MAGAZINE
INTRASYD SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017
2017 Digital Discipleship Conference
What’s in your hands?
ADVENTIST EDUCATION:
Milestones & N e w B e g in n in g s
* Mission2Sydney Think TanKNew Meet our ADRA Appeal 2017 President
FROM THE PRESIDENT Terry Johnson Many Cultures have teaching
proverbs pertaining to the
tongue, such as:
PRESIDENT Terry Johnson
· “The Wise man has long ears, big
eyes and a short tongue!” (Russian)
· “The empty vessel makes the greatest
terryjohnson@adventist.org.au
sound!” (Shakespeare)
Editor
hand of a fool.” (Spanish)
Joyce Taylor joycetaylor@adventist.org.au
· “Wit without discretion is a sword in the · “Those who know much speak little; those who speak much know little.” (Chinese)
The apostle James in 3:8 categorically states
Graphics
that “The tongue cannot be tamed,” and as
Lynda G. Abreu
still apply directly to our modern time.
each of us has a tongue, the statement can
lyndagomes@adventist.org.au
Other Contributors Isaac A. Agyeman Josh Dye Richard Hurrell Katrina Jorgensen (Cov) Bruce Judd Raul Moran Malcolm Rea Dr John Skrzypaszek Madison Worker
Next issue content due 05 NOV
The Bible in teaching a Godly Disciple Culture has much to say about our tongues:
· A fool’s voice is known by a multitude of words; Eccl. 5:7
· Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; Prov 17:28
tion on my Qantas bag tag. In the course of
the conversation, as a Kingdom ambassador, I shared that I worked with a “not-for-profit” Seventh-day Adventist Aged Care company
and she said that she lived in Wahroonga. My instant prayerful thought was “Lord, I hope
she’s had a good experience with Sevvies!” I needn’t have worried as Emma spoke highly
of two colleagues who were Adventists and of
her personal excellent experience with Sydney Adventist Hospital. I was blessed to hear her
tongue utter praise for our faith and disciples. We don’t often pause to consider what impact our tongues have and how far our words
spread. Imagine the impact in Greater Sydney if each of us chose to be more disciplined and tempered in what we said about our Faith & last day message, our church, our members,
our Aged Care, Schools, teachers, pastors & conference?
· Seeth thou a man that is hasty in his words?
While the apostle James was unequivocal in
Prov 29:20
leave the fledgling Disciple Culture without
There is more hope for a fool than for him;
These verses and many more give us pause to consider our pronouncements and how
they’re affecting people as well as the repu-
tation of the kingdom of heaven of whom we are ambassadors.
I was sitting in a train from Domestic to
Central in Sydney, when the woman across
from me asked a question about my frequent
flyer status with Qantas. Odd initial question, but it began a conversation where I found
out that her name was Emma and that she worked for a Health company as National
Sales Manager; flying is her life, thus the ques-
his categorisation of the tongue, he did not
hope. In 3:17-18 James gives the antidote to the undisciplined poisoned tongue; “But the
wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all
pure, then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial
and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” Imagine a
harvest of souls in our conference as a result
of our disciplined tongues. Our prayer could
be; “God give us wisdom from heaven, which
we then may sow in others through our words as Your Ambassadors.”
Terry Johnson
October 2017
@ SydneyAdventists
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Early in the afternoon Suzanna heard a knock at the door, and she immediately froze. She wasn’t expecting visitors and she felt on edge. As Suzanna crept towards the door, she squinted through the peephole and saw a young woman. Page 18
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NEWS
Baking Bread Together
Inspired by the 2016 bible study lesson on the role of the church in the community, the Polish-Czech-Slovakian church in Pendle Hill decided to run an evangelistic program that was also practical. Page 07
ARTICLE
From Our Schools
There's been much happening in our schools here in Sydney. Get the latest scoop on Mountain View Adventist College, Hills Adventist Schools, Sydney Adventist School Auburn and Macarthur. Page 14
NEWS
Urban Mission
In Ellen White’s mind, involvement in Jesus’ ways was all inclusive. Her understanding of mission focused on the inspirational visioning of “service to God” through every occupation of life. Page 03
INTRASYD
ABC Web Store Launches
The Greater Sydney and NNSW conferences have been working together on the combined webstore since late 2016 and now Victoria conference has also joined the project. Page 11
OCTOBER
2017
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Editorials
GENERAL SECRETARY
ADRIAN RAETHEL
FROM THE CHURCH LTD BOARD
The inner city ministry centre on Cleveland Street in Redfern was officially opened on 5 August. It will serve as the base for The Way Church and will also be used as a Centre of Influence by surrounding churches and the Conference at large; · The Conference is investigating the possibility of identifying and training suitable lay volunteer pastors to lead out in future church plants; ·
CFO
Eva Ing Over the past few months we’ve been working hard on some new initiatives in the Adventist Book Centre (ABC) to make it even more accessible to our members. Here are some of the "We’re really things we’ve been excited working on:
about the future of the ABC!"
