CELEBRATE YOUR ABUNDANT GOODNESS AND JOYFULLY SING OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS PSALM 145:7
Foreword It has been forty years since the founding of Macquarie Baptist Church. There’s much to celebrate, as this story will tell. However, this book is not just a history. It is an account of our identity, and the way God has developed the DNA of the Church through successive generations. In the face of enormous change, this story becomes all the more important. It is our prayer that the telling of this story encourages the Church to look to God for a future of faithfully sharing Jesus in Macquarie Park, with greater dependence on God, with bolder prayers, and with more strength and determination than we may have ever had before. That is our prayer.
Rev. Tim Blencowe, Senior Pastor Dr. Judy Fitzmaurice 13 October 2013
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MBC STORY ON A PAGE A BOLD BEGINNING FORTY YEARS OF FAITHFULNESS VISION FOR THE FUTURE OUR STORY IS MADE OF MANY STORIES LOOKING TO GOD
3 5 9 14 17 19
1973
God Provided
4th March 1973, opening of G.H. Morling Chapel
1966 -1973 God Caused
8 years of state-wide Baptist fundraising for the Chapel
1974
God Encouraged
1966
God Gave
Vision for a College Chapel and resident Church
1973
God Gathered
11th March 1973, Church begins to meet
Church recognised as a Fellowship of the NSW Baptist Union
1980-2011
God’s Faithfulness Church faithfully serves the Macquarie Park community
2013
1980
Seeking God’s Provision
God’s Grace
8th March 1980, Church opens ministry Activities Centre adjacent to Chapel
p
1976
God Established 24th October 1976, Macquarie Baptist Church formally constituted
November 2013, Chapel demolished, Church relocates to Dining Hall
2011
Looking to God Oct 2011, Activities Centre demolished in Morling redevelopment
2014-Beyond God’s Glory
Reestablished for a new era of faithful witness to Macquarie Park
Introducing Macquarie Park Bordered by Lane Cove National Park, and the leafy suburbs of Epping, Marsfield, Eastwood and North Ryde, the district known today as “Macquarie Park” is certainly beautifully located. Once orchards, chicken farms, and fibros of post-war Australia, the area became targeted for major development in the 1960s and 1990’s, to become a vibrant and multicultural centre of commerce and education. Now with a multinational business hub and
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globally-recognised university, Macquarie Park is the workplace for a rapidly growing population of workers and students, drawn from across the globe. From students in share-houses, to middle-income workers and families making their homes in units and duplexes, and older Australians in generational family homes or dedicated aged-care facilities – Macquarie Park is diverse and culturally rich.
Seeing the Needs
1966 • A Vision for the Area
Amidst such flourishing, the neediness of the area may not be immediately evident. New arrivals often lack basic support networks. Some may labour under unbearable family pressures leading to despair, whilst a housing commission area supports many in crisis. Amidst material opportunity and affluence, there is a pervasive spiritual poverty that calls for God’s people to offer a distinctive and compelling community life of Godtaught generosity and compassion, proclaiming the message of forgiveness, reconciliation and new life through Christ. It was with such missionary vision that a past generation of Baptists looked to established Macquarie Baptist Church.
The Baptist College was established in the area in 1962, alongside the new Macquarie University and the Baptist Willandra retirement village and Shalom nursing home. In September 1966, seeing that the area was about to dramatically grow and develop, a key motion was passed by the Morling College Council calling for “the creation of a suitable building as a place of worship to serve the Willandra, Shalom, Macquarie University, the College and the district communities.” The College Council envisaged a chapel facility that would serve both the fellowship needs of the College community, and be a place of Baptist worship and witness to reach the mission fields of Macquarie Park.
