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Great Kids & Youth Leader Training: Saturday
Great Training Opportunity (this Saturday)
Each year the Christian Reformed Churches Australia Resource Centre staff partners with a church or group to deliver essential youth and children's ministry training for our churches. This year it is being held at Mansfield Christian Reformed Church this Saturday (29th of Jan). If you are involved with any youth or children's ministry in any capacity, this half day conference is for you.
An afternoon sessions will also cover essential ChildSafe Training.
All leaders of youth and children's ministries at RCRC must complete ChildSafe Training
Where: Mansfield CRC (Cnr Ham & Wishart Rds, Mansfield)
Contact (RCRC): Dana de Wilzem dana@redlandscrc.org.au< /a> 0411 709 198
Contact (Mansfield): Gerard Oberholzer (Obee) obee777@gmail.com 040 5 364 361
eNews Update
Car Wash Update
Church: your are awesome! An army of car washers, enough food to feed the multitudes (and yes, we have twelves baskets left over - see below). After all costs removed, we retired at 1pm with $1305.00 - what a great day!
It's so good to hear people loving the community spirit at RCRC, God is glorified in all this!
So: to all and sundry - thank you so much for your ministry of cleansing...
Sunday (tomorrow)
We're continuing the relief appeal. If you'd still like to give a donation for the appeal, please place your donation in an envelope (there are some at the back of the auditorium), mark it "QLD FLOODS" and place it in either the collection bag or the box at the rear of the auditorium.
And after the service...
There are lots of cakes left over: please stay for some refreshments. There will also be sausages on the BBQ, that's all free.
If you want real coffee, they'll be going for $3.00 (funds raised support internships at RCRC).
Car Wash Tomorrow! Join the Fun!
Tomorrow morning we have the big car wash for Flood Relief. Bring your cars, come ready to wash, enjoy the sausage sizzle, and sip the coffee.
Come along, and please spread the news far and wide.
When: Tomorrow (Sat) 8am-12 noon
Where: Redlands CRC
Who: all of us!
Why: Support those who have incurred great losses in the floods, build community, make some new friends, honor Jesus!
God loves cheerful givers! (2 Cor 9:7)
Flood Support Update - Westside CRC
Pastor Josh Hartog writes...
I've received a request for any electricians who are willign to donate some time to inspect houses in Goodna. Many of the homes have received certificates from Energex saying that they are able to restore power as soon as their houses have been certified by electricians. Unfortunately, this can be costly and most people have lost everything.
If you have any electricians in your congregations could you please approach them about considering to donate some time to help flood victims in Goodna.
They can contact Cathy Beauchamp from Westlife Church who is coordinating much of the response form the churches in this area. Here details are as follows: t - 07 3381 9988; e - meybeau@optusnet.com.au; m - 0427 692 002.
God bless. Pastor Josh
P.S - we're currently planning a project as a church. We'll pass on the details as soon as they are ready.
eNews Update
Sunday PM
Listening to God: As we begin to study Acts in a few weeks time, we will see how Jesus is bringing his kingdom to the world, through the church. But before this took place, Jesus told some stories about what that kingdom was going to look like, and how it was going to come. We read these as parables in the gospel of Luke. In the next 3 weeks we will be looking at some of these stories, starting with Luke 8:1-15, and seeing how Jesus is bringing his kingdom, and how he is calling us to be involved.
Preacher: Clinton Berends
Small Group Sign Up
Small group sign up for 2011 is underway! Lists of groups available are on tables at the back of the auditorium. Please add your name to groups as required and we will get in touch with you. If you need to change groups for 2011 this is a good time to do so.
Even if you can't join a group for the whole year, this is an opportunity to just be involved for the duration of the Acts series.
If you can't find a group that suits, there is another list for you to put your name on. Or feel free to contact Clinton. clinton@redlandscrc.org.au
Ministry Opportunity - Just give it a try!
Over the next few weeks we will be signing up for various ministry teams for 2011. Being involved in a ministry team is a great way to be involved at RCRC, to meet new people, and to put faith into action. Redlands can't survivor without its army of volunteers. Even if you're unsure about how much time you have, or even what's required for a specific task, just give it a try for a few weeks, see how you go!
Volunteer sheets are at the back of the auditorium, along with the Small Group Sign Up.