A new website! Find it at www.adventistbookcentre.com.au. We’ve collaborated with NNSW Conference to make this website a possibility, and now even better. Victoria Conference has also joined us. By pooling resources we intend to create a great website with an extensive range of products at competitive prices for all our members. New stock added every week, so please head on over to the new website! ·
·
A new Sale Room. The Sale Room is located on the first floor
Mrs Claire Marsh, manager of Adventist Counselling Services now located at the Sanctuary Medical Centre in Waitara, reported that 288 sessions of counselling have been provided in the last 12 months; 165 of those were claimed under a Medicare Mental Health Care plan (57%, compared to 17% in the previous 12 months); · The board has formally adopted the Adventist Child Sexual Abuse Interim Redress scheme. ·
FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Liverpool Samoan group was formed into a Company on 15 July. They meet at the Mt Pritchard East Public School, Mt Pritchard; · Norfolk Island TV (owned by the Conference and operated by church members on the Island) now runs 4 channels. It has recently added programming in Filipino and Mandarin to reach foreign speaking residents living on the Island; · Woollahra Church has received a grant to assist with major bathroom renovations; · The 3AM Parramatta group has changed its name to Parramatta Central group. ·
of the Conference Office at Epping, right next to reception. In it you’ll find amazing bargains, including stock marked down between 30%-80%. Rather than waiting until our traditional sales events, which will continue on an ad hoc basis, sale items and second-hand books will be available year round. The Sale Room will be open Monday to Thursday from 9am5pm, and Fridays from 9am-12:30pm. Finally, Wahroonga ABC remains open. We’ve heard your emphatic cries and have received a lot of support from the Sydney Adventist Hospital (SAN), particularly with the allocation of free rent on the shop space we currently occupy. We’ve recently met with SAN management in looking to relocate the shop to a more prominent location. This means a brand new shop in a new, high-traffic location. ·
We’re really excited about the ABC, and its continued focus on ministry.
The Visionary Passion for Urban Mission Dr John Skrzypaszek - Director OF the Ellen G. White Research Centre iiat the Avondale College of Higher Education
I
n October 1909, Ellen White wrote a motivational letter to the churches encouraging the members to envision a new mission focus for the city of Portland, a town of close to 100,000 citizens.[i] For a number of reasons, the project was close to her heart. Firstly, she was instructed by God to encourage a renewed interest in sharing the “banner of truth” in the eastern states with increased vigour and urgency. Secondly, while visiting the city of her childhood years, she confronted a spiritual decline. In this context, she recalled the revival that took place in the town before the Great Disappointment. More importantly, she reflected on the transformational impact of God’s love in her personal life. It ignited a burden and passion for the conversion of her friends. “When I was but a child, the Lord placed upon me a burden foir souls. I worked earnestly for the conversion of my playmates.”[ii] Ellen White’s desire to conquer the cities for Jesus emerged from the depth of her discernment of God’s love. The appreciation of God’s passion drives human mind beyond the boundaries set by mechanical methodologies. More so, it ignites a new impetus to immerse one’s dreams in the incomprehensible depth of God’s vision for life. In tracing the history of urban mission, I am inspired by the story of God’s patience in leading the church towards a more concentrated and dynamic focus the cities. In 1909 Ellen White wrote, “As I look over the past testimonies I see that for years the importance of working the cities has been urged. But . . . excuses have been made and this great work has been sadly neglected.”[iii] Further, she refers to “the unworked cities in
Europe, Australia, and America, and in the regions beyond” stating “these cities have been neglected for years.”[iv] At the same time, her voice paved a visionary pathway, a space for recapturing and experiencing the transformational nature of God’s ways, in reaching people. In 1905, she wrote an inspirational reflection about Jesus’ ways. “The life of Christ established a religion in which there is no caste, a religion by which Jew and Gentile, free and bond, are linked in a common brotherhood, equal before God. No questions of policy influenced His movements. He made no difference between neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies. That which appealed to His heart was a soul thirsting for the waters of life. He passed no human being as worthless, but sought to apply the healing remedy to every soul.”[v] In Ellen White’s mind, involvement in Jesus’ ways was all inclusive. Her understanding of mission focused on the inspirational visioning of “service to God” through every occupation of life. It implied engagement and with people and sharing of the saving knowledge of Jesus wherever they are.[vi]
[i] www.biggestuscities.com/ city/portland-oregon Accessed 4 Aug, 2017. [ii] Letter, January 17, 1910. [iii] Letter 47, 1909.
