FEATURES: BIG CAMP 2024 RECAP | THE POWER OF PATHFINDERS & ADVENTURERS
Editors & Staff Writers
Joyce Taylor
Lauren Bongard
Graphics
Lynda G. Abreu
Maryellen Hacko
Other Contributors
ADRA Australia
Lauren Bongard
Photography
Luke Vodell
Jacinda Ralph
Change. Some of us embrace change, others not so much. The Conference finance, human resource teams, along with the business management teams at each of our schools are a little excited, but there is also an element of “what are we in for?” regarding a change that is coming.
Late last year we started the journey to replace the accounting, payroll and human resources systems. This is a significantly large project that will take about 12 more months to implement. This financial systems renewal will bring significant positive change for the financial management of the Conference. From automation of timesheets to the ability for individuals and churches to review their accounts online, we anticipate that this renewal project will provide greater financial transparency and the ability for better stewardship of the Conference’s financial resources.
Change has happened in some of our schools, too. Four capital building projects have been completed over 2023 and early 2024: Wahroonga School Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA), Hills Adventist College – Kellyville stage 2 middle school, Mountain View Adventist College student bathroom and
change room upgrade and Sydney Adventist School Auburn has additional learning spaces, a new staff room and partial renovation of other learning areas. It is a blessing to see these changes and how they have significantly enhanced the student and staff experiences in these schools.
Over the next 12 months, our conference will experience some change in relation to the ABC ministry. Since COVID, there have been significant changes to how we all shop and particularly how we access what we read and watch. A working party has been appointed to review the findings and provide recommendations for what the ABC ministry space should look like in the future. As we work towards the Conference Office moving back to Epping in the next 18-24 months, it is important for us to decide how best to serve the church community and other customers through the ABC ministry. More will be shared as the plan develops.
Although there are several significant changes afoot, there is one thing that doesn’t change: the love, grace and mercy of our good and mighty God. Jeremiah 31:3 reminds us of this—“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”
President Alban Matohiti
@sydneyadventists
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
ADDRESS
148 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga NSW 2076
PHONE
(02) 9868 6522
EMAIL
GSCComms@adventist.org.au
Classifieds
For volunteer opportunities, local events, jobs, accomodation and more, visit our notice board at bit.ly/gsnotices or via the QR code below.
GSC Celebrates 75 Years
This is the story of our journey—a journey filled with faith, growth, and a deep commitment to spreading the Adventist message.
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ISSUE FEATURE
Big Camp 2024 Recap
We reflect on some of the highlights of Big Camp 2024, which was held in Jindabyne, and what this means for our Conference. More information on Big Camp 2025 via the QR Code
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The Worth of an Addict
UPCOMING EVENTS
Save the Date
July 26 / Shred It Weekend (18-35)
July 29-30 / Forgive To Live Training
Aug 3 / Fairfield Church Turns 100
Aug 3 / Singles Dinner and Movie
Aug 5-11 / International Camporee
More events at bit.ly/3rwcUr0!
Eddie Johnson featured on TV
The ADRA Blacktown volunteer was recently recognised for his community service in a video profile by Channel 10, as part of National Volunteer Week.
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“ADRA is the only place I can go to and not be chased away. Even when I am bad tempered and walk in swearing to kill everyone, Eddy makes time for me and finds a way to calm me down...”
A life-changing ministry
Pathfinders and Adventurers aren’t just activities; they’re life-changing experiences that nurture the youngest of our church family.
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eGiving.org.au
Aug 10 / SPD Media Evangelism
Aug 17 / AUC Union Offering Aug 24 / Food Ministry
Sep 7 / Annual Sacrifice
Read more at bit.ly/2MJvRr5
LOCAL NEWS
SYDNEY PRAYER BREAKFAST INSPIRES GSC REPRESENTATIVES
Before the first light of dawn began to make its appearance, hundreds of Christian believers gathered in Darling Harbour to break bread and pray for this city. As is now tradition, Sydney Adventists and Sydney Adventists Schools represented at the annual Prayer Breakfast event. Together we prayed for our community, our education sector, the media and arts, the Australian business sector, the disadvantaged, and for you: friends and followers of Jesus who dare to share His message in a world increasingly hostile towards it.