“No other church is situated north of Epping Rd in this area, and we have a unique opportunity to show God’s love and to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ” Pastor Chris Gentle, Australian Baptist 2 April 1980
“Our church was formed to minister to this community - a residential, a commercial and an academic community. To reach out is our vision, and our determination, God being our Helper.” Rev Ron Brett, MBC Secretary, Activities Centre Opening Service March 1980
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1966–1973 • Baptists Answer the Call Over a period of eight years, Rev Doug Mill, of Eastwood Baptist, headed a remarkable fundraising effort. Generous support came from Baptists around the state to raise every dollar for the new building. Many remember the great “Walkathon” that saw supporters walk across the city to meet at the proposed building site. The grand Chapel opening day was 4th March 1973, the building being named G.H.Morling Chapel, in honour of a much-loved past Principal. Among the many charms of the square-shaped building with its offset diagonal interior, visitors that day would not have failed to notice an innovative wall-mounted baptistry. High on the facing wall, it aptly represented the founding vision that a Baptist Church witness would soon begin in the district.
“When the chapel was built, it was thought, wouldn’t it be good if there was a witness from this Chapel to the local community. It has been a delight to see the fellowship grow and develop and come to the place where it is now ready to be formed into a church. The whole College is delighted at this development.” Rev J. Kime. Morling Superintendent, Macquarie Church Formation Service 1976
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IN HIM YOU ARE BEING BUILT TOGETHER TO BECOME A DWELLING IN WHICH GOD LIVES BY HIS SPIRIT. EPHESIANS 2:22
MARCH 1973 • A Church Begins Just one week after the opening, the founding members of the Macquarie Baptist Church began meeting in the chapel. Morling student Lyn Thow (1973-1975) oversaw the exciting beginning years, with the group obtaining formal recognition with the Baptist Union of NSW & ACT in 1974, as the Macquarie Baptist Fellowship. A second Morling student followed, as Bryan McClelland (19751979) successfully oversaw the formal constitution of the Church, with a member roll of forty-seven.
On October 24th 1976 the Macquarie Baptist Church was officially formed, with warm greetings and commendations brought to the Formation Service by representatives of the Baptist Union, the College, and the local Baptist District Association, and every prayer that the new church would indeed grow and prosper under God.
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1977-1980 • A Commendable Association As an autonomous Church of the Baptist Association, co-located with the Morling College, the unique context for Macquarie Baptist has called for cooperation between Church and College. In 1977, as the missional vision of the church was gaining momentum under the leadership of Bryan and Heather McClelland, the Church offered to construct a multi-purpose building to serve the growing ministry vision of the church and provide a resource for the College.
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Although not large in number, the Church set about raising the required funds over the ensuing four years. By 1978, the College had warmly joined in the effort, offering to bridge the last onethird of funds, and to oversee construction. Such a commendable partnership of effort befitted the successful co-location of Church and College.
MARCH 1980 • A Fine Acquisition Following the tremendous efforts of the McClellands, it was College student Chris Gentle (1979-1981) who oversaw the opening of the Activities Centre, on 8th March 1980. With a large multi-purpose function space, kitchen, church offices, storage areas, and playground, the facility provided dedicated ministry space for a full range of ministries. An amicable arrangement was made whereby the College was able to make use of the Activities Centre by arrangement with the Church.
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1980-1988 • Developing Witness A series of ‘training-pastorates’ followed, enlarging the ministry vision of the church. Under Ralph Terry (1982) a community bus was purchased to serve the elderly, setting a pattern for the church to this day. Graham Chatfield (1983-1984) developed the leadership vision of the Church. Going on to serve on the faculty of the College, he would become the first of many Macquarie Baptist members to serve as College faculty and staff. Graydon Colville (1985–1986) developed the community life of the Church, reaching out to migrants and seeing a separate Macquarie Korean Baptist Church formed in this time. The Church has since developed into a truly multicultural fellowship. John Bint (19871988) emphasised mentoring, seeing the Church go on to support numbers of pastoral trainees, and develop a pastoral warmth for which it has always been known.
