Manager for BCWA said.

“It’s a real blessing for us to have two sites to work with,” Ross Daniels, Director of Camp Ministries said. “The biggest thing for us is we can cater for larger groups. That’s more than 200 people at a time.”

A new requirement of the lease agreement is an annual contribution to the coastal erosion program run by the Busselton Shire.

“This is a significant new expense for us,” Ross said.

“The lease now has building set-back limits that we’ll need to adhere to. This will affect us immediately as the dormitories on the new lease site will have to be demolished.”

“We’ll re-configure our current buildings to allow the best use of facilities for group bookings.”

Possible changes in the future include some new buildings to

Photo: Ross Daniels

After more than five years of consultation and negotiation, Baptist Churches Western Australia (BCWA) has been invited to renew the lease for the Busselton Baptist Camping Centre for the next 21 years.

Baptist Churches Western Australia has been invited to renew the lease for the Busselton Baptist Camping Centre for the next 21 years.

meet the needs of guests.

The set-back limits outlined in the lease agreement will provide open space for guests on the beach front.

“If there are people who have skills, practical or otherwise, I’d really like to hear from them,”

Ross said. “This is a great opportunity for people to share in the ministry of the BCWA.” Busselton Baptist Camping Centre is all about creating an excellent camping experience that helps build changing relationships and memories

Mark D Roberts www.patheos.com/blogs/ markdroberts “At the risk of oversimplifying things, let me say that worship is offering to God all that God is due. For us individually, this means offering our whole selves to God.”

18/10/2011

Carl Trueman www.reformation21.org/ blog/2011/10/howardjacobson-on-steve-jobs.php “... Steve Jobs was the great facilitator in our day of Pascalian distraction/diversion. For those

is accommodated at the camp site each year.

“Busselton is such a great campsite — close to the beach, simple accommodation at affordable prices, possums in the trees — campers never want to leave,” Ross said.

Colleges combine for 2013 Kennedy Baptist College recently appointed Mark Ashby as its inaugural Principal.

The College was created through the amalgamation of Somerville Baptist College and Winthrop Baptist College, on their adjoining campuses in Murdoch. It will start operating at the beginning of 2013.

“We have a very clear vision for the future of Kennedy Baptist College,” Mark said. “It will involve building on the great foundations of the two current schools.”

“Creating the new College will provide some real advantages for students, including a greater breadth of opportunities across all aspects of the College curriculum.”

The new College is a response to emerging trends in education.

A building program featuring a new and contemporary enquiry

digital church 27/09/2011

through short-term community.

Camp managers, Andrew and Rebecca Collins, expect to be busy with bookings over the summer.

The Green Team, volunteers assisting with Leavers events at Dunsborough in late November,

centre and upgrading present facilities will be ready for the start of the 2013 school year.

“While some parents are concerned that students will not be cared for as well in a larger College, we know that the quality of care has little to do with size,” Dr Phil Ridden, Executive Officer Kennedy Baptist College said. “It’s about the quality of relationships, and students and staff at Kennedy Baptist College will continue the tradition of strong staff-student relationships.”

All current teachers will be accommodated in the new College. A new leadership team is being formed.

“We will definitely be employing a chaplain,” Mark said.

Kennedy Baptist College expects to have a student body of about 1,300.

“The new opportunities and possibilities created by the formation of the new College are exciting for students.”

briefs of us who love our iPads and iPods, that is a very sobering thought.”

18/10/2011

Andrew Hamilton www.backyardmissionary.com “… maybe Facebook is more like real life than we would like to admit. Maybe this is how it works in our world. I have certainly seen plenty of people cut friendships at the slightest hint of disagreement.

Unfortunately it only creates immature people who fail to grow and develop relationships of substance — because you can’t do that when you cut off everyone who disagrees with you.”

18/10/2011

Mike Friesen www.mikefriesen05. wordpress.com “One of the most transformational teachings a Christian can find in their lifetime is that they’re made in the image of God. It brings about a whole new perspective for them in the way they are called to live. This teaching, called the Imago Dei, reveals the beauty of every single human being and the eternal worth in which they were created.”

Births

Pastoral changes

Daniel Jordan Rivett was born to Steve and Josie Rivett (North Beach Baptist Church) on 22 September.

Pastor Paul McKeich concludes his ministry at Mt Barker in early November to work as a chaplain at YouthCARE based in Perth. Pastor Steve Izett concludes ministry at Carey Baptist Church in late November and starts as Senior Pastor at South Perth Baptist Church in late January 2012.

Engagement Jason Watterson and Anika Fitch announed their engagement recently. Jason is Ron and Sandra Watterson’s son (Cranbrook Baptist Church), and Anika is Doug and Janet Fitch’s daughter (Mt Hawthorn Baptist Church). Vanessa Moore and Tim Robertson from North Beach Baptist Church announced their engagement on 15 September.

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NOVEMBER 2011

Perth shines for CHOGM The prayer event marked the beginning of ten days of Shine activities, many focused on prayer for the nations of the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Following a colourful Parade of Nations, featuring all the flags of the Commonwealth, politicians Peter Abetz and John Kobelke brought messages from the West Australian Premier and the Leader of the Opposition, respectively.

The program focused on prayer with representatives from local churches, including Mark Wilson, Director of Ministries of the Baptist Churches Western Australia, and many international guests praying for unity and purpose among local, national and international churches.

A military band and bagpipes, a 150 voice choir, dancing, flags and balloons helped the audience worship.

The Bible brought to Australia on the First Fleet and the first Aboriginal language Bible were paraded into the stadium and displayed on stage.