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OCTOBER October
[iv] Ms, 11, 1908. [v] Ellen White, Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1915), 25. [vi] Ms 79, 1898.
2017
5 5
Local news Pendle Hill Church
Reaches Community Through
Bread
For many reasons, health-related issues are on the rise, and people increasingly looking for ways improve their well-being though conscious dieting at home. Inspired by the 2016 bible study lesson entitled, “the role of the church in the community”, the Polish-Czech-Slovakian church in pendle hill decided to run an evangelistic program that was also practical. Thus, their mission project, “Qulinaria - Baking with Friends” was born. By Joyce Taylor and Madison Worker. Graphics by Katrina Jorgensen
“Our main idea was to organise a work-
with other Poles/other Europeans.
shop ‘Baking bread with friends’ where
as well. “We advertised our workshop on Facebook where we have pages in
people would meet to bake bread, and
While the church strives to reach the
Polish and English set up for people
to share spiritual bread with them as
Polish community, another purpose
to get in touch with us.” For their
well”, said church member Richard Glowacki.
of the outreach program is to also build trust and foster
“OUR MAIN relationships with GOAL WITH ‘BAKING showing the neighbors in the BREAD WITH FRIENDS’ people how to surrounding area. WAS TO ORGANISE A bake healthy bread without “As the connecWORKSHOP WHERE PEOthe use of PLE WOULD MEET TO BAKE tions are made preservatives, and personal BREAD, AND TO SHARE chemicals and relationships form, SPIRITUAL BREAD other undesirwe might tell them WITH THEM AS able ingredients, as about our mission and WELL.” “Qulinaria is about
well as a version that is gluten-free.”
programs and introduce
them to Jesus”, adds Glowacki. “Part of this effort includes distribut-
efforts, nearly 30 people showed up to attend their first workshop last September. Following the premier event, one woman expressed interested in worship and Bible study and now regularly attends the church on Sabbath. She has sparked an interest in the program and Bible study in two of her friends. The popularity of the program has led the church to organise another four workshops. To date, more than 120 participants have taken part in the missionary project.
Given that the church is Pendle Hill
ing evangelistic literature and health
Church is an ethnic one comprised of
books, as well as offering Bible studies
“The atmosphere was wonderful”,
Polish, Czech and Slovakian members
to those who are interested”.
Richard concludes. “We have had
(services are held in both Polish and
many meaningful discussions about
English), they determined that the most
In addition to traditional methods
God, the Bible and our mission and
effective strategy would be to target
to advertise the programs, such as
our church. We have distributed a lot
migrants from Poland and other parts of
word-of-mouth, the church utilised
of evangelistic literature and made
Europe and those looking for contacts
digital means to market the workshop
friends with many of the participants.”
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March October
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co-authored several publications. Together they managed a vegetarian and
The Story of the First Christmas 3 & 4 December 2017 Gates open at 5:30pm FREE ENTRY Bookings recommended
health food store, and have worked in four health retreats in Australia, Africa and America. In more recent years they’ve been serving at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat, he as Manager, and she as Head Cook. The program includes seminars on Brain Health and Circulation, High Energy Living (with cooking demonstration), Beating Diabetes, Blue Zones and Losing Weight. Cost for the full seminar is $55.00 per person. All ages welcome. For bookings and more information, contact Terry on (02) 9653 1247 (after 5.30pm), via mobile on (04) 1331 4458, or via email at teryjudy@tpg.com.au.
02 COMFORT FOR STUDENTS MARILYN H., RYDE CHURCH At North New South Wales Grey
WWW.ROADTOBETHLEHEM.SYDNEY
S
MOUNTAIN VIEW ADVENTIST COLLEGE 41 DOONSIDE RD DOONSIDE
tart the Christmas season by visiting our Road to Bethlehem event and remember the true meaning of Christmas. It is an opportunity to ‘step back in time’ and experience what it may have been like at the very first Christmas. Online tickets (free) availble www.roadtobethlehem. org/sydney from 14-25 November (or until sold out).
01 CEDARVALE HEADS TO GALSTON Adrian and Michaelle Dorman are taking their Cedarvale health programs on the road, and their path is leading them straight to Galston Church. The Dormans have been involved in health ministry for over 30 years. Adrian trained at the Sydney Adventist Hospital and worked as a Registered
Have anything exciting or extraordinary to share? Email us at sydney@adventist.org.au.
