3823 4455
hello@eastside.org.au
— Debbie Ventnor
“A new facility would remove the accessibility barriers currently before us”
The “All Abilities” name came from the desire to minister not only to those who have special needs, but to include everyone – as we all belong to the body of Christ, loved and valued by our God.
This ministry also has a personal aspect for us as our son has special needs. This led us on a journey to see what ministries were out there in Christian circles that minister to those with special needs. It was disappointing to find there was very little. So born out of this need, the All Abilities ministry commenced.
Whilst mobility becomes an issue as we all get older, imagine starting your life or suddenly finding yourself with a mobility issue? How would you serve or be ministered to when you cannot access buildings via stairs or narrow doorways if you are in a wheelchair or require a walking frame?
How would you access the stage to sing, lead a service or play an instrument when there is no ramp? What if there is a fire in the building? How would you escape the building when the only safe exit is via the fire stairs?
Imagine seeking a church to attend with a child in a wheelchair only to be told, “Sorry there is no ramp access to the kid’s church demountable”.
A new facility would remove the accessibility barriers currently before us. It would allow ministry leaders to concentrate on continual growth of their ministry instead of trying to find suitable space or concerns as to how we can accommodate those with special needs.
There is also a wonderful opportunity to minister to the support workers that accompany those with special needs.
The good news of the gospel is for all.
— Steve & Caity
“Better facilities enable us to be more intentional, more hospitable, and more effective in our mission.”
Eastside’s youth ministry exists to disciple young people into relationships with Jesus. We aim to create a safe, welcoming, and Christ-centred environment where the youth can explore Christian faith, build genuine friendships with each other, and grow in biblical understanding.
The heart of this ministry is witnessing young people encounter Jesus and be shaped into who God has created them to be. Youth ministry is vital to our church’s DNA because it invests in the next generation of believers and leaders.
At the moment, our youth group is relatively small and meets comfortably on Friday nights, with current facilities being adequate. However, we are expecting significant growth as the current kids club begins to transition into youth. With this increase, the limitations of our current space will become more obvious.
A larger youth group would place pressure on available areas, particularly for small group discussions, which are central to building relationships and discipleship. In addition, we would need enclosed, flexible spaces that can accommodate 30-40 kids on wet nights, ensuring the program can continue effectively regardless of weather.
There is also a growing need for a larger, acoustically suitable gathering space to manage increased numbers. Accessible storage for games, books/resources and materials would be essential, as well as thoughtfully designed breakout areas that encourage meaningful connection between youth and also with their leaders.
Investing in our facilities is an investment in people. When we create environments that are welcoming, functional, and purposeful, we remove barriers for young people to encounter Jesus.
Better facilities enable us to be more intentional, more hospitable, and more effective in our mission.
— Penny Jell
“Facilities that support growth will allow us, as a church, to keep telling children about Jesus.”
All of our kids and youth ministries exist to glorify God through creating safe and fun environments for young people to know Jesus and make Him known.
The heartbeat of our kids and youth ministries is to proclaim the good news of Jesus, “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day…” (1 Cor 15:3-4).
The current reality for kids church is one of physical space limitations. Though we are deeply grateful…the current facilities do limit the potential for growth and safety of kids church.
The demountable buildings are not wheelchair accessible. During rain, the buildings are difficult to access and families get very wet. The kids area is also not visible for new families. It is also not ideal to have the kids church split across two spaces.
In Luke 18:16 Jesus said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Luke 18:16)
Having facilities that support the continuation and growth of children’s ministries will allow us, as a church, to keep faithfully telling children about Jesus so our next generation can know him and make him known.