Bengalis Gathering at West Melbourne

When we realized the large proportion of our church who were born in Bangladesh or who had Bengali friends in Melbourne, it prompted us to hold an initial Bengali Gathering in September of this year.

Our second Bengali Gathering at the West Melbourne Baptist Church on 30 November was another experience of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and people of no religion coming together to meet and eat, share stories and pray together. We sang along to a popular Bengali song that celebrates the way Bangladeshis have often sung together, enjoyed theatre together and raced boats together without caring about each other’s religious affiliation.

Bengali Gathering at Eighth Day Church

As people arrived they were invited to stick their names on a map of Bangladesh on a town or city that was special to them. Later around tables and over a cuppa people shared why that location had personal significance. Former cross-cultural workers to East Pakistan/Bangladesh were in attendance as was a recently accepted candidate bound for service in that country.

With famous poets like Rabindranath Tagore writing lines about the Bengal, it was fitting at our gathering to have an Australian learning Bengali reciting a Bengali poem and a Melbourne-based Bengali poet reading two compositions from his published book of poems.

Lew and Mary-Anne Hess were interviewed about how their relationship flowered in Bangladesh and what it was like to live there thirty years ago. They spoke of their recent visit to Dhaka in November, and the changes that they’d seen. Mary-Anne said they were in the country when Cyclone Bulbul struck causing the death of several people and the evacuation of thousands. She remarked on the resilience of Bangladeshis who are used to facing such devastation. Lew spoke of the 900,000+ Rohingyas who have been exiled from Myanmar and are living in camps in the south of Bangladesh. He said that while there are issues to do with the distribution of aid, Bangladesh has demonstrated a remarkable generosity of spirit in its welcome to these homeless people.

Now, after a recent successful second event, it seems that hosting Bangla get-togethers several times a year will be a fixture for us at the West Melbourne Baptist Church in the foreseeable future.

Geoff Pound
Pastor, The Eighth Day (also known as the West Melbourne Baptist Church).

Source: BUV News

Views from the Manse – A Model Rural Minister

Here is some fun in the form of a skit produced for a church concert. It was produced and presented by Dorothy Morgan and the family while they were at Naringal. The item illustrates one way a modern minister’s wife may contribute to church life. While the focus was on the role of the pastor, he was not present but was represented by a puppet.

A MODEL RURAL MINISTER

Parody of “I Am the Very Model of A Modern Major General” by Gilbert & Sullivan in the ‘The Pirates of Penzance.’ If you are not familiar with the music then Google ‘I am the very model…’ and you will find several renditions. These will give you the tune and the style in which it is usually presented.  

The item was performed at a church concert in the mid-1990s by a pastor-look-alike puppet in the pulpit, to a soundtrack graciously recorded by the pastor, who was unable to be present.

I am the very model of a modern rural minister,
Although I do suggest ideas that challenge folks and cause a stir –
Like building renovations that would rival ol’ Westminister –
And introducing songs that no-one’s ever heard or sung before.
I’ve made a point of learning all about things agricultural:
I now can say with confidence, “Look, that one over there’s a bull!”
I’ve asked the dumbest questions that the dairy farmers ever heard,
But when they say, “Will you help milk?”, I answer “Don’t be so absurd!”

Echo:
But when they say, “Will you help milk?”, he answers “Don’t be so absurd!”

I play a mean trombone and know a lot about things musical.
I like up-tempo songs in church, but love to play the classical,
And though I do enjoy old hymns, I steer away from dirgey ones
‘Cause I’m the very model of a trendy Aussie clergyman.

Echo:
And though he does enjoy old hymns, he steers away from dirgey ones
‘Cause he’s the very model of a trendy Aussie clergyman.

I like to read the printed page (my wife says I’m obsessed with it –
in early days my thirst for books caused her to throw many a fit!)
And yes, my library shelves are filled with many volumes biblical,
Theological, historical and plenty that is pastoral;
And some books that are comical and others rather serious
And magazines and newspapers and booklets that all gather dust;
But all of them are useful for a Whitley-ordained reverend:
I write such wondrous sermons – people wonder if they’ll ever end!

