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Note to parents re: Congregational Meeting Wed night
CrE8che facilities for tomorrow night!
Please make the most of the opportunity to be there! We'd love to see you!
Please prayerfully seek God92s wisdom and guidance for this meeting and the various questions before us.
If you have any questions, please let me know: dave@redlandscrc.org.au, 0418 383 055
In Jesus92 name
Dave Groenenboom
Red Frogs: Adopt-a-Chaplain
ADOPT-A-CHAPLAIN
This Friday, thirteen young people from our church
community will begin a week long ministry as Hotel Chaplains during
Schoolies
on the Gold Coast. They will be making themselves available to serve,
minister
to, and witness to year 12 students as they celebrate the end of school.
It is challenging,
tiring, but yet fruitful ministry. And they need your
support.
In order to do this, why not ADOPT-A-CHAPLAIN. By
emailing clinton@redlandscrc.org.au
you
will be given the name and contact details of one of these chaplains so
that
you can support them through prayer, text messages and phone calls
during this
week. This is a ministry of the whole community that they are
undertaking on
our behalf, so lets get behind them and support them in whatever way we
can.
ADOPT-A-TEAM
Maybe your small group could adopt a whole team
(they are
split into three teams) and get together to support them in the same
way.
Again, by emailing clinton@redlandscrc.org.au
you will be given the details of a whole
team.
RED
FROGS
Its not too late to get some more Red Frogs for the
team to
hand out to the schoolies. The church will have someone here for most of
the
week, and the Red Frogs will be collected and taken on Friday. So why
not add a
bag or two to your shopping and drop it in. If you can’t get them
in by
Friday bring them on Sunday as I will be visiting the teams on Monday
and
Tuesday next week, and will be able to take them
down.
STOP PRESS Property Update
90 Sturgeon St
Dear friends,
As I intimated yesterday, this has been the most extraordinary two weeks. In such a short amount of time three neighbouring properties have become available to us. They are properties which we view as strategic for our expansion in the years to come.
Last Tuesday our agent was contacted by the owners of 90 Sturgeon St, who indicated that they would be prepared to sell. After negotiations concluded Saturday, and contract was finalised for this property also. The purchase price is considerably lower that what we expected to pay. This property is 8246m2 and is the large battleaxe block that lies behind No.s 84 & 88. Future uses may include
• Ample space for new auditorium and facilities
• Ample space for increased car parking
Church Council, once again unanimous on the issue, will recommend on Wednesday night that this property be purchased along with the initial two properties, 84 & 88 Sturgeon St.
We recognise that this represents a large step for the congregation, but we also see these developments as an answer to prayer, and an important means to consolidate our presence in this community. We know Ormiston is where the heart of the congregation is. We also understand that these purchases will have implications for the Boundary Rd property.
With all this in mind, Church Council calls an extraordinary congregational meeting for Wednesday Nov 15, 7:30pm in the auditorium. We will be asked to discuss and decide upon the following (amended) motions:
That Redlands Christian Reformed Church
a. purchase the property at 84 Sturgeon St ($700,000)
b. purchase the property at 88 Sturgeon St ($375,000)
c. purchase the property at 90 Sturgeon St ($1,300,000)
d. Accept one of the following recommendations
i. The property on Boundary Rd be retained
ii. The property on Boundary Rd be sold
(voting, by members will be conducted by secret ballot)
I cannot overestimate the importance of prayer in resolving these questions. God has moved in an extraordinary way, and we are now being called to take an extraordinary step in faith.
Every one of us will be called to make an extraordinary pledge toward this work – one that is good for a few years. There may even be some who can give extraordinary amounts as either gifts or interest free/low interest private loans to Redlands CRC. There are many possibilities.
Once thing is for sure, the greatest need is that we step forward together in humble unity as we accept the challenge the Lord is laying before us.
Please come Wednesday. Let our desire be to honour and glorify the Lord who presents this opportunities. Let us commit to being good stewards of them. Let us enter this grand endeavour together.
Dave Groenenboom
PS. You can view a copy of the property maps (No.90 is not circled, however) by directing your web browser to: http://redlandscrc.org.au/images/churchproperties.png
Any feedback or questions can be directed to Dave: dave@redlandscrc.org.au; 0418 383 055; 3826 4700 (church); 3822 6111 (h)
More celebration!
The Watsons are celebrating, too!
Damien & Helen Watson have been wanting to sell their home for many months now. They have had a few difficulties in doing so, and in their own words, their faith has been tested.
