Prayer Chain Update

In your prayers...

Please remember Anne White, and children Nicole, Rebecca and William. Anne's husband, Bill, passed away this morning in the Mater Public Hospital. Bill had suffered a stroke some weeks ago, and his condition had deteriorated over the last few days.

Bill's funeral will be held at the Mt Thompson Crematorium (West Chapel) on Thursday at 11:00am

Please support the family in prayer, and ask that God in his grace will give all they need in this time of bereavement. Our hope as followers of Jesus, in not in what is seen, but in what is unseen: the promises of eternal life in Jesus Christ, guaranteed by his death on the Cross and his rising again from the tomb.

...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. Phil 4:4-7

And for tomorrow...

20twenty is back!

In case you missed it, 2006 was the inaugural 20twenty inter-church cricket competition. It makes it's return for version two in less than 3 weeks! Make sure you don't miss it this year...

Why cricket? Why not! It's the perfect way to make some friends within the church or to introduce your friends to people at church. RCRC's sport ministry is all about leading people to Christ and what better way of doing it than cricket! Please think about joining, but don't delay because almost everyone from last year wants to go around again (important note - ALL of the people from the team who don't know Christ have returned for 2007).

Details?
When - Saturday 1pm-4pm
Where - All games in Cleveland
How Long - 10 Weeks
Ages - EVERY age above 15 (RCRC is an all ages team)
Cost - $5.50 per game (that's a $1.50 saving from 2006)
Gear? - Great if you have some, if not, don't stress
Who are RCRC thrashing this year? Same local churches as last year, but this year there are two new additions: Gateway Baptist & Victoria Point Baptist

We'd love for you to be involved, and there's plenty of ways that you can this year!
Player - Be quick
Umpire - Part of all the action without the energy (don't worry we're not playing for sheep stations - except when we're playing the Uniting boys)
Canteen - The off field action is ramping up this year. Want to sell the drinks and sausages?
Support - Come and cheer us on. Bring the kids. And follow the results - we'll put them on the screen each Sunday like last year...
Prayer - COME ONE, COME ALL. We're talking about lost souls here!
$ - if you would like to sponsor some shirts. Thanks to Digiart for their 2006 sponsorship!!

All questions please email or see Josh Hemelaar
josh@royalfoods.com.au

Burma Mission Report

From the Team in Burma

[Email received from Frank Thursday night]

The rapport between all team members is fantastic.

Each person has been so focused on their tasks, and the kids are loving our being here. We have morning and tea times set on the agenda, but we yet to have one, as the kids just keep wanting to work through.

Steve Flood has got some awesome drum beats coming out from his corner of the yard. And if you can't hear Steve, then you can't miss the noise coming from Cor's group. They are busy cutting and planing, drilling and screwing timber into some wonderful tables and benches. Cor's team were originally supposed to make up 10 table and bench sets, but that job has more than doubled.

The church donations have been used to pay for the timber, tools and extras.

The timber is bought by the tonne, and the first lot of 1.8 tonne cost over $800 The craft groups are just having an absolute ball. These kids just love being creative, and are grabbing these once a year opportunities with both hands. Nat and Rowena who have the largest group have got the kids spell bound.

Alette, who is teaching recorder, is getting some of the squeaks to start sounding like a rhythmic melody. We look forward to seeing their performance at the end of the week.

Beverley has a group of seamstresses working away on making their own skirts.

Her sign language is getting pretty good, because the translator in her group doesn't know too much English.

And as for Dr Maria, she is setting records. So far she has been able to analyse 100 children. She is very impressed with the general health of the children. It shows that the leaders are doing their best to look after the well being of the children. She has found a few bugs that need immediate attention, but we'll be more specific about at a later stage.

Janette, Minandi and Nancy are teaching cross stick, card making and jewellery. The results of their fantastic work will be seen when we come back. I'm sure there will be plenty for you to buy. Again, the children just don't want to stop when its time for a break.

Ryan is having a ball in the room set up like an office. He has 8 PCs running and seeing the concentration on the children's face is just beautiful. They are just so thankful to have the chance to play with modern technology.

Olive, our 75 year old faithful from Victoria (it's her 13th trip), is just doing her magic with the small children, reading stories, singing songs, and craft work.

And finally, Shelley is doing a wonderful job teaching those who are interested how to cut and manage hair. She has fitted into the group so well. Please continue to pray for her.

