transformed magazine - april 2010 edition

TRANSFORMEDHumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine

CommunityEdition 2010

Serving the Community

Ross & Jenny Savill25 years of Youth Work

2010 Watoto Journey

Our School Chaplains

Conversations withChris & Zara England

Seasons2010

register now

ANZAC day service

9am HumeRidge Church of Christ

Special Guest Speaker Captain Gifford Smith

Chaplain / Padre at Borneo Barracks

Special Performance by Brendon Walmsley

Edition 2009

contents 2 Ross & Jenny Savill 25 years of Youth Work

4 Youth & Stumpys First Term off to a flying start

5 Youth Turn Parent Program Launched

6 Pastoral Care Heroes Tim Smith

8 S.O.A.P. Studies Checklist

9 What’s On On Sundays

10 Calendar April and May pull out

12 What’s On On Sunday Nights

12 Testimony Sir Duck Gordon

14 2010 Watoto Journey 16 School Chaplaincy Tim Finch

18 Conversations with Chris & Zara England

21 Notice Board

TRANSFORMEDHumeRidge Church of Christ Magazine

Welcome to the COMMUNITY Edition of Transformed magazine; an edition

inspired by the simple command of Jesus to, ‘Love your neighbour as

yourself’ (Luke 10:27).

HumeRidge people have been on a journey beyond the ‘four walls’ of the Church since, in 2006, we realized we

had focused too inwardly on life inside the Church.

After completing a major expansion of our facilities, we realised it was time to step out of the comfort zone, into the community, and even beyond our own community to assist

needy people around the world.

Since then the Church has embarked on a number of community-based projects. There has been

Schoolyard Blitz working bees at local state schools; 5Tracksuits.com providing school uniforms to needy kids

in schools (during winter); the Youth Turn program at House 469; a counselling centre on site; and

financial assistance to chaplaincies in schools.

More recently the Church has sent work parties to the Philippines and Uganda to assist needy causes; and raised

thousands of dollars to rescue kids from sex-slavery in Asia through Hagar International.

As a community-minded church, however, there is also an open invitation to come IN! We invite you to join

one of our Sunday services at 9am or 5pm – perhaps an Easter Service, or our special Anzac Day Service with Army Chaplain Gifford Smith, or one of the services during May

addressing ‘Life’s Tough Questions’ (see page 9). Or you are welcome to contact the Church about some of the

programs listed in this magazine.

In the meantime we would all do well to remember Jesus’ inspiring words – love your neighbour as yourself!

Dale White SENIOR PASTOR

Edition 2010

CommunityEdition 2010

Cover photo - Steven Lucas and Watoto orphan.

“Love your neighbour as yourself”’ Luke 10:27

IT is difficult to actually determine when a man’s ministry begins, but I know that Ross was involved in youth work long before he joined the staff team with the Church of Christ in 1985. One or two pages are insufficient to truly convey the breadth and depth of Ross Savill’s influence on the young people of Toowoomba. Let me try. I offer the following in no particular order of importance or chronology.

For more than five years Ross was chaplain to Toowoomba High Schools. He delivered Religious Education Programs to Rangeville State School children and co-ordinated the many volunteer religious education teachers in schools across

Toowoomba.

For two consecutive years, Ross was elected president of the Centenary Heights Secondary School P & C committee, consistent with his interest in educational aspects of young people’s development.

For a number of years Ross has coached junior AFL teams. He also co-ordinated the “Auskick” junior Aussie Rules Development Program for junior players across the city.

These three statements reflect Ross Savill’s concern for all aspects of a young person’s growth... spiritual, educational, physical.

Ross’s heart for young people extends into Leadership Training, Weekly Youth Activities,

2 I TRANSFORMED communIty edItIon 2010

Here at HumeRidge Church of Christ we are delighted to celebrate with Ross and Jenny in 25 years of youth work with HumeRidge. We take time to congratulate Ross on his recent Order of Australia Medal granted during the 2010 Australia Day Honours. We praise God for the blessing Ross and Jenny have been to our congregation and community, and we pray God’s continued blessing for wisdom, strength and abundant love as they continue to serve God in Toowoomba.

