- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
3rd June 2026
They devoted themselves... to eating?
From Travis
I'm back in the office today fresh from the National Baptist Senior Pastors Gathering. It was my second year being part of this annual peer-to-peer learning community that places a high value on the importance of relationship. Unsurprisingly then, the gathering did not take place in rows of chairs facing forward - it took place around tables. Nor did the agenda for each day finish at 5pm or 6pm - it ended with a shared meal together.
On the last night I had the chance to sit next to a fellow pastor I had not previously connected with. Over a multi-course dinner (yum!), naturally the conversation went everywhere: our history, family, current ministry and even reflections on learnings and future hopes. By the end we exchanged details and expressed the desire to keep in touch.
I left with the simple, obvious yet powerfully true observation:
I never would have connected as deeply, nor heard as much of his story, as I did by sitting down to a shared meal with him.
The book of Acts gives us a beautiful glimpse into the life of the early church. Among the practices that marked those first believers, we read that they "devoted themselves... to the breaking of bread" (Acts 2:42). This was more than a reference to sharing Communion together. It described a community that gathered around tables, opened their homes, and shared their everyday lives.
I'm left again with the simple, obvious yet powerfully true obvservation:
the example of the early church is inviting us to rediscover the power of hospitality and connection today.
May God continue to knit us together as a church family, one conversation, one coffee catch up, one act of hospitality, and perhaps even one shared meal at a time.
Harvest Prayer Calendar
What a joy it was to have one of our supported missionaries Muana with us on Sunday! We are passionate about continuing to support Muana and Villy and our other mission partners by regularly praying for them. Each month our Missions Team put together a monthly prayer calendar to help guide our prayers. Download yours for the month of June and pray for the ministries, missionaries and communities listed.
Creating Safe Spaces Workshop
As an intergenerational church community, we are passionate about continuing to reach and minister to young and vulnerable people. And we remain steadfastly committed to caring, supportive best practice while doing so.
Creating Safe Spaces is a valuable training course run by the Baptist Association that covers protecting children, our responsibility as leaders and helps us think through ministry with a Creating Safe Spaces lens. For those serving in the life of our church in an area involving children, youth or vulnerable people this training is required (and required to be refreshed every four years). NVBC will host an in person Creating Safe Spaces course Sunday June 28 for any needing to complete (or refresh) their training. For more info or to RSVP:
For the Win
Each year at the Baptist Association's LeadUp Conference, an annual LeadUp Challenge is run - involving participants competing in a range of activities. Over a really fun night we can report back that NVBC's very own Johnny came out on top with the most points (and subsequently earning the prodigious annual trophy!).
That's how to represent our church Johnny! Well done for making us proud :) Perhaps ask him on Sunday what his favourite challenge activity was!
This Weekend
House Party (Fri 5 June)
The Valley Youth will be offsite Fri 5th June for: Dinner, Dessert, Bonfire, Swimming Pool, Games and so much more! This is a free event, perfect for inviting a friend to!
Men's Breakky (Sat 6 June)
One for the fellas - join for a quick breaky, coffee, connection and chat to start the weekend. Rego for breaky here.
This Sunday Johnny will continue our Acts series.
Further Ahead
Prayer Gathering (Wed 17 June)
Our next scheduled evening of prayer where we follow the example of the early church in Acts: 'they devoted themselves... to prayer' (Acts 2:42). 7pm start. All welcome.
Equip Conference (Sat 20 June)
Join with the women of NVBC for a time of encouragement, connection and faith formation at the annual Equip Women's Conference. Check out the video above for more details.
Presence Night (Sun 21 June)
We love these nights of unhurried prayer, worship and reflection. All welcome.
Kids Day Out (Tues 7 July)
Get excited, invite your friends and rego here for a fabulous peak experience in the school holidays.
For all other upcoming events, visit:
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