Echo:
He writes such wondrous sermons – people wonder if they’ll ever end!

Though farming types like to believe my skills aren’t very practical
I’m not afraid to try my hand at matters electronical
Like mother boards and cards and RAM that make computers faster
‘Cause I’m the very model of a nineties Baptist pastor.

Echo:
Like mother boards and cards and RAM that make computers faster
‘Cause he’s the very model of a nineties Baptist pastor.

In fact, when folks around this way have problems technological
They have been known to call me (though my role is theological)
‘Cause though I’m far from expert (and know so much less than RB[1] does!)
I’m game to try the options out – and when they work, I get a buzz.
I’ve also filled the vital role of holder of the big spotlight
While others aim and fire some shots to catch the bunnies out at night.
I preach and teach and organise and try to visit everyone –
Despite ferocious dogs at times that make me want to turn and run!

Echo:
Despite ferocious dogs at times that make him want to turn and run!

Though what I’ve said may not sound like a man filled with humility
I’m not (and know I’ll never be) the perfect rural church “GP”
‘Cause really, when all’s said and done, I’m here to serve God’s precious Son –
And He’s the ideal model of a rural Baptist clergyman.

Echo:
‘Cause really, when all’s said and done, I’m here to serve God’s precious Son –
And He’s the ideal model of a rural Baptist clergyman.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 


[1] Church member qualified and working in the IT field

Source: BUV News

The Victorian Baptist Historical Society (VBHS) – Who we are, What we do and Why we do it

The Victorian Baptist Historical Society (VBHS) had its first public meeting in November 1987.  The Society was set up to ensure that our past is not forgotten and that we recall people’s responses to God’s calling over many years!  Membership is open to anyone with an interest in Baptist History, particularly Victorian Baptist History.  The annual membership fee which primarily covers the publication, printing and postage costs of our quarterly newsletter and annual publication “Our Yesterdays” is very modest, with special rates for couples and churches.  Our current President is Marita Munro, Treasurer and BUV archivist is John Sampson, Secretary is Richard Thwaites and journal and newsletter editor is Ken Manley. 

We meet three or four times a year and in recent times our speakers have covered a diverse range of topics, including histories of churches, biographies of prominent Victorian Baptists, and the impact on our denomination of significant local, national and international events.  Over recent years we have also run coach trips to the central Victorian Goldfields and Geelong, to visit Baptist churches of historical significance, and in September 2020 plan to run a trip to Castlemaine and Bendigo to visit Baptist churches there.

A new initiative of the VBJHS this year is an essay competition.  Details have been published in recent BUV bulletins, but can also be obtained from the Secretary at Richard.thwaites@bigpond.com

Our well attended meeting in November featured a presentation by Dr Ros Gooden, who reflected on her lifetime of service and mission.  Here is a brief precis of her presentation:

“Glancing Backwards: One thing led to another” by DR ROS GOODEN

Dr Ros GoodenRos provided the audience with background notes to her presentation and it is planned to include her talk in the next edition of “Our Yesterdays” which will be made available to VBHS members in 2020.  She noted that many of her ancestors had been missionaries, and that she felt that mission was in her DNA.  She initially did a science degree and taught just one year in a school before focusing on adult education.  Her first missionary journey was to East Pakistan in 1965 but within a few months was evacuated to Singapore due to the war.  She spoke about the ongoing political situation in Pakistan, the establishment of Bangladesh as a separate country, and the challenges of life on the mission field as a single woman.  She talked about her experiences as a language teacher and consultant, and ongoing theological education.  She noted how God had opened new opportunities throughout her life, and how mission itself had changed over the years.  She reflected on her time with the (then) ABMS in Melbourne and especially thanked Ken Manley and Whitley College for the help she had received.  She challenged the audience in two areas.  She challenged the VBHS to establish an index of significant Baptist Women who had played prominent roles in the life of the church, denomination and in society in general, and to explore what Baptists had learned from Bengalis, not just vice versa.  She also noted the next International Conference on Baptist Studies (ICOBS) to be held at North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina on 21-24 July 2021 when the theme would be Baptists and Gender.