The good news is that they emailed earlier today to say that a buyer had been found! They are especially thankful for this, and also for the support that the church family has given them. Please give thanks to God for their good news, and his hand in it all.
Their email: damienwatson@optusnet.com.au
PS. Martin Wullschleger's email is wulli@bigpond.com (sorry that this was wrong in the previous email)
Congratulations are in order!
Martin is Celebrating!
Many
of us have
been following the progress of Dr. Martin Wullschleger. Martin is a
trauma
surgeon who has moved to
Today Martin has received news that he has passed his English Exam, which now opens the way to registration by the Medical Board of Queensland.
This
is great
news, not only for Martin, but also for
So we’re celebrating with Martin and his family today, giving thanks to the Lord of grace who has opened this door!
Martin’s email is wuli@bigpond.com
Midweek News
Sunday
9AM & 5PM:· What are we to make of the whole schoolies phenomenon?
· What does the church have to say on the matter?
· How should parents be responding?
· What guidance will you give to your children, grandchildren and teens you know and love?
· In fact, what might Jesus have to say about any celebration we might undertake? How would he RSVP to any party you have?
Some have wondered whether this Discovery Service is just for those who are completing Year 12.
The answer is ‘no’.
The whole schoolies thing affects people of all ages and all walks of life. It’s really about how we celebrate, how parents set an example for celebration, how we make life choices, and how we live with the consequences.
This is an all church, all age, any-walk-of-life, cross-community service. We’d love to see a full attendance from the entire church family! Mark the date, and make a commitment to be there.
Questions: justask@redlandscrc.org.au, Dave 0418 383 055; Clinton 0424
Notice to all people who have a key to the church facilities
Consider it a privilege!!
With this privilege come a few obligations as well.
• Lately the building has been left unlocked, e.g. open windows and/or
sliding doors, security sticks not in place, or lights have been left on, the gate left open overnight, etc.
We call on all groups and individuals using the facilities to take extreme care of locking doors/windows/gates properly. The one in charge of the group or the last one to leave needs to make sure this is done. If you do not know what exactly has to be done, the Committee of Management has a list!
• Our Sound System Operators have been given responsibility of this
very expensive equipment. Too often they find the system has been used and as a consequence is totally out of order. This system is ONLY to be operated by those who have been appointed for that. If you need to use the system, PLEASE ask permission and any of the “sound people” will only be too glad to assist you.
• Please refrain from placing adhesive tape on the carpets, as this will leave lasting
marks.
When we all together will take care of our precious possession, it will be a tremendous help for your Committee of Management.
THANK YOU!!
Opp Shop Formal needs helpers!
Calling all involved in hospitality!!
To finish the year with a bang the Senior Youth Group are having an Opp Shop Formal. We are looking for 6-10 servant-hearted volunteers to support this event by helping prepare/heat meals in the kitchen and serve them to the tables. Food is taken care of, all we need is people to make sure it gets into the stomachs of those starved Senior Youth!
The formal is on Friday, 8th December at RCRC. The hours of service will most likely be between 6.30 and 9. Even if you can't come for all of the time, whateve time you can spare would be appreciated!
To register your interest, or if you have any queries please contact Bonnie on 0401 526 442 or at funky_foreva@hotmail.com
K@C teacher needed urgently
Our youngest class "Rainbow Kids" ages 4 - 6 has approx 20 children who love coming along to K@C each week and learning about God. They are a delightful bunch of children, full of energy and so eager to learn and please you. We have an immediate need for a teacher for this class commencing next Sunday and going through till the end of term (only 5 Sundays). All materials are supplied. What a wonderful opportunity to teach the next generation about our Heavenly Father! Please contact me if you are able to help. If we are unable to meet this need the children in this class will remain in church - so I'm praying that doesn't happen. Please pray about this.
Thank you church!
Jo Lindeman P: (07) 3824 0285 | M: 0423 438 079 | E: djol@optusnet.com.au
Hop into Red Frogs!
…the easy way
Each year down on the Gold Coast hundreds of thousands of Red Frogs are given away to "schoolies" by Hotel Chaplains - it's a way of breaking the ice and starting conversations. This acclaimed Scripture Union program needs you to buy lots of frogs so they can use them. Redlands CRC is providing about 15 chaplains this year - fantastic effort!
This is where you fit in! Frank Hemelaar from Royal Foods can order and receive bags of “Allen's” Red Frogs for you - how easy is that?