Flood Damage Report - Queensland CRC congregations
The following is a brief report I compiled earlier in the week and posted on the CRCA email network. It outlines the current situation faced by CRC congregations in Queensland. Overall, it's incredible that the damage has been minimal (compared to most). This also means that congregations in the worst affected areas may be in prime position to show Gospel compassion. Here what local pastors had to say...
Toowoomba (Rev John Westendorp)
After contacting all our members whom I knew to live in low-lying areas I wrote the following in last week's church bulletin:
====================================
It has been a disturbing week... to say the least. Flooding has caused havoc right down the eastern seaboard of Australia. We're humbly thankful to the Lord that the members of our church have generally fared well. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nel Graafland who, to the best of my knowledge, had the worst damage in our congregation as floodwater came through her home. Ed Van der Velde's parents in Grantham had a horrifying time as they were left clinging to the gutters of their home.
====================================
I mentioned on Sunday morning that my assessment was woefully inadequate. Two of our families in Murphy's Creek were evacuated and three other families also had some fairly serious flood damage... but still nothing compared to those in the Lockyer valley. You've seen enough images on TV so that I don't need to describe to you the devastation... except to say that reality is always worse than the images on a television set.
It was not possible for us last week to go down the range to help or to check (we were totally isolated) but we have two families who live at Helidon and they were very involved in the Helidon/Grantham situation. One of these couples at one stage had three families staying in their house and through these people we have offered some diaconal help. The Toowoomba Range opened again last Saturday and allowed us some contact with these families. Through these families some of our folk have donated some essentials to families who lost everything.
Our Pressie friends have a much longer list of needy people and I'll be contacting my PCA colleagues today to see if there are any ways in which we can help them.
I'm also about to go out and do some more visiting to those most affected. Several of them are elderly folk and while they are spiritually strong and have the resources to hadle it long terms they are also very dependent on the help of others to sort things out.
I'll keep you posted if there are any other developments.
JWW
Westside (Rev Josh Hartog)
G'day Reformed Churches across Australia,
I just thought I'd let you know of the situation here at Goodna in Queensland.
Our little suburb has become a rather impressive lake. Most of the homes north of the Ipswich Motorway were evacuated and are now completely submerged. The same has occurred on the southern side of the Motorway, a strip about 100 metres wide and over a kilometre long, which includes the CBD, dozens of homes, and Gailes Caravan Park. I had a meeting planned at Goodna MacDonalds tomorrow morning but only the tip of the roof is showing. We have a friend staying with us whose caravan is now floating somewhere above the local skateboard park.
I managed to check on the property of another church member, and to my amazement her unit was one of only four out of over 60 that escaped the flood waters. Another member was evacuated, but we expect her property to remain above water. In fact, no members from our church have lost property, which has been a real answer to prayer, and in some cases truly miraculous. Some members have lost power and most are isolated by the flood waters. I managed to ring all our members, but I am cut off from about 70% of our congregation.
The School hall we hire has been turned into an evacuation centre so we don't have our normal place to worship this Sunday. However, we're not sure many of our members will be able to reach Goodna until the water recedes anyway. Our big concern is what this disaster will mean for our local community. Some friends who live on the north side of the motorway may have lost everything they own and they haven't been able to get anywhere near their property to find out. Unfortunately, that story is all too common. I estimate over 100 homes have been submerged in Goodna. All those people are being cared for by family and friends and the evacuation centres, but the worse will come as people return home to the destruction, the mud, the smell, and the mess. We are discussing ways in which we can help our community as a local church, particularly with the clean up.
Please pray for our community, that they might experience God's love even amidst the flood.
Busy with cleanup, many house stripped bare, and just waiting on tradesmen now.
God bless. Pastor Josh (Westside Christian Church, Goodna)
Inala (Rev Bill Wiersma)
Inala is fine. One member flood effected.
Dirk and Ann van Vliet survived being run into by a drunken driver. Sustained a few bruises. Car write off, but they and their little grandson are OK.
Warm Regards, Bill
Mansefield (Rev Gerard Oberhlozer)
Everyone in Mansfield is OK. We had 4 families without electricity and one who had to leave their house for a few days - but no damage. We were involved with Josh and send some people to help with the clean up operations and will keep doing that. We will also have a second Sunday of special collections and will work with Josh (Westside CRC) in distributing it into their community.
