If you want the latest news from RCRC, sign up for our email newsletters:
eNews
Brief House-Sit Required
Will your home be empty for a little while?
Jack (& Jeannie) de Vries, newly appointed Ministry Training Coordinator if the CRCA, is currently in need of temporary accommodation in the Brisbane area. They have bought a home in Petrie, and need somewhere to stay just for a week or two. Can you help? If so, please call Jack & Jeannie direct 0437 339 008, or email mtc@crca.org.au
Dave Groenenboom: 0418 383 055
Summer in the Park - last chance...
RCRC Community
Summer in the Park
You are all invited to join us for a time of sharing and fun.
When: Tomorrow 23rd January 2008
Where: Wellington Point BBQ picnic area
Time: 5.30pm onwards
What to bring: BYO BBQ or picnic, chairs, family and friends
This will be a time of sharing and getting to know one another, so bring along your bbq or picnic supper and lets enjoy our summer in the park together.
(Unfortunately this is weather dependent and so if it is raining - it will be cancelled)
We look forward to seeing you there.
"Lets start making a difference together"
Summer in the Park - last chance...
RCRC Community
Summer in the Park
You are all invited to join us for a time of sharing and fun.
When: Tomorrow 23rd January 2008
Where: Wellington Point BBQ picnic area
Time: 5.30pm onwards
What to bring: BYO BBQ or picnic, chairs, family and friends
This will be a time of sharing and getting to know one another, so bring along your bbq or picnic supper and lets enjoy our summer in the park together.
(Unfortunately this is weather dependent and so if it is raining - it will be cancelled)
We look forward to seeing you there.
"Lets start making a difference together"
Wedding Bells...
...and you're invited
On Saturday January 26, 2008, Catherine Groenenboom and Dan Kroon plan to marry. They want to celebrate the beginning of their lives together with the Lord and with the RCRC church family.
The ceremony will be held at Cor & Ingeborg de Ruysscher's place, 437 West Mt Cotton Rd, Mt Cotton at 1:00 pm.
Please feel very free to join us. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.
Dave & Leonie Groenenboom, Bart & Tania Kroon
Midweek News
Sunday
9am: How do we as a church decide which ‘model' of ministry to pick? There are lots out there, some of them are very attractive. But what criteria do we use to choose them. For the early church, the model was very simple. They had seen Jesus at work, believed that Jesus continued to work through them, and so they went about ministry the same way Jesus did. Simple. But that was 2000 years ago. Things are very different now. Surely that couldn't work in our time. Or could it? Or should it? Read ahead in Acts 3
5pm: Is Christianity a religion? Is religion good or bad? Why does everyone view religion so negatively these days? You might have heard it say that religion is all about what people try to do to reach God, and Christianity is what God is doing to reach people. While this is true, we want to look at the place of religion in our Christian lives. Does it have any place, and if so, what is it?
Baptism - Sunday Night This Week
This Sunday night we have the privilege of celebrating the baptism of Kezia Berends during the 5pm service.
Come along and celebrate with us.
Place to Live
Dear RCRC!!!
Lance and I have really enjoyed our time at RCRC and getting to know so many wonderful friends! God is so faithful and we are learning to be in constant dependance upon Him as we live in this world but not of this world! So wonderful that our hope is in HEAVEN!!! We have been blessed with the landscaping work and a place to live up until Jan. 22, 2008. I have started teaching swimming lessons at Ormiston College! That has been amazing and a wonderful witnessing tool to the community! If any one knows of any who have a granny flat for rent, or any other living options please let us know. We are still awaiting my Permanent Residency Visa, and are not sure at this point where the Lord will be leading us once the visa is granted. So, until then, we need a place to live.
Please call us if you can help us out! We would really appreciate it! Thank you!
May God richly bless you as only HE can!
Eternally Serving HIM,
Lance and Ruth Bishop
phone: 0432 024 891
RCRC Community Happenings
Summer in the Park
You are all invited to join us for a time of sharing and fun.