Join us in continuing to pray for our city. See our comment below for list of prayer points we will be lifting up throughout the year.
SUNDAY MORNING BOOT CAMP KEEPS
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY KICKING
Every Sunday from 8 to 9 a.m., Jordan Noel runs a boot camp at Hoxton Park Seventh-day Adventist Church. Between 15 and 25 people across all age groups gather in beginner, intermediate, and senior classes. The program includes an opening prayer and warmup followed by strength and endurance training, cardio, flexibility, balance, anaerobic exercises and cool-down stretches. After a closing prayer, anyone interested can stay for another hour of boxing instruction.
Jordan came to Australia from Papua New Guinea (PNG) under the sponsorship of Australian Sports Combat in kickboxing and boxing. He was brought up as a Seventh-day Adventist. However, when he first came to Australia, his promoter had scheduled five fights on Sabbath.
Jordan’s heart was heavy, and his mind was not in a good place knowing he was not upholding God’s fourth Commandment. He decided to quit. The promoter was very angry and threatened to have Jordan sent back to PNG. But his new church family loved him and wanted him to stay. They prayed, and God has answered. For two years, Jordan has heard nothing more from the promoter.
He is currently studying a Certificate III and IV personal training, and he’s praying for a visa extension and permanent residency. Meanwhile, he continues to teach the weekly boot camp, believing that God has led him to promote health through exercise.
If you and your family are in the area, come along to Jordan’s boot camp on Sunday mornings. This program is free of charge.
Prayer Points:
• That we be living examples of His love
• Our readiness to speak about Jesus in the business community
• Our attitudes, actions and speech in the workplace
• For peace and an end to conflict
• Harmony in our community
• Leaders in industry, finance and the professions
• Leaders of our country, state and city
• Leaders of our churches and Christian organisations in the city
• The many who are in need or suffering at work or
ADRA NEWS
ADRA BLACKTOWN’S PR EDDY JOHNSON FEATURED ON LOCAL NEWS
Pastor Eddy Johnson, long-time employee and now volunteer at ADRA Blacktown, was recently recognised for his community service in a video profile by Channel 10, as part of National Volunteer Week.
Pr Eddy (pictured centre) was manager of the ADRA Community Care Centre at Blacktown for 14 years before retiring in 2021. Since then, he’s been serving as honorary chaplain at the centre, where he still provides counselling.
“I enjoy the experience [of volunteering] very much and I will continue as long as I can,” he says.
Watch the clip here: youtu.be/BRnaXWlhmQ0
on the streets
• Those who have had to leave their home countries for safety
• Our judges, legal system and the police
Recommended reading:
Dr Andrew Browning’s memoir A Doctor in Africa. The book is an inspiring story of his selfless life, from the obstacles he has overcome working in remote, harsh and vastly under-resourced regions, to the compelling stories of the women whose lives he has transformed forever through fistula surgery and access to free maternal health care.
FEEDING THE 40,000
December 28, 2023, was a glorious day. ADRA Community Centre Blacktown finally received its shiny new van. Staff and volunteers had spent the last 20 years battling to source food for vulnerable members of the Western Sydney suburbs, and the centre truly deserved winning this NSW communities grant allowing it to purchase the new vehicle. The vehicle will allow the team to travel around Sydney collecting food donations and rescuing over 50 tons of produce destined for waste each year. As a result of this work in 2023, the Centre’s food relief program fed over 40,000 vulnerable adults and children.
There is no doubt that the need is even greater this year— just turn on the news. Yet, equipped with this reliable chariot, ADRA Blacktown hopes to continue feeding thousands of disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Western Sydney.
In Luke 12:33, we are all invited to lay ourselves treasures in Heaven by sharing with those in need while here on earth. ADRA Blacktown’s new van runs on fuel and prayers. Can you help us with both, so together we may feed another 40,000? Please scan the QR Code to donate.