Tivoli (Mr Gary Vowles)
No damage to homes (even those in ferndale and Laidly), though a few members have had some damage which is covered by insurance. One person's business has sustained flood damage, with insurance cover taking care of a proportion of that. Very thankful that we have been spared the worst.
Redlands (Rev Dave Groenenboom)
Redlands lies outside the Brisbane River catchment, and while we caught a lot of the rain, there has been no flooding. One member (Peter Goodridge) has a warehouse on Rocklea, and has sustained some damage with about 20cm on water coming through the warehouse. Compared to most places in Rocklea, he says he got off pretty lightly.
Bray Park (Rev John Hoogenhout)
One member had a bout a foot of water through her home, but that's about all...
=========
Dave continues...
So the situation varies. Some have been terribly affected, and probably still unable to enter their homes. Some will have sustained significant losses.
In addition to our own congregations, the devastation that as defended on some parts of Queensland is unimaginable. Along with others from RCRC, I have spent two mornings last weekend assisting with the clean up in a Brisbane riverside suburb, and the damage is just terrible. Houses filled with mud, some having to be stripped back to frame and roof: everything else is gone or destroyed. And that is only in Brisbane. Right now there are in excess of 40 towns and cities in Queensland that are flood affected.
In addition to all this we have flooding in some Victorian centres in the Wimmera.
Let's do all we can to support and assist all those who have suffered, especially those from the household of faith (Gal 6:10). You can do this by
- supporting the various appeals: The CRCA WD&R (World Development & Relief) is holding a special appeal this coming weekend - please give generously
- if you are near the flood affected areas, offer assistance with clean up and salvage. The task will take months in some places - be the hands and feet of Jesus
- prayerfully upholding all these communities and congregations (above), asking that God is his grace and power will use his people to embody and speak the grace of the Gospel to those who are suffering
Prayer Diary
Joan Rynsdorp continues to recover in the PA Hospital. It seems the initial issues have been largely resolved, and now Joan is waiting for some further tests to be completed. Joyce Krassenburg comments: It is possible that she will return home on Friday or Saturday. In the meantime she is enjoying life in the hospital where she is being looked after very well. Please continue to uphold her in your prayers.
Please also remember Clinton and Tracy and their family, who are nearing the close of their call consideration process. Ask that through their response Christ's church will be built, God's glory acknowledged, and that the name of Jesus will be lifted up. Let's remember that our sovereign Lord has the Berends family, our church family, and the South Barwon CRC in his gracious hands.
Continue to remember the many thousands of people impacted by floods in Queensland. While our lives go on, many people are wondering how they will ever pull things back together. Pray especially for churches in the worst affected areas, and ask that through their witness, grace, and good words, Jesus might be honored and believed.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7, TNIV)
Sunday AM
How do I deal with disaster?: Around 20 people have lost their lives, 40 towns have been inundated, thousands of people are homeless, businesses and livelihoods lie at the bottom of our state's rivers. Queensland is broken. How do we deal with this? How do we answer the many questions that arise? How can we respond? The people of Jesus' day sometimes saw suffering and disaster as a consequence of personal sin. Is that what we should say to the people of Grantham, or Goodna, or Chinchilla? Read ahead at Luke 13:1-8 and John 9:1-12
Preacher: Dave Groenenboom
Wash Cars for Flood Relief this Saturday
We will be raising funds for flood relief this Saturday morning with a huge community car wash.
We still need plenty of volunteers to help on the day- some of you may already have signed up at last Sunday's night service, if that's the case, please turn up for whatever shift you selected.
If you didn't get a chance to sign up, we still need you! We need people from 8-10am, 9-11am and 10-12pm to wash cars, serve drinks and snacks. You can stay for one shift or all of them, your help would be much appreciated! BYO hat, sunscreen and water bottle.
We are also calling for a few homebaked goodies to sell with coffee - if you can bring along a plate of bikkies or muffins or cake to sell, that would be great!
If you can't help out, please pop down to get your car washed and pass the message on to your friends and neighbours!
Deacons|RCRC
New Ministry Administrator for RCRC!
Church Council is happy to announce that Tessa Kippen has been appointed as our new Ministry Administrator.
Tessa is part of our PM congregation, and for those who do not know Tessa, we'll be introducing her to the RCRC church family on Sunday (both services).
Tessa hopes to commence in her new role on Monday.
Please join us in thanking God for this great development!