Ross thanks his wife Jenny for her support and acknowledges the effort of the various teams he works alongside to care for the youth of Toowoomba and their families.

As you have a glimpse at Ross’s story we pray that you too will be inspired to look beyond the man to see the God of all creation who Ross diligently and eagerly serves to make a difference in the world by pointing all he meets to Christ.

ROSS & JENNY SAvILL

Ross and Jenny Savill25 years of Youth Work with HumeRidge

HumeRidge church of christ magazine I 3

Youth Camps, Backyard Blitz’s, and the list goes on. He has stood beside troubled youth in court appearances. He has stood with their families, encouraging and counselling them through tough times. Ross has worked in collaboration with the Toowoomba Police on programs such as “Kids Zone”. He has worked on programs with the Toowoomba Youth Service. Ross and Jenny have opened their home to young people at risk, or to those who just needed a haven.

Ross’ story is one of selfless giving... giving of time...

giving of energy... giving of resources... giving of love... giving of compassion... giving of encouragement... giving of hope. Countless young people acknowledge that because of Ross’ touch in their lives, they were set on a path of purpose, achievement and success, and in some instances, saved from a life of crime and substance abuse.

Some years ago, Ross was honoured with a NAIDOC award for his outstanding service to the indigenous youth of Toowoomba. For a non-indigenous Australian to receive such an award is

extremely rare.

If any of the above is in error, it will only be in the detail, because one thing permeates the whole - Ross Savill has an amazing capacity to love and encourage young people and stands as an inspiration to adults. Ross’ contribution does not stem from the official position he holds but from the very heart of the man he is. One may say that Ross is an exceptional man, but the truth is, that he is an ordinary man serving an amazing God in an exceptional way.

JoHn EastWEll

4 I www.humeridgechurch.org

On Wednesday Nights our Grade 4 – 6’s joined in a variety of activities from Pirate Theme Night, Clump Nights to Milne Bay Fun Night.

Our enthusiastic team of leaders have created an environment of fun that also provides opportunity for kids to meet Jesus as they participate in events.

On Friday Nights at 6pm our Grade 7 – 8’s began their youth adventures. They enjoyed clump nights and serving the elderly at Nu-mylo and making hampers for the needy. The highlight for many was the day out to “Mud Bowl” at Emu Creek.

From 8pm on Friday Nights the grade 9 – 12’s overtake HumeRidge. They have enjoyed fun nights of fellowship, serving the community through visitation and preparing hampers and going all out in high energy games. The culmination of Term 1 was a great night at 6 Mile Country Retreat for a Bushdance and BBQ dinner. Ye Ha!!!

stumpy’s and Youth got underway with a flying start in 2010

Stumpy’s recommences in Term 2 on Wednesday the 21st April

Youth will start back in Term 2 on Friday the 23rd April{youth}

Congratulations Elicia and Nick!

Welcome Tylah Brooke...

off to a fl ying start

TRANSFORMED communIty edItIon 2010 I 5

Youth Turn - In the news!

Youth Turn’s Parent Program was official launched by Hon Kerry Shine on Friday, 5th March 2010. Despite the weather Youth Turn’s staff, volunteers and participants were joined by government dignitaries, school representatives and community support organisations to celebrate Youth Turn’s newest program. Funded by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, Youth Turn’s Parent Program was developed to compliment an already successful Youth Program conducted at House 469. This new program aims to break down families’ barriers to success by developing strong positive supportive relationships along with opportunities to improve employment, educational and life skills. The personal and supportive nature of Youth Turn’s programs was reflected in the launch thanks to the sincere and heart-felt testimonies of two of the program’s participants. Their stories opened a vivid window to what barriers often need to be overcome before the way forward is made clear.