The Deaconess of Macquarie Bess Hayward One of the great stories of Macquarie Baptist Church, is that of “Deaconess” Bess Hayward. With the appointment of her husband Phil as Business Manager
1989-2008 • Growing Strength
of Morling College in 1979, Bess and Phil moved from
Rev David Griffin (1989-1992) was the first to serve fulltime, especially developing an emphasis on preaching. Rev Terry Willersdorf (1993) followed on briefly, but was soon followed by Rev Eric Wykes (1993) as a steadying interim, before another successful student placement in Ian Russell (1994-1995). Rev Gary Baker (1996-2002) gave the Church its longest pastorate, and with lasting effect. Assisted by Edwina Murphy (1999-2001), the Church developed in community engagement through its ESL classes, community fairs, playgroup, and kids club. Under the sustained and loving pastorate of Rev Joshua Thomas (2003-2008), much of this diverse ministry activity was able to effectively continue.
At the age of 60, having reared eight children, at a time
a life of extensive ministry in rural NSW to the College. when many women might look to ease into retirement, it was no small thing for Bess to gain her HSC and study at Morling, becoming one of just a handful of Baptist women to be formally recognised as a Deaconess to serve in church ministry. Bess significantly strengthened the ministry life of the Macquarie Church, undertaking pastoral visits, running playgroups and craft groups, leading school Scripture teams, and generally assisting the work of ten pastors from 1981 to 2002. One of her most significant achievements was the commencement of English classes for migrants, with up to 70 students and a large team of trained teachers. Bess played a foundational role in establishing the Macquarie Korean Baptist Church, and continues as a loved member of the Macquarie Baptist Church to this day.
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“To be a church now situated in the ‘airport lounge of Sydney’, is to come to terms with global connection, multiculturalism and transience. It calls for a church that understands the significance of every new community connection, every new relationship, and every conversation that might turn to Christ. It’s about the shorthorizon discipleship of global workers, here for a stint of study or work, then sent on into the world in service of Christ” Tim Blencowe, MBC Pastor, 2013
2009-2013 • The Church Today Rev Tim Blencowe (2009 to present), and associates Anthony Chung (2011 to present) and Mark Roberts (2013), each serve part-time. Today, Macquarie Baptist Church is a growing community of over 150 adults, and 50+ children and young people. It is a Church of rich and diverse community, embracing the missional opportunities afforded by a strategic location in the heart of Macquarie Park.
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A Valuable Interdependence The Church gains much from its association with Morling College, and also looks to support the College in various ways. In the last five years, 25 Morling students have received ministry training as part of Macquarie Baptist Church, serving as youth leaders, worship leaders, preachers, home-group leaders, and scripture teachers, helping in chaplaincy work and conducting evangelism on the university campus. Each year the Church financially supports a number of Morling trainees with tuition scholarships. These students typically model exemplary servant leadership among the student body, enhancing the broader life of the College through the Student Council, Chapel program and by promoting community life. Student Pastors have been sent on to serve churches of the wider Baptist Association, from Narwee to Narrabri, and from Wentworthville to Young. Integrated in the grounds of the College, with students, faculty and community members “doing life” together, and with various programs offering pastoral and discipling support, the Church is able to significantly enhance the pastoral atmosphere of the College.
“This is a unique situation. The Macquarie Church is a fully autonomous church. The Baptist College is a Baptist college. We share the same ground. We share the building. This building is the heart of our College life, and it will
“As a family living on the Morling Campus we have enjoyed doing
be the heart of your Fellowship.
church with a number of faculty and fellow students. There are plenty of
And there must of course be
opportunities to be involved in serving the church, with many different
some interdependence, and I’m
kinds of ministries. My wife has been a Sunday School leader, and as
sure there will be.”
a student pastor I have been involved in preaching, leading services,
Rev J Kime, Morling College Superintendent, address Macquarie Baptist Church Formation Service, 24th October 1976.