Nick Scott, Senior Pastor at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church was master of ceremonies for the event. Singer Christine Kang’s

(Mount Pleasant Baptist Church) powerful voice inspired the audience to sing praises to the ‘King of Kings’.

‘This Little Light of Mine’ captured the image of Perth being a city of light. Challenge Stadium was studded with points of light when people waved glow sticks and mobile phones as the crowd sang. In 1962, American astronaut John Glenn recognised Perth from space when the population turned on the city lights as he flew over WA. Shine was the brainchild of Commonwealth Prayer Initiative founder, Wendy Yapp, who spent two years planning the ten day Christian festival to celebrate CHOGM 2011 in Perth.

“When I first heard the Premier, Colin Barnett, announce two years ago that Perth would host the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, I was excited that this significant event would be held in our city,” Mrs Yapp said.

“The Premier then asked the WA community to get behind the event. Well, the Christian community has certainly done that,” she said.

Two more city-wide rallies followed the opening event. One

Photo: Jill Birt

Christians from churches across the city celebrated the opening event of Shine on Thursday, 20 October at Challenge Stadium. Organisers estimated 1,500 people attended.

Dr Muyiwa Sorunmu from Nigeria prays for Africa at the opening of the Shine at Challenge Stadium.

at Victory Life Centre on Friday, 21 October and another at St Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday, 22 October.

“It is powerful to see the churches in Perth coming together as the nations of the world come to our city,” Victory Life Senior Pastor, Margaret Court,

Prayer changing lives

Since the tsunami on Boxing Day 2004, Shirani Wikramanayake has had a strong connection with Perth through Nicole O’Dea who works in Sri Lanka with Daughters of Destiny International. More than 36,000 people died and 800,000 more lost their homes and work when the tsunami hit Sri Lanka.

“I believe that Perth hosting the CHOGM is no accident,” Shirani said. “Perth has cried with us, prayed with us and shared with us so generously through so much.”

“I believe it is Perth that will shine tall and bright and will

Inside Wesley, people prayed 24 hours a day for the entire week. They prayed for peace and security of delegates during CHOGM week, as well as for the needs of the 2.1 billion people of the Commonwealth nations.

The gift of God Leaders from around Australia and the world met at the Shine Assembly meetings at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on 21 and 22 October to share stories of God at work and to encourage people to pray.

Photo: Jill Birt

Shirani Wikramanayake spoke at the Shine Assembly on 21 October where 300 people met at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church to hear stories of God at work among the nations and to pray for the nations of the Commonwealth.

said. “What a significant time to stand together for the nations in prayer and worship.”

Converge, a week of prayer, praise and performances at Wesley Church in the Perth CBD was organised from 24 to 30 October.

Shirani Wikramanayake spoke at the Shine Assembly recently.

reach the rest of Australia. It’s only the fuel of prayer that will do this.”

Shirani’s life changed 24 years ago when she met a group of Christians at a Bible Study.

Born in Sri Lanka and brought up as a Buddhist, she was captivated by the love and care of the group.

For the last two decades her work has focused on the Prayer for Peace (P4P) movement for

reconciliation in Sri Lanka, a nation torn by civil war.

“We mobilise people to pray — small groups praying one day a week, with specific prayer points.”

“Our first goal is to bring the Body of Christ together.

That’s been my focus. In 2007 we held a unity gathering with thousands of people from many denominations. Things are changing.”

Sydneysider Jane Mackie, founder of the Children’s Prayer Network, equips children and leaders to pray using the gifts God gives them.

“My work is mobilising the next generation as agents of transformation for the next generation,” Jane said.

During the Assembly she ran workshops with high school students helping them experiment with prayer.

“We’re so privileged to have Jane here,” Wendy Yapp, founder of the Commonwealth Prayer Initiative said. “She is a world leader having taught in 35 nations around the world.”

David Stanfield, ‘The Banner Man’, held workshops on using banners and flags in worship.

“Banners really help people get moving in worship,” David said.

“I’m seeing a lot of men engage

My work is mobilising the next generation ... more fully with worship when they use a banner. Sometimes our worship is so soft and sedentary.

It’s not attractive to men.”

“Flags and banners aren’t something new. They’ve been part of worshipping God since the Old Testament times.”

Other speakers included Ian Cole from the World Prayer Centre in the United Kingdom, Brian Pickering from the Australian Prayer Network and Pastor Gireva Gireva from Papua New Guinea.

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Youth show the way The auditorium, lit by soft candle light, became an environment conducive for reflection and prayer. The young people divided into four groups to pray for people in Africa, Central Asia and South East Asia.

At East Fremantle Baptist Church the Sunday morning gathering had a strong emphasis on prayer for people groups that do not yet know of Jesus.

“We followed the service designed by Global Interaction,” Pastor Andrew Duncan said. “This is something we can do any time, but the emphasis this weekend when we knew so many others were praying too was great.”

Charis Waugh and Rhys Ludemann were part of the group of young people from six churches who prayed together for people groups of the world.

Joy for Pingelly campers Two baptisms in the ocean off the Busselton Baptist Camping Centre were a highlight of Pingelly Baptist Church’s family camp at the site over the first weekend in October.

Sixty people from Pingelly Baptist Church travelled to Busselton for the weekend.

As well as plenty of fun activities there were some teaching sessions. Pingelly’s Pastor, David Adams, taught on ‘Having a practical prayer life’ and John Kenyon, an elder at the church, spoke about ‘Five key principles of wealth’.

“The highlight of the camp was the baptism,” David said. “It rained heavily during the service, but the sun came out just in time for the baptism on the beach.”

