Mission & Ringwood
As a church we support mission locally, nationally and overseas as we seek the flourishing of individuals and communities. These are some of the partners and programs we sponsor. We invite you to discover more about them and consider getting involved practically or financially as together we share the love of Jesus.
Local Missions
Alpha
Periodically we run Alpha Australia programs in person or online. Alpha and Youth Alpha explore faith questions in a safe and supportive environment, deepening understanding of the Christian faith and encouraging conversation. The Marriage Course can be run online and allows couples to strengthen their relationships in private conversations based on video input. A great investment in relationships.
Eastwood Primary School and Deaf Facility
We support the chaplain at Eastwood Primary School. Volunteers from our church mentor children through the KidsHope Aus. program and others participate in the Breakfast Club which operates twice a week during school terms. Both programs need more volunteers. Making connections and friendships is the key focus of these programs with the Chaplain continuing that support to school families and staff.
English Conversation Corner
During school terms English Conversation Corner runs at Eastwood Primary School on Tuesday evenings. This program is for anyone over the age of 18 looking to improve their English skills. There is no cost to participate in these relaxed and supportive conversations. Volunteers receive support and training. This is a wonderful way to create connection with locals and assist in making daily life less complicated for those with English as a second language.
KidsHope Australia
KidsHope is Australia's largest early intervention, school-based mentoring program for children experiencing vulnerability. We have been involved in KidsHope at Eastwood Primary School for over 15 years. Mentors are volunteers with a generous willingness to invest one hour of their week into the life of a child in a local school who needs some extra support from a caring, mature adult.
Little Stars Playgroup
Little Stars Playgroup runs each Tuesday morning during school terms for children 0-5 years and their caregivers. This is run by our Playgroup Coordinator and is an opportunity for children and adults to share life, have fun and be supported in their life journey with children. We see this as a valuable way to support families in our local community.
Nourish Meals Program
The Nourish program provides practical support by providing homemade frozen meals to families in need within our own church community and to families connected to Eastwood Primary School. Our Emergency Food Relief Program offers basic pantry food items to anyone who is in need. Meals and food donations are received from our church community and the local community. We also donate Christmas hampers to those needing encouragement or support during the Advent season.
Oasis
Oasis is more than a meal, it is companionship and opportunities for conversations. A meal is provided for gold coin donation every Thursday 12-1pm. A walking group leaves at 10:30am if you need to work up an appetite! Volunteers from across the community cook, bake and serve this meal. Local businesses are encouraged to make it a regular volunteer opportunity for their staff. All are welcome to attend Oasis to share connection and community time together.
Chaplaincy
Chaplains are able to speak into and support individuals and families during some of their toughest times. Several members of our church are involved as chaplains across schools, sports, police and CFA. Sports Chaplaincy Australia (SCA) is one organisation focussed on supporting and connecting with individuals and communities. Sports chaplains are involved in all levels across various sports. We are committed to supporting all our chaplains as they work in this incredibly important field of mission.
Winter Shelter
Winter Shelter is a Maroondah combined churches program that provides meals and shelter for those experiencing homelessness with the missional aim to provide honour, comfort and support. The various ways to support Maroondah Winter Shelter are through volunteering, cooking, praying and financial donations.
National & International Missions
Global Mission Partners (GMP)
GMP create life-changing partnerships between Churches of Christ churches and individuals and communities nationally and overseas. Their focus is on relief and development, church partnerships, and Australian Indigenous ministry. We support GMP and some of the specific programs such as IMA and Safe Water September, as well as missionaries like Vana Bawm and Dr Hery Susanto.
Indigenous Ministries Australia (IMA)
IMA was established by GMP and is a program which seeks to partner with and among Australian Indigenous people, focusing on Indigenous ministry and development. This ministry was launched in November 2013 and Nick Wight is the IMA Coordinator for the East of Australia.
Vana Bawm, Bangladesh
Through GMP we support Vana Bawm who is the General Secretary of Bandarban Hills Church of Christ in the Chittagong Hill Tract, Bangladesh. Vana supports local churches and evangelists.
Church planting & training Indonesia
We provide regular financial support for Dr Hery Susanto who is the Academic Dean of Church of Christ Theological School Indonesia (CCTSI) in Salatiga. We also support Asia Pacific Christian Mission International School (API) which is a training college in Bandung, Indonesia.
Safe Water September (SWS)
SWS is the main annual fundraising activity for Embody which is the youth mission arm of GMP. Every $25 raised through SWS gains access to safe water for one person overseas. Safe water improves the health and hygiene of whole communities. Money raised makes an impact in Vanuatu, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Join the Ringwood team or sponsor one of the team members.
Operation Mobilisation (OM)
We support Trish Sonsie in her role with OM. OM is an organisation equipping, educating, connecting and inspiring missions and missionaries. You can see their work and their global prayer points on their website.
YWAM Newcastle, NSW
We continue to support Dave and Carrie Stephenson in Newcastle where they run the YWAM programs. YWAM run a Discipleship Training School, a call centre providing prayer and foodbank services, as well as ministry to international students. They continue to be involved with Meals on Wheels and the local Have a Chat program.
SUFM McCrae
McCrae SUFM runs free children's and family holiday activities every summer in the McCrae foreshore campground. McCrae SUFM is led by a team of volunteers from various churches with members of our church involved in leading and serving. We support the team both prayerfully and financially.
Kaye and Marg from Ringwood Church of Christ are joined by Brooke Prentis from Common Grace to summarise the #KnitForClimateAction campaign. We hear about why it’s important, what is hoped will be achieved and what it means to be the knitter of these ‘hauntingly beautiful’ scarves.
We would love your support of these awesome missions, in any way that you are able. If you would like to know more about any of them please contact the Church Office or the organisations relevant website or social media accounts.
If you would like to make a donation to the mission work of Ringwood Church of Christ and the programs and people we support, bank transfer details are as follows:
Account Name: Ringwood Church of Christ
BSB: 083 343
Account Number: 89 395 1419
Please use the word ‘Mission’ in the Reference field.