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News from Dave
Hi church,
Next week I will be in Geelong at the RTC undertaking Task 3 Training. This will eventually allow RCRC to deliver courses for academic credit, and specifically material which centres around the book of Acts and general theology. So, it's Geelong for me from Sunday afternoon to Friday. On the Saturday and Sunday I will be visiting my parents on Cobden, about 1.5hrs west of Geelong. I hope to be back Monday evening (21st) and so will be back at RCRC on the Tuesday morning. Next Sunday (Feb 20) Clinton will be taking both services (thanks Clinton, you're awesome!)
Dave
Kids@Church news
Kids@Church needs your old bibles for the children and youth. If you have any bibles that aren't being used at home please donate them to K@C. We are also still looking for more leaders and helpers. If you are interested or would like some more info on what it means to be a leader or helper at K@C please contact Dana de Wilzem at dana@redlandscrc.org.au or Tessa Kippen at office@redlandscrc.org.au
Ladies' Retreat
Love Languages
When: Friday 2nd September to Sunday 4th September.
Where: The Vibe Hotel at Sunny Gold Coast.
Cost: Full weekend-$240
One night- with one evening meal $140
One night with two meals $180
Our speaker this year is Eloise Bruckner. A practising psychologist and mother of two young boys. She is a talented Christian speaker and has prepared these sessions on the Love Languages for other groups as well as ours.
For more information please contact Margaret Nugent on 0412 234 263 or email ccnugent@bigpond.net.au.
Also please keep an eye out for details in this weeks bulletin.
ACTS – Jesus at work
I wonder how you go under the pressure of expectation. It can really be a joy killer, can't it? Sometimes when we read of the early church we can feel and expectation or a pressure to ‘measure up.' But is that what God really intended in recording this book for us? As we look at Acts 2:1-41 we will see that church and history is not about what this church did, or that church, or even us - its about Jesus, and what he is doing to bring God's kingdom into this world.
The Gospel Goes Out!
How do we understand the book of Acts? What was Luke's intention as he wrote it? And what can we learn about how God is at work in his church, then and now? Acts 1 gets us off to a flying start - Jesus' return to heaven, the Holy Spirit promised, Judas replaced. It all looks like the scene is being set for some remarkable events. What does it all have to do with Jesus, and being his followers today? Sunday AM we'll be looking at Acts 1:1-11 as our introduction to Acts and our new series.
Elder Affirmation
Last Sunday we held elder affirmations for Cameron Nugent and Kev Hudson. We are thankful to God that both men were strongly affirmed and will continue to serve as elders in the church.
Preparing Ettiene for Ordination
Hi Church,
We just wanted to bring you up to date with what is happening with Ettiene over the coming months. Most of you will be aware that Ettiene has been working a 0.4 position in the church for the past 12 months, focusing on High School Ministry (HSM). Ettiene, with Dana, ultimately have been preparing for ordination within the CRCA. To this end, Ettiene has completed his B.Theology and has began work on the 'extra' courses required for ordination.
A part of that preparation has to be some time at the Reformed Theological College in Geelong. This is happening in the very near future, with Ettiene departing for a semester in Geelong, leaving next week. This will see him complete most of the denominational requirements for ordination by June, when he will return to Redlands. (Ettiene will also be back for 3 weeks in April).
When Ettiene returns, his continued time at Redlands will be considered his vicariate (internship). So, along with a classis exam he will complete during that time, all his necessary requirements will have been fulfilled by the end of 2012.
While Ettiene is away we are thankful to Renee Watson (ministry intern) and the other HSM leaders for their commitment to the continuation of the HSM ministry. Please pray for them in this task.
Also pray for Ettiene and Dana who will be spending significant time apart in the next 5 months, and pray that this time in Geelong is a great time of preparation for Ettiene for future ministry.
If you have any questions concerning these arrangements, please feel free to contact Dave, Clinton or another member of Church Council.
ACTS Daily Devotions - Out Now!
Hi Church!
The ACTS Devotions have started appearing on the website! Tomorrow's reading is already there for you!
Go to http://rcrcinteractive.wordpress.com to start your journey in the book of Acts.
These devotional readings are the same as the ones in your booklet, but on the web you can comment, interact and ask questions.