While the official launch of the Parent Program provided opportunities for the community to celebrate Youth Turn’s newest program, it was also a chance to publicly thank some of Youth Turn’s ongoing supporters such as Bunnings and Toowoomba City Lions. Recently the team at Bunnings contributed their time and experience to assist Youth Turn by painting the inside of House 469. All paint was donated by Dulux Australia. Despite the setbacks created by the torrential downpours the Bunnings’ team pulled together with good humour to give Youth Turn’s centre a fresh, clean cheerful interior. Deserved mention was also made to the Toowoomba City Lions Club who continue to generously support Youth Turn’s programs through donations of food, household items, educational material and their time and effort. It was wonderful to be able to acknowledge these organisations so publicly as their ongoing support often means that Youth Turn can extend their services even further. Overall, the launch of Youth Turn’s Parent Program was a time to join together to celebrate the beginning of a holistic program which, through the strength of positive relationships will break down barriers and rebuild hope.

Youth turn Parent Program

6 I HumeRidge church of christ magazine

Throughout the life of the Church there are many people committed in a myriad of ways to an abundance of ministries.

Two groups of Pastoral Care teams that you probably know little about exist quietly and function weekly providing ministry and care to those who are sick, laid aside, frail or elderly.

Our Home Communion Team and Hospital Chaplains have served the Church for many years in faithful Christ-like ministry.

Each Sunday a Home Communion team member takes a communion box, a Pastoral heart and a listening ear to those of our Church who can no longer attend Church services either permanently or for a short while.

The Home Communion Team help to fill a sacred void in the persons life as they share the sacraments of the bread and the cup with prayer and scripture. But they also fill a human void as they enact the powerful “ministry of presence”.

the unsung heroes

Hearts

TRANSFORMING LIVES to Christ by experiencing and reflecting God ’s love together

TRANSFORMING LIVESto Christ by experiencing and re�ecting God’s love together

Hearts Hope Families World

www.humeridgechurch.org I 7

All of us long for human to human interaction; each of us loves to look in the eyes of another and know we are accepted, worthwhile, remembered.

I once visited an old lady in her home. She sat on her veranda hour after solitary hour every day. When I came to say ‘hi’ I saw she was covered in orange juice and crumbs. She had food and cutlery strewn around her chair and on the floor. Ants crawled around the scraps of decaying food. I said hello and proceeded to pick things up to help her tidy up and her words have rung in my ears for

the past decade. “Don’t do that just come and sit with me.” She felt alone, abandoned and forgotten. My visit brightened her face and her day just by being there, by being present with her.

Our Home Communion and our Hospital Chaplains fulfil this vital role for many people as they bless them in visitation.

Each of our local hospitals have at least one regular Chaplain form our Church visiting, loving, listening, caring for those laid aside with sickness, pain, cancer or operations.

How can you help?• If you’re in Hospital please let us know

so we can pass that information on to the Chaplain who would like to visit you while you are in Hospital. On admission if you don’t register as a Church of Christ member our Chaplains will not be made aware of your hospitalization.

• If you would like to join the Home Communion Team please let Tim or the Church office know. We currently have a vacancy we need to fill around May.

• Pray for each of these teams.

• Encourage each team as they continue to serve God and the Church in love and with Care through the Ministry of Presence.

bY tim smitH

of pastoral care


april

1 daniel 1

2 daniel 2

3 daniel 3

4 daniel 4

5 daniel 5

6 daniel 6

7 daniel 7

8 daniel 8

9 daniel 9

10 daniel 10

11 daniel 11

12 daniel 12

13 nehemiah 1,2

14 nehemiah 3,4

15 nehemiah 5,6

16 Revelation 1

17 Revelation 2

18 Revelation 3

19 Revelation 4

20 Revelation 5

21 Revelation 6

22 Revelation 7

23 Revelation 8

24 Revelation 9

25 Revelation 10

26 Revelation 11

27 Revelation 12

28 Revelation 13

29 Revelation 14

30 Revelation 15

may

1 Revelation 16

2 Revelation 17

3 Revelation 18

4 Revelation 19

5 Revelation 20

6 Revelation 21

7 Revelation 22

8 Joel 1

9 Joel 2

10 Joel 3

11 Amos 1

12 Amos 2

13 Amos 3

14 Amos 4

15 Amos 5

16 Amos 6

17 Amos 7

18 Amos 8

19 Amos 9

20 1 thessalonians 1





25 micah 1

26 micah 2

27 micah 3

28 micah 4

29 micah 5

30 micah 6

31 micah 7

Scripture. Observation. Application. Prayer.

