A Minute with Ruth
Executive Pastor
Our Pastoral Leadership Team will be taking turns sharing a thought or two in our monthly newsletter editorials.
Thursday 3 July, 2025
In a recent morning service (in fact, the week before we started our current series on Prayer), the worship songs all had a focus on the name of Jesus. These songs, and others that I have listened to in the last couple of weeks, have really sat with me in terms of how I speak to Jesus, and the power that is contained in his name.
I’m not sure whether the timing was intentional or not, but for me, that focus on Jesus before moving into this series on Prayer was really grounding and has set the scene beautifully.
During this series, we’ve been challenged to think about why we pray, about listening to God and recognising his voice, and the power of prayer in our everyday lives.
For me, an ever-present part of everyday life is my ‘taxi service’ – trips to and from school, sport training and gym, work, shops, appointments...the list goes on. In the last few weeks, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to turn off commercial (Christian) radio and tune in to a dedicated digital worship channel. There’s no ads, no talk, just worship, just recognition of who Jesus is. The way this has impacted my mood, my attitude and my sense of connection to Jesus has been noticeable. I’m not ashamed to say that I’m singing along in the car, worshipping as I drive. I’m arriving at destinations feeling calm, present and unhurried.
One song in particular has resonated with me as I’ve been driving:
There is something about the name of Jesus
It sounds like forgiveness, sounds like amazing grace
It beckons my soul to sing forever
There’s just something about that name.
We pray it over family when we rise and when we sleep
We speak it over sorrow and the soul is given peace
We’ll sing it in the famine or in prosperity
May we never forget that he is all that we need
Anne Wilson – Something About That Name
I encourage you to think about how God may be using this current series and season to speak to you, to encourage you, to challenge you to do something different.
But also to dwell on the power of Jesus’ name, to pray it over those you love and care about, over those you don’t know, over those who need healing, over situations where you have no control.
There’s something about the name of Jesus.
Ruth Bawden
Feature News
May & June Giving Update
Throughout May and June we invited the SBC community to prayerfully and financially support tax-deductible ministries that are seeking to grow the Kingdom of God globally and locally.
It's been amazing to see people invest so generously into these local and global expressions of mission.
TOTAL GIVEN MAY & JUNE 2025:
$214,512
Giving to Baptist Mission Australia: $72,807
Community Care: $86,299
Karinya Counselling Centre: $55,406
Stories
Responses at Youth Event
This term at Fuel, we had the opportunity to join a number of other youth ministries at Crossway Baptist Church for Undivided; an regional event run through Youth Alive. It was wonderful time where our young people could engage in their faith alongside many others - being reminded of the larger Christian community they are a part of. A number of our youth gave their life to Jesus; many rededicating their lives and around half a dozen of our young people becoming Christians for the very first time! Praise Jesus for that! We've seen growth over this year at Fuel; seeing over one-hundred youth attend a single event this term. We have a number of baptisms coming up over the next six months, which is also incredibly exciting for the ministry and for the faiths of those young people taking the plunge. We would love to invite you to keep praying into this ministry and the young people attending Fuel. Pray that God raises and provides leaders for the task of ministering to them, and that the youth attending Fuel would grow deep in their faith and be courageous in telling others about Jesus!
A Weekend of Faith, Fellowship, and Victory
Our Syndal young adults and youth recently returned from an extraordinary weekend at State Youth Games 2025: "Awaken," held over the King's Birthday long weekend at Lardner Park in Warragul. The event was a great combination of competitive sport, Christian community, and spiritual growth that left lasting impacts on all who attended.
Perfect Weather BlessingOne of the weekend's most pleasant surprises was the exceptional weather that blessed the event. The better-than-expected weather allowed for uninterrupted sporting activities and made the camping experience far more enjoyable than anyone had dared hope for during what is typically one of Victoria's cooler and wetter months.
Spiritual Victories Beyond the ScoreboardWhile the sporting competitions provided excitement and camaraderie, the weekend's most significant victories occurred in the spiritual realm. Several youth from our Syndal group made the life-changing decision to follow Jesus during the event's evening rallies and worship sessions. The "Awaken" theme proved particularly fitting as these young people experienced a spiritual awakening that will shape their lives far beyond the weekend's sporting achievements.
A Community EffortThe success of our Syndal community was made possible through the incredible support of our entire church community. From the volunteers who helped coordinate our participation to those who supported the group through prayer and financial assistance, every contribution played a vital role in making this weekend possible. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this weekend possible - volunteers, supporters, and prayer warriors. Your investment in our young people has yielded dividends that will last for eternity.