We thank you all for your prayers, and support.

Frank and the Team.

eNews Update

Sunday AM

Jesus called Thomas to 'stop doubting and believe...' - but what is faith, really? Is it grounded in my emotions? My intellect? My will? If faith is about 'feeling' does the 'right side of the brain' (the analytical 'let's see if this stacks up' part of the brain) ever have to be used? How can we call people to faith, praying that they will have faith, and be fuzzy on this? The po-mo's might even ask 'what does it matter?' ...well, does it? Read ahead at 2 Cor 5:1-5 and Heb 11.

Sunday PM

No one doubts the trouble humanity is in, and no one needs to be convinced about the general spiritual state of human beings. But how does God respond to people like that? People like us? Read ahead at Eph 2:1-10

Yep: It's official...

Dave & Leonie are thrilled to announce the engagement of Catherine to Dan Kroon. Dan proposed to his beloved on the Great Ocean Road (Victoria) on Tuesday morning. Catherine has gladly accepted. Cath & Dan are not setting dates just yet, but just celebrating and rejoicing in this new direction together. We wish them every blessing!

Clinton is on leave...

Clinton, Tracy and family are enjoying some time off this week with Clinton's family. Next week it's Dave's turn. He will be on leave from the 16th to the 22nd.

Thanks again:

To all the Redlands CRC people who volunteered their time at the Redlands Easter Family Festival: thanks so much! The day was a great success, and it was a thrill to see the high level of RCRC involvement. Special thanks to Doug Kiltscher, who coordinated RCRC's volunteers, as well as giving many nights to the REFF Executive. Well done! You have been a real blessing!

The Bridge...

Lots of people walked over the bridge last Sunday morning. If you'd like to share what crossing the bridge meant to you, I'd love to hear your story - everything received in confidence, of course. Send your note to dave@redlandscrc.org.au

Prayer:

• Remember those who are working in schools: this week they are having some time off - well deserved no doubt. We're thankful to God for the ongoing contribution made by teachers, Admin and adjunct staff. Rest well, friends, you are a blessing to us!

Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au

Children's Ministry Coordinator

Easter

Easter Sunday

9am: We've had some high powered messages calling for big commitment in recent weeks - what about the strugglers? The battlers? The people who do not see the tunnel, let alone light at the end of it? What about people plagued by doubt? Or people so riven with pain and struggle they wonder what they have to do to get God's attention? Then let's think of Thomas (all everyone else who has ever doubted/struggled. Let's look at the way the risen Jesus gently addresses his doubt, and draws him into true life. The resurrection appearance to Thomas is a powerful reminder that Jesus is the God of 'those who missed out'. God is remarkably patient. He wants to lead us to faith, to hope and to transformation. He can, and usually does, take a lifetime to do his work, but he wants us to begin with one step. One step of faith in Christ will begin the journey of hope. Today he calls you to reach out and take a step of faith - cross the bridge, and in His grace, strength and to His glory, have a new beginning in Jesus.

6:30pm: Redlands Easter Festival Combined Churches Service - At the Cleveland Showgrounds. Please join us in celebrating our risen LORD together.

Monday

Redlands Easter Festival - Join in for a FREE day of food, rides, entertainment and celebration at the Cleveland showgrounds.

Missed Last Night's Meeting?

So you missed last night’s meeting and you really wanted to be there…

You can still be kept in the loop with what went on, and what was talked about.

For an email with the resources from last night, drop a line to churchplanting@redlands crc.org.au

Able Bodied Men Required...

Can you help set up the Easter Festival?

We do not have enough Christians (men of faith) to

1} move gym equipment on Thursday afternoon or

2} putting up and pulling down on Monday.

As much as we want to help our brother in Christ, Tony, we do this for God.

Whilst we all have faith, we must also be practical and must all put our hands to the plough. We are not asking you to commit to a full day but for a few blocks of time on the day.

If you can help even for a short time please contact Tony Willis on 0401 268 990 or freehire@bigpond.net.au ASAP.

Yours In Faith

Easter Festival President

Deborah Wagner

Solomon Islands Update

Just in from Honiara...

Solomon Islands has again hit the world headlines, for less than pleasant reasons. A series of earthquakes struck the country on Monday morning, with the centre of the quakes being in Western Province. We (Kevin & Machi) were in Western Province at the time, though still some distance from where the damage was the worst. Even so, we experienced the quakes that started at about 7:20 in the morning and continued for over two hours with a fair degree of severity. It was reported that during the day, a total of about 19 quakes were recorded ranging from about 5 on the Richter Scale up to 8.1.

