2024

Christ in the Rubble
https://wordpress.com/post/avalonbaptistchurch.net/17504

2023

Matt lead our Christmas Day (2023) 9:00am service, and Bella opened up the Coffee Cart both for the general public and for all who attended the service.

For more information click on this link:
https://wordpress.com/page/avalonbaptistchurch.net/17411

Basin Track Aboriginal Tour
https://avalonbaptistchurch.net/the-basin-track-aboriginal-tour/

2022
Roy Taylor

The Funeral Service for the Late Roy Taylor was held at 11.00am Friday 12 August 2022 here at Avalon Baptist Church. It was with a heavy heart our dear Roy has gone to be with his creator and his beloved Pat. As a pillar of our church and active loving member he will be sorely missed.

Late Roy Taylor – YouTube

2019

This Sunday we sadly say farewell to our two ministers Mark and Mary Hirst, and we do so with a very heavy heart. They have served us very well; despite our size they have challenged us anew to follow in the ways of discipleship and love of our God and creator. We wish them every blessing and God’s strength as they seek new areas of ministry in their “retirement”. You will always be welcome in our church community and homes when you get a chance to return, God bless.

—

pics: Mark and Mary being arrested for occupying and praying for a change in Australia’s Refugee Policy, in Malcolm Turnball’s office.

2019

Last week we had the delightful privilege of being a part of Sydney Hirt and Jonathan Freeston’s wedding. Most of us remember Sydney with great affection and we wish them both a blessed, joyful and fulfilled union in their commitment not just to each other but also the One who has called them into His service. God bless you both and all those that walk with you.
Here is a link to some snippets of the wedding

2018
Amnesty and ABPM Church would like to invite you to another Loosely Woven “Feeling Good” next Sunday Aug 12 at 4pm. Yes, it is FREE,

however:

As you may know this is an Amnesty International fundraiser organised by the Avalon group. There will be light refreshments served at the end . All Welcome!

We look forward to a couple of important film events in the next few months, all are welcome.

Our second film will be shown this Sunday 5pm

The 5th Eye

This is a story of a peaceful anti-war protest by three New Zealanders – A teacher, farmer and priest break into the Waihopai spy base deflating a giant radome in an act of disarmament, against New Zealand’s role in the US-led War on Terror While New Zealanders thought they were not involved in the Middle Eastern wars – the spy base was in fact aiding war and also spying on New Zealanders.

This story is important to Australians – as we are also vulnerable.More info

2018
The first on Sunday 1st July at 5pm. It is:

CHAUKA PLEASE TELL US THE TIME – filmed in Manus detention.

Amnesty International has said that the detention of Asylum Seekers is a form of torture, and certainly that is used to deter other refugees from attempting to come to Australia. What is more this method is being adopted by other countries as a way to stop refugees seeking refuge.

“Chauka Please Tell Us The Time” is filmed by Behrouz Boochani a journalist who spent several years in Manus detention and watched men suicide in despair. This film was taken there and shows us the hopelessness of life in detention where the men waited to hear the bird Chauka sing to know the days were passing- a symbol of despair to the imprisoned men, where it was the name of the solitary confinement unit. At the same time the Chauka is a symbol of beauty to the people of Manus.

On March 4 we will be having a service/picnic at Governor Philip Park in Palm Beach. We will have a short communion reflection and an opportunity for a catch up after. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Our latest LOOSELY WOVEN CONCERT will feature 21 instrumentalists and singers on March 11. Please feel free to join us for this Amnesty International fundraiser. This is a free concert with a few refreshments in the intermission.

Wayne Richmond, the leader of the group, is one of the Peninsula’s inspirational leaders in giving live music to the community. The group will include 21 instrumentalists and singers. Wayne and his musicians have been contributing to Amnesty’s great work for more than 23 years. Last year Wayne received an award from Amnesty International for his wonderful work! This concert will celebrate those 23 years of making music and helping human rights work. Some of the items will be very relevant.

Loosely Woven encourage audience participation in their concerts which are always lots of fun, and you can enjoy a musical treat and also support human rights by coming because voluntary donations will go to Amnesty International.
21 instrumentalists and singers will bring to Avalon their new concert, ’Fly Away’. This is a very special celebration of the group’s 23 year old past reliving some real gems!
The program includes a number of songs which address social injustice and other important issues. There are also some
well known songs made famous by The Rolling Stones, Jimmy Barnes, Wilson Pickett and Neil Young, and some really beautiful folk songs and a bit of fun with Tom Lehrer’s hilarious ‘The Irish Ballad’.

