The Charlestown Christadelphians have been in Charlestown for the past 59 years. Christadelphians have been around for much longer and there are over 10,000 members in Australia and we are part of the worldwide Christadelphian fellowship.
The Christadelphians are a relatively small religious group of people who follow the faith and beliefs of the first century Christians as recorded in the Bible. We believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God and it is our only guide.
Christadelphians have been in existence for over 170 years. The name “Christadelphian” comes from two Greek words that mean “brothers and sisters in Christ”. We are located in around 120 countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and Africa. Like the early Christians, we meet in homes, rented rooms and our own halls.
Each congregation is called an ‘ecclesia’ (the Greek New Testament word for church). We have no paid clergy or church hierarchy. Members of each congregation are addressed as 'brother' or 'sister' and all are involved in organising our ecclesial activities. Members contribute their time and energy voluntarily in service to God. A strong common belief binds our brotherhood together.
Membership is extended to those with similar beliefs after being baptised (fully immersed in water).
Our Way of Life
The Bible gives us effective direction to our lives. We try to rely fully upon God and develop a faith that is active in prayer and service.
However, we recognise that salvation is by God’s grace alone.
With God’s help, we seek to please and obey Him every day, striving to imitate Jesus who faithfully obeyed his Father. We therefore endeavour to be enthusiastic in work, loyal in marriage, generous in giving, dedicated in preaching and happy in our God.
A widespread custom among Christadelphians is to read the Bible every day. Many also attend Bible classes each week.
Every Sunday we participate in a service we call the “Memorial Meeting” or “Breaking of Bread”. All members share bread and wine to remind us of the life and death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Attendance at this service is the focus of our religious life.
Since we have no paid ministers, our members take turns to serve our community in all its functions – children’s activities and youth groups, preaching locally and overseas and caring for people in need.
The Christadelphians are a close-knit community working together in God’s service in whatever ways we can.
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Cor 4 vs 6
MEMORIAL SERVICE
The Christadelphian memorial service is held in our hall on Sundays at 38 Ridley Street Charlestown and usually commences at 11 am (10 am December and January). The service is also available online.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Each Sunday morning, at our hall, during the school year our Sunday School commences at 9.15am. All are welcome and there are classes for all ages.
MID-WEEK BIBLE CLASSES
On Wednesday evenings we meet together to study the bible and discuss things concerning our faith. This may be in our hall, in members homes and online.
YOUNG PEOPLE
Charlestown Young People is a small but vibrant group of teenagers from around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie aged 13-16. We're brought together by our common life goals and beliefs and meet once a month for activities, discussions and studies and an annual camp. The main purpose of our time together is to get to know each other, learn about God and His son Jesus, and support each other in growth and through life.
There are also a number of other Christadelphian youth groups that are active in the Lake Macquarie area.
CHARLESTOWN COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP
Playgroup for pre-school aged children. Held 10 am to 12 noon every second Tuesday morning (excluding School Holidays) at Charlestown Christadelphian Hall. Cost is $3 per family. Programs and further information are available, please request a copy via email to charlestown38@gmail.com.
CHARLESTOWN LADIES GROUP
This group meets every second Wednesday morning (excluding school holidays) at the hall or at other locations at times generally commencing at 10am.