S.O.A.P. studies are about developing a healthy habit of spending regular time with the Lord. If you commit to reading and journaling on a daily basis, your life will be truly revolutionised.

s.o.a.p. studies

what’s on on Sunday Mornings

LIFE’S

T OUGHQUESTIONS

4 Week Series by Pastor Dale White

HumeRidge church of christ magazine I 9

EAS ER SERVICESat HumeRidge

MayMAY 2

What’s the Point of Living?(Ecclesiastes 1-11)MAY 9 (MOTHeR’S DAY)

Where Do I Find Happiness?(Ecclesiastes 2:1-11;24-26)MAY 16

Why is Life So Unfair?(Ecclesiastes 3:16 – 4:3)MAY 23

What Happens After I Die?(Ecclesiastes 7:1-4)MAY 30

FAMILY SeRVICeInvolving HumeRidge Kids

AprilAPRIL 2

Good Friday 9amCOMPLIMENTS OF GUS

APRIL 4

easter Sunday 7am EARLY BIRD COMMUNIONeaster Sunday 9amWATOTO CHILDREN’S CHOIR

APRIL 11 TIM SMITHAPRIL 18 DALE WHITEAPRIL 25

Special Anzac Service With Captain Gifford Smith(Army Chaplain)

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY


1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

9.30am Playgroup7pm Search for Life

8am Prayer9am Sunday Service

4pm Prayer5pm Sunday@5

3pm newcomer’s Afternoon tea

8am Prayer9am AnZAc day Service4pm Prayer

5pm Sunday@5


4pm Band RehearsalEASTERFEST

6.30am Prayer

6.30am Prayer9.45am KyB

1.30pm Hymn Singing “Favourites”

7pm Valiant man

6.30am Prayer9.30 Woman to

Woman9.45am KyB

6.30pm Stumpy’s7pm Valiant man

9.30am Playgroup

9.30am Playgroup6pm youth

4pm Band Rehearsal

4pm Band Rehearsal

Golden eagles 50+12.45pm KyB

9.30am Playgroup11am Playgroup

7pm Search for Life

7am early Bird communion Service9am easter Service

6pm combined Service Queen’s Park

EASTERFEST



9.30am Playgroup11am Playgroup 12.45pm KyB


aprilcalendar 2010

dAy oF PRAyeR4pm Band Rehearsal



Woman9.45am KyB

6.30pm Stumpy’s

12.45pm KyB

Good Friday Services 9am

EASTERFEST

happy easter from HumeRidge

gOOD FRiDAy

EASTER SATuRDAy

EASTERMONDAy

EASTERSuNDAy

ANZAC DAy ANZAC DAy publiC hOliDAy

9.30am Playgroup6pm youth12.45pm KyB


30 31 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29





Pathways Afternoon



9.30am Playgroup

9.30am Playgroup

9.30am Playgroup

4pm Band Rehearsal


Woman9.45am KyB

6.30pm Stumpy’s


6.30pm Stumpy’s9.30am Playgroup

6pm youth

4pm Band Rehearsal

4pm Band Rehearsal

4pm Band Rehearsal9.30am Playgroup11am Playgroup


Golden eagles 50+12.45pm KyB


6.30pm Stumpy’s

Mother’’’s Day!




Woman9.45am KyB

1.30pm Hymn Singing “How Great

Is our God”6.30pm Stumpy’s




at 7pm


9.30am Playgroup11am Playgroup 12.45pm KyB


12.45pm KyB

TRANSFORMED I 11

Maycalendar 2010



4pm Band Rehearsal9.30am Playgroup

6pm youth12.45pm KyB

Mother’’’s Day! May 9

Love You Mumxxx

lAbOuR DAy publiC hOliDAy

MayMAY 2 Who He WasWhat Would I Have Noticed?MAY 9 The BeatitudesMAY 16 The Revolution Of GraceMAY 23 The Signature Of JesusMAY 30 Trusting Jesus

JuneJUNe 6 electivesJUNe 13 electivesJUNe 20

Reflection And ResponseJUNe 27

Communion Focus

what’s on on Sunday Nights

based on the book by Brennan Manning

Series in May and June

tHe siGNAtuRe of JeSuS


My name is Dean Robert Gordon now known as alias Sir Duck Gordon.