Instruments will include violins, flutes, saxophones, harp, clarinet, concertina, accordion, harmonium, recorder, melodica, guitars, keyboard and percussion

2017
LOOSELY WOVEN joins with AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL for a

FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT in AVALON at our church

SUNDAY 10th Dec. 4 p.m. “RIVER”

Sunday, 8 October 2017 – 10 am – Screening of Guarding the Galilee

About Guarding the Galilee

Presented by Queensland born actor Michael Caton, Guarding the Galilee is a 30-minute documentary on the battle to stop the biggest coalmine in Australian history, Adani’s Carmichael project.

The award-winning documentary team captures the raw beauty of Central Queensland, where Adani’s mine threatens essential water resources.

Just downstream from the proposed mine, a grazier fears for the impact on the river that quenches the thirst of his cattle, and flows through to the Coral Sea.

On the coast, a boat owner operating out of the Airlie beach tourist hotspot worries about the hundreds of extra ships steaming through the Great Barrier Reef each year.

Meet these and many others engaged in this fight and find out exactly what mining billionaire Adani has planned for Australia.

Marriage Equality Plebiscite …. what ever your stand remember this

Very helpful also is the following chapter from the book :

Speak Now : Australian perspectives on same-sex marriage

Our prayers, thoughts and condolences go out to the Harrison family as you negotiate the difficult emotional waters of Keith’s passing. His funeral/memorial service will be held on Thursday at the War Veterans village in Collaroy Plateau at 2pm in the chapel Edmondson Drive there. There will be a wake following the service. All welcome.

Amnesty presents “HOME” by the

The local music group “LOOSELY WOVEN”, led by Wayne Richmond. They will be giving a free community concert in Avalon Baptist Church (2 George St.) on Sunday 6th Aug at 4 p.m

Wayne Richmond, the leader of the group, is one of the Peninsula’s inspirational leaders in giving live music to the community . Wayne and his musicians have been contributing to Amnesty’s great work for more than 20 years and helping those who suffer injustice ,unfair imprisonment , torture, execution and other human rights abuse.

A big thank you goes the Munoz family for inviting the church to their home last weekend. It was inspiring to see the letters that Victor had collected proving how powerful letter writing can be in helping to change the minds of authorities and bring about justice in very unjust situations. That is how Victor and Beatrice managed to get out of war-torn central America.

For more

We’re all looking forward to our next Loosely Woven coming up on Dec 11th called

“TOUCH THE SKY”

From Kath: “On Sunday 11th Dec local music group Loosely Woven – led by charismatic Wayne Richmond – will perform their new concert ‘Touch the Sky” at 4 pm at AVALON BAPTIST CHURCH. This will be a free, light-hearted acoustic concert and features 19 musicians and singers”

Along with the sad news we also had some exciting news for the church as 4 new members joined us on Sunday. Welcome to you Sarah, James, Christine and Brett and may you be drawn into the joy of descipleship as we journey together being faithful to the One who has gone before us and left very large footsteps to fill. We together thank God for the Grace we find and share in Jesus.

There will be a video and more photos of Pat’s funeral available on this blog by the end of next month. We said a fond farewell to Pat as over 150 family and friends packed into the church. It was a very special service for a very special person and we give thanks to our God for the grace we experienced through Pat’s life with her. We look forward to the day when death can no longer keep us apart. A big thankyou to all who gave of their time and resources to make Pat’s farewell truly memorable.

We lost a very special person in Pat Taylor this week and our world will be the poorer for her absence. She has been such a blessing to so many people over the years and our hearts go out to Roy as he comes to terms with his loss. We do know she is now in a better place, released from the constraints of her frail body, free to worship and enjoy her God as she always wished. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday 2pm at our church. All are welcome and there will be ample opportunity to share with all of us what Pat meant to you. Refreshments will be served after the service and time to reflect on Pat’s life more informally.

As you already know we have our AGM this Sunday and I would like to encourage everyone that can to attend. I’m delighted to announce that we have three new members being accepted into the church family. So I have attached the AGM to this letter. Please have a read and let me know if there is anything else we need to consider or if there is a position in the church you would be happy to be nominated for.

God Bless and see you tomorrow!

Accessible and Inclusive Community Garden:

Children’s Party for all!

Avalon Baptist Peace Memorial Church is building an accessible and inclusive community garden which it hopes to make available to children and adults with disabilities, their families and friends to enjoy.