Nursed for many years before completing a Lifestyle Counselling Course in the United States. In addition to a background in health, Michaelle has
Nomads Camp in 2016, Ryde Church member Sandra Campbell started talking to Robyn Cullen, her neighbour from Chillingham (near Murwillumbah), whose enthusiasm for the work being done at Currawah Adventist Aboriginal College, a boarding school located near Brewarrina in north west NSW, was contagious. Sandra was especially interested in how she could assist Robyn with her desire to provide all the students with their own patchwork quilt. Inspired to take part, the Ryde Sabbath School adopted the project and provided financial support, which ultimately allowed Sandra to make 12 quilts for the students. Every quilt is different, and each has an embroidered panel on the back with the donor’s favourite Bible text and a space for the student’s name.
Certificate IV - Presenting Community Health Education Programs (CHEP) TRAINER
DATES
LOCATION
SIBILLA JOHNSON, NATIONAL CHEP TRAINER
2-4 MARCH (FRI-SUN) 11-13 MAY (FRI-SUN) 6-8 JULY (FRI-SUN) 5-7 OCTOBER (FRI-SUN)
LEVEL 1, GSC OFFICE, 4 CAMBRIDGE STREET, EPPING NSW 2121
ABOUT CHEP
WHY PARTICIPATE IN CHEP?
CHEP endorses scientifically-proven Adventist health. The ten-month course requires attendance at four weekend blocks. Assessments include assignments, food preparation and an examination.
CHEP will teach you how to conduct effective education programs. It will also debunk myths and get you excited about teaching holistic healthful living and sharing this good news with others.
(02) 9868 6522 (02) 8876 5222
sydneyadventist.org.au sydney.adventist.org.au/ministries/health
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March OCTOBER JANUARY
2017
11 11
PHOTOGRAPHY
CAPTIONS/CREDITS 01 Adrian And Michaelle Dorman at Cedarvale Health and Lifestyle Retreat, Kangaroo Valley NSW
01
02 Sandra Campbell with some of the 12 quilts she made 03 The first baptism of the
02
Ghanian Group at Hoxton Park Church 04 Members of the Waitara Church Ukulele Ensemble
03
05 The new ABC web store at AdventistBookCentre.com.au. 06 Croatian President, Mrs. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović (centre) with Pr Miler & Croatian members of the Adventist church
During the Grey Nomads Camp this
formers. Following the concert will be
year, the quilts were handed over to
international food sales, including Alco
Robyn to take back. She was very
free–non-alcoholic beverages, which
excited to receive such beautiful quilts
proved a hit at last year’s event. At-
for the students.
tendees can also expect an assortment
03 WAITARA HOLDS CONCERT FOR ADRA APPEAL Waitara Church is again putting on another big Sacred Concert during
ELDER TED WILSON IS COMING TO SYDNEY 17 NOVEMBER - FRIDAY 7:30pm Macarthur Adventist College Macquarie Fields, NSW 18 NOVEMBER - SABBATH 11:00am Wahroonga Church Wahroonga, NSW 18 NOVEMBER - SABBATH 3:00pm Mountain View Adventist College Doonside, NSW
of exotic, cakes on auction. So it will be a night to remember.
04 GHANIAN GROUP GROWS BY ISAAC A. AGYEMAN
Knocktober, the official annual fund
Our first baptism was held at Hoxton
raising event for ADRA. Last year the
Park SDA Church on 26 August. We
concert, which included food sales and
had six candidates led into the baptis-
an auction, raised over $4,500 to boost
mal pool by Pastor Roger Vince led and
their ADRA fund raising efforts. Waitara
baptised in the name of the Father, the
Church was the number one church in
Son and the Holy Spirit. The baptisms
the Australia raising the most funds for
were assisted by Pastor Felix Opoku
ADRA for the last four years running.
Gyamfi and Elder Isaac A – Agyeman.
This year, the concert will take place 28
(Picture 03 from) L-R: Felix Ntow , 2.
October from 6pm to 7.30pm and will
Joseph Wiafe , 3. Theophilus K. Marfo,
include singing sensation Marleta Fong,
Middle is Pastor Roger Vince, 4. Lois
The Ukelele Ensemble, the Wantok
Acheampong, 5. Gladys Akumah and 6.
Singers and many other talented per-
Abena Amankwa Nuako.
05 ABC LAUNCHES NEW WEB STORE The Sydney Adventist Book Centre has now switched over to their new online home at AdventistBookCentre.com. au. The Greater Sydney and NNSW
conferences have been working together on the combined webstore since late 2016 and now Victoria conference has also joined the project. The ABC web store was officially launched in September with its first 1000 products, but according to web coordinator Scott Wegener, there are plenty of improvements still to come, including design and functionality tweaks and the entering of thousands of products. “The ultimate inspiration pushing us to make this web store great is to assist the many people who cannot easily get to a physical store,” says Mr Wegener. “The aim is to enable those at home, or on mobile, to make well-informed purchase decisions by presenting comprehensive product previews. But for now, we’re still getting our footings right and the basics set.” Future features will include initiatives such as video “flick-throughs” of pictorially-rich books, first page previews of chapter books, video trailers and DVD reviews, CD soundtrack demos and video demonstrations board game. Check out the new ABC web store now at AdventistBookCentre.com.au.