Remember: if you want the devotions to come to you automatically each day, you will need to subscribe to the service yourself (someone else cannot do this for you).
Here's are some step by step instructions to subscribe to the daily devotional emails:
1. In your browser (Internet Explorer, or Safari, or Firefox), go to http://rcrcinteractive.wordpress.com
2. When you get there, look for the calendar (on the right hand side of the page)
3. Look a little below the calendar for Email Subscription
4. Enter your email address in the box below
5. Click "Sign me up" - and that's it! Easy!
Once that's done, you'll get an email with a devotional reading and questions every day, and you'll also see when the small group studies become available. You'll also be able to make comments and ask questions about the daily readings. Clinton and I will address these questions as best we can.
(You can also subscribe to the "RSS feed" which does basically the same thing, and then read the devotions in your RSS reader or 'Juice', but for most the email subscription will probably be easier - it will definitely be easier if you don't know what RSS is...)
If you have any questions about this, feel free to email Dave at dave@redlandscrc.org.au or call/email Tess (tkippen@redlandscrc.org.au) in the office 07 3286 4700
Please do pray that God will be honoured and glorified as we start this new adventure!
Grace and peace,
Clinton & Dave
Introducing RCRC Interactive
As we start our preparation for our new series Acts: An Outward Movement, we wanted to let you know about a special website has been set up at http://rcrcinteractive.wordpress.com
Here's how it will work:
Each day, the daily devotional readings will be posted on the site.
Also, after each Sunday, the small group study guides will be posted.
These are the same readings and study questions that all small groups will be looking at as we go through the series.
This means you'll be able to do the daily readings online, and you'll be able to ask questions, or make comments on any of the pages. Even if you miss your small group, you can still read the study and ask questions, make comments, or interact with others in the study at http://rcrcinteractive.wordpress.com
The easiest way for you to stay up to date is to subscribe by clicking on the "Email Subscription" button at RCRC Interactive (see the right hand side margin, under 'Subscribe to Updates'). If you'd rather subscribe to the RSS feed, you can do that, too. If you don't know what an RSS feed is, that doesn't matter. Stick with the email subscription.
The great thing about all this is that the whole RCRC family (along with the online community) will be able to engage with one another in this online discussion. We're hoping this will be a great expression of the family of God and the church universal.
Clinton and I would love to have your feedback, so why not visit RCRC Interactive and tell us what you think?
Coffee Cart
Don't forget to bring your three dollars this Sunday for a delicious espresso coffee! All funds are going towards charity and our current church interns.
Important notice for Kids@Church Parents
Dear Parents,
K@C is starting a new Curriculum this week. You should have received a letter from me over the last few weeks. I am very embarrassed to say that the return address is incorrect, if you could please either hand the letter back to me, or there will be a box at the entrance hall as well, or please correct the address.
P.O. Box 2298 Wellington Point 4160.
It is important that I get the forms filled out and back, children will not receive a book if they have not been registered this year.
For those who have not received the letter in the post, please contact me and I will get the important letters and forms to you as soon as possible.
The K@C ministry team looks forward to a great and exciting year. See you all Sunday for our first day back at K@C.
God Bless
Dana de Wilzem
0411 709 198
dana@redlandscrc.org.au
What is Kids@Nite up to this term?
Kids@Nite is looking at the life of Jesus this term. Starting with his birth we will be following Jesus' life right up until his death and resurrection. We will be working on a project to make a 3D picture of His journey, every week we will be adding to it in creative ways.
Children from Prep through to year 7 are all welcome.
If you have any queries or would like to be a K@N leader or helper this term, please contact Dana de Wilzem.
0411 709 198
dana@redlandscrc.org.au
The Meating: Monday Feb 07, 7pm
Men, there's still an opportunity to register for The Meating next Monday.
At this stage we have around 30 men registered, and this week Peter Janetzki and I chatted about what would be happening on the night, and I have to say it all sounds pretty exciting.
If you'd still like to come, just click here to send your registration through!
And if you have any questions, click on my name below and we'll see what we can do!
Grace and peace...
