ANU May-Aug 2024
Melbourne Fellowship Weekend 2024
The vibrant suburb of Ringwood in Melbourne’s east was the setting for the 2024 Melbourne Fellowship Weekend. The event, which took place over the King’s Birthday long weekend of June 7-10, was enjoyed by the local Melbourne congregation, as well as more than 30 interstate guests and even 2 overseas members from New Zealand. The weekend was attended by guest minister Mr Martin Montgomery and minister-in-training Mr Warren Burnett and was themed “Philadelphian Unity”.
The weekend began with a Bible Study and Soup Night on Friday evening. A selection of homemade soups and bread was enjoyed by brethren before the commencement of the Bible Study, given by Melbourne Pastor Mr Adam Jennings.
Brethren arrived back at the hall the following day for Sabbath services. Mr Jennings gave the sermonette on God’s perspective on Philadelphian unity, while Mr Montgomery spoke about various aspects of our carnality that can negatively impact our Philadelphian unity with each other. Afternoon tea involved cheese tasting followed by a catered spit-roast dinner, which included a variety of meats, vegetables and salads. At the completion of the meal, brethren were able to enjoy a fun game of Bible Celebrity Heads.
The next morning, there were two separate lectures continuing on the theme, “Philadelphian Unity”, delivered by Melbourne Elder Mr Zig Svalbe and Mr Burnett. After being well fed spiritually, brethren filled up on delicious sandwiches before embarking on a selection of afternoon activities. Some brethren chose a guided Yarra River cruise. The youth and the young at heart embraced the Melbourne winter and took part in ice skating at O’Brien Icehouse at the Docklands, while others took the option of a relaxed walk in the Fitzroy Gardens.
After returning to the hall that evening brethren enjoyed a fun-filled Loaded Spuds and Games Night. Several minute-to-win-it style games were set up, as well as a table tennis and air hockey tournament and prizes were on offer for the winners of each game.
Monday, the final day of the Fellowship Weekend,
was centred in the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s CBD. A farewell lunch at one of the oldest licensed pubs, The Mitre Tavern, brought the weekend to a close.
The weekend was a huge success with many opportunities to fellowship and embrace the theme of Philadelphian Unity. It felt like brethren were fully adopting God’s instruction to us through Paul, “that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) – Troy Kearns
Brisbane: Mount Coot-Tha Summit Hike
On Sunday, August 25, 2024, fifteen keen members of the Brisbane congregation set off on a refreshing morning walk up to the Mount Coot-Tha Summit. Our path took us from the JC Slaughter Falls, through a small rock pool, up stairs and inclines to the Summit lookout and back, making for a 5km round trip which took about an hour to complete. Although it was an unusually warm day, the group was buzzing with happy conversation and a beautiful family atmosphere. Our energetic little ones helped each other and everyone enjoyed the lush sights and sounds of the area. After the mildly challenging hike, the group met up with some others at the Botanic Gardens Café to rest ourselves and share a wholesome brunch and warm fellowship. – Dakota-Rae Burnett
Perth: Italian Dinner Evening
After the Sabbath on June 8, 2024, the Perth congregation enjoyed fun and fellowship with an Italian themed dinner. Sitting at tables decked with red and white checkered tablecloths, Italian music playing in the background and dining on authentic Italian dishes prepared by the ladies, everyone had a very enjoyable evening. Thanks go to Mr and Mrs Chris Pressler for organising a very successful activity. – Jenny Edwards
Melbourne: International Dinner & Quiz
Members of the Melbourne congregation stayed after services on August 24, 2024, to take part in an international themed buffet dinner and quiz night. Brethren were treated to a diverse array of authentic dishes from around the world that were pre-prepared by members from their home culture. After savouring dinner and dessert, brethren tested their knowledge on fun and challenging international trivia questions. It was a memorable evening that provided the perfect opportunity for extra fellowship. – Troy Kearns
Baptisms:
Mrs Denise Maddicks made the big step and was baptised by Melbourne Pastor Mr Adam Jennings on May 17, 2024 in a beautiful setting at the Maddicks home. Following her baptism, Mr Jennings and Elder Zig Svalbe laid hands on her. A small number of guests witnessed the important commitment she made in her life. We heartily welcome Denise into the family of God.
July 21, 2024 was a very important day for Mrs Vicki Evagora of the Melbourne congregation. Elder Zig Svalbe baptised her at her home and hands were laid on by Melbourne Pastor Adam Jennings and Elder Zig Svalbe. Witnessed by a small number of friends and family, we celebrated the joyful location with a well prepared meal and heartfelt fellowship.
On July 22, a small group gathered in Brisbane to witness the baptism of Ms Kim Khatri into the family of God. Brisbane Pastors Anthony Mew and Dayrell
Tanner laid hands on Ms Khatri. Despite the chilly weather and cool water, those present were warmed with joy to be part of such a special occasion.
Ms Delma McKenzie was baptised on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, by Perth Pastor Mr David Edwards. The baptism was performed in the calm waters of a sheltered cove near the Port Geographe Marina. After the baptism Mr and Mrs Edwards and Ms McKenzie enjoyed a celebratory lunch. Ms McKenzie is the only Church member in Busselton.
ANU Jan-April 2024
Adelaide: Tomorrow's World Presentation
Two very powerfully delivered Tomorrow’s World Presentations were conducted at the Glenelg North Community Centre, Adelaide during the month of April. The first, on April 6, titled “Signs Announcing Christ’s Return” was presented by Australasian Regional Director and Evangelist, Mr Robert Tyler. It was attentively received by 49 guests and 32 Church members. Many guests stayed back after the presentation to enjoy refreshments and the members eagerly mingled to make them feel welcome and answer any questions they may have had. A few guests remained to attend afternoon Sabbath Services.