06 LOCAL PASTOR SINGS FOR DIGNITARIES
Pastor Edvard Miler, from the Dundas Croatian Seventh-day Adventist Church, performed at the gala dinner held at the Punchbowl Croatian Club on Monday (August 14) in honour of Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović’s visit. Ms Grabar-Kitarović was invited to Australia by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull; the first Croatian president to visit since Dr Franjo Tudjman, the first president of Croatia, in 1995.
04
During her visit, Ms Grabar-Kitarović also held numerous meetings with members of the large Croatian community in Australia. The gala dinner was attended by the President and the members of her delegation; representatives of the Croatian Embassy in Canberra; representatives of the Consulate General of Croatia in Sydney; as well as hundreds of Croatian immigrants who have been living in Australia for years. Numerous performances by local Cro-
05
atian folk companies filled the program to show the president that the Croatian culture and language continue to be nurtured among Croatian immigrants and their descendants, even to the third and fourth generation. At the personal invitation of Dr Damir Kušen, Croatian Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Pastor Miler sang “The Fisherman” (“Ribar” in Croatian) whose author was Pastor Miler’s recently deceased brother, Pastor Frederik Miler. That song was the only spiritual song performed during the evening.
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Don’t hide your news under a bushel! Write us at sydney@adventist.org.au. Attach images individually in 1 email.
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Youth Dept ountains and the M Miracles of Jesus By Raul Moran
T
his winter, 60 young adults from various conferences around Australia gathered at the Adventist Alpine Village and to shred the trails at Perisher Mountain.
“Shred it”, for those unfamiliar, is an annual ski camp for young adults. It is co-organised by the Greater Sydney and South New South Wales Conferences and is open to all young adults interested in attending. This 4-day winter getaway is a great time to revel in God’s nature together and enjoy the snow-covered slopes, and an even greater time to spend in worship. A typical “Shred it” day begins with a filling breakfast provided by the chefs at the Alpine Village. Outdoor play or indoor chill consumes the rest of the morning and afternoon. At sunset, we join together again for physical then spiritual food. "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--then He said to the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your bed and go home." And he got up and went home (Matthew 9:6-7). “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27).
In keeping with our mission to strengthen young people for the various trials that come their way, our theme for this year was “Miracles of Jesus”. Pr Nick Kross from the South Pacific Division office lead out Shred worships sharing compelling testimonies of miracles he has encountered all over the world and challenging us to look out for the miracles God will carry out in our lives as we follow him faithfully. Having that glimpse into His handiwork in the lives of people all over the globe was truly encouraging. You know we hear repeated throughout our Christian walks how natural and simple it is to use what we love to witness to others, but it’s really amazing to see this exemplified. During Sabbath morning worship service a group called “Snowboarders and Skiers for Christ” (SFC) shared their passion with us, their testimonies and practical ideas on how to share Jesus with those up on the mountain. It really showed the young people that God can use anyone and anywhere as long as we have the desire to share Him with those we encounter. Shred It returns winter 2018. To stay up to date on Sydney Adventist Youth events, visit www.sydneyadventistyouth. com or follow us on Facebook at @SydneyAdventistYouth. Photo (L-R): Jonny, Tim, Jess, Tash, Jared & Dereece
GSC Adventurer Rally 2017 By GSC Youth
E
very year a worship service is dedicated to our Adventurers to acknowledge their commitment and dedication throughout the year, to highlight the memories they’ve created in their clubs and to
encourage them with a special message. The 5th of August was that day and nearly 500 people gathered at Mountain View Adventist College to participate. In growing as followers of Jesus, the children were celebrated and encouraged to fortify the kingdom of God on earth by building up the people around them through words and actions. In a sermon the kids will not be forgetting anytime
BERNARD Deojee speaking to 400+ people at Mountain View Adventist College AT the adventurer rally HELD ON 5TH AUGUST
soon, Adventurer Rally speaker was ‘Beez’ Deojee emboldened them to explode with the love of God and goodness to others using a great object lesson that included balloons filled with confetti. To further illustrate the point, Adventurer leaders popped the balloons showering all the kids in confetti. Adventurer Rally is also a time to acknowledge those 9-yearolds in the Helping Hand class that will be moving on to
YOUNG WOMEN
Pathfinders the following year. A prayer of dedication is offered over them as they transition into the next ministry of
REALITY
service and life skills and blessings as they continue to grow into the young men and women God has called them to be. Lastly, the Adventurer Rally was an opportunity to further ADRA Blacktown, our year-long service project. At our other events we collect canned goods to send to the food bank, but at our Rally we collect a monetary offering to help with their expenses and support families in need. This year the Adventurers raised $836, and we want to acknowledge and thank all those that gave generously and cheerfully to help support such a wonderful service project. As we continue to raise stewards who reflect Christ and serve as beacons in their communities, we ask your support in prayer for the Adventurers, their families, this ministry and the Greater Sydney Youth Department.
