26th Nov 2025

Observing Advent

from Travis

In our household the Christmas tree is now set up and shining brightly each night, Christmas fruit mince tarts are being enjoyed, the Names of Jesus Advent Calendar is up and wrapped presents are already appearing beneath the tree. Of course, you don't need to visit our home to know what we all know... Christmas is coming!

In the liturgical calendar, this Sunday marks the official beginning of the Season of Advent. For Christians across the centuries, the ancient practice of Advent has meant so much more than a countdown to Christmas Day. It has been, and still can be for us, a season of deep spiritual significance, reflection and preparedness.

"The significance of Advent lies in its invitation:

in the midst of the busyness and sometimes chaos of the holidays,

to pause, reflect and to prepare oneself spiritually for the arrival of Jesus."

- Johah McKeown

Throughout the Advent season we are invited to reflect on the hope, joy, peace and love that the arrival of our Saviour has brought into the world. We are invited to anticipate, pray for and prepare ourselves for his return. And we are invited to do so through the ancient Advent practices of focused prayer, Bible reading, confession, thanksgiving and acts of generosity. A little extra Advent intentionality, combined with a little sacred space each day can make a whole lot of difference for how meaningfully we experience God this Christmas.

However you observe Advent this year, I trust and pray that it would be a meaning-filled and deeply impactful season for you.

For some resources the pastoral team have found helpful in past Advent seasons:

Engaging with an Advent podcast.

Advent Devotionals & Reading Plans from The Bible App.

Reflecting each day on one of the Names of Jesus in your quiet time.

As with Lent, 'giving something up' for Advent to help remain focused on the meaning.

Ministry Highlight: YA Camping Trip

from Zach

Over the weekend, a few NVBC Young Adults (and their children) enjoyed some slow, adventurous time camping at Glenworth Valley. It was a great space for continued connection in a different environment from the usual. Some creek swimming, plenty of boardgames, great chats. Simply put, it was 'quality time with quality people'.

Team Update: Leisel concluding in her role

After an incredible season in the role, Leisel has let us know that she will formally conclude her church role on our staff team mid-December after sensing the Lord’s leading. She is currently taking her remaining leave to prepare for beginning a new job in the new year.

Leisel has such a beautiful heart for our NVBC community, and has used her strong administrative giftings to strengthen and support the life and ministries of NVBC throughout her time on team. Together with Adam, Georgia, Mia and Taylah, Leisel will continue to worship at NVBC and remain a part of our church family moving forward.

Together we will have the chance to celebrate and publicly thank Leisel in our services mid-December for her committed service and contribution over many years. Please be in prayer for the Burdons and for our pastoral team in the transition.

[If anyone would be prepared to volunteer their help to administratively support the office and pastoral team in the transition, please contact the office or any of the pastoral team.]

Final Call: join the Boolarng team

Boolarng kids holiday program will be running again January 3rd-9th in partnership with Purfleet Aboriginal Community Church (near Taree). ‘Boolarng’ means ‘together’ in the Gathang language, and our two churches have been partnering together in this ministry for over 30 years.

We're looking for a few more team members to join the fun and help run games and activities for the program. This week is the final shout out to join the Boolarng team for January. If you are interested in exploring what is involved or are ready to jump in, please let Nathan & Kirrili Wood know by the end of this week. You can email Nathan here, or express interest at the Info Desk this Sunday.

Mission Update: from Nita Finger

In September, Nita & her colleague Talita had a surprise week's holiday in Zanzibar, because their work visas expired and they had to leave Uganda to apply for tourist visas.  They enjoyed their time of rest, swimming & snorkelling. Once back home, Nita preached at Moroto's Baptist Church, and there met two young men Lokut and Locholla who volunteered to help the new Christian meetings in two villages: Timorok where they lead the singing, and Nataparakwangan, where they translate. Nita is very grateful for the car, which NVBC helped provide, enabling the team to reach these villages for ministry.

Note that the work permits' renewal was delayed because AIM's re-registration was delayed, though that has now been approved.  The permits will follow, so time as a tourist will end. Praise God for this.

Nita, who was part of the NVBC family for several years, is now part of Africa Inland Mission (Australasia) team working with the Karamojong people group.  You can learn more about Nita’s work here. Or talk to Dianne Wicks or Petro Venter. And watch for her prayer points is in The Harvest.

Focus Meeting (AGM)

Join us after the AM Service on Dec 14th to approve the 2026 budget, celebrate some ministry milestones from the year and discuss key ministry updates as we head into another wonderful year as a church community. All are welcome. Ministry partners please make attending a priority.

Travis Away next 2 Sundays

A quick note that Travis will be away the next 2 Sundays, travelling to and from QLD for his final Arrow Leadership Intensive. For any urgent pastoral matters please contact Johnny.

This Sunday

This Sunday Johnny is preaching a double-header, continuing our Numbers series in the AM (Numbers 22-24) and our Mark series in the PM (Mark 8:1-21).

Excitingly this Sunday is also our transition Sunday for our Kingdom Kids Ministry as each grade gets a taste of which rooms they'll be in next year.

Christmas @NVBC

NVBC Carols by Candlelight (Sun Dec 7) - invite your family, friends and neighbours for a wonderful night of carolling.

Carols in the Stadium (Sat Dec 20) - Grab your tickets here. There are some volunteer opportunities that NVBC will be responsible for, which you can sign up for this Sunday.

Kingdom Kids Christmas Service (Sun Dec 21, AM) - our annual joy-filled service where our Kingdom Kids lead us through the Christmas story.

Blue Christmas Service (Sun Dec 21, PM) - our annual safe and sacred space, where we can bring our hurts, disappointments and griefs before a loving God at Christmas time.

---