When: Wednesday 23rd January 2008
Where: Wellington Point BBQ picnic area
Time: 5.30pm onwards
What to bring: BYO BBQ or picnic, chairs, family and friends
This will be a time of sharing and getting to know one another, so bring along your bbq or picnic supper and lets enjoy our summer in the park together.
(Unfortunately this is weather dependent and so if it is raining - it will be cancelled)
We look forward to seeing you there.
Welcoming Luncheon
Are you new to Redlands Christian Reformed Church?
Then you are invited to a Welcome to the RCRC Family Luncheon.
When: 17th February 2008
Time: 11am (straight after the morning church service)
This will be a time of getting to know one another, meeting the Pastors Dave and Clinton and the RCRC Elders - a time of fellowship and food and a brief overview of the church, its ministries and missions.
Please RSVP Sherri by 10th February 2008
0415 835 533 or e-mail communitylife@redlandscrc.org.au
Golf Mornings
When: Middle and Last Saturday of the month
Time: 7:30am
Where: Howeston Country Club (Creek Street, Birkdale)
For more information contact: Gavin Dickie - Ph: 3822 4614
All welcome to join in for a casual time of fun, great conversation and not forgetting some good golf too!
"Lets start making a difference together"
Summer in the Park - on again!!!
RCRC Community
Summer in the Park
You are all invited to join us for a time of sharing and fun.
When: Wednesday 9th / 16th / 23rd January 2008
Where: Wellington Point BBQ picnic area
Time: 5.30pm onwards
What to bring: BYO BBQ or picnic, chairs, family and friends
This will be a time of sharing and getting to know one another, so bring along your bbq or picnic supper and lets enjoy our summer in the park together.
(Unfortunately this is weather dependent and so if it is raining - it will be cancelled)
We look forward to seeing you there.
"Lets start making a difference together"
Midweek News
Sunday
9am: Lead us not into temptation, that's the start of the 6th petition of the Lord's Prayer.
Some Bible stories may indeed give the idea that God does lead people into temptation, but at the same time the Sciptures make it clear that God does not do that.
Rather, it is the evil one, Satan, the prince of darkness, who tempts us. But in that same situation God is testing us: will my child remain faithful; will my child resist the devil, and make him run away!
5pm: Looking at Ephesians 3. The main focus will be on how the gospel has set us free and how the church is God's instrument for taking the Good News of the gospel to the world.
Can you help?
With the influx of family for the upcoming wedding, we were wondering if anyone out there that has a house that needs sitting. This is for 2 couples (one with child) from the 22nd - 28th January.
If you can help, please contact Dan (kroony@mac.com; 0438332695) or Clinton (clinton@redlandscrc.org.au; 0424477487)
Movie Review
On Dec 9 the newsletter included a short piece about a movie called the Golden Compass. Some people have questioned the wisdom if including this in RCRC's newsletter. In retrospect, it may not have been wise to include it, and we're sorry if the article created confusion for any readers. The views expressed in the article do not necessarily represent the views of the RCRC leadership.
Of course, it is always good to apply common discernment to all media and entertainment forums. It's even better to use films and media to teach our own children to think wisely, and for families and children to evaluate the culture in which we live with mature Christian minds."
Summer in the Park
You are all invited to join us for a time of sharing and fun.
When: Wednesday 16th / 23rd January 2008
Where: Wellington Point BBQ picnic area
Time: 5.30pm onwards
What to bring: BYO BBQ or picnic, chairs, family and friends
This will be a time of sharing and getting to know one another, so bring along your bbq or picnic supper and lets enjoy our summer in the park together.
(Unfortunately this is weather dependent and so if it is raining - it will be cancelled)
We look forward to seeing you there.
"Lets start making a difference together"
Summer in the Park - Tomorrow
RCRC Community
Summer in the Park
You are all invited to join us for a time of sharing and fun.
When: Wednesday 9th / 16th / 23rd January 2008
Where: Wellington Point BBQ picnic area
Time: 5.30pm onwards
What to bring: BYO BBQ or picnic, chairs, family and friends
This will be a time of sharing and getting to know one another, so bring along your bbq or picnic supper and lets enjoy our summer in the park together.
