A Summary of the October 2011 BUV Annual Gathering Conference

by Alison Sharma, BUV Events Coordinator

As we look back on this Gathering, I’m already beginning to look forward to 2012 and what it will hold. But before we move forward too quickly, let us remember what God has done.

Once again we want to thank Syndal and Sydenham Baptist Churches for hosting our events. We are so grateful for their hospitality and desire to serve.

This year, Nourish looked a little different, with Tony Campolo being our speaker for the whole day. Many were inspired by Tony’s challenging words. He told many engaging stories and finished off with a call to sponsorship of children around the world. Lunch was also a highlight – catered for by Syndal, no one went hungry!

Despite the location for Ultima being wrong on Google Maps, everyone arrived safely for the Delegates Dinner. We had a packed house, with a great spirit.

Rev Craig Wright welcomed us and gave an opportunity to pray and reflect. Rev Anne Wilkinson-Hayes helped us celebrate all that is happening within the BUV staff team. There was some positive discussion around the Asylum Seeker Statement with a move to keep it as a working document.

Many months have been spent on Reimagining and Restructuring the BUV. Anne and Rev Andrew Woff took us through the new structure. We were then asked the questions, ‘Have we heard the vision of Victorian Baptists?’ and ‘Do these priorities reflect what you sense God is calling us to as a denomination of churches?’ There was a strong sense that God’s heart was in everything that was said. Matthew Bevis led us in re thinking the Witness and its future.  Again there was great discussion around the tables as we wrestled with the pros and cons of having the Witness move online for a year’s trial period.

Troy Arnott was our speaker for Gathering day. His heart for his church, its people and the community in which they serve was inspiring. Hearing how we can bring the love of Jesus to our communities in a practical way was exciting and challenging. Many were challenged to re think the way we ‘do church’ and how God’s love can be exhibited through different ways of service. We were also so grateful to the people from the ‘Free Burma Café’ for their generous catering of our lunch. It was a privilege to support this amazing ministry and see them at work. Delicious!

2012 is shaping up to be another exciting year. Our Gathering in October will be a celebration of 150 years of Baptist churches in Victoria. We will rejoice in the past present and future. At this stage Saturday 13th October will include our Ordination Service, an afternoon of lunch together in a festival atmosphere, and a youth event in the evening that will help us look to the future leaders of Baptist churches in Victoria. We’re looking forward to all that God has in store.

The following nominations were all approved at the Delegates Dinner with immediate effect:

Advisory Board: Daniel Bullock, Kevin Forbes, Litha Heshusius, Graham Neilson, Geoff Wraight

Whitley College Council: Merrill Kitchen, Gordon Wild, Andrew Sudholz

Pastoral Leadership Search Committee: Gwyneth Asten, Leonard Lewis, Susan McDonald

Baptcare Board: Kerry Bradley, Philip Curtis, Ross Dawson, Ross Kemp

Carey Baptist Grammar School Board: Nadia Carlin Ben Jensin, Isabelle Lefevre-Gilford, Norman O’Brien

That Frank Rees be appointed as Principal of Whitley College.

That Marita Munro be appointed as Professor at Whitley College.

Union Council: Trevor Spicer, Philip Trebilcock.

Gathering Dates for 2012

May Gathering Conference

Friday 4th and Saturday 5th May 2012

Annual Gathering Conference

Friday 12th & Saturday 13th October 2012