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People, Places & Events in the Region of Greater Sydney MAY - JUNE 2014
Fun Family Worship Ideas
p U h Reac
What is
Home Grown Faith? Finding Spiritual Support for Students Attending NonAdventist Schools
PATHFINDER FAIR 2014 Disciple-making Starts at Home
INSPIRE 2014 Like www.facebook.com/sydneyadventists
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Growing in Discipleship: Reach Up, Reach Out, Reach Across is the strategic focus of our Greater Sydney Conference. I believe it is a great theme as it covers all the aspects of the Christian life. As Seventh-day Adventists, we have been called to carry forward the Great Gospel Commission, and we do it in the context of the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation 14.
8-9 Pathfinder Fair NOTICE FOR INTRASYD
10-11 Inspire 2014
12 Band Day
Notice is hereby given that the Twenty-eighth Constituency Meeting of the Greater Sydney Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will be held in the auditorium of Mountain View Adventist College, 41 Doonside Road, Doonside, on 23 and 24 August 2014. The program will commence on Sabbath, 23 August with registration at 3:00 pm, followed by a praise and inspirational program, including the closing of Sabbath. The seating of delegates and the Constituency Meeting, to include proposed Constitutional changes, the presentation of administration and departmental reports and financial statements for the years 2010 to 2013, will commence at 7:00 pm and will continue on Sunday, 24 August. The Officers, Executive Committee, Appointments Committee, Nominating Committee and Constitution Committee of the Conference for the next quadrennium will be elected at this Constituency Meeting.
This year, we are excited to have 20 churches preparing to present the Last Empire evangelistic series throughout Sydney commencing on Friday the 29th of August. Please pray for this series, and pray for your friends, colleagues and family members who do not know Jesus. I am a living example of intercessory prayer that works! I encourage you to support a venue near you and to bring along a friend to hear the wonderful teaching of the Bible presented. The focus of this edition of the Intrasyd is Reach Up. This is without question the most important aspect of our strategic focus as it deals specifically with our spiritual life, our walk with God and the basis of our salvation. We are called to have a vibrant, passionate daily walk with God, which includes regular study of the Word and time with our Lord and Saviour in prayer. Colossians 3:1-3 is a beautiful passage; it says, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” One of the tremendous challenges of living in a busy, secular, hyper-connected and consumeristic society, such as Sydney, is that we are time poor. Sometimes we find our identity in our busyness and wear it as a badge of honour. We need to recognise that this busyness and hyper-connectedness can rob us of time with God, which results in us missing out on this vibrant and passionate walk with God that He wants to have with us. The real highlight of the week for me is the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a privilege. It is a time when priorities change. It is a day when time does not equal money. It is a time when relationships are more important than things and more important than doing. It is a time when we look to do good for others. It is a concept that turns the world on its head. It’s a time when we can connect with God in a deep and personal way, and it is a time when we can recalibrate our values and our priorities to match those of the Kingdom of God. I encourage you to embrace the gift of the Sabbath. Enjoy all that God has designed it to be.
What happens in the church family is the ‘watering can.’ While the water is vitally important to a plant’s growth, the soil is the environment in which it will grow. Your home is the soil. We can develop bigger watering cans with more nutritious water, however, if the plant is not in fertile soil, the church’s efforts are somewhat limited. By focusing on the “Reach Up” part of the strategy, we hope to help develop more fertile soil.
Michael Worker, President
OFFERING SCHEDULE
SUNSET TIMES
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We want each home in our Conference to make changes to become more positive and active environments for faith development.
May God bless you as you seek to walk faithfully, day by day with Jesus as we all look forward to His soon return.
A Raethel, General Secretary
Friday 20 June Sabbath 21 June Friday 27 June Sabbath 28 June Friday 4 July Sabbath 5 July Friday 11 July
Home Grown is part of Greater Sydney Conference’s ‘Reach Up’ strategy to help each home, whether a family with children, young people flatting or a single person, strengthen its relationship with God.