Our next meeting will be our AGM, planned for Saturday March 14th 2020, at 11-00 am, when the Annual Geoffrey Blackburn Memorial Lecture will be given jointly by Rev Drs Gary Heard and Geoff Pound, who will talk about the history of the 8th Day Church in West Melbourne.  Remember, everyone is welcome to attend!

Bengalis Gathering at West Melbourne

When we realized the large proportion of our church who were born in Bangladesh or who had Bengali friends in Melbourne, it prompted us to hold an initial Bengali Gathering in September of this year.

Our second Bengali Gathering at the West Melbourne Baptist Church on 30 November was another experience of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and people of no religion coming together to meet and eat, share stories and pray together. We sang along to a popular Bengali song that celebrates the way Bangladeshis have often sung together, enjoyed theatre together and raced boats together without caring about each other’s religious affiliation.

Bengali Gathering at Eighth Day Church

As people arrived they were invited to stick their names on a map of Bangladesh on a town or city that was special to them. Later around tables and over a cuppa people shared why that location had personal significance. Former cross-cultural workers to East Pakistan/Bangladesh were in attendance as was a recently accepted candidate bound for service in that country.

With famous poets like Rabindranath Tagore writing lines about the Bengal, it was fitting at our gathering to have an Australian learning Bengali reciting a Bengali poem and a Melbourne-based Bengali poet reading two compositions from his published book of poems.

Lew and Mary-Anne Hess were interviewed about how their relationship flowered in Bangladesh and what it was like to live there thirty years ago. They spoke of their recent visit to Dhaka in November, and the changes that they’d seen. Mary-Anne said they were in the country when Cyclone Bulbul struck causing the death of several people and the evacuation of thousands. She remarked on the resilience of Bangladeshis who are used to facing such devastation. Lew spoke of the 900,000+ Rohingyas who have been exiled from Myanmar and are living in camps in the south of Bangladesh. He said that while there are issues to do with the distribution of aid, Bangladesh has demonstrated a remarkable generosity of spirit in its welcome to these homeless people.

Now, after a recent successful second event, it seems that hosting Bangla get-togethers several times a year will be a fixture for us at the West Melbourne Baptist Church in the foreseeable future.

Geoff Pound
Pastor, The Eighth Day (also known as the West Melbourne Baptist Church).

Views from the Manse – A Model Rural Minister

Here is some fun in the form of a skit produced for a church concert. It was produced and presented by Dorothy Morgan and the family while they were at Naringal. The item illustrates one way a modern minister’s wife may contribute to church life. While the focus was on the role of the pastor, he was not present but was represented by a puppet.

A MODEL RURAL MINISTER

Parody of “I Am the Very Model of A Modern Major General” by Gilbert & Sullivan in the ‘The Pirates of Penzance.’ If you are not familiar with the music then Google ‘I am the very model…’ and you will find several renditions. These will give you the tune and the style in which it is usually presented.  

The item was performed at a church concert in the mid-1990s by a pastor-look-alike puppet in the pulpit, to a soundtrack graciously recorded by the pastor, who was unable to be present.

I am the very model of a modern rural minister,
Although I do suggest ideas that challenge folks and cause a stir –
Like building renovations that would rival ol’ Westminister –
And introducing songs that no-one’s ever heard or sung before.
I’ve made a point of learning all about things agricultural:
I now can say with confidence, “Look, that one over there’s a bull!”
I’ve asked the dumbest questions that the dairy farmers ever heard,
But when they say, “Will you help milk?”, I answer “Don’t be so absurd!”

Echo:
But when they say, “Will you help milk?”, he answers “Don’t be so absurd!”

I play a mean trombone and know a lot about things musical.
I like up-tempo songs in church, but love to play the classical,
And though I do enjoy old hymns, I steer away from dirgey ones
‘Cause I’m the very model of a trendy Aussie clergyman.

Echo:
And though he does enjoy old hymns, he steers away from dirgey ones
‘Cause he’s the very model of a trendy Aussie clergyman.