THE WORTH OF AN ADDICT
Has Pastor Eddy gone to jail again?” is often the talk around the ADRA Community Centre Blacktown.
When Eddy found out that Galvin was incarcerated, he arranged to visit him. “I sat in the waiting room for half an hour until Galvin was allowed to see me,” shared Eddy. “The first thing he said as he gave me a bear hug (Galvin is six-foot four muscular man) was ‘I’ve been jailed many times, but you are the first person to ever visit me.’”
that he often spent in-between times in jail, and his mental health deteriorated even further.
Galvin did not have a happy childhood, and in his early teens he turned to drugs. Not for fun, but to escape a tyrant father and the void left by his absent mother. His dream had been to join the army. The first contact was positive, but the army soon found out about his mental-health problems.
With this last dream turned down, Galvin became even more bitter, gradually developing the idea that no one cared. His fuse shortened, and he became violent whenever he felt people behaved nastily towards him. Eventually, he lost his relationship and access to his daughter. Galvin was homeless when he first came to ADRA Blacktown. He reported that he was sleeping on the bathroom floor of an abandoned building. He looked sick and battered.
Galvin’s is not a success story. In fact, it is anything except that. But there is maybe one positive thing. In Galvin’s own words, “ADRA is the only place I can go to and not be chased away. Even when I am bad tempered and walk in swearing to kill everyone, Eddy makes time for me and finds a way to calm me down.”
No one knows when Galvin will be released this time. But when he is, he will almost certainly turn to ADRA for food and emotional support. Pastor Eddy will be there for him, and the staff will make him feel welcomed and treat him with love.
ADRA Blacktown invites you to support the work of never giving up on people like Galvin. Support us today with your donation, so that together we may fight for the story endings Jesus has in mind.
You can support ADRA’s important work via the QR code above.
Pastor Eddy Johnson
ANNIE’S STORY
When Annie walked through ADRA Blacktown’s doors for the first time 13 years ago, she was homeless. She had just left an abusive marriage and was on her own for the first time in 20 years.
“When I first went to ADRA, it was because I didn't have a place to live,” says Annie. “I was on the street. I had nowhere to go.”
Annie heard about ADRA through other people in the homeless community. Not only did ADRA provide Annie with food support, but Annie was connected with one of the social workers who helped her access affordable housing. Since then, Annie has been living modestly, but well. She cares for her home and rescue cats with pride, and still visits ADRA for food support when her pension doesn’t stretch far enough to cover all her expenses.
“It's not always easy to live on what you get in the pension,” Annie says. “Because you got medication and you got food, you got transport and all that. So it doesn't always cover everything, in the pension. But if you are a little bit too short, you just go to ADRA and get help. And that then gets me back up again.”
Annie is among the millions1 of Australians feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis.
“You go into a supermarket, everything is higher in prices than it has been before. Same with medication. But (ADRA) helps me with food. They help me with any problems I have in the area.”
But at 74 years of age, Annie is facing homelessness once again.
“The biggest, biggest worry in my life is whether I can stay in this place,” Annie says. “I’ve got a little paradise here; I don’t want to
be moved out of this. It's largely at the back, I don't get bothered by anyone. I love going out and cut the lawn and all that. Keep it nice and clean and say, ‘See, I can look after it.’ It's private here. I love it. And I wouldn't like for that to be taken away from me.”
Annie is currently connected with one of ADRA’s social workers who is helping her navigate the housing systems in an effort to keep Annie in her home.
“If I have a problem, I know I can just go to ADRA like I'm doing at the moment,” Annie says. “I just pray to God that they do not take that away from me now. I mean, I'm 74, so please let me live longer in here.”
“Anyone who is having a problem, I can give you the advice to go to ADRA, because ADRA has been there for me for over 13 years. And that I've been down in the ground so far, you can't believe it. But they always managed to get a smile on my face and give me a helping hand. Thank you.”