Church at Prayer
Last Wednesday night, June 25th, people from across our various congregations gathered to pray in the West Auditorium.
We started the night by fixing our hearts on Jesus through worship, then spent time learning some practical tips about listening to God through prayer. We then had the opportunity to listen to God for ourselves, and then others.
There were some great stories on the night about how God encouraged people through others.
Ministry Spotlight
Alpha
With Mandy Stark, Pastor for Connection and Discipleship
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that explore life, spirituality and meaning. All Alpha sessions provide the opportunity to connect, relax and build friendships over a meal. The Alpha talks are designed to engage people from all walks of life and address questions about the basics of Christian belief, like, "Who is Jesus?" and "How does God guide us?" But the most important part of Alpha is the chance to hear from others and contribute your own perspective on each topic in an honest, friendly and open environment. There's no obligation to say anything, and there's literally nothing you can't ask or say!
What has been happening in Alpha recently?
We have just completed our 2nd Alpha course for the year, and are so thankful for the privilege and opportunity to be used by Jesus as we walk alongside others on their Alpha journeys! Desi and Ruth have continued to serve us so deliciously with their Alpha meals, their hospitality never ceasing to "wow" our guests, whilst setting the stage beautifully for their weekly experience of loving Christian community at Alpha. It's been so encouraging for us as a team to see God at work in the following ways... A new Christian, with a lot of questions who wanted to learn about the basics of the Christian faith, loved the first week of Alpha so much that she invited her mum (who is very supportive of her daughter's faith and wanted to find out more about it too) to the rest of the course. She is feeling encouraged to be a light in her workplace, and is now keen to join a young adults life group. Another guest had been invited by a friend, and had only ever experienced church in a very traditional and religious context. She was inspired to start reading the Bible and praying every day, and would now say that her faith has become much more of a personal relationship with God. One guest with a Buddhist background, who acknowledged that he was on a spiritual search, was particularly impacted by the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection in the changed lives of the disciples, and expressed that a lot of what he had previously believed in his head, is starting to move to his heart. He is now thinking of giving his life to Jesus.
Where have you seen God at work?One of our guests has been coming to Matrix lunches and Community Care for the last 7 years, enjoying a very real sense of love and community in these environments. On her 2nd visit to a Sunday church service, she heard about Alpha, and upon hearing that she was welcome to bring all of the questions she had, she registered straight away. Acknowledging that she didn’t know very much about Jesus or the Bible, she was like a sponge every week, soaking in everything she was hearing and that others were sharing in her small groups, and firing even more questions back at us.
As a very spiritual person, she had a strong sense that the Spirit was affirming with her own spirit that she was doing the right in coming along to Alpha and learning about Jesus. On the Saturday Retreat she was quite overcome by the presence of the Holy Spirit during worship, and during the day chose to open the door of her heart to Jesus and invite him to come in as the Lord of her life. At the end of the day, she declared to everyone that this was the best day of her life so far, and it would be the best day of the rest of her life! Upon experiencing some serious health challenges since that day, she has found so much encouragement by clinging to her newfound faith and relationship with Jesus, and is continuing to pray enthusiastically, receiving so much joy, strength and hope as a result.
PRAY
We'd love you to be praying for each of our guests on their spiritual journeys, for those who haven't yet given their lives to Jesus but are considering doing so, as well as those who have recently given their lives to him and are beginning to get to know him personally for themselves.
SERVE
There is always the opportunity for new helpers at Alpha, but the greatest way in which you can serve the ministry of Alpha is by inviting someone you know who doesn't know Jesus yet and coming along with them.
CONNECT
Feel free to connect with the ministry of Alpha through sb.org.au/alpha or by contacting Mandy Stark at mstark@sb.org.au
Coming Up
Sign up to pray for ONE HOUR - starts next Tuesday!
We would love to have as many people as possible involved in praying together across a 24 hour period. All you need to do is sign up for a one hour timeslot via the button below.
The prayer room will run from 7pm on Tuesday 8th July to 7pm Wednesday the 9th July in the Family Room (the room on the left when you enter through the pink entrance near the playgrounds).
There is so much power in God's people gathering to pray for the world, the church, missionaries, friends, family and others.
Sign up with your friends, Life Group members, partner or even teenagers!
Sign up now
Practice Prayer with Others!
