A Minute with Mike
Pastor for the Next Generation
{
"now": "2025-09-10T20:07:44.354Z",
"expiry": "2025-09-10T20:07:49.139Z"
}
Thursday 7 August, 2025
“My Sabbath last week was a good one! But the last couple of weeks prior to that it has been a practice that’s been a struggle, or non-existent entirely!”
“I’ve had a go at using a particular app as part of my practice of prayer. It’s felt fresh trying something new- but I also find that my mind still wanders from time to time, and I can get easily distracted.”
These are some of the comments that I’ve heard recently in a number of conversations with different people as they’ve shared the joys and challenges with exploring some of the practices we’ve covered as a church community so far this year.
And when I hear their experiences, I often smile and say “I’m the same”.
In reflection, I reckon that the journey of faith as we follow God is marked by the broad spectrum of experiences like these.
The twists and turns, ebbs and flows, highs and lows.
Yet through it all, I’m convinced that the process of God’s transformation in our life continues none-the-less.
In Philippians, Paul encourages Christians to keep trusting the process with this reminder that he was “confident of this, that he (God) who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, emphasis mine).
So how does this process of God’s transformation in our lives continue?
I’d like to suggest that it’s a result of God’s power at work through our participation.
Our participation which can involve practices like Sabbath, Prayer & Scripture to name a few.
I’d like to suggest that it’s a result of God’s power at work through our participation.
Our participation which can involve practices like Sabbath, Prayer & Scripture to name a few.
So whatever your experience of the practices have been so far this year (and it’s never too late to start where you are!); I want to encourage you to keep trusting the process.
Because I’m convinced that God’s power can transform us through our best attempts at participation, as well as our failed ones.
So I’m confident of this.
As we make more room for Jesus in our lives- watch and see how God who has begun a good work in you, will continue to carry it on to completion.
Blessings to you, as you continue to tread the path and follow the process of life with God.
Mike
P.S. As many of our lifegroups have just finished, or are finishing up the Prayer practice, we have our next practice, Scripture, beginning in a few weeks’ time. It’s going to be great!
Stories
Youth Baptisms
On Sunday 27 July, five teenagers got baptised in the 11am English service. It was great to hear each of their testimonies of how God had been working in their lives and their responses to God working in him. So far we have had 11 teenagers baptised this year which is an amazing testament of what God is doing in and amongst the youth.
We are expecting to see more youth and young baptisms in the months ahead.
Lots happening in the Cantonese Congregation
We thank God for the 3-day, 2-night student camp held from August 1st to 3rd. It was a precious time where students deepened their relationship with God and built meaningful friendships with one another. We are also very grateful to all the leaders for their faithful service.
Also, every Monday evening, we host Table Tennis and Chinese Chess Activities Nights, with light refreshments and tea provided. These gatherings are great opportunities to invite friends to enjoy sports, meet new people, and explore the Christian faith in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
We are seeing God at work in every ministry, stirring brothers and sisters to participate actively and wholeheartedly. God has gifted each of us uniquely, and within his household, we each play a part and support one another. Through this, our spiritual lives are continually being strengthened and nurtured.
We have some exciting things coming up as well. Beginning August 30, we will be launching a six-week Family Gospel Outreach every Saturday evening. These gatherings will take place in the homes of our brothers and sisters, with dinner shared together. We encourage everyone to invite seekers to experience the gospel in a warm, informal setting. We're also running Emotional Health Sessions on August 31, September 7, and September 14 to help brothers and sisters understand emotions and learn how to process feelings. Each session will also include reflection on how our Christian faith and the Bible equip us to face life’s challenges.
Metta Mission Trip Team Now Full!
We are excited to announce that the team for our Cambodia short-term mission trip (January 12–17, 2026) is now full with 25 participants. This mission will provide a chance to care for our missionaries and witness the needs of the mission field. Upon return, participants will share their experiences to encourage and inspire our church family to praise God for His work.
Member in Service Spotlight
M+K
Intercultural Workers, South Asia
M works as a technical advisor for sanitation and waste management work in the local office of an international NGO. M and K both seek to support, encourage and disciple the small number of local believers from the majority Muslim background in their town and surrounding area.
Note: We cannot disclose names, location or sending agency for security purposes. This spotlight will also use non-specific terms in some places to aid in security.