In 2023, ADRA Blacktown provided over 40,000 meals to people like Annie who would otherwise go hungry. With the impact of the cost-of-living crisis being felt nationwide, the demand for ADRA’s support services has never been higher. The ADRA Appeal takes place in Adventist churches during October and is the main source of funding for ADRA’s Australian programs. Your donation before October 31 can help Aussies in need, just like Annie, with food relief, housing support, and a safe place to go. To support ADRA projects in Australia donate at adra.org.au/donate, to support ADRA Community Centre Blacktown donate at adra.org.au/ blacktown
1 3.3 million people in Australia, including 761,000 children, live in poverty.
IGNITE YOUR CHURCH WITH PATHFINDERS AND ADVENTURERS!
Imagine this: You’re at a church gathering, and the question is raised, “How many lives have been shaped by Pathfinders and Adventurers?” A sea of hands shoots up! Isn’t that a heartwarming sight?
These programs aren’t just activities; they’re life-changing experiences. Pathfinders and Adventurers nurture the youngest in our church family, fostering their spiritual growth, equipping them with valuable skills, and creating a deep sense of belonging.
In the Greater Sydney Conference, we can unlock even greater potential. Research consistently shows that Pathfinders and Adventurers play a crucial role in keeping young people connected to the church. Think about the impact we can make together!
We know everyone’s busy, but remember the saying, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” That’s exactly why we’re reaching out to you. The GSC Youth Department is here to be your partner. Our passionate and experienced District Directors are eager to support you in starting a Pathfinders or Adventurers club in your church.
Pathfinders: Your Church’s Unsung Hero of Evangelism?
Looking ahead to Harvest 2025, consider a bold possibility. What if your club becomes the driving force of evangelism in your church? Imagine utilizing social media to reach your
community and invite them to be part of this transformative journey.
The recent Pathfinder Fair showcased the amazing work happening across our Conference. Over 30 youth clubs participated, demonstrating their incredible readiness. One club, Wollongong, even welcomed young people from the community, proving the power of Pathfinders as an outreach tool.
With the combined strength of parents, leaders, district directors, pastors, and everyone in between, we can create something truly impactful. We invite you to join us on this incredible adventure.
The Pathfinder Bible Experience—Deepen Your Faith
As an exciting addition to the program, we’re launching the Pathfinder Bible Experience. This program is designed to take young people on a deep dive into specific books of the Bible. For the next year, the focus will be on Romans, 1st Corinthians, and 2nd Corinthians. Pathfinders will engage in activities that help them memorise passages, understand their meaning, and apply them to their lives. The winning club’s Bible quiz team will even receive financial support to attend the prestigious 2025 USA Division Level Test.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s join hands and make Pathfinders and Adventurers a vibrant movement that ignites our Conference!
GSC YOUTH RUNS STORMCO IN BATHURST
One crucial step in faith development, particularly for our youth, is stepping outside our comfort zones to serve the community. As part of the Greater Sydney Conference’s strategic plan, we aim to enhance community engagement. This effort not only benefits the communities we serve but also creates a profound impact on everyone involved.
The GSC Youth Department, in an effort to inspire and train more people in running STORMCo projects, recently organised a trip to Bathurst/ Kelso. With over 30 participants from Sydney and a local team led by Pastor Sharee Greenfield, we thank God for the opportunity to make a small but tangible difference.
One local elder, who brought young people every day, remarked that this was the best thing to happen to their community in the past year. Throughout this beautiful and life-changing journey, the GSC team was able to run morning children’s clubs and organize afternoon games. Additionally, our volunteers engaged in cleaning community backyards, painting the community center, and getting to know the local youth from Bathurst Adventist Church.
We hope you and your church will be interested in this wonderful movement. The GSC Youth Department is offering $1,000 to help your church organise its first STORMCo project. If you’d like to participate for just one day, mark your calendar for March 15, 2025. On Global Youth Day, you and your community can step out of your churches and serve together with your young people.
We are called to be missionaries, so let’s get engaged in the mission together.
Scan the QR code to watch a video about the project.