Prayer Diary: Update from Lachie Black (Townsville)
Further to the last eNews, Bonnie Black (here in nWellington Point) writes
I have spoken to Lachie just after 3pm today. He has bunkered down at the Mundingburra Police Station along with several colleagues and their families. While the station is in a flood zone, it is a 3 story concrete building that was only built in the last 4-5 years. The police and their families will spend the night in the stairwell which is built of reinforced concrete. The phone lines are working currently but they are expected to disconnect in the next few hours. The station is running on diesel generators already, so perhaps the council have switched the main power off already.
Outside it is quite dark, rainy and windy. It is eerily quiet and makes them nervous as it definitely feels like "the calm before the storm". There are several objects (ceramic pots, etc) outside businesses that have not been taken inside and will pose a potential projectile threat. Several families have fled Cardwell (2 hrs north) seeking solace in Townsville and have arrived without fuel, and have no idea where to go. The police are being very helpful in directing them and providing for their needs. While the weather has not done anything too destructive as yet, the tension is high and everyone is very nervous.
If you are in a small group, or with your family, tonight I would encourage you to all join together and pray that no lives would be claimed by Cyclone Yasi. It is due to hit between Cardwell and Innisfail about 10pm tonight.
...[DG] please do pray. Many people in northern Queensland are facing a horrible and terrifying night.
Prayer Diary: Far North Queensland
Hi church,
Let's all remember the people of Far North Queensland as Tropical Cyclone Yasi bears down on the area.
The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting the Cyclone to cross near Cairns at around 10pm tonight.
Let's pray especially for Lachie Black, working with Queensland Police in Townsville; Fiona Lyons also has some family there. There are sure to be others known to us. Apart from these, there are many communities and cities which right now are very fearful. Please pray for peace, for no loss of life, and that God would have mercy on our countrymen.
Amazing Grace
How do I deal with grace?
Is it that easy? One word of forgiveness and it's all gone? How does that happen? How could anyone make such an audacious pronouncement? The people of Jesus' day would sometimes say that the Gospel in offensive, and they saw it as a trap. For untold thousands of people through the ages, however, the grace of God has changed their lives. Come Sunday AM and find out why. Read ahead, Luke 5:17-26.
The Call to South Barwon
Hi Church,
I just wanted to add a few things to our announcement on Sunday that we have accepted the call to serve as pastor in the South Barwon Christian Reformed Church.
I want to again say thank you. For both the way that you gave us space and God's blessing to wrestle with the call, and also for the way you have responded to the news. Your focus has been on God, his will, and his plans for the church in both places. This has been a blessing to witness and again has brought us peace and freedom.
I wanted to share some of the things that lead us to believing that this is where God would have us serve.
Firstly, the opportunity to lead a church on my own. I have been in team ministry for 10 years. In both churches I have served I have been the youngest, least experienced and second to arrive. This has been a great blessing, and a great way to learn. In the last 4 years, with our health struggles, this has been completely necessary. But now we feel God has called us into a new role within church life. We feel that he has equipped and prepared us for that, and has now lead us into that opportunity.
Secondly, the role that South Barwon has identified for me. I won't go into all the details, but Geelong is about the expand rapidly, and South Barwon is in a unique position to be at the cutting edge of that expansion with the gospel. The kind of role that has been envisaged for myself, and the church there, in the coming years ticks all the boxes in terms of what gets me excited and passionate.
Finally, the wider family. It is very rare that a pastor, especially in our denominational system, has an opportunity to minister and serve in a congregation where there is also a wider family network. In this case, God has provided that, and we see it as a blessing and a privilege. The last few years have been made the more difficult for us without that wider family network, and here we believe we have a God given opportunity.
None of this makes the idea, for us, or for you, of leaving much easier. I hope that in writing this you gain a little understanding into how and why the decision was made and that we might together walk into God's journey assured that this has been his leading.
Thanks, and blessings
Clinton and Tracy and family.
Acts Daily Devotion Guides - sign up
For those wanting to receive their Daily Devotions by email, please don't forget to register by emailing tkippen@redlandscrc.org.au. These devotions start next Monday (7th). These devotions will also be available as a booklet on Sunday.
Also, there will be an opportunity to discuss these studies on line. More details to come...
Sunday - 5PM
Have you ever received an invitation to a function, maybe a birthday party or a wedding, that you just didn't think you were 'in' enough to receive? Jesus says that is what its like to be invited to the his kingdom banquet. The danger is that we think we deserve it, and in so doing, actually miss the party of all ages. Read ahead in Luke 14:15-24.