The garden is flat, has raised garden beds, is fenced with a child safety gate, has accessible parking, toilet facilities and a hall with a modern kitchen for groups and events.

The garden is overflowing with vegetables and fruit trees and there is still room to plant more!

On Saturday 27^th August from 1pm – 4pm

Avalon Baptist Church will open the Garden to children 3 -12 years and their families and friends to “come and try” planting, picking, baking and of course eating from the Garden with the theme of:

‘A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ to add to the fun!

Children will also have the opportunity to make a crazy hat and take home their own seedling flower in a beautiful recycled tea cup (of course!)

There is no cost for this free community event but bookings are essential.

Limited Numbers so please book ASAP

Avalon Baptist Street is at 2 George Street Avalon

Please phone Elisabeth/Lucy on 0432 101 277 or 15.9997 18

Some great news from the Refugee Initiative Northern Beaches Churches support network. Wonderful to see churches working together on this: July ’16 RINBC Update Letter Final

Welcome again to Amnesty’s Loosely Woven “Burn” concert July 31

2016
We thank Greens candidate Mike Hall and Independent Julie Hegarty for taking part in the human rights forum held tonight. Report and photos:

Julie Hegarty Independent and Mike Hall Greens. Candidates forum on human rights organised by Avalon Amnesty and the Avalon Baptist church

Candidates Forum – Amnesty and Avalon Baptist join to give the candidates for Mackellar the opportunity to explain and answer questions on where they stand on Human Rights at a forum this Tuesday 14th June 2016 at the Avalon Baptist Peace Memorial Church, George St., Avalon. For more…

Here’s an important note from Mark:

The 2015-2016 webinars organized by the Centre for Anabaptist Studies explore the seven core convictions of the UK Anabaptist Network, which summarize the heart of Anabaptism and its contemporary significance… This event addresses Core Conviction #7, “Peace is at the heart of the gospel. As followers of Jesus in a divided and violent world, we are committed to finding non-violent alternatives and to learning how to make peace between individuals, within and among churches, in society and between nations.”… Presenters are Mark and Mary Hurst, pastors of Avalon Baptist Peace Memorial Church and pastoral workers for the Anabaptist Association of Australia and New Zealand. Have a look:

Shalom / שׁלוֹם

Pray with us that at this court appearance will create more publicity about our government’s disgraceful treatment of asylum seekers.

Love Makes A Way at Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's office calling for release of children from detention

Loosely Woven is on again on the 28th Feb. Theme is for ” King and Country” Please feel free and welcome, take in the music and enjoy some tasty morsels as you contribute to the cause of justice in this world

You make us proud Mark and Mary. Thanks for your commitment to truth, peace and justice!

Come join us for our Amnesty fund raiser:

Loosely Woven presents “Bright Eyes” on Dec 13, 4pm

All welcome.

Olive turns 80

More photos here

Just whose side is God on?

Come on Sunday morning 28th June and find out! We will be screening a film called

“With God on our Side” and enjoy a little brunch to go with it. More Info:

Pray In at Malcolm Turnbulls Office:

Well done guys ….. we’re proud of your stand!

For more check out “Love makes a way” on facebook or twitter #lovesmakesaway.

The BBC recognises our Gwen

2015
Australian pair keep book-making alive

26 April 2015 Last updated at 20:15 BST

Digital content may dominate popular reading habits but two Australians have found a market for the gentler art of bespoke book-making.

Gwen Harrison and Sue Anderson would prefer not to tally the hours it takes them to create just one of their finely printed tomes.

In their Sydney studio, they use printing techniques more familiar to Johannes Gutenberg than the 21st century and a single fine press book can sell for up to Australian $8000 (£4000/US$6000).

The pair recently returned from California where they showed their work at an annual international fair, the Codex Book Fair and Symposium.

They spoke to BBC News about the appeal of making books by hand.

Last Friday we farewelled John and Jude Hirt’s father. John led the service and there were plenty of memories to mourn and rejoice over. Our prayers are with the Hirt’s as they start a new phase of their lives without dad/grandad.

Report on Loosely Woven Concert March 14

DANCE UP THE SUN … Loosley Woven returns on December 7, 4pm. Please invite your friends and join us in an afternoon of fun and music. More

If you struggle with with one of the biggest issues facing the church across the globe today: How to approach same sex marriage, I would encourage you to read a wonderful and heartfelt letter written by 96 year old Chester Wegner, a christian all his life, in full time ministry all his life but still young and open enough in his mind to question old held opinions.