Katherine O’Dea and Belinda Wilcox were baptised. Three other adults expressed their interest in being baptised.

“On Saturday night we had a spectacular quiz night run by Sarah, Emma and Clare Lange.

They conducted a fantastic show,” David said. “Great strength was shown by the young women who we thought were shy.”

Many campers said they felt they were brought closer to the Lord and their faith was strengthened because of the weekend.

Baptisms

Maida Vale turns 50

Belinda Wilcox and Katherine O’Dea from Pingelly Baptist Church were baptised during the church’s camp at Busselton on 2 October. Bruce Watkins was baptised at Parkerville Baptist Church on 25 September. Adrian Bockhoop, Caitlin Becsi and Trevina May Howell were baptised at 1Church in Mandurah on 25 September. North Beach Baptist Church celebrated the baptisms of Naomi Smith (formerly from Karratha Baptist Church) on 18 September and Sue Archibald on 2 October.

A Saturday evening dinner and Sunday morning service and lunch made up the 50th anniversary celebrations of Maida Vale Baptist Church on 17 and 18 September. Guests at the dinner included former Pastors Jeff Mitchell, Keith Gallagher, Nic Rensen and Simon Jennings. Six foundation members of the church cut the anniversary cake. A church history was produced and a photographic display prompted many to reminisce about how God has worked in the area. Ian Duncan led the Sunday morning worship time using songs that reflected the changes to music

and worship over the decades.

Bob Clark, now retired, spoke at the service.

briefs

History reviewed During the Baptist Historical Society Western Australia’s meeting on 13 November, the day’s speaker, Aylene Quartermaine, will be talking about Mount Pleasant Baptist Church’s first fifty years (1959 – 2009). Secretary Rhoda Walker said the meeting will be held at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 497 Marmion Avenue, Booragoon at 2:30 pm. “People are welcome to come and hear the story of one of our churches,” Rhoda said.

Photo: Bronwyn Cunningham

Fifty-five young people from six Baptist churches met at Parkerville Baptist Church on the night of Friday 14 October to participate in Just Prayer.

Organisers Pastor Craig Palmer (Riverton Baptist Church) and Pastor Dan McGrechan (Parkerville Baptist Church) guided the group through prayer for the people groups Global Interaction has teams working among.

Groups came from Baptist churches at East Fremantle, Riverton, Girrawheen, Lesmurdie and Parkerville as well as one from Wagin.

The night started with a sausage sizzle and drinks followed by a game in the church car park to help the group get to know each other.

Ben Good, interim Pastor at Wagin Baptist Church and a Global Interaction worker preparing to go to Mozambique to work with the Yao people, spoke of his journey responding to God’s voice.

Peter Birt, one of the Pastors at Parkerville Baptist Church, with years of experience working cross culturally in Indonesia and the Philippines talked with the group about the desperate need for people to go to groups that have not yet heard of God’s plan.

“You’ve got to be courageous to do this,” Peter said. “All the easily reached groups already know about Jesus. It’s the hard to access ones, and there’s about 6,000 of them, that still need to hear.”

He suggested Jesus’ comments about going to ‘all nations’ refers to ethno-linguistic groups, not merely individuals.

Photo: Jill Birt

Global Interaction called churches across Australia to pray for the whole weekend of 14 to 16 October for Just Prayer. The initiative encouraged churches to pray for people around the world who are from groups that have not yet heard about Jesus Christ.

David Adams (left) and Malcolm Cunningham baptise Katherine O’Dea during the Pingelly Baptist Church camp at Busselton.

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NOVEMBER 2011

Photo: Robin Carter

SportsFest 2011

Participants gather at the Leschenault Leisure Centre on Friday, 30 September for the opening of SportsFest.

SportsFest, for those aged 16 to 28 years, continues to be a highlight of many churches’ annual youth programs.

Baptist Churches Western Australia Events Coordinator, Erik Olsen, and Events Assistant, Michelle Smoker, worked with more than 200 volunteers and support people to ensure the program ran smoothly.

“Each year it’s a logistical challenge to program the event,”

On Saturday evening Ben O’Reilly led a tight worship band comprising of musicians and singers from several churches.

Pastor Anthony Palmieri (Lakeside Baptist Church) was the main speaker for the gathering at Eaton Recreation Centre.

Almost 20 percent of the audience wrote responses asking for prayer or wanting to talk about an issue, including choosing to follow Jesus.

Competition started on Friday night after the opening ceremony with the tug of war challenge.

Wagin won the men’s event and the Bentley women’s team won their event.

The 2012 event will revert to a three day program.

For more SportsFest news see pages 8, 9 and 16.

Queue for the loo

Photo: Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

At SportsFest this year 1,126 young people from 30 churches competed in different sports over the weekend of 30 September to 2 October.

Michelle said. “This year’s event was unique because it was run over two days, instead of the usual three day long weekend.”

“We could never run this event without the huge contribution made by the volunteers,” she said.

The event was once again held at the Leschenault Leisure Centre in Australind.

“The SportsFest competition is a highlight of the annual calendar at Leschenault Leisure Centre,” Lisa Johnston, Centre Booking Officer, said. “Erik and his team are a pleasure to work with and do an awesome job.”

“The weekend is action packed with people participating in a variety of events in and around the Centre, and there is always a smile on everyone’s face.”

The Mount Pleasant Baptist Church team queue for a loo to win the Baptist World Aid Australia photo competition.

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At SportsFest 2011 Robin Carter from Baptist World Aid Australia asked teams to take a photograph to demonstrate the plight of people who have limited access to sanitation.