Reports about damage and fatalities have been flying around, but because of the remoteness, accurate reports are not available for all areas yet. Gizo, the capital of Western Province, has been the hardest hit, with significant damage being done to many of the commercial buildings along the waterfront. Many villages were also affected by the tsunami that resulted from the earthquakes, and many houses have been washed away into the sea around Gizo, Simbo Island, and Choiseul Province. Villages in further away Mono and Shortlands also were affected. The Tsunami did reach Honiara, but it was down to about 10 centimetres when it finally arrived, and caused no damage here.

Even so, the town was almost deserted during the morning, and all shipping had gone into deeper water.

Reports indicate that about 20 people have lost their lives. Among them was a dear friend of ours, Rev Rollinson Zapo, the United Church Bishop, who was based in Gizo. He died when a beam in the house fell on him during the earthquake. Please remember his wife Janet and their family in your prayers.

Relief efforts are starting to get underway, with shelter and food being transported to Western Province. Not only were houses destroyed, but many gardens also, so food and fresh water are essential priorities.

On Tuesday afternoon, there is a meeting of NGO's to see how their efforts can be coordinated, and Machi is attending on behalf of our mission. Thank you again for the many prayers that are ascending to the throne for our still troubled nation, as well as for us personally.

Kevin & Machi Rietveld

CRCA Missionarys

SWIM Base, Honiara

swim@solomon.com.sb

Prayer Chain Update

Easter Prayer Vigil - Easter Festival       

Merna Gray is looking for a couple of volunteers for the Easter Prayer vigil in the lead up the Monday's Easter Festival at the showground.

You can join other people from the churches in Redlands by coming to the prayer vigil from 1am-2am or 4am-5am this Saturday morning. This is one for the really early risers or the night owls - please contact Merna direct at gm_ministries@bigpond.com or (07) 3286-1771

Your world

• We've been reminded to pray for Zimbabwe: for some at RCRC this is their homeland, yet it seems so ruptured with political strife and racial unrest. Please pray for peace, for justice, and safety for all in that beautiful country
• People have also been asking about the Solomons. I spoke with Machi Rietveld earlier today. She said while the earthquakes have been a little scary, there is no damage to the base. The Tsunami had no real impact in Honiara, with its centre being one of the islands to the west. There are reports that one bishop of the United Church died while seeking to help people in that area. The SWIM base team are thankful for your continued prayer and support. You can email them direct at swim@solomon.com.sb

Prayer Chain Update

Mark Nugent

We have just received word that Mark's surgery was successful - God is good! Margaret and Cameron report that he was already asking for food in the recovery ward! Good signs! Mark will probably be in hospital (Wesley) until the end of the week.

Thanks for your prayers: please continue to pray for his recovery!

More Updates

Prayer

Please pray for Lucy Watson.  She has had a anapylaxic fit this morning and is currently at the Redlands Hospital for treatment.

Pray for Helen and Damien, the treating doctors and for Lucy, that God may bring healing and recovery.

GT Team drivers

Are you licensed to drive?
Do you have spare seats in your car?
Are you willing to be part of the GT (Gods Taxi) team assisting people to attend church who otherwise couldn't normally regularly attend?

If you answered 'yes' to these questions then we'd love to hear from you. We are looking for people, who on there way to church, could pick up people in their spare seats. If you'd like to be part of this team or need more info please email greg.keegan@gmail.com

Come to Breakfast tomorrow! (8am)

Hi church!

This is a reminder that we're all coming to breakfast at Redlands CRC tomorrow morning.

The breakfast will start at 8am, but you can come a little earlier if you like, as we won't all be able to stand around the "Special K' dispenser at the same time!

We're planning to begin the speaking program at 8:15, and we'll work through the following items:

• General Introduction
• Sunday Service attendance issues
• Children's Worker
• Church Planting
• Church Council
• Building Developments

The aim of this meeting is to involve the Redlands CRC family in various developments. Some of these are ongoing, and this will be the first of a number of meetings for this year. This sort of discussion and consultation is especially important with regard to building and other developments.

Further, we will be seeking to make a decision by secret ballot with regard to the appointment of a children's worker.

