Members’ Dinner was held on the evening of Friday 20th October at the Reggio Calabria in Parkville, with over 250 people present. After beautiful worship led by Zomi Baptist Church Victoria, our BUV Union Council Chair, Mick Turnbull opened the evening with prayer, an Acknowledgement of Country and a Bible reading from Philippians before we celebrated the new faith communities and micro churches that have been welcomed into the Baptist Union since we gathered last in May.

A highlight of the evening was a video of our eleven wonderful ordinands who were ordained on Saturday 28th October. The video was a short glimpse into each of their journeys to ordination. 

Our assembly meeting detailed the appointments and voting process for the evening after which Debbie Uy, Director of Finance and Administration, provided an overview of the 2023 Financials Forecast and detailed the recommended Stipend, Superannuation and Membership fee for 2024. Mick Turnbull facilitated the show of hands voting for finances and all resolutions were approved.

Three pastors were invited to talk with Rev Bullock about their experiences and key takeaways from the UK Study Tour in July . Daniel then presented the vision and strategic priorities for the BUV Support Hub in 2023.

Table discussion focussed around the issue of community wellbeing and time was provided for feedback from the attendees.

A time of celebration focussed on two different membership expressions within the BUV. Firstly, the centenaries of our three Baptist schools in 2023 and 2024 with a video showcasing past and present images of Carey Baptist Grammar School, Kilvington Grammar School and Strathcona Girls Grammar School. And secondly, we celebrated by way of an interview, the 50th anniversary of the Community of the Transfiguration – a protestant monastery within the BUV.

A time was provided for delegates to share stories of things happening in their churches and communities – this is always a time of great encouragement to others.
The evening closed with all ballots declared as passed and congratulations provided to the nominated appointees.

All in all, it was another wonderful day of connection and encouragement – we look forward to being together again in May 2024.