Flood Relief: More about how you can help
The following message has been forwarded from Andrew Laming, our local federal MP...
Dear Redlands Resident,
It is impossible to thank everyone in Redlands who have contributed to the post-flood response so far.
Want to get involved?
Here are some options available:
Redlands Relief Centre:
91 Redland Bay Road
Open 10am - 6pm Saturday
Sunday and next week hours yet to be determined.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Queensland-Community-Flood-Relief/156491664400979
WE NEED
- Non perishable food
- Cleaning equipment; mops, brooms, buckets
- Baby, hygiene, oral health products, deodorants
- Footwear
- Insect repellent
- NO MORE CLOTHES
Yes you can volunteer
www.andrewlaming.com/floodhelp
Yes you can donate tools and equipment for tradies who lost theirs.
www.andrewlaming.com/floodhelp
Donate (or buy from) the Cleveland Rotary Garage Sale
Sunday 5 February, 6am - 5pm
First drop-off for garage sale: Wed 19th January.
See http://www.clevelandrotary.org.au/
Facebook users
Follow all of the local efforts at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Queensland-Community-Flood-Relief/156491664400979
Thankyou so much.
Andrew Laming: Federal Member for Bowman
Flood & News Update
Flood Relief - How You Can Help
The Deacons at RCRC are in the process of coordinating some volunteer support in partnership with other churches around Brisbane. Currently we are looking at some options with 96.5 FM and how we might best support a sustained effort over the coming weeks. We will be passing on more information as it becomes available and will likely be asking for your support in a variety of ways.
In the meantime, if you are able to help as the flood cleanup begins, the best place is to register with Volunteering QLD (http://www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au/) as they have up-to-date needs and are well organised in their deployment of volunteers. Anyone can help, but if you have special skills such as a trade, make sure you specify these as they will be put to use!
Finally, please mark out 8am-12noon Saturday 22nd January - we would love your hands to wash cars in raising funds for flood recovery. Be sure to put your name on one of the clip boards this Sunday!
For more information on any of this, please contact Melody (mgroenen@gmail.com 0431 144 126), Doug (doug_judyklitscher@hotmail.com 0418 811 603) or Glenn (glennw@omnitech.com.au 0409 558 201).
Update on Joan Rynsdorp
Joan Rynsdorp is recovering well in PA Hospital. Her situation is much improved, and that is a great answer to prayer. Joan is very thankful to the Lord for His goodness and love! Please continue to pray for her complete restoration.
Ministry Teams 2011 - Sign Up
Over the next few weeks we will be signing up for various ministry teams for 2011. Being involved in a ministry team is a great way to be involved at RCRC, to meet new people, and to put faith into action. Redlands can't survivor without its army of volunteers
Volunteer sheets are at the back of the auditorium, along with the Small Group Sign Up.
Small Groups 2011 - Sign Up
This Sunday we will begin our small group sign up for 2011. Lists of groups available are on tables at the back of the auditorium. Please add your name to groups as required and we will get in touch with you. If you need to change groups for 2011 this is a good time to do so.
Even if you can't join a group for the whole year, this is an opportunity to just be involved for the duration of the Acts series.
If you can't find a group that suits, there is another list for you to put your name on. Or feel free to contact Clinton. clinton@redlandscrc.org.au
Queensland Flood Appeal
Tomorrow (Sunday) and next week you will be able to give to the Flood Appeal. You can do this by placing money in an envelope marked "QLD flood appeal" and by placing it in the offering bag.
Question & Update
I'm really struggling here...
One of the hardest things as a follower of Jesus is wanting to deal with an issue, but not really knowing how to, or even whether we should try. For example, we're angry about something. It should never have happened. It was wrong. It hurt us deeply. Should we try to deal with that anger? Would that mean 'feeling OK' about something that should never have happened? Should we just try an forget about it?
Here are some others: How do I deal with my poor self image? How do I deal with my weight? How do I deal with my apathy? How do I deal with the boss, who seems to hate me?
On Jan 23 and 30 (AM services only) I will be looking at a few of these issues, starting with 'How do I deal with my anger?'
The issue that gets opened up on Jan 30 is up to you: what is it that you struggle to deal with? I'll work with the most requested topic. Click on the following words to email your suggestions to Dave by Friday 21.
You can also leave your question on the website. If you do, please leave your email address (it won't be published) so we can get back to you later.