BIG CAMP
2024 RECAP Reclaim
Written by Angelica Frandsen
It was an event almost 50 years in the making, and it was big. Big Camp, to be exact.
From 22 to 27 April, nearly 650 church members from across the Greater Sydney Conference gathered at the Adventist Alpine Village in the Snowy Mountains of Jindabyne in South NSW. The mornings were crisp, and once the sun hid behind the mountains the evenings were cool. The fellowship was warm, however, and the fire of the Holy Spirit burned brightly within attendees, young and old.
The theme was Reclaim, and event organisers set a goal of helping participants reclaim the first love of God.
To help make this a reality, attendees split into six age divisions, from beginners to adults. Then, every day, the divisions hosted activities like mountain biking and swimming; workshops delivered by passionate speakers who spoke boldly on topics such as stewardship, evangelism and Sabbath School; and TED-talk style health and prophecy messages. Other activities included a fun run, a breakfast sponsored by Sanitarium, and a virtual trip to Cambodia organised by ADRA to show the difficult living conditions and how our churches can make a difference.
Every day, Big Camp attendees made decisions for God. Some committed their life to Christ for the first time, while others rekindled and deepened their existing connection and commitment
to our Saviour.
A mother whose child was in the junior division reported, “My daughter kept refusing to go to church at home, and argued with us about coming to camp and told us she wasn’t going to participate. At the beginning of the week, she kept saying, ‘I want to get out of here’, continuously making that teenager ‘argh’ noise. But as the week progressed, we noticed a difference in her whole attitude, and by Friday evening, she gave her life to Christ, asking for studies of baptism and guidance.”
In the evening, keynote speakers broke the bread of life. Pr Ian Sweeney, who had travelled from the UK, shared a powerful message in the adult tent. Pr Anthony Fuller, former Youth Director of the South England Conference, spoke to youth and young adults. Pr Rome Ulia spoke to the teens, Pr Gerard Price ministered to juniors, and Pr Ben Galindo was speaker for the primary aged campers. Across the age continuum, attendees reported falling in love with Jesus all over again.
As much as the group looked forward, there was also time to look back. The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the Greater Sydney Conference becoming an independent conference. After closing Sabbath, 75 members of the Conference carried 75 lit candles up on stage. This symbolic moment represented our diverse conference members. Then, participants and the audience watched a slideshow of nostalgic photos while
hearing the history of the conference. The entire group reflected on the work of those who came before us and how God has led the Conference up until today. In closing, Pr Ian Sweeney poignantly prayed that Jesus would return before we are able to celebrate another milestone as a Conference.
At the close of the week, camp organisers asked attendees to complete a feedback survey and found that 100% of attendees said they would attend another Big Camp.
One respondent wrote, “I loved everything about Big Camp! The speakers were wonderful (especially Pr Ian Sweeney), the music was great, the workshops were interesting, and it was wonderful to make new friends and spend time with people. I also valued talking to some of the teens (former and current students of mine) about their wonderful experience at Big Camp. It was especially beautiful to hear about so many of them dedicating and rededicating their lives to Jesus. This is why we do what we do!”
Now, we face the challenge to ensure that the decisions made at Big Camp don’t end at Big Camp. Whether it is a commitment to improve lifestyle choices, to daily seek God’s presence, or to share our testimony with those around us, camp attendees can let the Holy Spirit guide their lives and shine a light on Christ Jesus wherever we find ourselves.
2024 CAMP HIGHLIGHTS
SYDNEY BIG CAMP FUN RUN
Wow! What an amazing turnout at the Fun Run during the Greater Sydney Conference Big Camp! Approximately 50 enthusiastic individuals laced up their sneakers to take part in this exciting event. The course, a 1.3 km loop at the Adventist Alpine Village grounds, challenged participants to complete as many laps as possible within just one hour.
In a surprising twist, the overall champion of the entire race was none other than Spencer, an impressive 8-year-old runner! After crossing the finish line, all participants, along with their families and supporters,
BIG CAMP 2025
gathered together for a well-deserved breakfast provided by Sanitarium. The spread included delicious breakfast cereals paired with refreshing So Good Almond Milk—truly a perfect way to refuel after giving it their all on the track.