coordinating the outreach partnership in the Ivanhoe community, facilitating a home-group, and meeting up regularly with the pastors.” Aidan, Morling College Student, 2013
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VISION FOR THE
FUTURE
The Redevelopment Years As cranes ďŹ ll the sky, apartment towers open, and commercial spaces double, Macquarie Park is rapidly changing. Recent decades have also seen Morling College grow, bringing a need for redevelopment and an opportunity to reshape the campus to be more engaged with a developing residential and commercial hub. For Macquarie Baptist Church, these ‘Redevelopment Years’ began in October 2011, with the demolition of the Activities Centre,
situated on land sold to developers. This loss of hard-won ministry facilities was keenly felt, and the Church appreciated the provision of a demountable building to replace some lost functionality. With the G.H. Morling Chapel to be demolished in 2013, the Church will say farewell to its home of forty years, making temporary residence in the College Dining Room and converted laundry shed, whilst awaiting the building of new facilities in the Morling redevelopment.
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Ready to Serve Just as Macquarie Baptist Church has faithfully served the Macquarie Park community through the growth and change of the last 40 years, the Church now looks ahead with a clear vision to engage the community with the gospel of Christ and embrace the immense missional opportunities on every side. As a growing church embedded in the community, where members live and work alongside the people of the district, it is clear that God has strengthened the Church for this time. Several core distinctives are making Macquarie Baptist Church well-placed to serve the district into the future:
Diversity
Inclusion
The Church embraces and
Members are encouraged
reects the extraordinary
in habits of neighbourliness,
mix of nations that make the
inclusion and hospitality.
Macquarie Park area so rich in
Regular Church lunches
cultural diversity.
and dinners build strong community.
NOT TO US, LORD, BUT TO YOUR NAME BE THE GLORY, BECAUSE OF YOUR LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS. PSALM 115:1
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Equipping The Church looks to equip members for service to God in all spheres of life, from the home, to the workplace, to the world.
Relevance The Church looks to engage
Compassion
Evangelism
Disciple-Making
Genuine compassion is a
Church life is shaped
Two growing congregations, an active Sunday school
hallmark of the Church as
around mission purposes,
and workers, young and old,
members generously reach
with an annual ‘MBC
and Youth Group, a thriving
showing how the Gospel of
out to new-arrivals and
mission’ and evangelistic
International Student Ministry
Christ meets deepest needs.
refugees, to students and
efforts that are seeing
and Home-groups are key
those dislocated from their
people come to faith.
to making the Church a
the worldviews of students
Bible-Teaching
families, and to residents of
community of disciples who
the nearby housing estate.
make disciples.
Partnership
Global Mission
Spirit-Dependence
An emphasis on clear
The Church actively
Embracing God’s mission
Above all, Macquarie Baptist
and relevant preaching,
partners with university
to the world, the Church
Church is learning a humble and
focussed on the message
chaplaincies and student
supports gospel workers
dependant prayerfulness, seeking
of Christ, sees members
groups, local business
in six locations and
the strength and enabling of God’s
understanding and applying
fellowships, and ministries
looks to raise up further
Spirit to accomplish His purposes.
God’s Word to life.
in local schools.
missionaries.
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Our Story is Made of Many Stories “Through the ministry and
“I was an international student at
“I decided to call MBC home
“Home Group that has helped me
encouragement of MBC I have felt
Macquarie. It is by no means an
after just a couple of visits. I
grow spiritually and emotionally
called to Baptist pastoral ministry,
overstatement to say that I owe
think it was the interdependent
in ways I can’t even explain. The
and have been studying at Morling
the successful completion of my
community and encouraging
love and work of Jesus Christ is
for the last 2 1/2 years. Our time
studies, new growth in faith and
mealtime conversations that got
so abundant and has encouraged
at MBC has led to a big change in
a very memorable time in this
me. It sets the church apart. The
me with my walk. If it wasn’t for
the direction of our lives, and we
country to the loving Christian
sheer diversity of people who
MBCpm, I don’t know how I would
are excited to see what happens
community at MBC that has been
come along to MBCpm astounds
have survived living in Sydney. The
next.”
my home for three years.”
me. The fact that we all join in
people are loving, encouraging
MATT, MORLING STUDENT FAMILY
MIAO, INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
church together, pray, sing, learn
and have become my family.”
and share a meal truly encourages
BELINDA, MACQUARIE UNI STUDENT
me in my walk with Christ because “MBC LIM Group is very important in helping international students. We can have discussions in our first language, and there are many brothers and sisters who have a similar background to me. MBC
I believe it is mirroring the biblical
and ask the tough questions.
example of how disciples should
It always challenged me to do
live.”