Joan Rynsdorp - Update
Joan is in PA Hospital, and her family are close by. She's in good spirits, and has had further transfusions yesterday. Please continue to pray for Joan's healing and recovery, and her family, who though with her now are actually isolated from their homes due to flooding.
"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar." (Psalm 139:1-2, TNIV)
Flood Evacuation Centre Help
Dear Church,
Hillsong Church (Brisbane) has become an evacuation centre for many residents in Brisbane and Ispwich affected by the flooding. As we have become aware of in the last few days, this may last for some time. Hillsong are seeking assistance in providing for the needs for these residents. In particular they are requesting donations of:
Bottled Water
Nonperishable food items
Toiletries
Pillows and Bedding
If you are able to provide for any of these needs, you can donate them by bringing them to the church foyer tomorrow (Thursday) 9am-4pm. The goods will collected at this time and taken to those who need them most.
This is a great opportunity to share the good news through our love in action, and so we would encourage the church to give generously to this need.
This coming weekend
This weekend both Dave and myself are on leave. We are very thankful to both Ryan Hemelaar and Ettiene for their willingness to lead the services. With both of them in the final stages of preparing for ministry it is great to see God growing them in the use of their gifts in preaching and teaching. Please encourage them, not only with your attendance on Sunday, but also verbally.
With both Dave and I away please feel free to contact one of the elders should you require any assistance or for any pastoral matters. Dave is back on deck from Monday 17th.
Sunday - 9AM
Many people have heard that God is holy, but what does that really mean? Just how holy is God? We will be visiting 1 Chronicles 13 - the story of Uzzah touching the ark of the covenant and for that getting struck down dead. Was that fair? And what has that to do with the holiness of God?
Small Groups 2011 - Sign Up
Time to join a small group?
Need to change groups for 2011?
Want to make the most of our Acts series?
Starting this Sunday we have Small Group Sign Up for 2011 in the church foyer. If you want to join a group, simply add your name to the list. If you can't find a group that suits, or want us to help you find the most appropriate group there will be a list available for that too. If you need to change groups for 2011, there is opportunity to do that.
Even if you are unable to join a group for the entire year, please consider joining for our Acts series, starting in February. These studies and group interactions will help you make the most out of the series, and be of great benefit to the whole church.
If you need assistance regarding small groups for 2011, please contact Clinton. clinton@redlandscrc.org.au
Queensland Flood Appeal
For the next two Sundays (16th and 23rd) you will be able to give towards the Queensland Flood Appeal. You can do this by putting money in a specially marked envelope in the offering bags. Money raised will be distributed through the Presbyterian Church of Queensland.
Queensland Flood Appeal
Dear church,
With the extensive and growing issues surrounding the Queensland floods it is good for us to think how we can respond to the crisis. Remember we serve a sovereign God who holds the world in his hands who, at the same time, loves this world and hears and responds to the prayers of his people.
With that in mind, the current situation is a reminder to pray. As we have prayed in the past for rain during drought, healing during illness and for God to intervene in seeminly hopeless situations, we are to pray that God might bring an end to the rain and the flooding that has occurred. Pray that there will be no more loss of life, that relief will reach those who most need it. And pray that even through this, that Jesus will be be made known, and that people will cry out to God in their time of need.
We will also have an opportunity to contribute financially to the crisis. For the next two Sundays (16th and 23rd of January) you can put money into an envelope marked "Queensland Flood Appeal." The money collected will be chanelled through the Presbyterian Church of Queensland. The Presbyterian churches are local in many areas affected by the flooding and will be able to provide assistance where most needed.
Also, we are planning a car wash for Saturday 22nd January to also raise funds. We will be asking for volunteers to assist with this on the coming Sunday and throughout eNews next week.
The following is an extract from Rev John Westendorp, a pastor from the Toowoomba Christian Reformed Church.
Thankfully there has been no loss of life nor is anyone missing from among our folk here at the Twmba CRC.
Some folk from the church were evacuated and I just heard that they are okay. A retirement village with some of our folk living there was pretty badly hit. I visited these folk this morning to see how they were coping and they are fine but it's a big job ripping up carpets so that the concrete underneath can dry out. It's surprising too how quickly flood damaged houses begin to stink...! Your prayers for these people is appreciated as they go through the heartbreaking job of cleaning up.