Wednesday 9th July, from 7.30pm (next week)in the West Auditorium. This event follows the 24 hour prayer room (see below).
We've been talking a lot about Prayer in our recent church-wide sermon series, and our Church at Prayer event is a chance to put some of it into practice. To pray with others, to listen together, and to worship God for all he's done.
This Church at Prayer will conclude our 24 hour prayer room and we will pray together for some of the things that God brings to our attention across that 24 hour period.
See Jesus’ mission through the lens of a missionary
Metta Ministry has collaborated with the Cantonese congregation since 2019. This July, Almond Leung, a missionary from Cambodia, will visit Syndal to share about their vital work. She's also recruiting for a visiting mission team from 12-17 January 2026, an experience that could truly transform your life. We invite you to these meetings to learn more about Metta, and to seek God's guidance on how you can contribute and bless their ministry.
English: Wednesday 9th July, 6.30pm-7.30pm, Cafe Salt. Dinner Gathering.Hear about Metta and a missionary’s testimony
Cantonese: Saturday 12th July, 10.00-12.00pm, East Auditorium.Unveil Jesus’s radical mission through the eyes and heart of a missionary.
Charity fundraising booth will be held after the 9am and 11am Service at West Lobby on 13th July. Please come and support.
Grow your understanding of the Bible
Want to develop a better understanding of the Bible?
Whether you’re new to the Bible or want to go deeper, The Bible Course is for you. It is accessible for people who are new to Christianity, ideal as a follow-on course after Alpha, as well as suitable for mature Christians wanting to increase their understanding of the Bible. The Bible Course will help you discover how Bible characters, stories, events and themes are all connected to form one big story, from Genesis to Revelation. It also provides the tools and skills to help apply the Bible to your everyday life.
The Bible Course will be running ay Syndal across 8 Tuesday nights, starting on July 22 and you're invited to be part of it!
Dates: July 22, 29; August 5, 12, 19, 26; September 2, 9 7-9pm
Location: Meeting Rooms 4&5
Cost: $25 (to cover manual)
Contact person: Mandy Stark, mstark@sb.org.au
More information and registration via button.
Find Out More
The Lounge Room Retreat
In August this year we are holding our second Lounge Room Women's Retreat but this time, onsite at Syndal! We're hoping this makes it more accessible for people to attend for part or all of the time. This retreat will be a great opportunity to connect with women from different generations, cultures and backgrounds while we continue to consider different aspects of discerning and living out our purpose.
Some features to look forward to:
Guest speaker Christine Wanstall exploring how fear and anxiety can stand in the way of us living out our purpose, as well as how we might be underestimating and limiting what God might be able to do through us.
5 electives (running twice - select 2)
Worship
Beautiful food
Opportunities for connection
Dates: 7.00pm-9.00pm Friday 8th August
9.30am-4.30pm Saturday 9th August
Location: Syndal Baptist Church
Age: Women high school age or older are welcome to attend!
Cost: Depends on how much of the weekend you register for (Friday night/Saturday morning/Saturday afternoon/whole retreat) See event info for details (linked below).
Register by: Monday 26th July (all registrations must be submitted by this date for catering and planning purposes).
For more information about costs, themes, electives and more, click below.
More info
Man Alive - Men's Dinner
Over the years this has been our most attended event and we would love to have you along again in 2025.
Can I bring a friend? YES!! When you register yourself there is an option to add your friend(s) name.
We haven't yet confirmed the guest speaker for the night but it will be someone who will share of his life and how it relates to yours. Stay tuned!
Date: Wednesday 23rd July
Time: 6.45 p.m. for a 7.00 p.m. start.
Cost: $20 for dinner
Location: Syndal Baptist Church, room TBA
Register by July 20th
Register Now
The Marriage Course - coming soon
Want to enjoy 7 Date Nights as a coupleand in the process invest significantly in your relationship?
For seven Wednesday evenings, starting August 6 through to September 17, Bill and Julia Brown are hosting ‘The Marriage Course’online and invite you to join them on Zoom.
The Marriage Course is for any couple who wants to invest in their relationship, whether you have been together for one or seventy-one years, or whether you have a strong relationship or find your relationship a challenge. Couples from diverse cultural or religious backgrounds or no religious affiliation have all expressed appreciation after participating in the course.
The course is free. There is never any group work, and you will never be asked to share anything about your relationship with anyone other than your partner.