(Unfortunately this is weather dependent and so if it is raining - it will be cancelled)
We look forward to seeing you there.
"Lets start making a difference together"
Midweek News
Sunday
9am: God wants us to make the most of opportunities for the Gospel - but what does that mean? And how does that fit with a belief in God as sovereign? How do we balance faith in God, and our responsibility to make things happen - or is carpe diem just a figment of pagan philosophy? Given that we're just about to embark on a major evangelistic effort, there could hardly be a more important question for 2008. You can read ahead at Col 4:2-6
5pm: Who or what should people encounter when they come in contact with the people of Jesus? Perhaps people, pastors, programs, music, love. Maybe all of these. When we read the story of the early church it becomes clear who they are about - and who people come in contact with when they meet with church. Its Jesus - because his life and his story is everything that the church is to be about.
Dave & Co on leave...
Dave is taking three weeks leave from today - and will be back in the saddle again just after Cath & Dan's wedding (Jan 26). We look forward to a restful time away and trust that the Lord will richly bless the RCRC family while we're gone. Many thanks to those who are stepping into the breach during our absence: Dan Kroon, Rod McWilliams, and Greg Tenni. I can also say how thankful I am that Clinton is still keen to open the word with us - how good is that?
Simply Christianity: starts Feb 10
You will hear more about this in the coming weeks. Simply Christianity is a five week course which opens up who Jesus is and what he came to do. All our small groups will be running with this program. It will be a key opportunity to refocus on the central realities of the Gospel. It will also be a great opportunity to ask friends who want to know more about Jesus along to your small group. Our Sunday teaching will be focussing on the Simply Christianity themes for the 5 weeks from Feb 10 through to March 16. So start praying and planning now, and watch this space for more information! Any questions can be directed to Dave or Clinton. You can find out more about Simply Christianity by going to http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/Samples/sc.html
Welcome to Jack & Jeannie de Vries
A team of people from RCRC: Dave, Eddie Bos and Greg Tenni are part of a national Committee in the CRCA who have responsibility to help congregations become more intentional about developing leaders and embracing mission. Recently this Committee, the Ministry Formation Workgroup, have been able to employ Jack de Vries, a Canadian specialist in this field, to assist the workgroup with their task.
As a result, Redlands will host the installation of Jack de Vries as the CRCA Ministry Training Coordinator on Feb 10. While few of us know Jack at present, this will be a key opportunity for us to see something of the wider denominational priorities. Jack will not be on RCRC staff, and he and Jeannie will probably settle on the Northside in the Bray Park area. Our involvement in this service is simply an affirmation of his role, and a local church expression of the CRCA's prayer and desire that his work will be a great blessing. On the day, the installation will have a similar form to when new elders are installed.
We fully encourage the RCRC family to be present at the 9am service and extend to Jack and Jeannie the warm RCRC welcome they deserve.
We'll give a few more details as the time draws near...
A New Years' Message
Some of us receive an occasional email from ‘Purpose Driven'. The one we received on Dec 31 was brilliant, and gives us plenty of food for thought as we commence 2008. We reproduce it here for your consideration:
When Saddleback Church celebrated its 25th anniversary, Rick Warren called for a radical commitment from God's people - all over the world - to tackle the giant obstacles that keep people in spiritual darkness.
In this new year, we can "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13b-14, NIV). We can, once again, affirm our commitment to the work of the Great Commission. My prayer is that we will view this declaration as a covenant with God, promising him that from now we will do whatever it takes: anytime, anywhere, anyway.
A Call to Radical Commitment
By Rick Warren
Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling, and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying.
Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me.
When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway.
Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes!
I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"
What does this mean?
Today, I affirm this commitment to God and submit to his plans and purposes for my life, no matter what it takes.
________________________________
Signature
________________________________
Date
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.
Jon Walker is writer/pastor for the Web site www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted (c) 2007 by Jon Walker.
