News

Ten years ago, the BUV Support Hub, Churches of Christ VicTas, and Prison Fellowship Victoria combined to plant a church here in Melbourne called Friends of Dismas (‘Dismas’ being the traditional name of the repentant thief on the cross next to Jesus as mentioned in Luke 23:40-43).

The GMP Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Mr John Lamerton has been appointed as the new Executive Officer, following the retirement of John Gilmore. John Lamerton will commence in his role on 30 January 2023.

Churches and Agencies are expected to ensure that appropriate risk procedures are in place and that documentation is available to all key leaders and volunteers. This will necessitate risk appetite statements and risk policies being developed.

We are pleased to report there is healthy number of affiliates who are either incorporated or who are on the path to becoming incorporated. However, there are over seventy affiliates who are yet to embark on the process. 

This is a full-time position that represents an exciting opportunity to be part of a dedicated team serving the churches and agencies of the Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania. The purpose of the CCVT Administrator is to assist with administration, database management, census administration, directory production, event support, and Safe Places support.

Come and join leaders from CCVT churches for a special time of networking, prayer, listening, and feedback on a range of current matters as we collectively consider how best to advance the important work we do in the months ahead.

Churches of Christ manage a national insurance program under a Group Purchasing Body for churches, agencies and state offices. You will be responsible for managing all areas of the national insurance program providing the highest level of customer service including new business, endorsements, claims management, renewals and maintaining insurance management systems.

A great story of how a New Testament Bible saved the life of Philip James Davies during WW1.

The purpose of this training is to enable you to be well prepared to offer effective pastoral care and marriage preparation, lead meaningful wedding services and provide ethical and legally competent ministry as a marriage celebrant for the BUV, CCVT or CCCvaT.

CCVT recently provided a guide to incorporation and a draft template constitution for Victorian churches seeking to become incorporated associations. Those wishing to become companies limited by guarantee (especially if operating in multiple states), or Tasmanian churches wishing to incorporate, should discuss their needs separately.

Churches of Christ are participating in the National Church Life Survey in 2021. This survey happens every five years and is the largest and longest running survey of its type in the world.

In response to the situation in Afghanistan, GMP are partnering with Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance to help provide accommodation and supplies to people who have been forced to flee. 

Is your church or agency taking advantage of philanthropic grants to financially support your community program?

Let’s come together to support the recovery of communities affected by the devastating floods in NSW. If you would like to donate, please find attached Fresh Hope’s Flood Appeal.

View the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan

Growing and Sustaining Healthy Communities

Thank you for your care and concern for those in Victoria and Tasmania that have been impacted by bushfires. If you would like to provide support, read more for details of where you can give.

In September 2019 the Victorian Government and the VIT introduced a new requirement whereby people holding VIT registration must also link their VIT registration number to organisations outside of their employment where they work with children, eg. churches and youth groups. If a teacher’s registration is suspended or cancelled, WWCCV will notify the organisations where the teacher does child-related work (other than their teaching) that the teacher is no longer exempt from holding a WWCC.

Under the Children, Youth and Families Act, people in religious ministries are now mandatory reporters of child abuse to Child Protection Services. Mandatory reporting refers to the legal requirement for nominated groups to report a reasonable belief of physical or sexual child abuse to authorities.

From July 1, 2019, all employers in Australia have to start transitioning to meet new requirements of reporting to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). All employers will be required to use Single Touch Payroll (STP) to report tax and super information to the ATO. The ATO has options to make this simpler for those with only 1-4 employees.

We are pleased to distribute new resource documents designed to help your Community of Hope and Compassion maintain its commitment to being an excellent employer for people in ministry.

The Recommended Minimum Remuneration Package For People In Ministry document has been updated for 2019. This document is set to take effect on July 1, 2019.

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still Sinners, Christ Died for us.” (Romans 5:8, ESV)

‘Dismas’ is the traditional name of the repentant thief mentioned in Luke 23: 40-43. What does Friends of Dismas stand for?

Friends of Dismas is a church for parolees, ex-prisoners, and their family and friends.

Early in 2012 several folks were reflecting on the need for supporting people who were leaving prison. We spent time with people who were interested in meeting this need within Churches of Christ, the Baptist Church, and Prison Fellowship Victoria. Prison Fellowship volunteers visit over 400 prisoners face to face each month.