4:54 pm 4:54 pm 4:55 pm 4:56 pm 4:58 pm 4:59 pm 5:02 pm
Sabbath 12 July Friday 18 July Sabbath 19 July Friday 25 July Sabbath 26 July Friday 01 August Sabbath 02 August
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5:02 pm 5:06 pm 5:07 pm 5:11 pm 5:11 pm 5:15 pm 5:16 pm
Sabbath 21 June Sabbath 28 June Sabbath 05 July Sabbath 12 July Sabbath 19 July Sabbath 26 July Sabbath 02 August
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Local Education: Auburn Local World Mission Budget Local Pacific Island Advancement Local
N e x t I n t r a s y d D e a d l i n e 0 7 J U LY
Editor: Michael Worker Assistant Editor: Rachel Lemons Aitken Design: Rachel Lemons Aitken Editorial Consultant: Adrian Raethel
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Greater Sydney Conference Communication Department
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Reach Up
Reach Up
The 2014 Constituency Meeting is rapidly approaching and will be held at Mountain View Adventist College, 41 Doonside Road, Doonside. It will commence with a mission-focused program on Sabbath afternoon, 23 August at 3:00 pm. This will lead into closing Sabbath and the seating of delegates at 7:00 pm. It is expected that close to 500 delegates, representing nearly every Church and Company within the Conference, will attend. Delegates are encouraged to attend one of the pre-Session meetings, which will give opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on any matters to be raised at the Constituency Meeting. Highlights from the Seventh-day Adventist Church (GSC) Ltd Board • Following consultation with Pr R Coombe, SPD Partners in Mission Coordinator, the Greater Sydney Conference has adopted the Solomon Islands as its Partners In Mission project • The new Work, Health and Safety key performance indicators for the 2014/15 financial year have been approved. Highlights from the Executive Committee • The Future Directions documents for Church Ltd, Schools Ltd and Aged Care Ltd have been approved and will be presented at the Constituency Meeting in August • A group of Filipino church members called Filoship has commenced meeting weekly at the Seven Hills North Public School • A 10-year strategic capital development plan for the Schools’ company has been given in-principle support by the Executive Committee and the Schools Ltd Board. While each project will still need specific approval before proceeding, the plan, which will be reviewed annually subject to enrolments, financial results and budget projections, will provide a framework for future capital development in the School System • One of the Conference houses in Dickson Street Strathfield has been sold, and another is on the market. The proceeds of these sales will be set aside to purchase residential accommodation for pastors and/or Bible workers in strategic areas of the city, such as the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Sutherland Shire and the Northern Beaches. Light Hope Church Light Hope Church meets in the Campbelltown area and consists of some members from the Campbelltown Spanish and Jacob’s Well Churches, as well as other attendees. The Light Hope Church has chosen to be independent of the Conference. Discussions have been held between the leadership of Light Hope and Conference Administration on a number of occasions regarding Light Hope becoming part of the sisterhood of churches within the Conference. Despite this invitation, Light Hope continues to choose to be an independent congregation and does not recognise the structure and authority of the organised SDA Church nor support it in any way, financially or otherwise. The door remains open to them becoming part of the sisterhood of churches should they wish to pursue it. A Raethel, General Secretary
Panapa Leuluai’s Ordination
The Mt Druitt Samoan Church was packed full for the ordination to pastoral ministry of Panapa Leuluai on 12 April 2014. The joyful occasion was attended by members and friends from Fox Valley and Mt Druitt Samoan Churches, from Mountain View Adventist College (MVAC) and from the Samoan community. The Junior Choir of MVAC added to the note of celebration with a couple of songs of praise. Panapa and his wife Jochebed first ministered at Fox Valley, where Panapa interned under the guidance of Pastor Bob Saunders. Panapa acknowledged the valuable contribution of Bob and Angie Saunders to his growth by inviting them to give the official welcome into the ranks of ordained pastors. Since the beginning of 2013, he has been the senior chaplain at MVAC and a participant in the life of the Mountain View Multicultural Church. The pastor of that church, Rams Tupe, welcomed the attendees, and the principal of the school, Jenny Gibbons, offered the opening prayer. Pastor Asofitu Leatuavao (Mt Druitt Samoan) gave the address; Pastor Michael Worker (GSC President) read the Charge; and Pastor Garth Bainbridge (GSC Ministerial Secretary) led the ordination prayer as fifteen of Panapa’s ministerial colleagues surrounded them to place their hands on the pastoral couple.
Blind Spot or Incredible
Mission Opportunit y?
The Home Grown discipleship initiative is a powerful strategic initiative that unites our families, local churches and Adventist schools in the impor tant focus on growing strong young followers of Jesus. Children and teenagers spend most of their time at school and home. They are also influenced significantly by their parents and teachers as well as their youth pastors. This is why the Home Grown initiative is so important and powerful – it unites the three key spiritual influences in a young person’s life. There is a major potential blind spot, though, with the Home Grown initiative. What about the young people in our churches who do not attend Adventist schools? Is there a way that we still provide a similar level of discipleship to children and teenagers who are not enrolled in our own school system? I believe that there is and that it could involve three key initiatives. 1. Building Adventist Connections with Non-Adventist Schools: Strategically, it would be very valuable for our local churches to identify the non-Adventist schools where Adventists young people are enrolled. Our church leaders and the parents of the students can approach the principal and chaplain of the school and introduce them to the Adventist church together with its belief system and values. We can then discuss with them the best ways to provide spiritual support for Adventist students while they are studying at the school.