What has been happening in your ministry recently?Late last year we began a ladies' Bible study meeting for believers and seekers from a Muslim background. There have been many challenges to meeting because of women's availability, sickness, weather, visits to the village. But last week the women met again after almost two months - a very diverse group. The discussion was lively and honest, as those who have been walking with Jesus for longer answered the seeking wife of one believing man "why don't Christians wash before they pray?" The house fellowship has elected a leadership team earlier this year, which includes M. He has been working with the other two members to plan the teaching and explore ways of serving and growing this small group of believers and their families, as we hope and pray for growth. We also run weekly "Sunday school" (except it's "Tuesday school" because that's when our church meets!) with Bible teaching for kids - this is a new element for this particular church fellowship. We hope to train other members in engaging with, teaching and discipling kids.
Where have you seen God at work?Earlier this year, a believer who is new to our fellowship was attacked by some men at his village over a land dispute. His arm was badly broken in two places and he needed surgery. He had been unemployed for a period of time and was in a challenging and depressing situation. The church fellowship supported him financially and in prayer. His operation was successful and he has also recently found employment. His wife, not yet a believer, and his two kids, have been touched by and attracted to the genuine care they have seen by Christians, compared to the selfishness and hardness they have experienced in the community of the religion of their birth.
What's coming up in your ministry?
There are four months till we return to Australia on home assignment. In this time we continue to yearn for this fellowship of believers to grow in relationship with each other and reliance on each other. We pray for the resolution of some misunderstandings. We hope for members to grasp the value of teaching the Bible to their kids. We long for husbands and wives to learn to pray, worship and seek Jesus together.
What are your needs at the moment?In July one family who have been our teammates moved from our town to the capital city. This leaves just our family and one other middle-aged couple. We feel the loss deeply of our friends and ministry partners. This loss is especially felt by Simon and Tom who are now the only foreigner kids living in our city.
How does your financial support work and how is it going?
We are supported financially by individuals and churches through CMS who provide our living allowance and care for us administratively, pastorally, medically, etc. We are grateful that people have given to our support generously and consistently and we have not felt a burden in this area.
PRAY
That we and our kids would know how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ (Eph. 3:18)
CONNECT
You can sign up for our prayer newsletter via the link below or visit sb.org.au/missions.
GIVE
If anyone would like to partner with the work that God is doing in South Asia, you can support the work financially via https://www.cms.org.au/#donate. Simply search the list for ‘M and K’.
Want to get to know our other Members in Service?
Visit our missions page via the link below.
What's coming up?
Man Alive Men's Breakfast
30th August 2025
Man Alive Breakfast ( 6.45 a.m. for 7.00 a.m. start in the SBC cafe) Come and join us for a hearty breakfast and hear Simon Pounder share about his journey with God. Simon has been married to Liz for 26 years and is dad to 3 awesome kids. He has worked as a Project Manager with Holden, General Motors and is currently with Major Road Projects. Simon is a youth leader, surfer and sailor.
Cost: $15 for breakfast
Register now
Trivia Night Fundraiser - Request for Silent Auction Items
On the 19th of September, we will be having our annual Trivia Night Fundraiser where the youth run a night for their parents, siblings and other people from the church to come along to. The night will go from 7- 9:30 pm and cost $20 per adult, $10 for children in primary school and free for younger children (no cost for youth). Funds raised will go straight to reducing costs for youth and leaders for Fuel Camp 2026. You can book tickets per person or for a table of up to 10. If you have any questions, please contact me. We will open tables to non-youth families at Syndal soon as there is still space left, so please make sure to book a ticket or table early!
This year we would also like to try and run a silent auction as part of the fundraiser so if you have any new items (sport equipment, electronics, toys, household items, etc.) or experiences (a stay at a holiday house, a cleaning service, etc.) you could donate, please let Tom Postlethwaite know at tpostlethwaite@sb.org.au
Next Sermon Series
Our third 'practice' for 2025 is coming up, and inthis series we will explore the practice of reading Scripture (the Bible) and how doing so can help form us to become more like Jesus. We’ll unpack some of the questions and challenges around reading scripture to help people understand and engage with the Bible in a way that shapes them and their life.
Series starts Sunday, August 31.
Join a Practice Group
If you're not currently in a Life Group, but would like to track along with the group studies for this series, you can do so in a Practice Group. This is a small group that will meet together to work through the 4 sessions related to the practice of Scripture.