Just an additional perspective: While the flooding of Twmba CBD was spectacular (and certainly we have a lot of damage) the flooding of the Lockyer valley is much more serious with greater loss of life and infrastructure. We've been in touch with members and acquaintences in low-lying areas and we're thankful for the Lord's providential care and protection.
This morning as I drove to the retirement villiage the infrastructure damage became obvious with streets closed due road subsidance and bridges washed out. At present Twmba is still isolated with roads in all directions closed due either to flooding or land slips but crews are working hard to get them opened up to traffic. In shops I noticed that panic buying has commenced with many supermarket shelves already emptied... and long ques at petrol stations as the city braces for the possibility of being isolated for some time.
Sunday - 5PM
Often as a church we go through times when it doesn't seem as if there are any new people walking through our doors, or joining our small groups and we don't seem to see people coming to faith at all. And we wonder: is God really a God who is big on bringing new people into his church? Can God bring any of the people around me to faith? Looking at our community often doesn't help us to feel positive about this, does it? We need only to see the downward moral direction in which our society seems to spiral to be discouraged. This arvo, we'll be looking at the story of God's dealings with Rahab, a Caananite prostitute whom God brought to faith. It's safe to say that our view of God, who he is and what he can do in our community will be changed.
Prayer Requests and Sunday Services
Dear Church, please pray for the following...
Please pray for Joan Rynsdorp. Joan was taken to A&E yesterday and is having some exploratory surgery today. Please pray that the surgeons will quickly discover how to treat Joan.
Also pray for the Barham family. Suzy was admitted to hospital last week. Please uphold her, David and the kids in prayer.
Sunday 9AM and 5PM
Last week we looked at part one of 2 John, looking at the church's need to love. This week, as we wrap up the series, we are going to look at John's teaching on truth. In an time and age where this is increasingly coming under attack, and where the church is accused of being 'narrow minded' and 'exclusive' this is something we need to wrestle with. Read ahead in 2 John.
Queensland Flood Appeal
In response to the great needs of the Queensland Community recovering from recent flooding, there will be an opportunity to give on Sunday 16th January. Please put any donations for this appeal in a specially marked envelope.
We will also be holding a car wash to raise money on Saturday 22nd January. More details to come about how you can be involved.
ACTS Facts
Dear Church,
As we have begun to announce, we will be commensing a new church wide series in Acts 1-19 in semester 1, 2011. We believe that as we study the continuing work of Jesus through the witness of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit, God will show us to a greater extent how he is calling us to be used in this continuing work of the gospel. The series will begin on Sunday 13th February.
The series will contain 3 basic components:
Firstly, Sunday sermons. Unlike previous years when we have preaching the same message AM and PM for an all church program, this time we will preach different messages, from different passages as we make our way through the book. This will allow us greater depth and breadth of material and we would encourage you to either be present at both services, or to download from the website (www.redlandscrc.org.au) messages that you miss.
Secondly, small group studies. This will allow us to go deeper in the week's passages, thinking particularly about how they apply to us, as a church, and small group, community. For those not yet in a Small Group, or needing to change groups for 2011, sign up will begin on Sunday 16th January.
Thirdly, daily devotional reading. We will providing a booklet of daily devotional reading to go with the series. These will enable us to read through the book of Acts, and other related scripture passages. These will be available a week before the series begins. Alternatively, we may be able to email our these daily, but more to come on that later.
So what can we do now? Two things in particular. Pray and Read. Pray that God will speak to us clearly, and shape us for his purposes as we study his word together. And as we do that, let's get a head start and read through Acts before the series begins.
Sunday - 9AM and 5PM
Last week we looked at part one of 2 John, looking at the church's need to love. This week, as we wrap up the series, we are going to look at John's teaching on truth. In an time and age where this is increasingly coming under attack, and where the church is accused of being 'narrow minded' and 'exclusive' this is something we need to wrestle with. Read ahead in 2 John.
Men: Time to mark your diary!
Men,
Mark down Monday Feb 07 in your diary!
The Meating is for men only, and will deal with issues relevant to men. The emphasis will be on great food, great community, and great resources all presented in a context where men deal with what it really means to live well, love God and follow Jesus.
This is an exciting development, and we'd love for you to invite your friends and mates.
Men, we need a place where we can wrestle with the issues of life, where we can encourage and be encouraged, and where we can be stimulated into the sort of growth that God wants us to have.