My life before I had my accident at the age of 29 was always fast paced, and very hard working, in the physical sense. I worked in the Rural sector all my life on my family’s farm, and then after schooling and gaining a wool classing Certificate, in Rural areas of Australia. Goondiwindi was the main area where I worked.

During these times I felt six foot tall and invincible, a rugby player on the verge of selection - for what - I never know, engaged to be married, and I thought the only way to be happy was to go out drinking with my friends. I always believed there was a God who created everything. I never doubted this fact.

After my accident I was in a coma. During my 5 week coma there was a Uniting Church minister who prayed with all my family regularly. Well, when I finally woke from my coma I became very good friends with this minister of the Uniting Church and he explained to me some areas of true Christianity and I really began to think about it.

After my discharge from the hospital I was blessed to be able to continue to meet with this man for smoko’s, cake etc, and my whole view of Christianity changed forever. I could clearly see that I was given a second chance at life. Yet even now it is realistically very difficult to deal with knowing I have a physical challenge or disability to deal with for the rest of my life.

I cannot stop thanking God. The way I see it is that I have a testimony to give to hurt people to never give up when

things seem so very bleak with no sign of light. Well, with my walk with the Lord for the past 14 years now, I do see the light. I have earned a Uni degree, I never thought possible those 14 years ago. The best feeling of my life today is knowing in my heart that I have people from my church where God has placed me, in my life. I cannot really fail. There is so much support, care and understanding. The greatest aspect of all is the love in my heart and gratitude for family and friends. They have seen dramatic change from a young man without much direction in life, to a man with an absolute love, appreciation and zest for life. I know now that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again for all God’s glory. My secret formula that a fellow Christian friend gave me which I live by is, “You have to have faith in the Lord but not very much else at all for our salvation.”

Sir Duck GordonteStImony FRom

www.humeridgechurch.org I 13

Hearts




waTOTOJouRnEY


FOR Me the decision to go to Uganda was largely in response to the performance of the Watoto Children’s Choir here in the middle of 2008. Uganda is a country home to approximately 940,000 orphans, that is, kids under the age of 15 whose mum or dad, or both have died, largely due to the AIDS epidemic. When I witnessed the performance of these children I was almost moved to tears by the plight of these young African lives.

What was so inspiring from the performance was to see that the lives of these children were literally being transformed through God’s love for them by the work of Watoto. These orphans had smiles on their faces, and a strong sense of hope, joy and confidence in their God, which was empowering them to overcome their unfortunate circumstances and enabling them to live lives of dignity and purpose.

Watoto’s goal is to provide spiritual, physical, educational and emotional care for every child, so that each one will become a responsible Christian and productive citizen of Uganda.

They aim to have 10,000 children in residential care by 2020 who will become the next generation of Ugandan leaders.

When the opportunity arose to travel to Uganda to help build a house in which 8 of these children would live, I felt God’s call to be part of this eye-opening journey. So on the 7th of January a team of 23 of us from Toowoomba embarked on an incredible adventure. It took us about seven days of building to complete the brickwork of just one house in Suubi village, which is one of three Watoto orphanages. And after we left, the local builders had the task of completing the house, by putting on its roof, painting its inside, and providing the finishing touches and landscaping to this and 7 surrounding homes. So while we didn’t get to see the house in its completion, it was a privilege to be part of God’s work in helping provide a home for 8 orphans, for whom would be

Steven Lucas

the World




TRANSFORMED I 15 Rescue a Child, raise a Leader and rebuild a Nation

provided a loving mother, committed to raising these children with a Christian upbringing, knowing that they would also receive a primary, secondary and tertiary education.

Other than the building project, there were many highlights to the trip, including an African safari, a Nile river cruise, white water rafting, a trip to the equator, and participation in a church service with approximately 22,000 people in attendance.