A huge shoutout to Sanitarium for their generosity and support throughout the event. Your contribution made our post-run meal So Good and we are incredibly grateful for your partnership. Thank you for fueling our bodies and spirits on this memorable day!
Plans are already underway for Big Camp 2025. If you’re interested in attending, please fill out the expression of interest form via the QR code.
Did you miss Big Camp or want to relive the experience? You can watch the most popular programs from camp on Facebook and YouTube by searching “Sydney Adventist”, or visit the GSC website sydney.adventist.org.au/series/specials/.
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF Greater Sydney EST. 1949
STRATHFIELD EPPING WAHROONGA
In the heart of NewSouth Wales, Australia, is the Greater Sydney Conference—a vibrant and diverse community of faith. This is the story of our journey—a journey filled with faith, growth, and a deep commitment to spreading the Adventist message.
The Adventist message first reached the shores of Sydney in 1889 through the pioneering efforts of Pastor George Tenney, President of the Australian Conference. At that time, there were only a handful of believers, but Tenney saw a great field awaiting the laborers in Christ’s harvest.
Over the years, this small group of believers grew, and they needed organized governance. In 1919, at a historic meeting in Parramatta Park, the New South Wales Conference divided into the North New South Wales Conference and the South New South Wales Conference.
Written by Angelica Frandsen and Lauren Bongard
In 1949, organisers divided the South New South Wales Conference again, and the Greater Sydney Conference was born. Its first Executive Committee met in January, and headquarters were located on The Boulevarde in Strathfield, Sydney, with the South New South Wales Conference located in Wagga Wagga.
At the second GSC Executive Committee meeting, Pastor A. White sold his 1940 model Ford V8 for 600 pounds to the Conference, so they could use it as the Conference city mission car. Adventist Primary Division school fees were 30 pounds a term for one child, and they purchased an orgain from the Waitara church for 25 pounds.
The first Greater Sydney Conference Constituency Meeting
was held on March 19, 1950, at Stanmore Church. Pastor L. A. Butler served as the first Conference President and led the meeting. Reports highlighted the faithfulness of God as 169 souls were won in 1949, with a significant portion of baptisms attributed to radio interests. That year, the Conference had three primary schools, two high schools, 220 students, and twelve full-time teachers.
At that meeting, the Greater Sydney Conference welcomed the Lord Howe Island Church into the sisterhood of churches, expanding the Conference’s reach and influence.
Today, the Greater Sydney Conference is a thriving community of 68 churches, 14 companies, and 20 church plants. With 79 field ministers and a membership of over 10,000 that continues to grow, the Conference includes six schools, three nursing homes, retirement centres, a campground, two book centres, and two counselling centres.
As we reflect on the remarkable journey of the Greater Sydney Conference over the last three-quarters of a century, we see the enduring spirit of faith, commitment to mission, and unshakable belief in spreading the Adventist message.
This is the story of a Conference that has grown and thrived—a testament to the power of God, of faith and a community in action.
Sydney Conference and its local churches and dedicated members, embarked on a transformative journey to spread the gospel and contribute to the community in innovative ways. This pivotal period witnessed the expansion of the Conference’s reach, the establishment of new initiatives, and the fostering of a sense of unity among its diverse membership.
The 6th session of the Greater Sydney Conference in 1959 marked a significant moment when the Norfolk Island Church joined the sisterhood of churches. With 36 churches in Greater Sydney and 151 baptisms, the Conference demonstrated the far-reaching impact of the gospel in Sydney and its territories.
A notable initiative was the development of the Adventist Eventide Homes at the Blacktown Campground. Plans were put in motion to create living quarters for singles and married couples, and a large hostel-type building for aged members, reflecting the Conference’s commitment to caring for its elderly population.