2. Building a Mission Team: One of the best ways to grow a young person’s faith is to empower them to get actively involved in service and mission as a team. We can inspire and empower our young people who are not enrolled at Adventist schools to view their schooling as a local mission opportunity. They could form a small mission team with other Adventist students at their school, even if it is only two or three students, to pray for their classmates and teachers, to plan ways that they could intentionally share their faith and to disciple other non-Adventist students who they are reaching. This was the strategy that Jesus used with His disciples (Mark 6:7 and Luke 10:1). 3. Providing a Discipleship and Mission Coach: Our church leaders and the parents of students could work together to intentionally provide Adventist young people who are enrolled in non-Adventist schools with a discipleship coach. It could either be an Adventist employee at the school, one of the parents or another person in our church who has a particular heart for young people. Coaching provides the relational support that enables young people to become strong and resilient disciples and to become effective in sharing their faith. In this way, what may initially be seen as a potential blind spot of the Home Grown initiative can actually be an incredible mission opportunity for our young people.
Sven Östring is the new Director of Personal Ministries and Discipleship, with a specific calling to grow the discipleship movement in Greater Sydney.
Home Grown in Action What does Home Grown look like in action? According to Bernard Doejee, Chaplain at Macarthur Seventh-day Adventist College, it looks like Benjamin (8) and Samuel (10). It’s evident through their active involvement at Church in the Fields. They are the youngest prayer warriors in the Wednesday night prayer meetings, take part in the service each Sabbath by collecting offering and helping in children’s Sabbath Schools, participate in Adventurers and Pathfinders and help with outreach and community projects. This is reinforced by the discipleship they receive at home and in their school.
How Can My Family Grow in Faith? Table Talk is a resource developed to help your family talk naturally at the family table about spiritual topics. This set of cards will give you quality time to connect with all family members and build faith. Try these questions tonight at the dinner table: 3 words I use to describe God: _____, _____, _____ My favorite person in the Bible is: _________ Why? My perfect Sabbath day is: _____________________
Available at your local Adventist Book Centre. Contributed by Pr. Garth Bainbridge
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Reach Up
Reach Up
Dundas Croatian Church Attracts Community
Dundas Croatian Church hosted a well organised and well attended Easter Concer t on the evening of Saturday, 12 April 2014. Visitors from the Croatian community were absolutely thrilled to hear songs in their mother tongue sung by the Dundas Church Choir, Larisa Miler and Pr Edvard Miler. Additionally, there was a large number of English speaking visitors for whom there were several songs performed in English by Rosemary Malkiewicz, Marleta Fong, Pr Edvard Miler and his daughter Larisa. Pr Neven Klačmer General Secretary of the Adriatic Union Conference in Croatia, addressed the assembly with a brief sermonette. Additionally, the Dundas Croatian Church was honoured by the presence of Croatian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Dr. Damir Kušen, who came from Canberra to attend this special program. The concert was recorded by the Croatian National Radio and TV station from Liverpool, where Pr Miler regularly broadcasts a radio program, an initiative he’s maintained since September 2013. Pr. Miler hosted a series of lectures, entitled”Amazing Places in the Bible Lands” and “Searching for Answers” at King Tom Club and Dundas SDA Church in May and June; this concert provided a perfect opportunity for the church to introduce itself to the community. Contributed by Pr Edvard Miler
Cell Groups at Xcell Church Promote Spiritual Growth
Photo Credit:: Xcell Website
Deep spiritual growth takes place in community. For this reason, Xcell Church, led by Pastor Frank Ropati, has a special emphasis on cells, or small groups, within its church. Pr. Ropati says that about 95-99% of the members of Xcell Church belong to a cell group. They are designed, he says, “to be a source of encouragement.” He calls them “a safe place to be dangerous.” Because in his words, “Transparency is dangerous. The cell groups create a safe place for people to walk their faith at their own pace.” While each cell develops its own identity and way of doing things, they all follow the “Up, In and Out” model, which aims to help members reach up and connect with God, develop relationships and community within the church body and reach out to those around them through evangelism. One of the great blessings of the cell groups, says Pr. Ropati, is the accountability it creates.