“Church lunches have provided
everything for God’s glory and to
MARISSA, YOUNG WORKER
me with an invaluable opportunity
face the world with my assurance
to get to know people better. The
in Christ. I’ve been made more
food’s always great, the fellowship
steadfast through the wisdom,
“I was born and raised in non-
lively and the conversations have
grace and discipleship of other
Christian family in Japan where
been pretty edifying. It’s love in
believers and this is what I thank
Christian population is about 1
action.”
God most for - when He led me
percent. At MBC, I joined Bible
CINDY, LOCAL WORKER
here to fellowship. MBC’s impact
study group and was encouraged
is summed up best for me through
by discussions and prayers with
“I feel so blessed I joined this
Acts 4:32 – 34 “All the believers
many MBC friends. I got to know
“Being part of MBC Youth Group
group very soon after I came to
were in one heart and mind…and
that Jesus is my only Saviour and
is probably the most influential
Australia. Without MBC, I may be
God’s grace was so powerfully at
decided to be baptized as my first
thing in my walk with Christ. It has
still a stranger to God.”
work in them all that there was no
step to obey God and to become
grown me into the Christian I am
WARREN, INTERNATIONAL POST-GRAD STUDENT
needy person among them.”
His daughter in 2002.”
today.”
SHAMARA, LOCAL WORKER
KAORU, RECENT IMMIGRANT
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
has helped me in growing my faith in Jesus.” TOM, INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
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“MBC has not been afraid to hear
“I was invited to attend MBC in 2002 and was joined by my husband soon after. We have always enjoyed the Christian fellowship and Bible teaching through Church attendance and home groups which has challenged and encouraged us in our Christian life” ROBYN, RETIREE
“Looking back I can see how God has immensely blessed me with a spiritual family through MBC -- brothers and sisters and mums and dads in Christ who have shown me genuine love and care, who commit to praying for me, and with whom I can just do life.” ANGIE, MACQUARIE UNI STUDENT
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Looking To God
2013 marks the fortieth anniversary of the Church, and the beginning of a season of signiďŹ cant change. Amidst the redevelopment of the Morling site, the Church will relocate out of its original home in the G.H. Morling Chapel and into temporary facilities. For the members of the Church, it is a time for earnest prayer, asking God for the successful redevelopment of the campus, and the reestablishment of facilities that will enable a strong and fruitful new era of Baptist Church witness to Macquarie Park. Such prayers for the future are made with an eye to the past. It was God who gave the original vision for an active and missional Baptist Church to be established on the Morling site, in the heart of Macquarie Park. It is God who has since enabled successive generations of Church members to realise that vision, and to faithfully serve the Morling Community and surrounding mission ďŹ elds. God has made the Church the community it is today, where Jesus is loved and proclaimed, people are coming to faith, lives are being shaped by God, and where members are eager to reach out. Through every season, the story of Macquarie Baptist Church has been a story of God’s faithfulness. God has done it all. To God be the glory.
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SO THEN, JUST AS YOU RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS AS LORD, CONTINUE TO LIVE YOUR LIVES IN HIM, ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM, STRENGTHENED IN THE FAITH AS YOU WERE TAUGHT, AND OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS. COLOSSIANS 2: 6-7
Historical consultant: NSW Baptist Archives Graphic Design: IE Design
MBC meets @ Morling College Dining Room 120 Herring Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113 Sunday 9:30am & 5:30pm www.macquariebaptist.org.au