See you at our Adventurer camporee in November!
online rego: http://bit.ly/2ikKRMf
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Education
MVAC Students Excel (Again) By Jenny Gibbons
I
n May 2017, Mountain View Adventist College (MVAC) pupils in Years 3,5,7 and 9 all sat National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) test with the rest of NSW students. The results of that examination have now been released and the school is very excited to report that the extraordinary growth achieved 2016 has been sustained. MVAC staff are committed to changing the Academic dynamic at the school and have been involved in numerous Professional Development courses throughout the last four years that encourage them to teach in a way that explicitly teaches a subject or content until such a time as the whole class grasp this concept. From Kindergarten to year 6, they’ve adopted the classroom phrase, “I do, We do, You do”. With this method: the teacher models it, the students work through the new material with the teacher, and then they work through and apply it on their own. In other words, everything taught is continually reinforced until the students “get it”. Because this type of learning is now a part of every classroom, there are consistencies of patterns that our students remember as they continue on through the college..... In other news, every year MVAC HSC Music students compete at Penrith Western Sydney Univeristy for an early placement into the Bachelor of Music course at WSU. This year 5 students––Jayda Diaz, Mr Steve Erceg, Chrizzafer Rosa, Mrs Jenny Gibbons, Blake Hooper-Potoi, Nolane Juarez, Hannah Perez (Pictured Right)–– competed for places and all 5 received early acceptance letters into the program. Accolades to all five students and their teacher Mr Steve Erceg!
Hills Adventist Opens By Madison Worker
O
n 27 July, Hills Adventist College held the official opening of their Senior block. Construction on the Senior Block began in 2013 with the fourth and final stage completed last year. Along with a library, the building houses facilities for many specialist subject areas such as Visual Arts, Food Technology, Textiles, Music, and Science, as well as General Learning Areas. Clr Yvonne Keane, Mayor for the Hills Shire Council, representing Hon Alex Hawke MP, and Pr Michael Worker, Secretary of the Australian Union Conference for the Seventh-day Adventist Church attended the opening. Both dignitaries gave speeches and The Primo Orchestra, comprised of Hills students and directed by Mr Ben Milis, performed for the ceremony. Surround by individuals instrumental to the project, Clr Yvonne Keane cut the ribbon and Pr Worker unveiled the plaque.
Hills Adventist College first opened in 1961 at what is now the Junior campus in Castle Hill. The Middle and Senior campus in Kellyville opened in 2011. What was once only a primary school now consists of an Early Learning Centre and a Kindy to Year 12 College. The completion of the Senior Block is especially poignant in light of Hills Adventist’s 55th Anniversary that was celebrated in October 2016. The anniversary reminded all who attended of how much Hills Adventist College, once Castle Hill Adventist Primary School, has grown. Further developments for the future include the building of a new church facility for the Kellyville congregation, to commence this year. In addition to this, the first stage of the Middle School block is due to begin this year and is expected to be completed by Term 1 2018. In 2018, Kellyville campus will see its first Kindy class begin, with plans for Kellyville to become a Kindy to Year 12 campus by 2022. Photo Credit: Hills Adventist School
Adventist Director, was also a guest speaker during the morning service and highlighted the achievement this was for Adventist education in Australia and the small primary school. In the afternoon Pr Michael Worker, Union Secretary and former Conference President, unveiled the plaque. Luke Foley, Leader of the Labour Party in NSW, delivered a speech before the unveiling to commemorate the longstanding place the school has held in the Auburn community. In his letter to the school he wrote, “We are so fortunate here in Auburn that this community has been served by an Adventist School continuously for over a century”. The celebration was made possible through the incredible planning committee, school staff, and countless others who came together to make the day memorable. For more information on the event, or for images, please contact Sydney Adventist School Auburn on (02) 9649 5279.
SASA Turned 100 By Anjuli Cruz
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cores of people descended upon the campus of Sydney Adventist School Auburn to celebrate its highly anticipated centennial anniversary. Faces both young and wise, familiar and acquainted beamed as events and trips down memory lane unfolded throughout the day. “I was so happy to see so many people come and join us on the day to honour those who worked through blood, sweat and tears to help create the school that is still standing after 100 years”, says Mrs Danyel Efstratiou, school Principal. The morning service included reflections from alumni as guest speakers who shared how their time at the school impacted them long after they had left. Flowers were distributed to some of the oldest alumni in attendance, and those who travelled furthest to be there. Dr Daryl Murdoch, Adventist School
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New Spaces for Macarthur By Kathy Carey
Campbelltown Council approved the new building works last year to cater for student population growth that is expected to almost triple over the ten years to 2020.