and the Bride Wore White
Contributed by Beryl Landers
Photo Credit: Valerie Donat
‘And the Bride Wore White’ together with ‘Warriors Step Up’ are beautiful programs that teach serious messages of moral integrity in creative ways through meaningful illustrative games and activities, group sessions and personal alone time. The programs also provide practical “how-to” skills for aggressively developing and maintaining purity in a world stained
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with sexual pain. We believe that the facts and statistics alone around the dangers of sex outside of marriage are not enough to deter young people from resisting, but a strong committed relationship with Jesus Christ is a far more powerful motivating force for purity. Throughout the programs the message clearly and strongly encourages young people toward a
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relationship with Jesus Christ and that their value is found in Him. While dealing with the realities of sexual purity and impurity and the challenges and dangers of casual sex, the program offers hope and healing in the saving grace of Christ to anyone who has already “crossed the line.” The message is that NO ONE is beyond the grace of Christ and forgiveness and the power to overcome are available. Attendees responded with feedback that ”The program is life changing;” “I want to now live a life of purity;” “I understand that purity is possible;” “So relieved that I can start again.” This feedback is so encouraging and indicates that the objectives of the programs are being met.
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God Answers the Question:
“Why Am I Here?”
Shannon Creasy believes “God is a overwhelming conviction to unite the magnet;” throughout our lives, He’s neighbours. Little did she know, her constantly pulling us to Himself. persistent invitation would result in a However, it’s taken a series of events return to faith and a baptism. for Shannon to come to this realisation. After being unable to deny “There’s something uncanny the urge to return to nursing, I about God’s timing,” Shannon said, somehow, ended up at Avondale while sharing her story. A very College listening to a lecture by Dr reflective person, Shannon kept asking Drene Somasundram. It was later the question, ‘why’ throughout her life. revealed to me that Drene and Lucy One day, when she asked this question, were friends. Furthermore, Drene she actually received an answer. was married to Kellyville Adventist “While I lay awake at 3:00 am Church’s minister, Pr. Martin Vukmanic. in the morning, I found myself asking, (I would later attend their church.) yet again, the existential questions Looking back, both Drene we all often ask and Lucy were ourselves. ‘Why am monumental in I here? Do I have a strengthening my purpose? Where is calling to nursing my life going?’ Only and solidifying this time, when I my understanding asked the question, that “the calling” I was hit with an was indeed from overwhelming God. Lucy told While I lay awake at 3:00 am, I me, “Shannon, sensation to return to nursing found myself asking , “Why am as a Christian, I studies. I started don’t believe in I here?” researching coincidences…” I various courses; Avondale was one of pondered this statement many times them. and believe that in God’s perfect Later that evening I spoke timing, I met two people who were with my husband about my strong great Christians in action. They shared desire to return to a profession the belief, which is dear to my heart, with which I had previously been of empowering others. I believe it very disheartened. My husband is my ever strengthening relationship basically said it was a crazy idea with God that has led me back to that would be filled with challenges. nursing and the opportunity to travel He was concerned for me. I tried to Atoifi in the Solomon Islands to to put this urge to pursue nursing serve and learn more about nursing to rest, however, the feeling was care to people with so little. Indeed, overwhelming. Around this same being at Avondale has only solidified time, my neighbour, Lucy Choong, my faith further; I am humbled and was holding a street party, which I blessed by the knowledge I have was determined not to attend. But gained and the amazing Christians that Lucy was determined. She contacted have done so much to serve God.” me three times to get a reply from In the end, Shannon’s belief me. One day she saw me driving my was confirmed. God is a magnet. son to school, and she stopped my And through these situations, even car. She came straight over to the throughout her entire life, He was car and asked if I would attend the there, just waiting to draw her to party. Somewhat flustered, I said yes! Himself. Lucy had no intention of evangelising that evening; she simply had this Contributed by Shannon Creasy Like www.facebook.com/sydneyadventists
The Miracle Skype Call
The youth at Waitara have been running a weekly online Skype prayer meeting every Tuesday night for the last 3 years. During this time people from around the world have joined in this weekly hour of power. After a recent Skype prayer meeting session, the host forgot to log out of the Waitara Youth Skype account, and to his surprise he received a call well after the meeting had ended. The call was from a young lady living in Sydney who said she had lost her connection with God and needed prayer. She had found the meeting by simply Googling “Skype Prayer.” He prayed with her and invited her to join the prayer meeting the following Tuesday. She called in and at the close of the meeting, one of the youth invited her to attend an afternoon youth program that Sabbath and gave the girl her phone number. That same night, the young lady phoned the number she had been given and poured out her heart, telling the young person with the listening ear how she regretted so much of her life and felt God didn’t care about her. After talking for some time, the young person who was listening felt impressed to make an appeal, “Are you willing to let go of your past and let God make something of your life?” The answer came back, “No.” They continued talking. A second time, the conversation gave opportunity to invite the anonymous caller to surrender her life to God. This time, she said, “Yes.” The two prayed together, and that night, a young lady living in the city of Sydney, surrendered her past, present and future to God. God is good! Contributed by Charissa Fong
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Epping Church
Reach Up
Wahroonga Church
Reach Up
Contributed by Epping Church
From His Perspective The Pathfinder Fair, held at the Castle Hill Showground, attracted approximately 700 Pathfinders from 28 clubs throughout the Greater Sydney Conference. Including parents and supporters, an estimated 1,000 people were in attendance at the all-day event. According to Pr. John Wells, Associate Director of Youth Ministries and Pr. John Wells Director of Pathfinders, this was Pathfinder Director one of the largest Pathfinder Greater Sydney Conference Fairs for the Conference.