Colporteurs, or literature evangelists, played a pivotal role in spreading the gospel during this era. The Payment-by-Mail plan, a novel concept, meant that more people could purchase books, making literature more accessible to the wider community.
clubs, the Missionary Volunteers (MVs) and Junior Missionary Volunteers (JMVs) played a crucial role. Investiture ceremonies in 1965 highlighted the dedication of Master Guides and JMVs and showcased the commitment of married individuals holding church office.
Youth fellowships, early teenage clubs, Pathfinder clubs, and the Crossland Youth and Recreation Campground were essential in guiding youth toward a decision for Christ. In particular, the Pathfinder Club was acknowledged for meeting the needs of young adolescents, combining physical activity, adventure, and spiritual idealism.
The Greater Sydney Conference moved into the future, embracing the latest technologies of radio and television evangelism, linking interested individuals to the Bible Correspondence Course. New courses “The Light of the World” and “Bright Horizons” helped expand the educational outreach.
In 1964, Dorcas Welfare ladies initiated the construction of a home for elderly women. The Elizabeth Lodge opened in 1965, and it stood as a testament to the collaboration of 11 central Sydney churches. It reflected the Conference’s commitment to caring for the elderly within the framework of the Health Welfare and Benevolent society.
Part 2: A Chronicle of the Greater Sydney Conference’s Growth and Outreach
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Greater
In 1959, the church introduced a missionary edition of Patriarchs and Prophets and encouraged members to share it widely as a holiday gift. In 1960, the church shifted focus to Love Unlimited by Ellen G. White and distributed it widely.
Before the advent of Pathfinders and Adventurer
As Sydney became increasingly multicultural in the 1960s, so did the Greater Sydney Conference. A camp meeting at Blacktown highlighted the Conference’s warmth and brotherhood, and Fijian students attending Avondale College marvelled at the friendly members, which fostered a
sense of peace and unity in the face of global racial tensions.
The era of 1959 to 1965 marked a transformative era for the Greater Sydney Conference, and it reflected the Conference’s commitment to outreach, community service, and fostering unity among its diverse membership. Initiatives and projects laid the foundation for continued growth and impact in the years to come.
Part 3: 1994 and Beyond
On 22 January 1994, all Conference churches collected a bushfire appeal offering in response to the devastating bushfires in NSW and Victoria. That same year, the Federal Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock, and his wife, Barbara, attended the mini-Olympics social event in the recreational hall of Kellyville Church. Mr Ruddock made the opening speech and Mrs Ruddock gave away the medals.
The church continued to embrace the new technology of the day. They computer animated and mass-produced VHS video cassettes of Bible prophecy, including Daniel, Chapter 2.
It also continued outreach to multicultural communities within Sydney and beyond, with a 48-page manual for pastors and church members titled “The Three Angels and the Crescent” and another titled “Your Muslim Neighbour and You.” It also published Seventh-day Adventists Believe in Arabic.
Adventist families now had more homes in which both parents were working, which created new challenges.
Members juggled work, church and family commitments. At the same time, the Conference recognized strong, healthy, happy families as being the crucial foundational building blocks for spirit-filled churches.
Caringbah Church received a donation from Mr and Mrs Mandy that enabled them to purchase land. The group worshipped in an old cottage on the property, and later built a large hall with volunteer labour. In 1994, Oatley and Caringbah churches pooled their funds, to remodel the Caringbah hall into a church. There were also plans to reach out to the community in the Sutherland Shire and design programs that reflected the love of God.
Graham Weir, member of Waitara Church, who was hearing impaired since the age of eight, wrote an article featured in the Record in 1994. It shone a light on hearing impairment and its effect on church goers. Christian Services for the Hearing Impaired developed and improved technology like T-switches and audio loop kits to improve accessibility of the gospel.
In 1994, the Executive Committee recognized the importance of the youth department being able to communicate while out on youth excursions. It spent $699 to buy a Motorola mobile telephone.
In the year 2000, the Conference formed a Sydney Olympics Committee to plan programmes surrounding the events to increase the church’s reach.
During this era, the satellite kit for 3ABN was available. This allowed many to receive the Hope Channel and 3ABN.