For me though, one of the main highlights was visiting a completed Watoto home like the one we helped build and sharing lunch with the mother and the children under her care. The joy in seeing God as the centrepiece of this home and in their lives was truly overwhelming, as every person in this family conducted themselves with love, humility, grace and peace. It was powerful! I pictured in the years to come that the home we helped build would be just like that, complete with a mother and 8 children with God at the centre of their lives.

I look forward to the day when I can revisit this home and village in its entirety and see the work God has done in helping transform not only the lives of 8 children, but of an entire community of African believers, and to witness the flow-on effect this has to the well-being of the entire Ugandan nation.

This trip helped to re-emphasise how incredibly fortunate we are to live in such a privileged country, where we all too often take for granted many of life’s luxuries, such as running water, decent homes, loving families, good education, good government, rubbish disposal, and clean surroundings. And while none of us can single-handedly alleviate some of Uganda’s bigger issues like poverty, AIDS and suffering overnight, we can, as the body of Christ, demonstrate practically to those who are suffering that there is a loving God who cares deeply for them by showing up and joining God in His work to enable lives to be transformed.

One of the things that stood out for me the most was the Traditional Lunch that we had in one of the WATOTO homes at Bbira village. I was lucky enough to catch up with both of the girls that I had as billets when the choir was in Toowoomba last year. The babies home was amazing as well. I definitely want to go back and volunteer there. As Edigar (our bus driver) would say BOO WHOOP!!! amY FincH

For me, the visit to the Bullrushes was 2nd on my list of highlights, after the visit to my sponsored child at Bbira village. I found the Bullrushes a deeply moving experience and found myself silently sobbing, a number of times during the visit. PEtER Kinson


school chaplaincybY tim FincH

I love being a chaplain! I get to make a difference in kids’ lives!

It’s not easy hearing about some of the issues the children are facing. I’ve been involved with children and families who have faced things from having trouble adjusting to a new school all the way through to children dealing with death,

alcoholic parents, and even being physically and verbally rejected by a parent. These kids just need to be loved and listened to, which is where I come in.

I am extremely grateful that God has chosen me to do this at Middle Ridge State School.

Some highlights and activities of serving as Chaplain are:

• Family Week BBQ – We had over 50 families come

along. It was great to see the families doing things together. At one stage there was about 30 people playing one game of basketball.

• Valentine’s Day – I made (with the help of my lovely wife) 70 Valentine’s Day cards with an encouraging note and chocolate heart and gave one to every staff member in the school.

• Real Guitar Heroes Club

Tim and Lucinda Finch

HumeRIdGe cHuRcH oF cHRISt mAGAZIne I 17

HumeRidge Church of Christ is delighted to support the School Chaplaincy Program in our local areas. With a number of chaplains as part of our congregation it is wonderful to hear what a difference their love for kids is making.

– Once a week I have a small number of students come along to learn and play guitar (with strings not buttons!).

• Bible Club is run by another local church and I go along and get involved.

• Igetinvolvedduringplay times (refereeing where necessary), helping students who find it hard to engage at school. I also get involved at school discos and other special events where we get to have fun!

You, the congregation of HumeRidge Church of Christ, are to be thanked for your contribution to the Chaplaincy Programs. As a result of Commitment Day 2009 HumeRidge has been able to give an additional $7,595 beyond our regular giving to support our Chaplains.

The Chaplaincy Programs supported were:

tim Finch middlE RidgE statE scHool

chris England glEnvalE statE scHool

Zara England RocKvillE statE scHool

tooWoomba soutH statE scHool

Kev distant tooWoomba FlExi scHool

Jill distant tooWoomba noRtH statE scHool

Jane ott PittsWoRtH statE HigH

matt lalor cEntEnaRY HEigHts statE HigH

If you would like to find out more about the work of Chaplaincy programs in Toowoomba please see the Scripture Union website or have a chat with one of the Chaplains who are members here at HumeRidge. Your support helps make a difference in the lives of students, families and staff of schools in our local community.

program

the World





Acting Chairman of the HumeRidge Governance Board

Hi Chris and Zara. What led you to the decision to get involved with Children’s ministry at HumeRidge?