Illawarra’s Perspective After lunch, the Illawarra Pathfinders took part in a marching competition. The girls on the team performed a carefully choreographed routine for three minutes that included music and the singing of Bible texts in time with the routine. To add to the performance, the girls dressed in black outfits and wore white masks and one white glove. The girls all did well.
Contributed by Hurstville Church
Hurstville Church 8
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Contributed by Pam Grootemaat
Contributed by Illawarra Club
Hurstville Church
Pathfinder Fair 2014
When asked why Pathfinders is important, John said, “It’s evangelistic outreach for the church, especially for its own kids, aged 10-15.” He continued by saying it’s during this time that they decide, “What am I going to do with God? What am I going to do with my church and my relationships?” Pr. Wells shared that another opportunity is the community because “kids from the community have families – mums and dads – that becomes an opportunity.”
Illawarra Club First Timer’s Perspective
Contributed by Bankstown Church
This was Bankstown’s first time attending and participating in the Pathfinder Fair (and not the last). My experience was awesome. It was great to see everyone using all the skills they’ve practiced over the past few months. The highlight of my day was meeting all the Pathfinder clubs and new people -- some have been doing these events for many years, for others it was their first time also. As the Bankstown Pathfinder Director, I couldn’t be prouder, and I am blessed to be a part of this experience. Contributed by Epping Church
Contributed by Nadashe Tuaineiti
Bankstown Church
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Reach Up
Reach Up
In His Own Words
Activities for Everyone Youth were fired up by speaker Rome Ulia and also enjoyed a barbeque and other activities. Children were welcomed with special programming, which included drama, outdoor activities, snacks and crafts.
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INSPIRE 2014
Keynote speaker, Pr. Elbert Kuhn, who served as the Ministerial/Global Mission/ Education Director from 20032009 and currently serves as the President of the Mongolian Mission, set the stage for his messages over the weekend. Introducing the story of Paul, he highlighted the difference between joy and happiness in the life of a Christian. At one point saying, “Getting what you want won’t bring real joy, but being grateful for what you already have will. Real joy comes from the Lord, not material things.”
Faced with the challenge of providing an accessible location as well as an impactful experience for as many people as possible, the Greater Sydney Conference opted to host its annual training and resourcing event, Inspire, at Mountain View Adventist College in Doonside, NSW. As a result, many who had not previously attended Inspire, as well as some who were regular attendees of Inspire at Merroo Christian Conference Centre in Kurrajong Hills, NSW, were able to experience the four-day event that included speakers and workshops. The theme of the event followed the Conference’s strategic focus of “Growing in Discipleship: Reach Up, Reach Out, Reach Across.” Workshops were aimed at providing resources that fit into one of these three focus areas. A powerful, angelic chorus by the musical ensemble, which included a variety of instruments and a quartet of praise singers, ushered the keynote speaker, Pr. Elbert Kuhn, into each service. Friday morning featured an Anzac Day Remembrance Ceremony, led by Pastor Richie Reid, in which two Pathfinders, along with the school captains of Mountain View Adventist College presented the Australian flag. Participants wore sprigs of rosemary as “an emblem of fidelity and remembrance.” Throughout the weekend, workshops ranged from Andrew Skeggs’ “Guiding Your Friends on a Spiritual Journey,” which discussed what a person can do to help his or her friends at different points in their spiritual journeys to co-presenters Dannielle Synot and Linda Ross’ workshop about the challenges we face in developing authentic and connected relationships personally and as a church. (To see the range of workshop topics, visit http://www. gscadventist.org.au/web/events/inspire-2014/). Garth Bainbridge, Ministerial Association Secretary, stated, “I always find the workshops the most helpful part of Inspire because of the closeness and intimacy of the instruction that happens.” Those who attended left with a renewed spiritual energy. One attendee stated she felt a “connectedness as a church because the inspiring relationship messages and the kids’ programs, which allowed the parents to attend and the kids to connect.”