The second presentation titled “Who or What is the Antichrist?” was given the following Sabbath on April 13 by Adelaide Assistant Pastor, Mr Martin Montgomery to 33 guests. Twenty-four were returning from the first presentation and nine first-time attendees. Once again, the audience was “all ears” as God’s truth was delivered with boldness, authority and clarity. It was obvious from the comments given by the guests afterwards, that prophecy is certainly being revealed in the Scriptures and is plainly seen through the unfolding of world events. Six guests attended Sabbath services again that week, which was greatly encouraging for us all.
The Tomorrow’s World Presentations have proven to be a very tangible way in which the members of God’s Church can participate firsthand in the Work of God and to see the impact that it is having in the lives of our subscribers. – Warren Burnett
Adelaide: Maritime Museum Activity
Sunday, March 17, 2024, saw 22 landlubbers from the Adelaide congregation embarking on a historical voyage at the Maritime Museum situated in Port Adelaide. Interesting facts of the Port’s history were brought to life with a guided tour, displays of ships, berths, galleys, artifacts, written and video accounts of real-life experiences on the sea. The salt air induced a hearty appetite which was satisfied at the nearby Lighthouse Wharf Hotel. Thank you to everyone for participating with courtesy, lively conversation and laughter for the enjoyment of all. – Mary Burnett
Adelaide: Indian Dinner Evening
On the evening of April 28, 2024, several Adelaide brethren enjoyed a delicious meal at the Raj on Taj Indian restaurant. While the restaurant was very busy, we were able to book our tables ahead of time, giving us a private room, allowing privacy from the other diners. We had two visitors – one from Brisbane and one from the United States – who we were excited to catch up with and get to know. Coming together for a meal and fellowship, was a wonderful way to end God’s Sabbath day. – Joshua Jamieson
Tasmania: Tomorrow's World Presentation
The Tomorrow’s World Presentation held in Devonport, Tasmania on February 24, 2024, was quite successful. Mr Martin Montgomery presented the topic “Prophetic Signs of Christ’s Return”, and reported that 45 guests attended the presentation from 262 invitations sent out. That was an excellent response rate of 17.2 percent! Some people travelled as much as two and a half hours to attend. One guest attended because she had previously read the Tomorrow’s World magazine in a waiting room and happened to recognize the banner outside the presentation room.
The follow-up presentation by Mr Zig Svalbe, which was titled, “The Beast Power is Rising”, drew 29 repeat guests and two new guests. As a result, a
strong witness was given to many people living in Tasmania. – Zig Svalbe
Melbourne: Church BBQ Activity
It was a cool Monday morning described as “a sad and sorry day that was supposed to be summer”; but this miserable weather did not deter 25 members of the Melbourne congregation. Gathering at the home of our minister, Mr Adam Jennings, for a relaxing, warm, bonding lunch and afternoon together, we were removed from societies’ festivities on December 25, 2023.
Mr Jennings cooked the meat on his barbecue in the covered outdoor patio where some men ‘supervised’ the cook, while the youth were inside talking and playing together. The women prepared and dished up the potluck meal while most of us sat and chatted in the open dining/rumpus room. We all greatly appreciated the abundance of food, drinks and the bonding
fellowship of the whole afternoon. Thanks to the Jennings for opening their house and hosting a fine afternoon. – Michael Alter
Sydney / Canberra: Combined Services
March 2, 2024, was a much-anticipated combined service between the Sydney and Canberra congregations. Mittagong Community Centre was the chosen venue which had been a great success on previous occasions. Mittagong also has the advantage of being approximately midway between Sydney and Canberra. The venue opened at 9:30am with all of the Sydney congregation in attendance. Considering some had travelled over three hours, it was a very positive start.
Sydney Elder Ed Lever started services at 11am with a Bible Study discussing “the Power of The Holy Spirit and the Godhead”. We then paused for a sumptuous cold dish lunch that had been prepared by our hardworking and dedicated ladies, overseen by Corry Watt.
Afternoon services followed with Mr Michael Gill, Pastor of the Canberra congregation, giving the sermonette on the importance of “Praying for Our Leaders”. Mr Graeme Hemphill, Pastor of the Sydney congregation, gave the sermon explaining the “Mystery of the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God”. Most brethren continued to fellowship until hall closure at 5pm. However, many also met up afterwards for a restaurant meal with more fellowship.
On Sunday morning, a number of brethren met in the southern highlands for breakfast in the millennial surroundings at Peppers Hotel. This was organised by Mr Doug Stapleton and was a fitting end to what had been a truly remarkable weekend. Everyone is keen to repeat the experience, with many asking “when are we going to do this again?”. – Graeme Hemphill
Baptisms:
On Sunday, February 11, 2024, Ms Sonia Lange of the Adelaide congregation was baptized at Gawler. Assistant Pastor Mr Martin Montgomery officiated over the baptism and the laying on of hands. Afterwards a small group of brethren enjoyed an afternoon of warm fellowship at Dexter and Amy Javate’s home to welcome Sonia into the family of God.
In a beautifully warm country setting, on Monday March 11, 2024, Mr Thomas Hammond of the Melbourne congregation was baptised by Elder Mr Zig Svalbe. Proceeding the baptism, hands were laid on Mr Hammond by Melbourne Pastor Mr Adam Jennings and Mr Svalbe. A small number of friends and family witnessed this joyful occasion and after this, we celebrated his commitment by enjoying a hearty lunch and meaningful fellowship. We welcome Thomas into the thriving family of God!