“Millions of people around the world don’t have access to a toilet. That’s not just an uncomfortable situation to endure it brings major health problems to a community,” Robin said. “We’re working to highlight that problem and to encourage people and governments to give funds to help solve this problem.”

The Mount Pleasant Baptist Church team won the photo competition with their cheeky shot of an expectant queue.

Robin has been part of SportsFest for the past three years.

“I just love coming to Perth for this event,” Robin said. “These young people are so enthusiastic and creative.”

10 news NOVEMBER 2011

Out of Asia Their hearts are still in Central Asia where they have many friends among the students they taught during the past decade.

“We’re really missing the deep fellowship we had with people there. It’s going to take some time to feel comfortable and accepted back here,” Shirley said.

With their family living in Alberta, Canada and London, England, the return to Perth has been a little strange. The Dean’s home church is Tom Price Baptist Church in the Pilbarra, and even there the transient nature of the population focused on mining work means they know few people in the church.

“We’d love to go back and visit the church,” David said. “At the moment we’re not sure how that is going to happen.”

The Deans have spent the first month back in Australia going to medical appointments

and visiting government agencies to organise pension payments.

“We’ve been visiting Perth churches each weekend to thank people for their support and interest in the work we’ve been involved in for the past few years,” Shirley said. “It’s difficult to really get to know people when you’re just in and out in one day.”

That thought is not foreign to many people returning to Australian culture after an extended time working cross culturally.

“One thing that is easy to adjust to is clean air,” Shirley said.

“And everything looks so new and clean, unlike parts of the ancient city we lived in.”

Over the years the Deans worked in three universities in Central Asia. In August, before they returned to Australia, they met with a group of students

Photo: Jill Birt

David and Shirley Dean recently returned to Perth after 11 years with the Global Interaction team teaching English at universities in Central Asia.

Shirley and David Dean recently returned to Perth after teaching English in Central Asia.

from the first class they taught who were celebrating the 10th anniversary of their graduation.

“We’ve seen some changes in the society over the years,” David said. “Foreigners could not live inside the old city walls in 2000 when we first arrived. They can now.”

“The last few years we’ve seen attitudes of respect for elders and authority diminishing, and wealth and independence becoming driving forces in society.”

“With the massive population there is intense competition for jobs. Many people have no hope.”

“We saw many lives change

as students introduced their friends to Jesus. They found hope for the future and they experienced God’s love for them as individuals. So many of the students had never experienced that,” David said.

The Deans will look for work in Western Australia in the new year.

Three hundred people from the Katanning region recently celebrated 25 years of Katanning Baptist Church meeting at Kobeelya.

Kobeelya was built in 1902 as the stately home of the Piesse family, 12 years after Katanning town began. For six decades it was home to a girls’ boarding school before Katanning Baptist Church purchased the property in 1986.

Katanning Karen Baptist Church also meets at Kobeelya.

Schools, churches and community groups can hire the conference centre. For about 20 years the ‘Single Again’ camp has met at Kobeelya, bringing hope and courage to people on their own after a marriage breakdown or the death of their partner.

The celebrations ran over the weekend of 27 to 28 August.

People queued to join local identity Jean Phillips as she led tours through the large house. All the other buildings were open for interested people to view.

Activities focused on relaxed fun — sack races, egg and spoon races, tug of war and three legged races.

The newly laid chess board in the central lawn area attracted

many competitors for a game of chess or checkers. Beach volleyball and croquet were also popular.

A cake stall, fresh garden products and plants, lunch and high tea helped raise more than $3,200 for bedspreads for Kobeelya’s new beds.

The celebrations included a worship service at Katanning Baptist Church on Sunday morning followed by lunch on the lawn.

Pastor Malcolm Good said the weekend was a great community celebration.

Photo: Shirley Brokenshire

Katanning celebrates home

Built in 1902, Kobeelya has been home to Katanning Baptist Church for 25 years.

Age 5 Mum prays a prayer with me and I say ‘yes’ to Jesus Age 14 I say ‘yes’ all over again at youth camp at Serpentine.

Caption Age 16 Start leading at camps, start leading worship at church.

Age 26 One of the pastors at church says, almost incidentally, ‘I think God could be calling you to plant a church’.

Age 28 I’m working hard but down deep, something stirring.

God’s working on my heart...

Age 31 I enrol at Vose Seminary and begin a new journey of learning, growth, equipping and discovering Jesus in community. Pretty excited...

Age 34 Our first Sunday!

At Vose Seminary, no two stories are the same.

People join us to learn more about Jesus and The Word for all kinds of reasons.

Some are young, some older. Each one seeking to follow Jesus in a deeply biblical, highly practical learning environment.

Some come to fuel and equip a ministry journey they’re already on, or are exploring. Others because they’re wanting to add knowledge to cultivate a robust faith. Others come because they know that this is simply the next step on a long journey.

Whatever your story, come, grow at Vose Seminary. Continue your journey at www.vose.edu.au

come, grow

news 11 NOVEMBER 2011

Poverty for 1.5m Aussies “Poverty is a fact of life for far too many Australians and there is no need for it to exist to the extent that it does.” Baptistcare CEO, Dr Lucy Morris said.

Over 100,000 Australians are homeless each night and 25 percent of those are aged 12 to 18.

Homelessness, poor health, limited education and issues of illiteracy, insecure jobs in service industries and a pervading sense of hopelessness are consequences of poverty.

“I’m tired of seeing the gap between the rich and poor increasing, the constant demands of consumerism and the demand for constant growth at the expense of sustainability and general human flourishing,” Dr Morris said. “It’s time there was a much clearer agenda for human happiness than the only one which appears to exist, that of having money to spend.”