www.lastempire.com.au
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Band Day Hits a Sweet Note
Preparation was underway for Band Camp on Wednesday, 21 May as students from the Greater Sydney Adventist school campuses came together to par ticipate in Band Day at Fox Valley Community Centre. Sound bites from pieces like When the Saints Go Marching In, Hallelujah Chorus, and Peggy Sue were heard being practiced by the band. This music will later be performed at the end of Band Camp on their performance night. Teacher Steven Erceg, a music teacher at Mountain View Adventist College and one of the guitar teachers who is participating for his third year, explained the importance of the events. “Band Day and Band Camp are initiatives to get all the Seventhday Adventist schools in the Sydney metropolitan area to get together and learn and play instruments… This
gives the children an opportunity from a young age to experience music and to play with different people, which helps them in their musical ability and development.” The young musicians get the opportunity to play in various groups depending on their instrument. The orchestral instruments make up a large part of the traditional band, but there is also the opportunity for contemporary
instruments --such as the guitar, bass guitar, singers and even the melodeon --to get together with a tutor to learn more about their specific instrument. Mark Hinze is a parent who participated in Band Day alongside his
children Damian, who plays trumpet and was attending his fourth Band Day, and Nichole, who plays violin and was participating in her second. “Band Day is a great opportunity for kids learning an instrument to be enthused and inspired,” Mark says. “It was a really fun day for my kids to enjoy learning and playing music, which gives a purpose to their practice. Playing in a band also allowed my kids to hear and feel what can be achieved when all of the parts come together to make a great sound.” The magnitude of this opportunity to get together and collaborate with other students and schools is one aspect of Band Day that is echoed by teachers, parents, and staff. Fiona Russell, from Wahroonga Adventist School, and Karen Koolik shared their views of the importance of Band Day. “What’s really good is trying to integrate the schools. Not to mention, the social and cognitive benefits from practicing music with others,” said Russell, who ensures that Band Camp continues to be a long-standing event that’s known as one of the best social get-togethers for Greater Sydney Schools. Band Day saw 152 participating students from 4 Sydney schools come together. Band Camp will take place 16-18 July at Crosslands.
“Biggest Morning Tea” Helps Fight Cancer
“Biggest Morning Tea” was celebrated in a delicious way at the Kellyville Hills Adventist College campus on 22 May 2014 with a baked goods fundraiser. All students and families were invited to participate through Home and School and direct email invitation. The message was well received; various baked goods were brought in to help with the fundraiser. Families brought in treats, students made some in class while competing for best decorated and Home and School contributed with baked goods and the organisation of many of the parental donations. This was the fourth year that the Kellyville campus has run a “Biggest Morning Tea” fundraiser. Bethany Choong, Year 12 student, commented, “I think that it’s really great that everyone in the school has brought things together, and we’ve been able to organise it so that the entire school is able to be part of our fundraising efforts, not just one or two
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people.” The large assortment of baked treats that were brought raised a total of nearly $900 this year. All monies raised will go directly to the Cancer Council. This isn’t the only event or funds that these students have raised this year to go towards the Cancer cause. Grace Hey, a science teacher at Hills, mentioned that, “Our last mufti day fundraiser was also for Cancer. One of our Year 7 students, Dominic Slattery, participated in Shave for a Cure and we helped him raise over $2000 with a mufti day and hair colouring event.” Choong also recognised how events like “Biggest Morning Tea” have an importance not just in raising funds for an honourable cause but also an importance for individuals and their families. “I think that everyone is affected by cancer- we all know people who suffer from it. A lot of us have people in our families who do, and it’s great that we’re able to take just a little bit of time out of our day to participate in an event like this.”