Currently, there is no budget allocation in this current financial year for this position, consequently, we will be asking the congregation to embrace the mission and ministry of Kids@church by warmly and generously supporting this move in their giving as well as their vote.

The plan is that we are done by 10am, or earlier.

Feedback: or in indicate your financial support for the Children Ministry Worker, you can reply to dave@redlandscrc.org.au All financial commitments will be treated with confidentiality, and passed immediately to the treasurer. Alternatively, you can email the treasurer Eddie Bos direct at treasurer@redlandscrc.org.au

Day 41...

Midweek News

Saturday - Come to Breakfast @ RCRC:
March 31st, 8.00 am

The entire congregation is invited to attend a (continental) breakfast . The topics for discussion will be:
�� Part Time Children's Worker
�� Taking pressure off the 9am Church Service
�� Restructure of Leadership
Other Issues:
�� Church Planting update
�� Building developments

So please come! We would like maximum involvement in these discussions: God leads us together into an understanding of
His will. You can send us any thoughts before then if you like: dave@redlandscrc.org.au

This Sunday - 9am & 5pm

We have been challenged with a lot over the last 40 Days.

We have been challenged to greater love, obedience, service, mission, worship, fellowship. And just because the 40 Days of Community is over, doesn't mean that these things now stop. In fact, now they really begin. So what sustains us for that long journey, what keeps us going? God has given us something very special in Revelation 21 and 22 for just that, he has given us a glimpse of eternity. In this glimpse he is saying, it is worth it, it is so worth it. Keep pressing on.

RCRC YAK (Chilli)

What: Car Hunt
When: 31st March 7pm
Where: Redlands Christian Reformed Church

Caring for our Church Building

Just a reminder from the Committee of Management regarding a few things around the building to make it all run smoothly.

The blue auditorium chairs must not be removed from the auditorium - eg. Outside or upstairs.
If the blue auditorium chairs have been stacked for any reason, there is a seating plan at the sound desk to reposition them (so we get correct spacing between rows - for the comfort of everyone.)
Each group using the building throughout the week could they make sure everything is back in order and that the carpet is clean - if needing to use the vacuum cleaner it is in the cupboard in the Hall.

Thank you for your cooperation - C.O.M

eNews Update

"FOODBANK re-opens at RCRC"

...well, it never really closed, but it does need a re-start. We are re-opening the Foodbank: there is a new box in the foyer to receive your donations. All non perishable items can be left for collection. Greater quantities of smaller individually wrapped items are preferred above larger packages. All 'deposits' will be distributed through Redlands Community Centre to needy people in our community. For all enquiries please speak to Bev Bird (07) 3286 5087, bird41@bigpond.com

Church Planting

Prayer Chain Update

Anne White's husband, Bill, is currently in the Mater Public hospital having suffered a stroke earlier this week. He also seems to be battling some kind of infection. Anne has been told by the medical people that Bill may require further care and may not be able to return home.

Please keep Anne, Bill and the family in prayer. We know the uncertainty of life, but we also know the certainty of God's promises to be close to us and never let us go.

And tomorrow...

Midweek News

This Sunday

We read Malachi and we ask ourselves: "How did things get that bad?"

The answer is more simple than we think.

It's also a good reason for us to reflect on our own approach to worship. On the other hand, some other examples of worship, e.g. Acts 2:42-47, and Hebrews 10:24-25 allude to worship which is transformational for people and honouring to God.

Here's the question: Can we do anything to ensure that the worship we do together is more God honouring than God distressing?

Car Wash for CARE this Saturday

Come for a couple of hours between 8am to midday.  Money going to C.A.R.E (Community Assist Redlands Enterprises) a not for profit organisation that assists with aged care and families of persons with disabilities.  (You may recall an article on the front page of the Redland Times on March 2 where their office was broken into and computer stolen.) 

Contact Damien Watson on Ph 3829 3468 or e-mail damienwatson@optusnet.com.au for further details.

Prayer Chain Update

Prayer Chain Update

Hi all,

Ben West: Just letting you all know that Ben West has been discharged from Greenslopes Hospital on Wednesday morning. His recovery from the surgery has proceeded well, and we're still awaiting the detail on the pathology results. Please keep Ben, Sharon and family in prayer.

Rani Gillan: Rani is making good progress in Greenslopes. While it appears that her bowel blockage is clearing, she still has a way to go.

Please continue to pray for these and others you know who are suffering with health issues

DG