NSW & ACT Baptist Association 

The Gathering & Notice of Annual Assembly – 1 May 2021

You are invited to be part of The Gathering & Annual Assembly for our 153rd year to be held on Saturday 1 May 2021! 

THE GATHERING  

As an Association of Churches, we understand that we are Greater Together and The Gathering provides an opportunity for networking, inspiration and encouragement across our movement. 

This year we are planning to hold The Gathering on the morning of Saturday 1 May 2021 from 9:45am. Our Annual Assembly will follow after lunch. We would love you to join us as we explore the theme of Saved, Called, Sent and take time to connect with others across our Baptist Movement.   

The Gathering will be held at our main venue, the Ministry and Learning Centre in Macquarie Park and livestreamed across additional venues around NSW & ACT, where you can also attend the Annual Assembly which will follow in the afternoon.   

We have invited Steve Bartlett (Director of Ministries, Baptist Association of NSW & ACT) & Melinda Cousins (Director of Ministries, Baptist Churches of South Australia) to come and speak into our theme of Saved, Called, Sent, encapsulated in the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20. Dan is a husband and father of three, lives in Queensland and is the founder of the recently released book titled “Questioning Christianity”. Dan is a gifted communicator and apologist and is passionate about answering life’s big questions and objections to the Christian faith. The Gathering will have some powerful keynote messages, interactive and practical workshops along with the official opening of the new Ministry and Learning Centre (one year on!), just prior to lunch.  

Registrations have now opened, and further information can be found below.

Blessings,

The Gathering Planning Team 

Our Annual Assembly is a time to reflect on all that God is doing amongst us, to gather together and connect with others in our movement and glimpse how Jesus is leading us as we work together to minister with one another and those around our world.    

Our Annual Assembly will take place on Saturday 1 May 2021 from 2pm (sign-in available from 1:30pm if you will not be joining us for The Gathering).  

MAIN VENUE:
Macquarie Park, NO SEATS REMAINING (Venue is at capacity)

ADDITIONAL VENUES: 

• Mayfield Baptist Church, Newcastle 102 seats remaining
• The Hub Grafton Baptist Church, 48 seats remaining
• Tamworth Baptist Church, 195 seats remaining
• Canberra Baptist Church, 77 seats remaining

There is limited capacity at each venue due to the current COVID-19 restrictions. See above for current venue capacities as at April 29, 10:00am. 
  

WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING AT THIS ASSEMBLY:  

Despite the challenges we faced last year, our hope is that our 2021 Assembly will be an opportunity to celebrate the ministry of 2020 and to look to the future as we navigate a COVID-19 world and continue the outworking of the GEN1K Strategic Priorities we adopted at our 2020 Assembly. It will also be a time of discernment and affirmation of God’s leading for several elected positions, an opportunity to further discuss some significant matters and to keep you up to date with important activities.   

During the afternoon, the following matters will be put to vote:  

• Affirmation of the 2020 Annual Reports and Financial Statements 
• Affirmation of the 2021 Association Budget 
• Committee for the Ministry Matters 
• Procedural changes to the Association Constitution 
• Nominations for Assembly Council, Baptist Churches of NSW Property Trust and Morling College Council  
• Assembly Council recommendation regarding the appointment/reappointment of the Director of Ministries. 

We will also celebrate the recipient of the David Brown Scholarship for 2021 and engage with a submission from Tahmoor Baptist Church regarding church governance support. 

Documentation for the various matters will be placed below as they are available, and no later than Saturday 17th April. 

Annual Assembly Documents

COST:  

Option 1: The Gathering OR The Gathering + Annual Assembly (includes morning tea/lunch) 

• $50 (Ministry and Learning Centre)  
• $40 (Additional venues)  

Option 2: Annual Assembly 

• No cost 

TO REGISTER:  

Visit here by Saturday 24 April 2021 for voting church delegates and alternate church delegates and Saturday 1 May 2021 for all other members of Assembly.  
 
We strongly encourage you to register before the day, otherwise we cannot guarantee you a seat at any of our venues with current COVID-19 restrictions.  

In Christ,  

Jamie Long – Assembly Council Chair 
Shelley Cattell – Assembly Council Secretary  

Sponsored By