Would you like to come to Burma?
There are a couple of vacancies to come on a team to spend time with amazing leaders and 180 wonderful children at New Life Orphanage in Burma.
When? : 1st and/or 2nd week of April
Cost? : Approx $2100
What will we be doing?: Help run a Holiday programme for the children ( outings, games, craft, Bible stories, song, dance, constructing)
Do I need special skills? : Not particularly, but if you have some, we will use them.
What do I need? : You will need to be a able to put up with hot, steamy weather, sweaty bodies and lots of rice. Along with that, lots of fun, laughter and interesting challenges.
Will it change your life? : YES! Guaranteed
Talk to Frank (0416000 500) or Janette (0416 000 412) ASAP for more information
PRAISE GOD!! - The Word is Going Out.
Great news from Janette Hemelaar.
God has answered our prayers with a bounty of Religion and Ethics teachers to speak God's word within our local schools.
Currently Ormiston Primary has filled all RE teacher positions for 2011.The word of God will reach at minimum 450 students and 19 teachers at Ormiston Primary School. Hilliards Primary school has also gained another teacher.
What an opportunity to plant the seeds!
Thanks to those who have answered the call from RCRC - Bonnie Sikkema, Fay Lowe, Michele MacNamara, Bill Sikkema, Jan Hughes and Margaret Bos. Let's not forget Chaplain Melody Groenenboom who spends 3 days at Ormiston Primary. Thanks to you all.
However, there are still vacancies for RE teachers at a number of schools in the Redlands area. : Alexandra Hills, Birkdale, Carbrook, Coolnwympin, Hilliard, Mt Cotton, Thornlands, Thornlands Special Ed, Victoria Point, Wellington Point.
If you feel that God is calling you, it's not too late to volunteer. Please I urge you to contact me.
Let's all diligently pray for our RE teachers and the young hearts and ears that are open and listening.
Thanks,
Janette Hemelaar (0416 000 412)
Gems is back 4th February!
We invite and welcome all girls from year 3 to year 7 to attend Gems at the church hall at 6.30pm on Friday the 4th of February. Come along for our opening night for a fun filled evening! Meet up with old friends and make some new. Our first night back will be casual so there is no need to wear your Gems uniform. Please bring a water bottle and loads of energy!
We really need volunteer team leaders/helpers to continue this great ministry. The group meets fortnightly and the evening includes a small devotion followed by a couple of games.
If you can help or you would like more information on Gems please contact Wilma Koetsier on 3823 1754 or 0407 767 804 or Tessa Kippen on 3286 4700 or tkippen@redlandscrc.org.au
ACTS Series Small Group Leaders Training
On Thursday the 3rd of February at 7.30pm we will be holding training for small group leaders on the upcoming ACTS series and we would need / love as many of you there as possible. Here we will be able to give you resources for leading your small group studies and encouraging small group members to participate fully in the study. So please put this date in your diary now!!! Our plan is to have both study guides and daily readings ready to be distributed at this meeting.
Please Contact Dave at dave@redlandscrc.org.au or Clinton at clinton@redlandscrc.org.au
The Meating: Monday Feb 07, 7pm
The Meating: Monday Feb 07, 7pm
To the Men of RCRC:
In just two week's time we will be having our first gathering of The Meating. The Meating will be a place where men rise to the challenge of what it means to be a man who follows Jesus. Whether married, single, older and wise or younger, The Meating is just the place for you.
Men need a place where they can get together, enjoy one another's company, learn from each other, and grow together. The Meating seeks to meet these needs in a friendly and relaxed context. Further, it's our prayer that through what we do we will stimulate each other to a stronger and deeper walk with Jesus.
Now is the time to send in your RSVP. Once we know how many are coming we'll be able to order enough prime steak to go around!
Our guest speaker on our first night will be Peter Janetzki, Counsellor and host of 96Five's 'Talking Life". Peter will talk to us about why it matters to have men meeting together. Peter is an engaging, entertaining speaker. You'll certainly want to hear what he has to say.
How to let Dave know you're coming: just click here, and hit "send" when the email pops up. If you're bringing a friend or two, please let us know so we've got enough of that great food to go around! Please let us know by 5:00pm on Feb 04
So men, get the word out and plan to get along!!