During Anti-Poverty Week, from 16 to 22 October, Baptistcare ran several events across the West Australian community to highlight the plight of Australians living in poverty.

Baptistcare encouraged people to display a ‘reverse poverty, reverse park’ bumper sticker to call people to action to start reversing poverty.

People were asked to take a photo of their car parked in reverse with the bumper sticker on view, then post the photo on the Anti-Poverty Western Australia Facebook and Twitter.

Staff from Baptist Churches Western Australia joined the activity.

“Many people in our society don’t see the impact of poverty, so this campaign is useful to raise awareness of the issue,” Ross Daniels from BCWA said.

“The bumper sticker is a simple way to start that process.”

Dr Morris, Co-Chair of Anti-Poverty Week 2011 in Western Australia, was a speaker at an event at Notre Dame University in Fremantle during Anti-Poverty Week. She spoke about the links between climate change and poverty.

Staff and board members at Baptistcare posted video clips on the internet talking about some of the issues causing poverty and their experience in Australian society.

Aimee Somerville from Baptistcare said poverty is everyone’s issue, not simply those who deal with poverty in their lives every day.

Photo: Jill Birt

More than 1.5 million Australians live in poverty and many more are close to the edge.

Ross Daniels from BCWA shows the ‘reverse poverty’ sticker on his car during Anti-Poverty Week.

Baptistcare opening

MOPS make a difference

The Spirit of MOPS Award is given to a chartering church or organisation that has supported and promoted the cause of MOPS in their area in a significant way during the year.

Inaugural Coordinator, Pauline Hough, heard about the MOPS program at Lifestreams Christian Church in South Perth, became inspired and went to her church leadership team with the desire to start a MOPS group at Mount Pleasant.

“MOPS was a huge blessing in my life as I brought up my children over the three years I was coordinator. I know it really encouraged those who attended and many seeds were planted in their hearts,” Pauline said.

MOPS has been running at Mount Pleasant for ten years.

They helped start new groups at Carey Baptist Church and Karratha Baptist Church in 2010.

In 2008 they hosted the national conference.

Currently MOPS at Mount Pleasant has no coordinator, but the team continues to work in the MOPS model — a dynamic, inviting environment where women can come just as they are to build friendships, be encouraged and gain practical parenting strategies, while children are lovingly cared for in a MOPPETS program managed by volunteers.

One single mum struggling with three boys said that MOPS at Mount Pleasant always made her feel like a queen.

MOPS is conducted Australiawide. There are 17 groups in Western Australia, seven in Baptist churches.

Photo: Jill Birt

The team of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church recently received a national award for their work with young families.

The Burroughs Trio entertained guests as they arrived for the launch of Baptistcare’s new offices in Welshpool.

Baptistcare officially opened its new Welshpool office on Friday, 14 October.

The new office brings together all the support staff from Baptistcare’s Applecross and Rivervale offices to work in an open plan office at 100 Welshpool Road.

The event marks a new chapter for Baptistcare, with the launch of the new name Baptistcare Inc. (formerly the WA Baptist Hospital and Homes Trust Incorporated). A Five Year Strategic Plan and new website were also launched.

Chairperson Cynthia Clive officially opened the new building.

Community Ambassador and Patron, Pastor Graham Mabury, prayed, asking God’s blessing on the Baptistcare team and the new offices.

“People loved the open plan arrangement and its sense of energy, as well as being able to see Baptistcare’s future in the Strategic Plan, the new website and new name,” Baptistcare CEO, Dr Lucy Morris said.

“It was wonderful to see so many of our friends, colleagues and supporters gathered to share in our celebrations.”

Also attending the event were Baptistcare staff and board members, representatives of

the Baptist Churches Western Australia, building design team and suppliers, government representatives, other industry providers, colleagues and friends.

“Even though we moved into the office in May, having the celebration really symbolised our new direction,” says Baptistcare’s Director of Organisation and Quality Development, Des Lewis.

“It was much more than the opening of the building.”

For more information, visit www.baptistcare.com.au.

12 in conversation NOVEMBER 2011

Photo: Brad Entwistle

The Advocate turns 10

Terry Hicks looks back over the first edition of The Advocate from November 2001.

Some people said it wouldn’t last, but this month marks the 10th anniversary of The Advocate newspaper.

Brad Entwistle, Managing Director of imageseven, has worked on the design of the newspaper since its creation.

“Our original brief was to create a publication that built a sense of community across all the Baptist Churches in this very big state. To do that we knew we would have to craft a publication that is interesting to read. So it’s been an ongoing challenge for The Advocate team to create a newspaper style publication on a monthly basis, while keeping the stories current.”

“One of the distinctive characteristics that sets The Advocate apart is our editorial style. We set out to write the stories in a way that doesn’t use too much in-house language. We want people who have no direct connection with their local Baptist church to be able to pick up the paper, read it and not be alienated.

Even more than that, we want those people to have a positive impression of what Christians are up to across Western Australia and the things that are truly important to us being reflected ... and that we can have a laugh at ourselves from time to time.”

“Over the last ten years I’ve read nearly every word that we’ve published. There are stories that break your heart and there are stories that remind me how wonderful God is. But I really enjoy being able to report the small successes of churches and Christians across the state. When you add them all together, there’s a lot going on in WA.” Before The Advocate, Baptist churches throughout Western Australia received information through the monthly bulletin-style publication Contact.