I like to read the printed page (my wife says I’m obsessed with it –
in early days my thirst for books caused her to throw many a fit!)
And yes, my library shelves are filled with many volumes biblical,
Theological, historical and plenty that is pastoral;
And some books that are comical and others rather serious
And magazines and newspapers and booklets that all gather dust;
But all of them are useful for a Whitley-ordained reverend:
I write such wondrous sermons – people wonder if they’ll ever end!

Echo:
He writes such wondrous sermons – people wonder if they’ll ever end!

Though farming types like to believe my skills aren’t very practical
I’m not afraid to try my hand at matters electronical
Like mother boards and cards and RAM that make computers faster
‘Cause I’m the very model of a nineties Baptist pastor.

Echo:
Like mother boards and cards and RAM that make computers faster
‘Cause he’s the very model of a nineties Baptist pastor.

In fact, when folks around this way have problems technological
They have been known to call me (though my role is theological)
‘Cause though I’m far from expert (and know so much less than RB[1] does!)
I’m game to try the options out – and when they work, I get a buzz.
I’ve also filled the vital role of holder of the big spotlight
While others aim and fire some shots to catch the bunnies out at night.
I preach and teach and organise and try to visit everyone –
Despite ferocious dogs at times that make me want to turn and run!

Echo:
Despite ferocious dogs at times that make him want to turn and run!

Though what I’ve said may not sound like a man filled with humility
I’m not (and know I’ll never be) the perfect rural church “GP”
‘Cause really, when all’s said and done, I’m here to serve God’s precious Son –
And He’s the ideal model of a rural Baptist clergyman.

Echo:
‘Cause really, when all’s said and done, I’m here to serve God’s precious Son –
And He’s the ideal model of a rural Baptist clergyman.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 


[1] Church member qualified and working in the IT field

The Victorian Baptist Historical Society (VBHS) – Who we are, What we do and Why we do it

The Victorian Baptist Historical Society (VBHS) had its first public meeting in November 1987.  The Society was set up to ensure that our past is not forgotten and that we recall people’s responses to God’s calling over many years!  Membership is open to anyone with an interest in Baptist History, particularly Victorian Baptist History.  The annual membership fee which primarily covers the publication, printing and postage costs of our quarterly newsletter and annual publication “Our Yesterdays” is very modest, with special rates for couples and churches.  Our current President is Marita Munro, Treasurer and BUV archivist is John Sampson, Secretary is Richard Thwaites and journal and newsletter editor is Ken Manley. 

We meet three or four times a year and in recent times our speakers have covered a diverse range of topics, including histories of churches, biographies of prominent Victorian Baptists, and the impact on our denomination of significant local, national and international events.  Over recent years we have also run coach trips to the central Victorian Goldfields and Geelong, to visit Baptist churches of historical significance, and in September 2020 plan to run a trip to Castlemaine and Bendigo to visit Baptist churches there.

A new initiative of the VBJHS this year is an essay competition.  Details have been published in recent BUV bulletins, but can also be obtained from the Secretary at Richard.thwaites@bigpond.com

Our well attended meeting in November featured a presentation by Dr Ros Gooden, who reflected on her lifetime of service and mission.  Here is a brief precis of her presentation:

“Glancing Backwards: One thing led to another” by DR ROS GOODEN

Dr Ros GoodenRos provided the audience with background notes to her presentation and it is planned to include her talk in the next edition of “Our Yesterdays” which will be made available to VBHS members in 2020.  She noted that many of her ancestors had been missionaries, and that she felt that mission was in her DNA.  She initially did a science degree and taught just one year in a school before focusing on adult education.  Her first missionary journey was to East Pakistan in 1965 but within a few months was evacuated to Singapore due to the war.  She spoke about the ongoing political situation in Pakistan, the establishment of Bangladesh as a separate country, and the challenges of life on the mission field as a single woman.  She talked about her experiences as a language teacher and consultant, and ongoing theological education.  She noted how God had opened new opportunities throughout her life, and how mission itself had changed over the years.  She reflected on her time with the (then) ABMS in Melbourne and especially thanked Ken Manley and Whitley College for the help she had received.  She challenged the audience in two areas.  She challenged the VBHS to establish an index of significant Baptist Women who had played prominent roles in the life of the church, denomination and in society in general, and to explore what Baptists had learned from Bengalis, not just vice versa.  She also noted the next International Conference on Baptist Studies (ICOBS) to be held at North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina on 21-24 July 2021 when the theme would be Baptists and Gender.