Exporting Encounter The Adventist Encounter Curriculum is a Bible curriculum that was collaboratively developed by The Australian Union Conference (AUC) and the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference (NZPUC), and is now making its way on to the global stage. Already in use in the UK, April of this year saw The North American Division of Seventh-Day Adventists (NAD) visit Australia and New Zealand to observe the Encounter Curriculum and Character in Action in use at Adventist schools. Nina Atcheson is the Secondary Curriculum Officer at Adventist Schools Australia and part of the team who developed Encounter. She also wrote most of the secondary units. In 2013, she travelled to Providence, RI (USA), where she spent three days teaching the framework and philosophy that are central to the curriculum to a small group of teachers, union officials, and the NAD Director of Secondary Education, Dennis Plubell. When asked if she ever thought the curriculum would have been picked up on the global stage she replied, “Not really, no, but it is amazing to see how God leads and guides. I would write with a specific class in mind from my experience… I prayerfully just opened up for the Lord to lead and inspire.” “The whole team has felt that God has been blessing this [Encounter] from its inception and every step since,” Nina says. She will travel to San Diego, CA (USA) in early June with Lanelle Cobbin, Curriculum Specialist of NZPUC. Lanelle is responsible for the transformational training framework of the curriculum. They will be training more teachers on the framework and philosophy
of the program. Over the past year, the NAD has been piloting the curriculum in five secondary schools and will be piloting for one more year in both primary and secondary schools before making the curriculum available to all Adventist schools in the Division. The Adventist Encounter Curriculum has been rolling out into primary and secondary schools in Australia and New Zealand since 2009 and is now being implemented in all of our Adventist schools. The primary goal of Encounter is to provide an environment where students can grow spiritually. In a previous interview Georgie Winzenreid (Primary Curriculum Officer, Adventist Schools Australia) said, “We want them to not just know about God in their heads but know about Him in their hearts.” Those who worked on the development of the curriculum wanted to ensure that it was relevant to students at different stages of their spiritual journeys as well as challenging them to experience God in real and relevant ways. Daryl Murdoch was commissioned in 2008 with the responsibility of developing a new Bible curriculum. Daryl says, “There was an urgent need for a biblical Bible studies program. Something new and fresh.” Since that time, he has been the one driving the project, assembling the team who developed the curriculum and has been in negotiations with the UK and the US. When asked how he thought the Adventist Encounter Curriculum would progress he stated, “This has put Australia and New Zealand at the forefront of Adventist education development. We think it’s going to be a program which will give young people the opportunity to develop a really strong, deep Christian world view.”
Photo Credit: Calvin Chuang
Insider’s View Reaching Out Through School Community
Leanne Champness, a mother with three children attending Sydney Adventist School Auburn, recently shared how the school community was one that could lend suppor t when it was needed most. In an interview, Leanne explained how the kindness of the staff and students helped her family through the hardship of her sister dying of cancer. “Of course it was a very emotional time for us and for the children. The class decided - well, I’m sure the teacher had a lot to do with the decision - to write cards. And each of the students took time to write a special card and to illustrate it. Also, the two boys in the class had the opportunity to write a card to me as well to tell me how they felt. It was a really important thing for them, working through their grief, and it was a really special thing for all those cards to come home and feel that the class had talked about it, thought about it, and cared enough to draw the beautiful cards with real feelings; they really expressed their sympathy and thoughtfulness. That was a very special thing for us.” Leanne and her family continue to be an active part in the Sydney Adventist School Auburn’s community and are assured that they can count on their school. Says Mrs. Champness, “I love the way that the school and the staff work with the families, whatever we’re going through.”
person’s death” (Hebrews 9:16-17). The point being, it is only through the death of Jesus, that the terms of the covenant can be enacted (i.e. the death of the righteous ‘One’ can bring life to many (Romans 5:611)). When you make your free Will through the Greater Sydney Conference, may it be a reminder of God’s act of grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our LORD who is “alive forever” and the One who holds the “keys of death and the grave” (Rev. 1:18).
Cher yl Keene, ABC Manager
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PRAY TOGETHER 5 Steps to Plan a Prayer Breakfast
Who? Who was the passage written to and who was it written by? Where? Where were the recipients of the passage? When? When was it written? What? What does it mean?
What one thing is the passage saying? What was their unique situation & culture? What is the universal principle that applies to us? Why? Why did it matter to the recipients & us? How? How do I put that principle into practice in my life today?
Use these questions in your devotional life today and ‘Reach Up’ to Jesus as you build a daily relationship with Him! Cheonneth Strickland is the Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries. Visit the Youth Ministries Website at www. sydneyadventistyouth.com.
May - June 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au
Tweet @SydneyAdventist
Ber yl Landers is the Director of Adventist Womens Ministries. Adventist Womens’ Ministries is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ adventistwomen.
UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE
QUIET TIME
Captivating, speaks to young women about the fundamental questions she may ask and her core desires. It addresses the woman’s search for approval and identity through finding a hero or a “prince.” This book helps to answer questions and self-doubts by showing us Christ can be our prince!