Our guest speaker for our first night is Brisbane's own Peter Janetzki. Peter will speak about why men need contexts like The Meating, and what they can expect as we move ahead. One thing is for sure: you will not want to miss this!
The details:
Date: Monday February 7, 2011 from 7pm to 9pm (we start with a meal, so be on time)
Bring: yourself, your friends, and a desire to grow
Venue: Redlands CRC
Suggested donation: $10.00
Questions: email Dave or phone 0418 383 055
We are catering for this event so it's critical that you RSVP for yourself, and tell us how many friends you are going to bring.
Please RSVP to dave@redlandscrc.org.au
ACTS
Coming soon...
A close up look of the explosion of the gospel, in and through the early church, in the book of Acts.
An opportunity to be reminded that Jesus is continuing to seek lost people through his Church.
A reminder to be driven to prayer to seek God's power, will, blessing and glory through the work of the church.
An inspiration to get on the mission of Jesus that he is still working at in the world today.
Sermon series and Small Group studies, begins Feb 13.
More details to come...
Sunday - 9AM and 5PM
Over the next two Sundays (2nd and 9th) we are going to be doing a 'mini-series' looking at the letter of 2 John. I would encourage you to take the time over the coming few days to read through the letter a number of times, and if you have some extra time, think about the following:
* What words or phrases are bring repeated?
* What issue does John seem to be addressing in the church?
* What is the central message of the book (try and get this into 1 sentence)?
* How might this message speak into the church of today?
It might seem like extra work but I believe that this sort of preparation will help you get the most out of these messages.
Also, a reminder that we will be preaching the same message in both AM and PM services. That means that if you come along to both you are going to get even more out of it!!!
Clinton’s Call - so, what happens now?
We're no doubt all aware that Clinton and Tracy have received a call to serve the South Barwon (Geelong, Vic.) CRC.
What we might not be aware of is what this means, and what happens from here.
The CRCA, our parent denomination, uses a calling system to allow pastors to move from one congregation to another. There is no 'committee' or 'bishop' or 'hierarchy' that moves pastors around, nor is there an upper time limit on how long a pastor can stay in one congregation.
What happens is that when a congregation is in need of a pastor, they look through the denominational yearbook to see which pastors might be available. 'Availability' is basically determined by whether a pastor has served for more than three or four years in one place. The congregation seeking a pastor will then assess all those available and decide which one would best suit their needs.
Typically, the seeking congregation will hold an election (in much the same way as we choose our elders), and assuming the vote has a positive outcome, they will formally extend a written call to the pastor they are seeking. This is where things are up to between South Barwon and Clinton & Tracy.
The fact that the pastor receives such a call does not obligate him to accept it. In fact, no part of the process obligates him in any way. The congregation extending the call has relied on the guidance of God's Spirit in choosing, and now the pastor and his family must rely on God's Spirit as they discern how to respond.
We know that God uses different means to lead us in his way. So, typically, the pastor will prayerfully consider a number of things, including
- the needs of the church extending the call
- the status of his work in his current congregation
- where his gifts might be best used
- his personal situation and family needs
In the CRCA, the leadership of the calling congregation will encourage the people to phone, email, and write to the pastor they have called, so the people can explain why they would love for him and his family to come.
The pastor's current congregation (in this case, us) can also phone, email, and write to that pastor explaining, best as they know how, why it is important for him to stay right where he is (or for that matter why they think he should move on).
The reality is that God will use His Spirit, His Word, and the voice of his people to guide the pastor and his family in their decision making process.
With this in mind, the Redlands CRC Church Council would warmly encourage you to make your views known to Clinton and Tracy. Never underestimate how God might use your words and experiences to assist Clinton & Tracy in this time of discernment.
We warmly encourage the church family to prayer for Clinton & Tracy in this time, asking that God will make his will clear to them, and that through it all Christ's Kingdom will be built, his church encouraged, and the name of Jesus be lifted up.
Clinton & Tracy's contact details:
10 Soiandra St
Alexandra Hills Q 4159
0424 477 487; (07) 3824-5165
If you'd like further information about this process, please feel free to email Dave
No 5PM Service today (Dec 26)
Hi church,
As previously advised, this short note is your reminder that there is no 5PM service today (Dec 26).
Next Sunday, January 02, the 5PM service will run as planned.
Have a safe and happy weekend!
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