“The transition to a newspaper was an interesting and in some ways brave move as Contact had been a church hold word for a very long time,” Terry Hicks, Editor of The Advocate, said.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Terry Hicks and the team at the Baptist Churches Western Australia. After a few years we went to them and suggested that The Advocate take a wider focus and become ‘Western Australia’s newspaper for Christians’ they saw the vision straight away,” Brad said. “While the focus is clearly still on Baptist churches, The Advocate is a service to Christians of all denominations in WA.”

The Advocate is a service to Christians of all denominations in WA. The first design was 12 pages, black and white, with colour photographs front and back.

“We were all set to distribute the first edition at the Annual Assembly at the Concert Hall in the city,” Terry said. “The adrenalin was flowing as we handed out The Advocate, then we found out churches had also received it on the Sunday prior to the Assembly, so many people had already seen it!”

The mix of church news and stories from national and international groups demonstrates the dynamic nature of the Christian community and God’s power at work.

“I’m hoping this journey over the past ten years has been helping WA Baptists share the great things God is doing and how people’s lives are being challenged and transformed in their local communities,” Terry said.

Gathering news and photos is a constant task for The Advocate’s team. One edition goes to print and the next one is already being planned.

“It’s quite a dynamic publication to work on,” writer Jill Birt said. “We’re often updating stories right up to the time we go to print so our readers have the most up-to-date information.”

The latest design changes appeared in the June 2011 edition. The Advocate is now a full colour production of 16 pages.

“The Advocate has been and continues to be a wonderful way to share the stories of Baptist churches in Western Australia and the wider Christian community,” Mark Wilson, Director of Ministries said. “On this our 10th anniversary of The Advocate, with its new 2011 look, is a newspaper that we can all be very proud to read each month.”

leadership 13 NOVEMBER 2011

By John Maxwell

The time of your life Which significant event or season would you describe as ‘the time of your life’? Perhaps your wedding day and honeymoon, an adventurous vacation, or the birth of a child. These memorable moments stick in our minds and remembering them brings back feelings of joy. Yet while our lives may be marked by notable occasions, they’re not defined as much by any single event as by the unremarkable days which shape our character and values. The hours, minutes and seconds in a day literally are the time of our lives. How we use them shapes who we are. To make the most of the precious resource of time, consider the following three steps.

1. Gain clarity Clarity is the most important concept in personal productivity.

Leaders cannot make the best use of time until they have a clear-cut notion of their purpose in life. Dr Edward Banfield of Harvard University, after more than 50 years of research, concluded that ‘longterm perspective’ is the most accurate single predictor of upward social and economic mobility in America. Longterm perspective turns out to be more important than family background, education, race, intelligence, connections or virtually any other single factor in determining your success in life and at work.

Successful people have a clear future orientation. They think five, ten and twenty years out into the future. Take a moment to ponder your purpose.

What do you hope to accomplish in life? Where would you like to be in ten years?

More concretely, ask yourself, “Why am I on the payroll?” Pose this question to yourself over and over again throughout your career. In truth, most people are not sure exactly why they are on the payroll. Yet, if you are not crystal clear about the results you have been hired to accomplish, it is very hard to perform at your best, raise your value as an employee and earn promotions.

2. Generate priorities Leaders look ahead to where they hope to be in the future, and they set priorities in the present to make sure they end up at their

Feedback and criticism are fairly constant for leaders; unless you have managed to surround yourself with a bevy of henchmen who keep people and their opinions away or you are so intimidating that no one is game to talk to you. People will let you have some from time to time or possibly all the time if you are a radical change agent. Their words or actions can be difficult to receive, yet in each one is a gift.

That gift is worth the discipline it will take to unwrap and accept.

The gift in the slap

By Monica O’Neil It takes skill to carefully unwrap the gift given and sort through its contents. The good news is that skills can be learned. It also takes grace and forgiveness, and fortunately, as followers of Christ, we have been given plenty and can, in turn, give plenty.

So what kind of skill is involved? Glad you asked.

Separate your emotional response from the data.

Criticism can set off a bevy of emotional responses, including anger, despair and sadness. Criticism can tag itself to a particular part

of our sense of self which is insecure. We all desire to be loved and accepted, as well as hopes for making a significant and valuable contribution in our community. These are the bases which can take a beating when we are criticised. That critique can go straight to some of our very soft places and we feel it.

Critique has data. If it is off the wall, from another planet, simply weird and irrelevant, we can easily dismiss it, and rightly so. But most criticism has truth in it. Data which is real. Sometimes, extra facts or opinions have been added by the giver to give weight to their case. Generalisations and exaggerations can be investigated for the kernel or harvest of truth which is

contained in it. You can make a genuine enquiry as to the nature, severity, examples of and frequency of the offending action.

It is helpful to imagine this data on a table out in front of you, like notes spread out to be examined. You can sort them through, look for value in them and thank the giver for their feedback. Pieces which prove to be lacking veracity can be discarded gracefully.

The difficulty is that our emotional response has been triggered almost instantly. We have instantaneously opened the door for the emotional threat to barge into our deeper being and threaten us, and the door seems to slam shut right in time to

block out all the useful data.

There is a discipline to quieting your physical response of stress, anger, confusion or sadness. Until you do so, it clouds capacity to read the data. I haven’t said you don’t feel it. Simply acknowledge it and quieten it.

What if we pushed the information and our response back out the door and onto the table outside of ourselves where we can examine it broadly and generously? Then we could choose the gift to take away. We can also choose the gift of a response filled with integrity and grace.

Monica O’Neil is the Director of Vose Leadership.

desired destination. Their future intent influences their present action. Prioritisation means giving focus and energy to those things that give the highest return.