Prayer
- How's the ‘prayer as attitude' going for you? If you're wondering about how all this works, and missed the message of Dec 30, you can get a copy at www.redlandscrc.org.au/sermons
- Remember the worlds trouble spots: Pakistan, Kenya, and so on. Give thanks for stable Government, and ask God to work through people of peace in areas of unrest
- Pray for Burma: the situation has settled, but is still unstable. Pray especially for the orphanage, the children, and the leaders of the work there
- Remember Clinton and Tracy and the children. How much they need the Lord's strength every day. Keep praying that God continues to work through Clinton's treatment - and beyond it - that Clinton may be brought to health.
- Simply Christianity starts Feb 10. Pray for open doors, use grace filled speech, make the most of every opportunity so people can hear the life transforming message of Jesus
Update from Clinton
To our church family,
Well, we have just come through Christmas, and with
the way
were told the cancer could have progressed, we are extremely thankful to
be
still writing these emails. We also thought it was high time that we let
you all
know how things are going for us.
Overall, I am feeling pretty good. I get a little
tired
towards the end of the day, but this is mostly diet related, as I
don’t
get to eat sugar (except fruit), or many carbohydrates, so therefore,
not a lot
of fuel. I have had a few aches and pains (mostly in my legs and feet)
but
it’s hard to know whether this is cancer related, diet or
completely
unrelated. But on the whole, I continue to enjoy good health, for which
we are
truly thankful.
Lots people have asked what exactly my diet is.
Well, there
is a lot of juice. I drink 2.5l a day of juice (carrots, beetroot, wheat
and
barley grass, and herbs from various gardens). Now before you ask, no it
doesn’t taste great, and no, you don’t get used to it. I
drink it
in 10 glasses throughout the day, and its always good to get to the end
of it.
Apart from juice I eat oats for breakfast, lots of veges, fish, a little
chicken and red meat (once a week), raw nuts and a fair amount of fruit.
I have
also managed to find some organic rice and pumpkin bread, and so I have
a slice
of that a day. (It’s a bit of a highlight really). Since I can
also have
natural yogurt, we also make fruit smoothies with ice – another
treat.
But that’s about it. No, I don’t eat chocolate, cakes, coke,
Hungry
Jacks or anything else that I would love to devour at this
moment.
Its all a pretty full on and busy routine. From
collecting
the ‘herbs’ for juicing, making sure we have enough
vegetables,
collecting carrots from the organic farm, to daily B17 injections and
twice
weekly Vitamin C infusions – it takes a fair bit of time.
Currently I
spend 10am-2pm in the office at church, 4 days a week, and preach every
second
week.
We have our moments, but on the whole we are
holding up OK. The
kids have found it a bit unsettling, people in and out of the house all
of the
time, extra stress on Mum and Dad, so we do our best to spend some
quality time
just with them.
We are extremely thankful to God for all the help
we have
received over the past 3 months. Our parents have been available when we
need
them, the church has been amazing in terms of love, and practical
support
(juicing for us, baby sitting, meals, growing ‘grass’ for
the
pastor). People from all over the country (and even overseas) have been
supporting us in prayer and with encouragements.
God has blessed us already with more months of
health than
were predicted, and we continue to trust and hope that our lives are in
his
hands and that is the best place for them to be. We have no idea what
the
future holds. We live with the tension that I could fall ill tomorrow,
or that
it maybe next week, or that God may heal me completely. It’s a
tough
place to be, but every day of health is one that we receive
gratefully.
Our plan, at this stage, is to hold off on scans
until late
March. At that time we will see what God has done with the treatment so
far,
and make some decisions about what we will be doing beyond that. If God
continues to give good health, we will make a trip to Perth in early
March to
visit friends, and then Tracy and the children will continue on to spend
some
time with family in Geelong, giving Clinton a rest at home by himself
for a few
days.
We want to take this opportunity to thank you all
for your
continued love, support, and encouragement. Words can barely express our
gratitude to you, we are thankful for God’s love expressed through
the
church.
Our love to you all
Clinton, Tracy, Tane, Ky and Kezia.
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56