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he Hon. Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, made a visit to Macarthur Adventist College to officially open a new two-story art, music and IT specialty building at the school’s Family Fun Day on Sunday 20 August. In addition to the new building, the school’s multipurpose Hall and Technology and Applied Studies building were refurbished. “A good education is the key to success. Opening the new building at Macarthur Adventist College is part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to the region’s growth, education and potential. It is something worth celebrating,” said Senator Fierravanti-Wells.
GSC CFo Eva ing, Hon. Senator Fierravanti-wells & Princapla anna calandra take a tour “As the school has grown, we have been able to expand the subject choice and opportunities for students as they go onto pursue further study or enter the workforce”, said Anna Calandra, school Principal. “Our focus has always been on personal attention and Christian values. Our new facilities will allow us to continue providing that quality education as we prepare our students for a life beyond our school.” The ceremony was held as part of Macarthur Adventist College annual Family Fun Day, which featured carnival rides, a petting zoo, face painting and jumping castles as well as live performances and school tours.
Wahroonga Expands By Jax Hunt
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n the 1st and 2nd of September we shared an exciting couple of days as a school community. On Friday afternoon, our students, teachers, parents and invited dignitaries came together to celebrate our gratitude and excitement to formally open our new building (see images below and top right). This has been a long journey for our school and it was a special moment for many. The ceremony opened with a heartfelt acknowledgement of our country from Pr Richard Reid followed by the National Anthem. After the welcome and prayer, our invited dignitaries addressed the audience and gave thanks to the community for investing in our school in various ways and for helping fulfil our mission of leading our students to success through this amazing facility. To conclude our program, students and teachers came together on each level and sang ‘Cornerstone’. This song brings out the overwhelming theme of God being the centre. The certainty of our hope in Christ. It is based on Ephesians 2:19-22, “Christ alone, cornerstone, weak made strong, in the Saviour’s love, through the storm, he is Lord, Lord of all”. On Saturday, we were joined once again by our school community and officially dedicated our new building to God. As a school, we know and understand the privilege of what we do. We feel extremely blessed and thankful to those that chose to commemorate this special occasion with us.
Academic Olympics By Education Staff
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he annual Academic Olympics for Greater Sydney Adventist Schools was held at Mountain View Adventist College this year. Teams comprised of four students from Stage 2 and Stage 3 worked through six different challenges involving English, Maths, HSIE, Science, Technology and Biblical Studies skills. “It is wonderful to see the students working together to think creatively to solve problems”, says Dr Jean Carter. The day’s activities were run as a rotation and included challenges such as students programming a Sphero to run through a maze, organising scrabble tiles into linked words, and guessing Books of the Bible or Bible Characters from interesting and unique clues, and identifying rivers and cities on Australian and World maps. Wahroonga School won the Stage 2 and Hills College won the Stage 3 Challenges.
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ADRA Appeal Compelled by love By Josh Dye, Communications Coordinator at ADRA Australia Photos by Wes Tolhurst, www.adra.org.au
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uzanna speaks softly and slowly as she shares her story: Years of abuse starting from childhood, the pain of losing a friend, the anguish of battling mental health conditions and the struggle to stay strong for her children. “I felt like I didn’t belong in this world,” Suzanna says. “That I didn’t deserve to be here.” “I’ve been the victim of abuse throughout my life starting from a very young age. Some of the things I struggle with are chronic anxiety, depression, agoraphobia [and] panic attacks,” Shes ays. “You get tired of being strong at times. Mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually – you feel depleted.” One day three years ago, Suzanna was on the brink. “Life was pretty much hell,” she says. “I was pretty much a prisoner in my own home. I felt that if I went outside someone would attack me.” But early in the afternoon that day, everything changed. Suzanna heard a knock at the door, and she immediately froze. She wasn’t expecting visitors and she felt on edge. As Suzanna crept towards the door, she squinted through the peephole and saw a young woman. Suzanna opened the door just a crack and peered anxiously at the stranger. “Hello, can I help you?” Suzanna asked, her voice shaking.