To register for a group, click below.
Register for a Group
Activate Conference
Activate is an annual event that is affiliated with Missions InterlinkActivate brings together churches and mission agencies to inspire, challenge and mobilise individuals towards involvement in God’s global mission. It is open to anyone who is curious about going on or supporting others in global missions - from the prayer warrior, to the timid explorer, to the sold-out person ready to jump on a plane!
This year, we will be exploring what it means to invite others to join The Divine Melody - that glorious picture of people from every nation, tribe and tongue gathered in worship around his throne. So this August, we would love to invite you and your church to join with God’s family in praising him and considering your part in his salvation work. How are we to live now, in the light of this vision of the future? Our keynote speakers are Tim and Jo Kay, who served in Siberia for 9 years with OM and Pioneers.
Details
Sat 30th August, 202,
9am-4pm
Full Gospel Assembly Melbourne
30 Lexton Rd, Box Hill North
For more information and to register, click below or watch a short intro video from the guest speakers via this link
Find Out More
Cafe Closed Sunday 17th August
Please note the café won't be open on Sunday 17th August. Many of our young people are attending Uni open days and we weren't able to get enough people to make it run that week.
Support Foodbank as they support others
Our Community Care Foodbank provides struggling locals with pantry items they need. Every month you are invited to purchase and donate certain items the Foodbank requires.
This month's items are:
Jam (approx 500g)
Toilet Paper
Sweet or Savoury Biscuits
You can drop donations off in the shopping trolley near the High Street Road entrance to the West Auditorium lobby or in the tub in the East Fellowship Area.
Thanks so much for your support!
Workshop: Raising Digital Natives with Confidence
SAVE THE DATE
17th October 2025, 7-9pm, Syndal East Auditorium
$20pp
An evening for parents of school age-children (esp 9-17yrs), "Raising Digital Natives with Confidence" Struggling to set screen-time boundaries? Feeling overwhelmed by the digital world’s influence on your child? You're not alone—and you're not without support. Parents, let's journey together! Join us for an empowering workshop designed for today’s parents navigating life in the digital age, and gain practical tools for healthy device use at home.
Put the date in your diaries and keep an eye out for more information to come.
Congregation Spotlight
Korean Congregation
With Kate Park, Pastor for Korean Congregation
WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING IN RECENTLY IN THE KOREAN CONGREGATION?On July 20th, 7:30-9:30pm one of the most memorable events for SBCK was the special worship night hosted by our SBCK Korean congregation, featuring Pastor Kyungmin Son and his worship team from Korea. with Melbourne Korean Baptist Church, this gathering was a powerful and deeply moving experience for all who attended. Under the theme of "Gratitude and Joy," Pastor Son shared personal stories of walking closely with Jesus through seasons of hardship. His heartfelt testimony, paired with the songs he wrote during those times, resonated deeply with our community. Through his music and message, we were reminded of what true gratitude and happiness in Christ truly mean. As we lifted our voices together in worship, there was a tangible sense of unity, strength, and spiritual renewal. Many were encouraged and challenged, finding healing and a fresh sense of calling through this time of worship. It was a beautiful example of how God meets his people in times of praise.
This night was also a wonderful opportunity to introduce the Syndal Baptist Church Korean community to the broader neighborhood. Through music—a universal language—we were able to extend a heartfelt invitation to those who may not yet know Jesus. We are deeply thankful for this gathering and pray that our community will continue to share the joy of the gospel through meaningful events like this.
WHAT HAVE YOU GOT COMING UP?Several people have recently come to faith and are now receiving Jesus Christ as a Messiah! One of them is preparing to be baptized later in August. Please pray that they will continue to grow well in Christ and, in time, become a channel through which more fruit of salvation may be borne.
HOW CAN WE BE PRAYING FOR YOUR CONGREGATION?Please pray that our SBC Korean community will hold Ephesians 5:10 close to heart: “Find out what pleases the Lord.” May we not be discouraged by the reality of being a small community or fall into complacency, but instead continue to seek, pray, and boldly pursue the work that truly pleases the Lord through us.
We also ask for your prayers that God would raise up many faithful servants—especially singers and IT volunteers—to join and strengthen our SBC Korean worship ministry. May our Korean community at SBC grow to become a worshipping church that truly reflects the heart of God.
