It was a balmy summers evening at the gathering of the CAROLS IN THE PARK community event on December 14th 2019. The crowd slowly built up and by the end of the night was estimated to be about 6000 people. This was an amazing number when you consider that this represents about one third of the number of residents who live in North Balwyn! The carols committee, a sub group of the North Balwyn Interchurch Council, had a vision to lift the name of Jesus in their community.

North Balwyn Baptist Church has, for several decades, been the driving force behind this outreach program. As part of the set up on the day there were tents with food, face painting, a prayer tent, a charity tent, an outreach book tent and much more.

The program included soloists, choirs, a nativity scene procession, prayers, Bible readings and a short gospel message by Rev. Graeme Prentice of North Balwyn Baptist Church. The night ended with a fireworks display. There was a fantastic community feel as families of all ages and nationalities mingled, played, sang and worshipped Jesus together.

Some of the highlights included:

1. The beautiful cooperation and support of the local Churches in finances, volunteers, comradery, unity and love in Christ. Six different denominations were involved.
2. 6000 people represents the biggest crowd in the history of the event.
3. The content and atmosphere was design to trumpet the name of Jesus.
4. There is no other event throughout the year that brings together so many people from so many walks of life in such a safe and loving environment.
5. This year included items from a local Mandarin Church and was indicative of the growing multi cultural nature of the event.
6. The outreach book tent reported many wonderful gospel conversations with people from the crowd.

We are so grateful for those who sponsored the event. There was a time early on in the planning that we felt that we may have to cancel for this year. It has grown so much over the years that the burden of planning on a small volunteer group was getting too much. But thanks to the sponsors and renewed support of the local Churches we were able to employ an event planner that made it possible to proceed. We praise God for his provision and for the 1000’s gathered to celebrate the birth of our saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Written by:
Frank Rosenfeldt (Sec.) and Graeme Prentice (Pres.)
North Balwyn Baptist Church

Source: BUV News

On Sunday the 8^th December 2019, with the support of the Baptist Union of Victoria, Point Cook Community Baptist Church held ‘Carols by Sunlight’ a 100% free Christmas outreach event for our local community. 

The project team, (made up of volunteers from our congregation) spent many hours of their valuable time in planning for the lead up to ‘Carols by Sunlight.’  With more Church volunteers helping out with the event on the day. 

Carols by Sunlight was publicised with a letterbox drop to over 1200 homes in our local community.  Flyers were also left at a local coffee shop for distribution to their customers.  The event was also advertised on our website and in a local news magazine.

The gates opened for ‘Carols by Sunlight’ at 11.30.  As families arrived each child was given a showbag containing some yummies to eat, a Christmas comic book and a toy.  Outside the ‘three-in-one’ jumping castle was a huge hit for the kids, while the coffee van was a hit for the adults.  And everyone was also able to enjoy a sausage or two.

Inside the venue there were more fun activities. Crafts tables were set up with families sitting around them making Christmas decorations together.  A dress up photo booth was set up where families could dress up as Mary, Joseph, Wisemen, Shepherds or angels.  The highlight inside for kids (and adults) was the face painter and balloon twister.

The activities wrapped up at 1.30, and all present were invited to stay for our carols service, which included a Christmas play ‘The Three Trees’ put on by members of our congregation.

It was such a blessing to see so many people, from all walks of life, from within our local community come through the gates and have a good time with all the activities.  And with a number of them staying for the service too, praise God. 

The highlight for me was a comment made by one man after the service, he said that he hadn’t been in a Church for over 17 years, and he had been distant from God since his Grandfather had passed.  He shared with me how he and his family enjoyed the event, but more importantly he shared how he felt God had touched his heart.

Written by:
David van Wynen
Pastor, Point Cook Community Baptist Church

Source: BUV News

On Christmas Eve 2019 the Koondrook-Barham Baptist Church joined with the local Anglican, Catholic and Uniting Churches to present Carols by Candlelight at Riverside Park, Barham.

On the night the Lions Club had a community festival which we joined and when the festival ended we began the carol singing. We give thanks to God for the blessing of a balmy night which encouraged all ages to stay for the event. The young children participated by making decorations for the Christmas tree.

They were given a Christmas book supplied by the Bible Society. We handed out carol books and safe flame candles thanks to the generous donation by the BUV. The Combined Churches choir encouraged everyone to sing along.

Bernard Blumel, pastor of the Baptist Church welcomed everyone. Scripture readings and prayers were presented by the Anglican and Uniting Churches and a message of hope was delivered by Father Stan from the Catholic Church. At the end of the night the Lions Club conveyed their thanks to the Churches for the great community event and invited us to join them Christmas Eve 2020.

Written by:
Bernard Blumel
Minister of Koondrook-Barham Baptist Church

Source: BUV News