The 80/20 Rule is a helpful concept to hone in on your high return tasks. This principle says that 20 percent of your activities will account for 80 percent of your results, 20 percent of your customers will account for 80 percent of your sales and 20 percent of your products or services will account for 80 percent of your profits. This means that if you have a list of ten items you do, two of those items will turn out to be worth five or ten times or more than the other eight items put together.

Which priorities on your to do list are most likely to account for the bulk of your productivity?

3. Get on a schedule Scheduling is telling your time where to go instead of wondering where it went.

Sticking to a predetermined schedule guards your time and puts you in control of your agenda. Alternatively, unscheduled time flows to trivial tasks, falls under the sway of the assertive personalities around us and surrenders to every emergency that arises.

Thoughts on scheduling: Schedule in advance Work a couple of months ahead. Put top priorities on the calendar first, making sure to keep your family at the top of the list.

Resist the urge to over schedule You’re not Superman or Superwoman, so don’t try to cram 14 hours of work into an eight hour day. Also, build in ample time for rest and exercise.

In addition, give yourself margin.

Leave some free time to deal with unexpected events or to fit in an unforeseen appointment. Finally, just say ‘no’. Filter out meetings or involvements that eat away time and offer little in return.

Create large chunks of time Most of the truly important work you do requires large chunks of unbroken time to complete. Your ability to carve out and use these blocks of peak value, highly productive time is central to your ability to make a significant contribution to your work and to your life. Study your natural rhythm and carve out space on your calendar to perform your most important work during the time of day when you function best.

Used with kind permission from The John Maxwell Company, www.johnmaxwell.com.

14 news

the facts

NOVEMBER 2011

events calendar November 6 November

December Day of Prayer on Climate Change, Hope for Creation, www.hopeforcreation.com.au

11 November

Remembrance Day

11 to 12 November

Prayer 101 Workshop, 1Church Mandurah, 0407 986 214

12 November

13 November

21st Birthday Celebration, Busselton Baptist Community Church, 9754 8001

March

3 December

International Day of People with Disability

5 December

International Volunteer Day

10 December

International Human Rights Day

19 December

IGA Carols by Candlelight, Supreme Court Gardens

2 to 7 January

Super Heroes Summer Camp Inters, BCWA, 6313 6300

8 to 12 January

Super Heroes Summer Camp Juniors, BCWA, 6313 6300

19 November

Jazz at the Wood, Inglewood Community Church, 0406 073 690

14 to 15 January

More Than Sunday Music Festival, Old Broadwater Farm Busselton, www.morethansunday.org

Opening of Woodvale Baptist Church Auditorium, 9309 4044

26 to 28 November

The Zone at Leavers’ Week, Rottnest, BCWA, 6313 6300

Jazz at the Wood, Inglewood Community Church, 0406 073 690

24 March

Perth Children’s Ministry Convention, North Beach Baptist Church, 9341 1560

25 March

Moora Baptist Church 20 Year Celebration, Moora Baptist

January

International Day of Tolerance

26 November

24 March

Church, 96531414

16 November

The Zone at Leavers’ Week, Dunsborough, BCWA, 6313 6300

International Women’s Day

2012

Baptist Historical Society Public Meeting, Mt Pleasant Baptist Church, 9384 5460

25 to 28 November

8 March

February 18 February

Jazz at the Wood, Inglewood Community Church, 0406 073 690

contribute news

To find your local Baptist church visit www.baptistwa.asn.au

The Advocate is published on behalf of Baptist Churches Western Australia by imageseven.

Tel:

(08) 9221 9777

Email: info@imageseven.com.au

Editor:

Terry Hicks

EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING:

Managing Editor:

Brad Entwistle

Email: editor@theadvocate.tv

Sub Editor:

Jill Birt

advertising@theadvocate.tv

Production:

Fiona Hood

Mail:

Baptist Churches

Graphic Design:

Peter Ion

Western Australia

Catherine Bartlett

PO Box 57, Burswood

professional advice upon the applicability of any matter, advice or comment herein to their

Advertising:

Priscilla Penn

Tel:

(08) 6313 6300

authors, editors or publishers of this publication for any loss or damage suffered by any party

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Priscilla Penn

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Editorial deadline: 5th of each month

Publishers General Disclaimer All the articles, comments, advice and other material contained in this publication are by way of general comment or advice only and are not intended, nor do they purport to be the correct advice on any particular matter of subject referred to. No reader or any other person who obtains this publication should act on the basis of any matter, comment or advice contained in this publication without first considering and if necessary taking appropriate

own particular circumstances. Accordingly, no responsibility is accepted or taken by the

acting in reliance on any matter, comment or advice contained herein. imageseven bcw P303

intermission 15 NOVEMBER 2011

browse

onethousandpremieres.com One Thousand Premieres is a campaign to bring one of the greatest Bible stories to the silver screen. It’s the story of David and Goliath, in its time period, but presented in a progressive cinematic style for the next generation. Rather than distributing it through conventional theatres, History Tellers Productions are building a network of 1,000 individuals and churches that will help bring this film to life and present it as a gift to their communities. The film is called Four Stones and will released internationally on 12 to 14 October 2012. You can host a premiere in your home or in your church, check out onethousandpremieres.com for more information.

listen

No Ordinary Day

A Moment of Clarity

All or Nothing

Amelia Jae When Australian singer/ songwriter Amelia Jae last year released her debut album No Ordinary Day, no one would have guessed that within a year she’d be wooing crowds at the Big Exo Day in Sydney and other Christian music festivals, as well as singing to record-breaking crowds at major sporting events such as the NRL finals. This album reveals Amelia’s natural talent to enthrall audiences and create songs about life, love and faith. ‘Wannabe’ is a standout song.