The sessions commence at 7.30 pm and are all over by 9.15 pm.
For more information and how to register click below.
Find Out More
Safe Church Training
Do you need to do our Safe Church Training?
Volunteers who serve in Playgroup, Tribe, Fuel, Connect teams, Welcome teams, Café, Life Groups, Creative Arts, Conversation English, Photography teams, Morning tea teams, some Community Care areas, Prayer ministry, Seniors ministry, Production teams, Multimedia teams and all Ministry team leaders are required to have current Safe Church Training.
If you are in Year 10 or above and attended Safe Church Training before 2022, and have not already completed a refresher, you are due to complete the course again this year.
We are trialling a hybrid format which involves online pre-learning (90-120 minutes) followed by a zoom or in-person session (45-50 minutes).
Please note, currently, the learning materials are only available in English. We are working to have translated materials available again in 2026.
Training dates & times:
- Thursday 24th of July, 7:30pm, Online
- Sunday 27th of July, 12:30pm, in the Activity Centre
More information and registration via the button below
Register Now
Cafe Serving Lunch this Sunday
Just a reminder that the cafe will be trialling serving lunch this Sunday morning.
Plan to stop by and try out some of the food, but please be patient with the team as they get used to the change.
Thanks!
Next Sermon Series
Join us for a 2 week sermon series called 'Set Apart', on Sunday 13th and 20th July. Here's a little about it:
There are moments in life where we have to make choices about what we will do and who we will be. Sometimes these moments can seem small and insignificant, and sometimes they can feel large and overwhelming.
In this two-part series, we will explore the stories of Samuel and Esther and see what we can learn from their choices in the moments that mattered.
Korean Worship Event
Hello! there will be a Korean praise and testimony gathering led by Pastor Kyungmin Son on Sunday, July 20th at 7:30 PM, in the West Auditorium.
It will be a warm time of encountering God through worship music and stories.
Everyone is welcome!
Download Flier
Tribe on Holiday
Tribe is on break over the school holidays; activity packs will be available for kids during the service. We will return on the 20th of July for a 9-week term.
Membership Applications
When someone applies to become an official member at Syndal Baptist Church, we communicate this to the church for two weeks. If there is any reason the membership should not be approved please contact Chris Danes via cdanes@sb.org.au with any concerns.
The following people have applied for membership:
Dorcas Tang
John Liew
Felicia Meow
Anthony Meow
Apply for Membership
Green Tip of the Month
Green Tip of the month is a quote from chef Anne-Marie Bonneau. “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”
Giving this week
Week ending: 30/6/2025
Weekly target: $48,627
This week actual: $55,872 (115% of budget)
Year to date actual: $1,120,775 (89% of budget)
Sunday Service Information
This Sunday
Series: Prayer
Sermon: Why pray together?
Preacher: Chris Danes
If you can talk to God by yourself, why involve other people?
And if you are going to involve someone else, surely it would only ever be a friend or two? Why bother attending church prayer gatherings? Or asking for prayer from the prayer team on a Sunday? Why involve other people in prayer when we can access God by ourselves?
In this final week exploring the practice of prayer, Chris Danes will tackle this common (but often unspoken) question about the role of praying in community.
Coming Up
Sunday 13th July
Series: Set Apart
Sermon: Esther
Preacher: Fi Brown
Esther found herself confronted with a huge decision – step out in faith for what is right or hold back and remain quiet. Her choice would play a crucial role in God’s plan for his people. What can we learn from Esther’s life, and how can it help us navigate our own role in God’s unfolding story?
This week, Fiona Brown will help us take a fresh look at the story of Esther and consider what lessons it has for us today.
Sunday 20th July
Series: Set Apart
Sermon: Samuel
Preacher: Chris Danes
When God speaks, how do we respond? Are we even listening for his voice carefully enough to hear it? How do we let God’s voice set the course for our days and our lives?
This week, Chris Danes explores the prophet Samuel’s earliest interactions with God and what we can learn from it today.
Sunday 27th July
9am and 5pm - Sermon: The power of serving
11am - Baptism service (5 baptisms)
Preacher: Mike Riddell
This Sunday we have some great things to enjoy together - at our 9am and 5pm services as we take a chance to thank our volunteers across SBC, Mike will share some wisdom from the Bible about the power of serving.
At our 11am English service we will get to witness and celebrate 5 people publically declaring their faith in Jesus through baptism.
Calendar
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
Feb
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
{
"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"
}
]
}
]
}