CHRIS The kids part is what started me off. I had a fantastic opportunity to travel to Thailand as part of a mission trip in 2004. For three weeks we spent time playing, caring, sharing and ministering to primary age kids. I discovered a passion that God had placed into my heart. As years went on, I become more interested in ministry. So naturally the two connected together. It was awesome to see the dots connect.

ZARA I have always liked working with kids, and even from a very young age I knew that I was called to work with children. As I grew up I started to realize how much stuff some of the kids today go through. It still breaks my heart but I have seen how positive relationships can make such an impact on the wellbeing of kids. God has given me the skills and gifts needed to make a positive influence for kids of today – if I don’t use them, I’m wasting them – I’m missing out on the life God intended for me!

My passion is to see

today’s children and young people grow up with a hope for their future. In children’s ministry I have the opportunity to not only bring hope and influence through positive relationship, but to share the love of God – the one who created us, and the one who loves us unconditionally.

Both of you are also involved with School Chaplaincy programs. What has that experience been like?

CHRIS Its fantastic! Hard, annoying, challenging, draining, heartbreaking, but fantastic! They are

with Chris & Zara Englandconversations

TRANSFORMED communIty edItIon 2010 I 19

just some words that I have come to know as part of Chaplaincy because you are there for the kids and sometimes you share their experiences. But not all hope is lost. As a Chaplain I see great things such as kids becoming confident in who they are, realising they have gifts and skills, knowing they are loved and that someone cares for them. Chaplains journey and reach out to the kids and community. It’s hard, but a journey I wouldn’t trade for another.

ZARA Every day is unique at Rockville State School – and it was a huge shock for me when I first started there as a Chaplain.

I came across an interesting situation recently involving a young boy, and I was stuck and didn’t know how I could help. A good friend of mine reminded me to pray. She said that I might be the only person who ever prays for this boy and that if I don’t, no one will. Who else will intercede with God for the young people in Toowoomba’s schools if the chaplains don’t??

Through chaplaincy I have learned so much about myself – I have discovered some strengths and weaknesses that I had never recognised before, and I have been able to step further and further into God’s

grace and love through the opportunities that have arisen for me. Being a chaplain is hard work and often very exhausting, but I get up every day realizing that I can make a difference.

What have you learnt from chaplaincy and children’s ministry?

CHRIS Jesus said before he left to go out and make disciples, to baptize them and to train them. Chaplaincy gives me the opportunity to go out to pave the way for kids to be discipled. I try my hardest to allow Jesus to live within me, and to let him be seen by everyone I talk to at school.

Kid’s ministry at Humeridge is about Discipleship, to purposefully walk with kids on their journey. The two roles give me unique perspectives of churched and unchurched kids. It’s a great opportunity, but I believe above all its showing me how to work hand in hand with communities and church.

ZARA Being a chaplain has opened my eyes to some of the yucky stuff that the children and young people of today have to go through. I think as a children’s ministry worker it is essential to be aware of the real issues because the children we come in contact with are facing them. There are so

many families and individuals (even in the church setting) who are suffering from these issues and it is important that we know how to deal with them. As positive role models in their lives we can help them through!

I have come to realize more and more that ‘yucky’ situations don’t just occur in the secular world. Churches need to act as ‘chaplains’ to these people! I don’t think my role as a chaplain (or a leader) will ever switch off, because I am going to continue to seek to help for as long as I live!

As young adults taking on jobs filled with responsibility what are some of the challenges?

CHRIS It’s nice to know I have quite a few years before I have to give this up!

Being young gives me a perspective into kid’s lives as I still play with some of the same toys and games as they do. I found I can connect easily and communicate in a way they understand.

I am aware however that the disadvantages are that some parents may wonder if I am mature enough or experienced enough to be taking a huge role in Christian Education and Discipleship with their children. I do know that I would not be in this position without God. (Cont. next page).

(From previous page).

I would not be doing this position if I did not think I could. I believe God has put me where I am and I can take on this responsibility with confidence in God to help me. I also have some great mentors who assist and help guide me. Another reason that I have taken on the study is to prove my determination in equipping myself and then other leaders. Studying towards my Bachelor Degree on a part-time basis over the next 6 years of my life is a big commitment but it is exciting to be influenced, surrounded and taught by people who know more than I do!