We joined in the celebration of Christine and Brett’s wedding today. What a wonderful occasion shared with so many of their friends and relatives. God bless you both as you stake out this new part of life’s journey together. Have a look at the happy couple here

This last Sunday 19th October we had to sadly say goodbye to Jo and Stan. After decades with the church, having come through good times and the difficult times we thank Jo and Stan for their wonderful contribution to our family over the years and wish them the God’s blessing and closeness as they embark on a new phase of their lives. You can find Jo’s speech here. Part 2 here. It is in two sections so please watch both., it is well worth a listen, and in the words of Vernon it is a sermon in itself!!! Have a look at some photos on their farewell page, if you would like to leave a message, email me and I will post it on their page.

A great film night tonight. Sparked plenty of discussion and was very informative. Thanks to all for the wonderfully tasty soups and effort by all to set up and clean up after. For report and photos see here

Last weeks service on FORGIVENESS can be found here by Mark Hurst

This is really a terrific look at how we can deal with forgiveness

A very enthusiastic audience of nearly 100 applauded the new concert from “ Loosely Woven” which was performed by 26 musicians and singers at Avalon Baptist Peace Church last Sunday (31st Aug.). “DREAMS” was a great hit with the audience who insisted on several encores. Photos

Don’t forget only 2 weeks to go to get in your donations to WORLD VISION’S 40 HOUR FAMINE . Join us or donate here:

Photos from Roy’s 90 celebration

Well done everyone especially Lynne for organising such a wonderful evening. Great photos Virginia, thanks.

Dates for your Diary,

Next Sunday Aug 24, Jon Owen from Urban Neighbours of Hope Community at Bidwell (near Mt.Druitt) will be speaking. He and members from the community have been with us before and we look forward to sharing with him again.

We have a great film night coming up in September. If you feel the situation in the Middle East is without hope this film is for you. Called “Two Sided Story” the film explores grass-roots peacemaking, the road to understanding the others story. Enjoy the film, join the Q & A session and try out our tasty soups. September 28th, 5pm put it in your diary now.

Here’s a site worth checking out : A Just Cause

ROY turns 90. Lynne is organising a party for him in the back hall on 16th August. All are welcome. More info to come.

Loosley Woven returns to Avalon with DREAMS on August 31 at 4pm. Make a note in your diary now and come and join the fun.

REMINDER:

Dear Church family – Roy has sent news about our Guringai Festival Events. However I thought I would send more details, and perhaps you can tell/show your friends, families, and anyone who might be interested. I am sure you will enjoy Ruth’s talk, especially since our church family has discussed for so many years about how to help Aboriginal people find some equality in their own country. It will be a great opportunity to learn more .June the 8th will also be a great opportunity and I am so glad to have the director of “88” Adrian Wills coming to talk about the doco and answer questions about Aboriginal rights and opportunities. He has won a great deal of praise for his episodes of “REDFERN NOW” and also of those episodes he directed in “GODS OF WHEAT STREET”. Adrian has been to our church several times in past years. Peace and Blessings from Kath

See the Magic of Latin America comes to Avalon. Wow!!

Congratulations to all those that helped organise this event. Many hours were spent by Juan, Marta Elva, Paula and Victor and others before hand, and then by many more on the day including Richard and Daphne, Mark and Mary, Jo and Stan, Robyn, Virginia, Lucy, the Narrabeen Baptist coffee team, and scores of others that helped. A big thankyou all round.

Photos by Martin Lange

More on the Latin American Festival 18th May

Loosely Woven Report : What a great afternoon. Thanks Wayne again

Next Weekend Join the Walk for Justice for Asylum Seekers in the city .. 2pm

Also fundraiser for Friend of Victor Hugo Munoz who is suffering a brain tumour. For more info:

COMING UP 2 BIG EVENTS IN AVALON:

There will be a LATIN AMERICAN festival held in Avalon Sunday May 18th. Our worship will take to the streets as we help to make this a special day for our South American friends. There will be NO service at the church that morning.

The GURINGAI FESTIVAL in June will feature 2 special services dedicated to our indigenous heritage.

June 1: A presentation by M/s Ruth Brigden who has worked in the remote community of NUMBULWAR in the NT

June 8:^h SCREENING OF DOCUMENTARY ‘88’ and Q & A with Director Adrian Wills

Fantastic response to Loosley Woven last week. Church was packed .. photos to come.

IMPORTANT if you can do this!!