What to bring:
- A big appetite
- A couple of friends
- $10 donation per person
See you there
The Meating Team
Dave Groenenboom, Geoff Hughes, Mark Farmer, Wayne Hall, Gary Hudson
Burma Education Trip in April
For those in our church family who have always wanted to visit the NLT orphanages in Myanmar, we hereby make known that there are a number of positions available in our 2 separate groups going to Myanmar in early April.
The first group, which comprises mainly of non churched supporters, we will leave on the 1st April, and return on the 9th April. This group will spend 2 days at the orphanage and a further 2 days on an outside excursion with the children. The second group will contain members from our church family, and returning group members. We will spend more time in educational activities and be involved in worship programs at the church. This group will depart from Brisbane on the 8th and return on about the 17th.
For those who are interested, please contact either Frank (0416 000 500 hemelaar@ro yalfoods.com.au) or Janette Hemelaar (0416 000 412 janette@royalfo ods.com.au).
We have a group 2 meeting on Monday the 31st for those who may be interested to finding out more about the trips. The cost for the trip will be approx $2200.
Please prayerfully consider if this is for you.
Triple C. club starts again Tuesday the 1st of February
Triple C stands for Coffee-Chat-Craft. If you feel that this is something you might be interested in please come along to our ladies morning starting at 9.30am until 11.30am. You don't have to be a craft specialist to come along, just come if you feel like a chat or a cup of coffee and we will be there.
Also once a fortnight we do a ladies daytime bible study and we will start on the 8th of February. If you are interested please let Anna know.
Please contact Anna Verkruissen
Phone: 32074228
email address: albertv@tpg.com.au
Congratulations Clint & Amber Beutel on baby Milo
Congratulations Clint & Amber Beutel on their new baby boy. Milo Jerry Beutel was born 9 pounds 4 oz, 53 cm. Amber is exhausted but well.
Sunday - 5PM
At the start of the new year, the sun shining, and refreshed from holidays, its easy to be a person of hope, its not hard to have peace about the future. But how easily is that hope and that peace shattered? A flood. A broken relationship. An unrealized dream. Too often our hope is built on a shaky foundation. But Jesus' kingdom is meant to be a kingdom of hope, real hope, that exists beyond present circumstances, hope that is anchored in God, and in his work in Christ. Week 2 in Luke's kingdom parables, we will look at 2 small parables, with growing hope. Read ahead in Luke 13:18-21.
Triple C. club starts again Tuesday the 1st of February
Triple C stands for Coffee-Chat-Craft. If you feel that this is something you might be interested in please come along to our ladies morning starting at 9.30am until 11.30am. You don't have to be a craft specialist to come along, just come if you feel like a chat or a cup of coffee and we will be there.
Also once a fortnight we do a ladies daytime bible study and we will start on the 8th of February. If you are interested please let Anna know.
Please contact Anna Verkruissen
Phone: 32074228
email address: albertv@tpg.com.au
The Meating: Monday Feb 07, 7pm
To the Men of RCRC:
In just two week's time we will be having our first gathering of The Meating. The Meating will be a place where men rise to the challenge of what it means to be a man who follows Jesus. Whether married, single, older and wise or younger, The Meating is just the place for you.
Men need a place where they can get together, enjoy one another's company, learn from each other, and grow together. The Meating seeks to meet these needs in a friendly and relaxed context. Further, it's our prayer that through what we do we will stimulate each other to a stronger and deeper walk with Jesus.
Now is the time to send in your RSVP. Once we know how many are coming we'll be able to order enough prime steak to go around!
Our guest speaker on our first night will be Peter Janetzki, Counsellor and host of 96Five's 'Talking Life". Peter will talk to us about why it matters to have men meeting together. Peter is an engaging, entertaining speaker. You'll certainly want to hear what he has to say.
How to let Dave know you're coming: just click here, and hit "send" when the email pops up. If you're bringing a friend or two, please let us know so we've got enough of that great food to go around! Please let us know by 5:00pm on Feb 04
So men, get the word out and plan to get along!!
What to bring:
- A big appetite
- A couple of friends
- $10 donation per person
See you there
The Meating Team
Dave Groenenboom, Geoff Hughes, Mark Farmer, Wayne Hall, Gary Hudson
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