ZARA The advantage of being a young leader really comes down to the amount of influence it allows me to have. I am able to connect with children on their level and to understand them where they’re at. Kids see me as down to earth and a friend they can really rely on and trust. Gaining trust is one of the biggest steps when we are talking about ministry! As well as this I feel I am mature enough to connect with parents on an influential and respectful level. God doesn’t see my age as an issue and I’m not going to let myself see it as one either.

How can all of us support you in your ministry?

CHRIS It always feels good to get a pat on the back - just so I know I am going in the right

direction! But please, I love support! I love people talking to me about how I can equip myself and the leaders. Feedback is so important, good and bad. I also want leaders! If you’re interested in discipleship with kids, come have a chat to me about that!

Above all, this work needs prayer. I believe it works and without it I could do nothing that I have so far. Please pray for Zara and myself, for kid’s ministry and for the kids that attend. Also pray for Chaplaincy in Australia, for the Chaplains in our Church, that we will be supported and we will make a difference.

ZARA The best encouragement I could ever have is seeing the positive change in a child’s life! Over the years I’ve been in children’s ministry at HumeRidge, I have seen children come to Christ and be baptized! What could be more rewarding than that!?

More than anything, though, we need prayer support – prayer that God will guide us in the right direction, and that His will, will be done through the children’s ministry at HumeRidge. Pray for wisdom and opportunities for us as leader’s of His children, and pray for positive impact.

There are other practical ways you could support the ministry, and if you would like to know more about these, please talk to us!

What is your vision for children’s ministry here at HumeRidge?

CHRIS I always thought it would be cool to have an actual kids church. A separate building, built for kids. How awesome! But maybe 50 years down the track? Something great that Andrew and Jenny and Ross have always done is Discipleship, walking with people in their journey, baptizing them and eventually those people disciplining others. I want to see that continue, and flourish. I have a dream for creative teaching, and would (and am planning) love to see that be integrated into the Christian Education of HumeRidge kids. Things like videos, puppets, anything that would trigger the imagination of a child!

ZARA My passion has always been to help those children who are hurting. As part of the children’s ministry at HumeRidge, I would love to see more support and mentoring programs put in place to support young people and families. I have seen the positive impact these programs have had in both schools and the community and would love to see our church get involved!

Thanks Chris & Zara. We look forward to sharing the journey of children’s ministry with you.


HumeRidge notice board

phONE 07 4635 0350 FAX 07 4635 4674 EMAil [email protected] WEbSiTE www.humeridgechurch.org

ADDRESS 461 - 469 Hume Street Toowoomba Qld 4350PO Box 7564 Toowoomba South Q 4350

OFFiCE hOuRS 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday




Editorial by natalie tuckergraphic design by Kristy Fielder

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Senior Pastor Dale White 0419 756 469

Pastor – Evangelism Neale Proellocks 0419 737 950

Pastor – Congregational Care Tim Smith 0438 350 376

Student Minister/Ministry SupportNatalie Tucker 0409 393 439

Careforce Lifekeys & Pathways Jack Kamst 0434 729 115

Pastor – Youth Ross Savill 0411 201 227

Youth Worker Elicia Wuersching 0402 158 700

Children’s Ministry Chris England 0413 580 012 Zara England 0401 948 860

Music Ministry Brendon Walmsley 0419 654 548

Minister Emeritus Bruce Armstrong 4635 9885

Youth Turn (House 469) 4636 2981

Graham Storey 0431 268 065

Transformed Magazine submissions and enquiries email: [email protected]

citY cElEbRation sERvicE

at HumeRidge25 July 6pm

ministry training

leading out of deep Places

Keith Farmer and Peter McHugh

July 12

afternoonMay 16

afternoon teaapril 18

newcomers

“Love your neighbour as yourself”’ Luke 10:27

Sprucing up the Church grounds

Our Church Facilities - A place where the community comes

transformed magazine - april 2010 edition

Documents