Trust Services is a caring and free service for church members, family and friends for the preparation of their Will under the direction of a practicing solicitor. The service is personal and confidential and is an important part of the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to minister spiritually and practically to the needs of our community and the church’s mandate to proclaim the everlasting Gospel. So often you hear preachers say ‘you must have a relationship with Jesus Christ by reading your Bible.’ While this is essential to ‘Reaching Up,’ many don’t show you how. Being able to “rightly divide the word of God” (2 Timothy 2:15) and apply it to our lives, helps us to live out our faith in our workplaces, study environments, gyms, sport fields or even at the malls we frequent. How Do We Read or Study our Bible? How do we ‘exegete’ or draw out the meaning of a passage? There are six key questions you must ask of any passage:
Small Group and Personal Study Resource
The two books below help readers wrestle with some of the core questions in their relationship with God and others.
1. SET DATE & VENUE Find the best day by avoiding clashes with other programs. Also, find a venue that will suit the event. 2. PREPARE THE PROGRAM Invite a guest speaker, include a “get to know each other activity, share tesimonies, encourage fellowship and most important, keep prayer as the focus. 3. PREPARE THE MENU Keep it simple; make it healthy and share the load with those around you. 4. ADVERTISE Send out a ‘Save the Date’ as well as invitations. Place notices in Church bulletins and use email, SMS and Facebook. 5. ADD THE TOUCHES Make the venue attractive & welcoming; Have meaningful tokens as gifts (not expensive). Acknowledge individuals, birthdays, special occasion, the oldest, etc. Promote the next meeting (have a date set) Encourage continued prayer until the next meeting
Since becoming the father of a boy, my husband also had a lot of questions about understanding the masculine journey with the deep needs and desires that come with Christian manhood. In Wild at Heart, John Eldredge reveals the question that resides at the core of every man’s soul and shows how the answer will have a lasting impact on the course of a man’s life.
DEEPEN YOUR PRAYER LIFE
significance. Compare the death of Rebekah’s nurse Deborah, just one verse (Gen. 35:8) to Sarah’s death some twenty verses long (Gen. 23:1-20). Obviously the death of Sarah was of much greater significance. Not surprisingly then, the death of Jesus in the Gospel of John takes up approximately two thirds of the entire Gospel. The author of Hebrews uses the metaphor of a Will to heighten the significance of Jesus’ death and the ratification of the covenant saying, “The will goes into effect only after the
TRUST SERVICES
How Can We Serve You?
Rodney Woods is Director of Trust Ser vices.
In any story, there are some literary ‘rules’. The main character is prominent. That is to say, we not only get to know how she looks and what she does but we get to know what is inside her head, what her motives are. Other characters, such as the barista who served her a cup of hot chocolate, are not even given a name. Similarly, important characters in the Old Testament are spoken about much more then less important. Consider Sarah and Asenath. The death of a person also tells us of her
CHRISTIAN IDENTITY
TRUST SERVICES
Inform, Inspire, Engage, Resource
Claire Marsh is the Director of Adventist Counselling Ser vices. Books available at the ABC in Sydney
Ever find yourself at a loss for words during prayer time? Try this acronym for guidance: Gratitude Expressed Requests Presented Adoration and Praise Confession and Forgiveness Entire Surrender - Mind, Heart & Soul Resources Visit these sites for further information on prayer as well as reflections. http://www.revivalandreformation.org/ https://www.facebook.com/Praysevensevenseven There’s an App for That
Malcolm Rea is Director of Prayer, ADRA and Health Ministries
Like www.facebook.com/sydneyadventists
The Revival and Reformation App, which was developed by the General Conference, provides you with devotionals, prayer reminders and maps to let you know where others are praying around the world. Get connected!
www.gscadventist.org.au / May - June 2014 15
We see a church that is
passionate about knowing
and experiencing God, both
Reach Up
personally and through a lifestyle of church community worship.
Family Worship Ideas Watch and listen to “Father’s Love Letter” together as a family at www. fathersloveletter.com and share your reaction to it. For families with young children, access www.fathersloveletter.com/kids Read from the Bible or a Bible Story Book. After reading scriptures, ask the questions, ‘What does this say about God?’ and ‘How does God want me to respond?’ Also, include prayer and singing. Read Matthew 7:24-27 - The Parable of the Man Who Built His House on the Rock. Gather some craft sticks or blocks, two surfaces for building that can hold water, as well as sand and small to medium-sized stones. As a family, build two small houses - one on the rocks and the other on the sand. After building, sprinkle the structures with water, and see which house stands up the best to the conditions. Discuss how this relates to the parable.
Our goal is to be a community that grows in its capacity to love God and allows Him to increasingly work in and through us to love people.