Standing there, smiling warmly, was Aly. Aly introduced herself as the manager of Mallee Rose Cottage, the local ADRA community centre down the road. Aly explained she was door-knocking in the neighbourhood to get to know some of the residents and invite them to some of the activities being run at the centre. As they talked, Suzanna began to relax and feel comfortable. Aly’s enthusiasm and warmth was infectious, and Suzanna felt good. They eventually got talking about art. Suzanna was a keen artist, and it just happened that Aly was running an art class at the centre. Three years later, Suzanna leads out in the art group multiple times each week, helping others like her overcome their pain through painting. The new manager of Mallee Rose Cottage, Melissa Baleilekutu, describes why the ADRA centre is so important for people like Suzanna. “We want to make sure that every person who walks through the door is
welcomed with open arms and accepted for who they are,” Melissa says. She shares the incredible transformation she’s seen in Suzanna’s life. “When Suzanna first came here she needed a lot of support. Now she’s much stronger, she’s more resilient and she’s keen to give back to her local community.” Painting, Suzanna says, is her release. It allows her to let go of her pain and dream about the future. “I think of happier things here. I sometimes get caught out singing here, dancing here. I love having the people here around me,” Suzanna says. “I can share a part of me with people here that I had thrown away for a very long time.” As Suzanna continues to heal, there are still tough days. But her life has a purpose now. “After feeling worthless for so long, being here at ADRA has given me a sense of value within myself as a human being,” she says.Compelled by the love she was shown that early afternoon three years ago, Suzanna is determined to make a difference.
“A SIMPLE KNOCK AT THE DOOR CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER, AND FOR THAT I WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL,” SUZANNA SAYS.
Serving Love with Meal and a Smile By Malcolm Rea
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ut for the slight rustling of leaves and faint murmur of distant conversation, it is silent as the evening settles in on the old city of Parramatta. Drawn by friendship’s memory and a delicious hot meal broken two weeks before, the regulars begin filing into the ADRA Café. They warm as they are greeted by name, peer inquisitively at new faces on the evening’s catering team and take a seat as others arrive. As usual, a few new faces appear amongst the latecomers. The aromas wafting from the kitchen heightens anticipation. It won’t be long now… The ADRA Café, an initiative of the Parramatta Seventh-day Day church, is a well-established outreach strongly supported by catering teams from churches across Sydney. Currently there are five teams that rotate to provide meals: three of these are from Parramatta (teen, woman’s and youth) and teams from Indonesian and Fairfield churches. Members from many churches across Sydney, however, often join these teams and make a valuable contribution. The 15-25 beneficiaries, most from non-English speaking backgrounds, include public housing tenants, homeless “couch-surfers” and a few who sleep rough. Vegetarian meals are served every second Saturday night and the friendship of volunteers invites trust and provides opportunities for support, and sometimes prayer, for some of the deeper challenges confronting the beneficiaries.
these events right now, right here in Sydney. I sat across the desk from Eddy Johnson when he took a call at the ADRA Community Centre Blacktown. The caller was a young man, I could hear him clearly as he said "Do you provide food?", "Yes”, replied Eddy. "We do". "What do I need?" the young man asks. "You just need to be hungry", Eddy tells him. Working closely with the local schools, ADRA Macquarie Fields discovered that some students suffering from ADHD take medication during the school day. All too frequently, however, the medication runs out and the parents do not have funds to renew the prescriptions. Centre manager Melissa has arranged to provide funds from donations received specifically for this purpose. A mother of 5 children had to take her children and leave home to escape a domestic violence situation. The local refuge could not take them as the eldest boy, aged 11, was considered a risk. They were referred to ADRA Blacktown because the mother and 5 children were living in their car. Macquarie Fields Centre hosts weekly Grandparents meetings, but not for ordinary grandparents. These are grandparents effectively forced into full-time parenting roles as their own children are unable to care for their kids due to addiction, imprisonment or dysfunction. The weekly meetings provide a support network, a respite and a relief. The Centres are in the front line. Right now you can help. Firstly, we ask you to pray for the staff, for the volunteers, for their work and for the clients. Secondly, you can provide financial assistance to ensure this vital work continues. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. You can donate at egiving.org.au; through your local church offering (simply mark your envelope ADRA Macquarie Fields or ADRA Blacktown and include in your church offering bag); or head to ADRA Australia at www.adra.org.au/donate, select “Other” and then enter either Blacktown or Macquarie Fields). If you are reviewing your giving as we approach the end of the financial year keep these vital projects in mind. Your help will keep us ready on the battlefield.
Becoming a part of this ministry is only a call away. Contact John on 0417 458 499 to get involved. Help change a life.
ADRA Centres Need You By Richard Hurrell
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DRA Community Centres in Blacktown and Macquarie Fields need your help. The following brief stories are just examples of everyday occurrences at these Centres. ADRA staff and volunteers are dealing with
We're calling upon each member to raise at least $50 dollars for this year's appeal, www.adra.org.au/adra-appeal.
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