Barney's: God's Missionary People - Seeing Lives Transformed
 
 
 
 
 

News from Barney’s September 2019

 
 
 
 

In this newsletter:

English Language Cafe

 
 
 
 


Coming Up

 
 
 
 


Our Missionary Partner

 
 
 

From Andy and Liz…

The logo of our Barney’s community is that of a tree planted by streams of water with roots that go deep, allowing it to yield fruit in season (Ps 1:3, Jer 17:8). I have been reflecting recently on some of the implications of this picture, particularly as we have been looking through 1 Timothy together. A fruit tree does not have to strive and push in order to produce fruit; the fruit is the natural consequence of the nature of the tree. However, the conditions do have to be right in order for fruit to appear. The tree needs to have roots so that it can absorb food and it needs to have access to water and to the sun. If these conditions are right, then growth happens, and fruit appears in season.

There are a lot of parallels that can be drawn between this picture and being a follower of Jesus. For while we are saved and made holy by Christ's work on the cross, we are called to continue to grow as his disciples. This growth, too, is a work of God’s grace, but we do have a part to play in creating the right conditions for that growth. If we want to grow in our relationship with Jesus, we need to make time to spend with him, to listen to him, talk with him, worship him and get to know him. If we are continually rushing from one thing to the next, we are not giving God the opportunity to grow us. This is what spiritual disciplines or practices are about; creating conditions so that God can speak and we can respond. These practices do not save us, but they allow us to grow as we should.

How are you creating the right conditions for God to grow you this month? Are you leaving time and space for him to speak and guide you? Are you allowing those spiritual practices that begin as disciplines to become habits and eventually a lifestyle?

Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Tim 4:8)

 
 

Praying for the English Language Cafe
Missional Community

 
 
 

The English Café is off to a great start this semester. We’ve seen a number of regular visitors and welcomed some new faces! Our goal is create a friendly, casual space for international students, immigrants, recently settled refugees, and many others to practice their English speaking and listening skills. We’re particularly thankful for all the wonderful volunteers from around Launceston who work hard to help make English Café happen, and we’ve seen some great friendships develop across the year. This year we’ve visited Liffey Falls and Agfest, and later this semester we’ll be heading to Trowunna – everyone is welcome to join! 

 
 
   
  
 
 

Please be praying for:

  • The English Café community, particularly those who are looking for work.
  • Our team of volunteers
  • Our ongoing relationships with the university, and the various support providers around Launceston 
 
 
 
 

Serving at Barney’s

A big thank you to all those who have volunteered over the past few weeks to help out on our Sunday morning rosters at Barney’s. Many hands make light work so a few extra volunteers make it an easier job for everyone.

We are very blessed to have so many people who are willing and able to serve in these ways. Thank you!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

There is always space for more, though, so let Liz know if you’d still like to help out! liz@tasbarneys.org

 
 
 
 

News…

Bishop Richard Visiting Barneys 3rd November

Please mark in your diary that Bishop Richard will be joining us and preaching at Barney’s on Sunday 3rd November. It will be great to hear from him so please do plan to be there if you can.

Circular Letter to Electors

Following the 2019 Anglican Synod, James Oakley, Secretary to Synod, issued a letter to all Parishes highlighting some of the key matters the Synod discussed. Please click here to read this letter.

Holy Communion in September and October

Just to let you know that due to leave scheduling, we will celebrate Holy Communion together at Barney’s on 15th September and 13th October, instead of our usual pattern of the first Sunday in the month, which we will return to for November and December.

Deconsecration of Lilydale Church

Following the Church of the Ascension in Lilydale being marked for sale as part of the Redress project, Rev Dane Courtney will conduct a short deconsecration ceremony at the site on Station Road, Lilydale, on Wednesday 11th September at 2pm. Any who would like to attend are welcome to do so.

 
 
   
  
 
 
 

Coming Up:

Bishops Training Event 2019
21st September, Hobart

The Bishop’s training event will be held once again in September at the Hutchins School, Hobart. Designed to equip members of Anglican Parishes in Tasmania to grow as disciples of Jesus and to learn skills for making other disciples, the event is free of charge and open to everyone. Watch the video here, and register here.

 
 
   
  
 
 
 

Scripture Union Holiday Camps
28 Sep - 1 Oct & 10-13 Oct

Scripture Union are running two camps for youngsters over the upcoming school holidays:

'Supa North' is for those in Grades 4-6 and will be at Paper Beach from 28th Sep - 1st Oct. For more information, click here.

'Taking on Goliath’ is a bush-walking camp for Grades 6-8 in Freycinet National Park. Further details can be found here.

 
 
   
  
 
 
 

Positions Vacant: School Chaplains

Scripture Union have a number of school chaplaincy vacancies to fill and are looking for Christians who would be interested in working with them.The minimum qualification to become a school chaplain in Tasmanian state schools is a Cert IV in Youth or Community Work but other qualifications might be suitable as well. These paid positions are funded by the Department of Education and managed by Scripture Union.

Positions currently available:

Campbell Town District School:
two days / ten hours per week
Queechy High School:
two days / twelve hours per week
Riverside High School:
one day / six hours per week
Waverley Primary School:
one day / six hours per week

Contact Stephanie Sebastian for more details: stephanie.sebastian@sutas.org.au

 
 
 
 

From our Missionary Partner in South East Asia

Clare writes:

Since my last newsletter, I’ve set up my room, bought a scooter (yay!), welcomed new friends from Australia, debriefed the camp and spoken at two teacher-training workshops.

I’ve worked on my role description as a curriculum and marketing consultant. I’ve made numerous timetables, action plans and to-do lists, planning to get started properly at the end of August, when I’ll hopefully be back from Singapore with my work visa! I’ve started learning a local dialect and am planning some short trips in the ensuing months.

Something Ive been noticing is how small, niggling problems can become big stressors if we let them. Countless times this month I've asked myself, should I complain about (insert problem here, e.g. dodgy products, sofa legs that aren’t straight, my landlady trying to charge too much for electricity or changing the rules of the residences yet again, the loud neighbours staying up 'til 3am, etc) or not? 

One thing that holds me back from complaining is wondering whether a ‘rich foreigner’ might be heeded more than a local? Would I be unknowingly perpetuating injustice if my complaint was listened to? I also find that something twisted starts growing in my heart when I complain too much.

 
 
   
  
 
 

Of course, there are ways to be assertive without being negative. When I find myself quite stressed from overthinking problems, it can be better to say something instead of quietly stewing! 

These words stopped me in my tracks tonight: "Blessed are the peace-makers, for they will be called children of God." A peace-maker. That’s what I want to have a reputation for being. Not a peace-keeper who says nothing, or who complains of and eliminates everything that ‘rocks the boat’, but someone who builds something good and whole into and around their life.

Please be praying for Clare this month, particularly along these lines:

  • A work visa permit by 23rd or 26th August
  • Continued wisdom in how to divide her time, including rest and exercise
  • Good relationships with those at her workplace and clarification of roles.
 
 
 
 
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