Multicultural churches continued to grow among the 61 churches and 9 companies in the Conference, including Tongan, Spanish, Croatian and Russian. The year 2009 closed with a total membership of 8,967 members.
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021 meant the shutdown of all churches, an unprecedented event in Greater Sydney. Online church and Zoom board meetings were a novel concept and allowed church members to stay connected despite not being allowed to gather in person.
In 2022, GSC celebrated the launch of Faith FM, another form of media and means to reach thousands with the gospel.
In August 2023, the Greater Sydney Conference celebrated 10,000 members. This was a huge milestone for a Conference of such humble beginnings. With 68 churches, 14 companies and 20 groups, God has blessed with the health, vigour and much growth. The Greater Sydney Conference is also home to 6 schools and 7 campuses, 3 aged care facilities, 2 ABC bookstores, Crosslands Convention Centre, two ADRA centres, Adventist Counselling Services and more. Evangelism looks different today, with the use of social media including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Even the Conference President has an Instagram page where he can connect with church members and delegates quickly and easily.
We pray God will continue to lead our Conference members as we step into this new era for our organisation, and that we’ll continue to do His work in bringing His word to the Greater Sydney area.
TRUST SERVICES: PREPARE OR UPDATE YOUR WILL FOR FREE
Picture this: You're sitting on your couch, enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon, when suddenly a question pops into your mind—"What happens to my assets if I die?" It's not the most pleasant thought, but it's an important one.
The Trust Services Department of the Greater Sydney Conference offers professional and confidential assistance to help you prepare a will that reflects your wishes and secures your family's financial future. To highlight the importance of having a will, we answer essential questions about why everyone needs one and how Trust Services can help.
What does 'Trust Services' mean?
Trust Services is a professional and complimentary service offered by the Greater Sydney Conference to church members, family, and friends for the preparation of their wills under the legal advice of a practising solicitor.
So, do I need to prepare a will?
Some people think they are too young to prepare a will, but the stubborn reality tells us that every adult needs to make a will, including you! The size of your estate does not matter. If you are over the age of 18, you should make a will. Not convinced yet? Let's see if you know the answer to the following questions.
QUESTIONS:
• What happens to my estate if I am 18+ years of age and I die? Do I have an estate? Have I appointed my parents as beneficiaries of my Super, not knowing that I am legally unable to do this?
• What happens to my estate if I have just married or have been married for some time and have not made a will?
• What happens to my estate if both my spouse and I die in an accident leaving minor children. Will my children be financially okay?
• What happens to my estate if I am in a de-facto relationship and I die?
• What happens to my estate if I am divorced and with children? How can I be sure my children will benefit from my estate?
We at the Trust Services Department are ready to develop and grow as our church members, families and friends are becoming more aware of the professional and confidential service that our Conference provides. Not only does this service provide a pathway for people to give of their financial gain to support others in their efforts to reach our secular society with the Good News, but we have the wonderful opportunity and privilege of reaching out to people for Jesus.
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF
Greater Sydney
1949: First GSC Executive Committee meets January 19, 1949. Conference Office is opened at 84 The Boulevarde, Strathfield.
NSW Conference is separated from the Australian Conference.
Pastor W.C. White serves as the first president from 1894-1897.
1950: First Adventist Book Centre opens in Sydney.
The Greater Sydney Conference has come a long way since it was established in 1949. Here are some highlights, and a look at our Conference Presidents throughout history.
1950-1975: GSC Big Camp is held in Blacktown.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE....
The Epping redevelopment will include space for a new Conference Office.
1975: Union President Claude Judd with GSC President Frank Maberly open Conference Office extension.
2015: At a Special Constituency Meeting on 6 September 2015, members approve the redevelopment of the Conference Office at Epping as a “mixed use development”.
2000: GSC moves to 2-4 Cambridge Street, Epping.
2017: Due to the Epping redevelopment, GSC moves to the Shannon Building at Sydney Adventist Hospital.
Current president
2022-present: GSC moves to the South Pacific Division offices in Wahroonga.