Green Tip of the Month
This month's Green Tip comes from SBC member, Frances McCormick:
"The next time you buy spring onions, put them into a pot in the garden instead of the fridge. They’ll grow and can be divided into more plantings so you’ll have a fresh supply in the garden!"
Ministry Spotlight
Tribe
With Gillian Carne
At Syndal we have a kid's program known as Tribe. This runs during the 9am and 11am services for crèche/preschool kids up to Year 6. Our programs include games, worship, storytelling, question times, craft activities, memory verses, videos and Lego!
What has been happening recently?
In Term 3 we have been investigating the question 'Who is Jesus?' This has involved exploring what we can learn about his character and who God said that he is.
How have you seen God at work?
This past year has been an exciting one for our teen leaders - quite a number of them have been baptized and we have managed to attend a couple of these services to watch these special decisions. This has been such a good witness to the kids, seeing their own teen leaders sharing their stories and make a decision for Jesus.
What’s coming up in the Tribe ministry?
We are about to have a session learning about the marvel of God's creation and how we can express this creatively. The artwork will be a part of a mini art show run by our Creation Care team. This will be followed by another 4-week series called 'He Said What?' where we will be looking at some of the parables that Jesus shared and what his messages were.
PRAY
That we as leaders, parents and a church all grasp the importance of kid's getting to know Jesus and their place in that story. That these kids' identities would be shaped by what He says about them, that the seeds planted now would flourish as they grow.
SERVE
Adult leaders are always needed, and teens for the 9am. It's a great team and a really positive environment. I would encourage you to pray about whether this is an area you would love to give your time and care to.
CONNECT
If you are interested in your kids attending Tribe, there is further information on the Syndal website sb.org.au/kids. Or you can contact me via email gcarne@sb.org.au
Giving this week
Week ending: 4/8/2025
Weekly target: $48,627
This week actual: $69,341 (143% of budget)
Year to date actual: $1,387,369 (92% of budget)
Sunday Service Information
This Sunday
Series: Decisions, Decisions
Sermon: You, Others and God
Preacher: Beth Jackson
What role can others play in helping us work through those big decisions? How can God use others to help guide our paths and how do we go about involving them in the process?
This week, guest speaker Beth Jackson will help us explore the role of other believers in making important decisions, and practical ways we can invite others to navigate life with us.
Coming Up
Sunday 17th August
Series: Decisions, Decisions
Sermon: When God is Silent
Preacher: Way LimWhat do you do when you’ve asked God for guidance as you make a big decision…and you’ve heard nothing?
You’ve asked others to pray and listen on your behalf…still nothing.
How do we go about making big decisions when it seems like God is silent?
This week, Way Lim will explore what the Bible has to say about those tricky times that God seems to want us to choose for ourselves.
Sunday 24th August
Series: Scripture: Practicing the Way of Jesus Practice 3
Sermon: Why trust the Bible?
Preacher: Chris Danes
To many people in the world, the idea of shaping your life and yourself around a book which was written thousands of years ago seems ridiculous. Especially when some of the things it says seem so unhelpful and inappropriate in today’s culture.
Many Christians even find themselves thinking the same things.
So why do we trust the Bible? In this message, Chris Danes will help us understand the main reason Christians should still trust the Bible and let it shape them.
Sunday 31st August
Series: Scripture: Practicing the Way of Jesus Practice 3
Sermon: What is the Bible?
Preacher: Dave C
Is the Bible like a textbook? Or a novel? Or a historical record?
Are we meant to do everything that we read about in its pages?
How are we meant to make sense of a book that many call ‘God’s word’, when it was written by human authors?
Join us this week as Dave C helps us better understand the unique document that the Bible is, and how that understanding can help us figure out how to read it and let it shape us.
Calendar
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
31
1
Sep
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
1
Oct
2
3
4
{
"guid": "177cc56f-6833-4000-8718-64299e8c9000",
"operator": "and",
"filters": [
{
"operator": "and",
"guid": "177cc570-ccfb-4000-875c-de6cefe3f000",
"filters": [
{
"comparator": "in",
"guid": "177cc570-cda0-4000-8155-be24bb899000",
"title": "Tags",
"key": "tags",
"value": null,
"value2": null,
"values": [
"602cc3d14809fd4fc600e9a2"
],
"dataType": "reference"
}
]
}
]
}