Our next meeting will be our AGM, planned for Saturday March 14th 2020, at 11-00 am, when the Annual Geoffrey Blackburn Memorial Lecture will be given jointly by Rev Drs Gary Heard and Geoff Pound, who will talk about the history of the 8th Day Church in West Melbourne.  Remember, everyone is welcome to attend!

Source: BUV News

Lives transformed through Simple English

“When I first visited Camberwell Baptist Church (CBC) earlier this year, my goal was to learn English. I went to church on a Thursday night thinking that there was going to be an English class but there wasn't. Instead it was a Simple English Bible study class. I listened to worship songs for the first time and even though I didn't understand the lyrics, I felt touched. I had no idea who Jesus was and what He did. I didn’t believe anything in the book of Matthew even after reading it. I said to myself, “that’s only myths.”  I left the church for some time and went interstate. 

When I returned, I was out of work and desperate. I turned to Jesus for help as I felt like I had nothing to lose anyway. Something miraculous happened. I was invited to an interview and offered a job that I’m so passionate about. God REALLY exists! He listens to my prayers and responds to my every need. That’s something I had never experienced when I believed in Buddhism.

I decided to come back to church this time to learn more about Jesus. I long to know everything about Him. During the time when I studied the Bible, the Lord showed me my life status with a picture in my dream one night. I was so moved as I finally realised that Lord has known me all the time. While I knew nothing about Him, while I didn’t realise His existence, He still knew me, cared about me, and protected me.” Aini shared her testimony at the recent CBC Baptism Service.

Aini’s story is one of many lives transformed through the Simple English ministries at CBC.

We are excited to see people of all nationalities come to know Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him,” says Karen Newnham, Associate Pastor for Multicultural Ministries.

Through our Let’s Talk English and Simple English Bible Study, we encourage people to practice English and also introduce them to cultural aspects of Australian life. There is also a Mandarin speaking Bible Study run at the same time, for those who want to find out more about the Christian Faith.”

As the Boorondara neighbourhood becomes increasingly multicultural, CBC strives to represent Christ and continue to seek ways to serve and reach people with the good news of Jesus.

Lives transformed through Simple English

“When I first visited Camberwell Baptist Church (CBC) earlier this year, my goal was to learn English. I went to church on a Thursday night thinking that there was going to be an English class but there wasn't. Instead it was a Simple English Bible study class. I listened to worship songs for the first time and even though I didn't understand the lyrics, I felt touched. I had no idea who Jesus was and what He did. I didn’t believe anything in the book of Matthew even after reading it. I said to myself, “that’s only myths.”  I left the church for some time and went interstate. 

When I returned, I was out of work and desperate. I turned to Jesus for help as I felt like I had nothing to lose anyway. Something miraculous happened. I was invited to an interview and offered a job that I’m so passionate about. God REALLY exists! He listens to my prayers and responds to my every need. That’s something I had never experienced when I believed in Buddhism.

I decided to come back to church this time to learn more about Jesus. I long to know everything about Him. During the time when I studied the Bible, the Lord showed me my life status with a picture in my dream one night. I was so moved as I finally realised that Lord has known me all the time. While I knew nothing about Him, while I didn’t realise His existence, He still knew me, cared about me, and protected me.” Aini shared her testimony at the recent CBC Baptism Service.

Aini’s story is one of many lives transformed through the Simple English ministries at CBC.

We are excited to see people of all nationalities come to know Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him,” says Karen Newnham, Associate Pastor for Multicultural Ministries.

Through our Let’s Talk English and Simple English Bible Study, we encourage people to practice English and also introduce them to cultural aspects of Australian life. There is also a Mandarin speaking Bible Study run at the same time, for those who want to find out more about the Christian Faith.”

As the Boorondara neighbourhood becomes increasingly multicultural, CBC strives to represent Christ and continue to seek ways to serve and reach people with the good news of Jesus.

Source: BUV News