Seasons Four years after the release of her debut solo album Note to Self, and seven years after her appearance in the top four of Australian Idol, Hayley Jensen now leads the Christian pop rock band known as Seasons. The five song EP, A Moment of Clarity, makes compelling listening and shows that Seasons is one of those rare bands that can get a crowd on its feet from the very first song. Every song is a winner.

Jonnday The Australian indie five-piece Jonnday has attracted a lot of attention and accrued some impressive accolades, winning a stack of band competitions and an increasing number of fans along the way. The band’s current lineup, finalised a couple of years ago, has performed at Easterfest, the Big Exo Day and the Forest Edge Music Festival. Each of the songs on this six-track EP is full of hope and encouragement. ‘One Type of Falling’ is a highlight.

win Kindly supplied by Wanno from Woodlands Media Website: www.woodlandsmedia.com

The Grace of God Andy Stanley “But grace can’t be earned …” explains Andy Stanley, a Pastor, communicator and author based in Alpharetta, Georgia.

“To earn something is to find an equivalent. There is no equivalent

read

where grace is concerned. Grace is birthed from hopeless inequity.

Grace is the offer of exactly what we do not deserve.” Stanley describes clearly to us, the meaning of grace; the evidence of God’s grace through the lives of people like Moses, David, Jonah, the Samaritan woman at the well and the prodigal son (just to name a few). It is an inspiring, in-depth study on the Lord’s great grace. “We find in the pages of scripture that the stories often mirror our own stories, and that we too need the very thing we do not deserve; the grace of God.” The Advocate, in conjunction with Word Bookstore is giving you an opportunity to win a copy of The Grace of God. To be in the draw, simply answer the following question:

Question: What is grace birthed from?

Entries close 16 November and all winners will be announced in the December edition of The Advocate.

Start Your New Life competition winners: N Aplin, A Bozanich, C Bulley

competition Answer: Name:

Journey into God’s Heart Jennifer Rees Larcombe This story tells a personal account of a woman born into a famous Christian family with the public eye upon her. After being miraculously healed, following eight years in a wheelchair, Larcombe explains her journey walking through the fire and overcoming serious challenges of faith. “… none of them had realised that the times I treasured most, in retrospect, were the secret moments alone with God when I felt my spirit had touched His and, for a brief moment, we had merged completely.”

Courageous

Mirror Ball

Randy Alcorn Based on the screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick (Fireproof, Facing the Giants and Flywheel), Courageous is a novel that revolves around four police officers and the challenges that they must face, not only with their professional life, but with their personal and spiritual too. With a heavy focus on parenthood and working together in our faith; Courageous is a call for men and women to take charge in ‘fathering’ our families in Christ.

Matt Redman “This book is about living a big, bold, bright life of worship,” explains author Matt Redman.

Mirror Ball, the perfect title for a book that focuses on our calling to reflect God’s light out into the world. Matt brings focus to our daily lives and how we can worship, not only through song, but through passion and love.

Redman encourages readers to remember that, however inadequate they may feel to live out this passion, God will work in and through them, just as light radiates through the smallest prism.

Phone number: Please complete this form with your details and post it to: The Grace of God Competition 11 East Parade East Perth WA 6004

Reviews and competition kindly supplied by Word Bookstore.

Website: www.word.com.au Locations: Morley - 4 Wellington Road, phone 08 9375 3722

Victoria Park - 359 Albany Highway, phone 08 9361 7899

16 sport & youth NOVEMBER 2011

Riverton wins SportsFest

Parkerville Baptist Church’s team, named jPod won the ‘small church’ category. Their team included six young people from Newman Baptist Church.

“It was really great to have these guys with us,” Parkerville Youth Pastor, Dan McGrechan said. “We hope they’ll be with us again next year. We were happy with being runners-up in the mixed netball and squash competitions.”

The number of team members determines if a church is in the ‘big church’ or ‘small church’ category. The number of team members for ‘small church’ teams varies each year.

Each year, groups make banners and design t-shirts that reflect the theme of their team.

Mount Barker Baptist’s ‘I once was lost’ theme showed creative flair and their matching t-shirts definitely stood out in the crowd helping them win the banner and t-shirt competitions.

Carey Baptist Church were runners-up in the banner competition with a clever take on a dishwashing product.

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church were runners-up in the t-shirt design competition.

For more SportsFest news see pages 7, 8 and 9.

League table Big Church Riverton

Photo: Terry Hicks

Riverton Baptist Church won the ‘big church’ category of SportsFest 2011, with wins in badminton, indoor cricket, kubb, field soccer (mixed), draughts, recreational Australian rules football(mixed), badminton and the all important cheering/sportmanship categories.

They also finished second in indoor soccer (male), badminton and handball (male), collecting them enough points to top the table.

Riverton Baptist Church were the big winners at SportsFest this year.

Sponsors Small Church

455

Parkerville

397

Bentley

453

Mandurah

389

St Matthew’s Anglican

386

Lake Joondalup

369

Lakeside

348

Ellenbrook

312

North Beach

299

Morley

297

Christian Reformed Church 271

East Fremantle

277

Mount Pleasant

266

Mount Hawthorn

238

Albany

235

Armadale Congregational

184

Claremont

207

Yokine

109

Winners of Best Shirt Mount Barker Runners-up Mount Pleasant Winners of Best Banner Mount Barker Runners-up Carey Best Cheering/ Sportsmanship Riverton Runners-up Lakeside

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