1.3kg bag $10.00
6 1.3kg bags $55.00
You need to let Frank know by Wednesday frank@royalfoods.com.au ph. 0416 000 500
Sturgeon St Properties
Hi all,
One thing we couldn’t get organised in time for the news release yesterday was a map of blocks currently under consideration. We have now been able to place a map on our website that may be helpful for you. You can get to the map by clicking on the following link: http://redlandscrc.org.au/images/churchproperties.png The properties circled in red are the ones now under consideration.
Please continue to pray for the Lord’s wisdom as we seek to honour him through good stewardship of the opportunities he has provided.
Any feedback or questions can be directed to Dave: dave@redlandscrc.org.au; 0418 383 055; 3826 4700 (church); 3822 6111 (h)
Property eNews - Another Development!
We
have already heard the news from earlier this week that
88 Sturgeon St (new information)
On
top of this news, we want to advise the congregation that
Church Council is of the unanimous opinion that it would be very wise for the congregation to purchase this property also, and for the following reasons:
· It will substantially lock other investors out of purchasing adjoining properties for the purposes of unit development.
· It will give greater flexibility for our use of No.88 (assuming the congregation agrees to purchase that property)
· It will allow greater flexibility for any proposed future structure
· The price for this property will be $375,000.
· The house can be rented for $320 per week ($15,000 per year)
· It is yet another step toward a larger area for Redlands CRC in the future
Purchase of this property can only be undertaken with the full approval of Redlands CRC membership.
As you are aware, Church Council believes very strongly that this is an opportunity that we must not refuse. The owners of 84 Sturgeon have already been approached by developers keen to buy the property, fortunately the owners have given RCRC first option to purchase. We want to publicly acknowledge and affirm the Knight brothers, acting for their aged mother, as they have honoured their previous agreement to give us first option to purchase.
Church Council feels that if we don’t act now the
property will be
snapped up by developers keen to build multiple dwellings on the
property. After
initial negotiations with the owners, we have unanimously decided to
offer a
contract on the property with a sale price of $700,000 (in the vicinity
of the
price offered by developers). The proposed property is 2967 m2 while our
current
property is 4746 m2
The contract we have offered includes the following conditions
· A 14 day period to attain congregational approval on the sale (church council cannot act independently of the church membership in this regard)
· A 21 day period to arrange finances
· A 60 day settlement period
We are of the opinion that this property can be utilised to
· Relieve pressure on the Kids@Church ministry.
· Allow us possibility of expanding our premises at a future date
· Be one more step toward a larger area for Redlands CRC in the future
With all this in mind, Church Council calls an
extraordinary congregational meeting for Wednesday Nov 15, 7:30pm in the
auditorium. We will be asked to discuss and decide upon the following
(amended)
motions:
That
-
purchase the property at
-
purchase the property at
-
Accept one of the following recommendations:
-
The property on
-
The property on
(voting, by members
will be
conducted by secret ballot)
A printed information paper will be
available from
Sunday Nov 05, 2006
Friends, we need full attendance at this meeting and the interests of the Lord and His Kingdom will be served by full and open discussion of these issues.
We recognise that this is a very large step, but we do perceive that the heart of the congregation is here in Ormiston. We encourage the church family to step forward together, resolutely embrace the future, and celebrate the goodness of the Lord who has brought about such wonderful opportunities!
Please cancel all small groups, and anything else you have on the night, and make a plan to be at the meeting
We warmly encourage the congregation to
bring these
matters before the Lord in prayer.
- Please ask for
discernment
and wisdom: that God will lead us in his way, that he will guide His
people
into an understanding of His calling, and give us to courage to follow
obediently
- Please ask that
we do this in
a spirit of unity, humility and grace
- Please ask for
renewed vision
of God's work for us in this community
- Give thanks for
the way he is
bringing thecae things about
Please send any feedback or questions to Dave Groenenboom, dave@redlandscrc.org.au, 0418 383 055, 3286 4700
Kids@Church
K@C teacher needed urgently
Our youngest class "Rainbow Kids" ages 4 - 6 has approx 20 children who love coming along to K@C each week and learning about God. They are a delightful bunch of children, full of energy and so eager to learn and please you. We have an immediate need for a teacher for this class commencing next Sunday and going through till the end of term (only 5 Sundays). All materials are supplied. What a wonderful opportunity to teach the next generation about our Heavenly Father! Please contact me if you are able to help. If we are unable to meet this need the children in this class will remain in church - so I'm praying that doesn't happen. Please pray about this.
Thank you church!
Jo Lindeman P: (07) 3824 0285 | M: 0423 438 079 | E: djol@optusnet.com.au
Midweek News
Sunday
9AM: The Lord Jesus teaches us to make the glory and holiness of God an important part of our prayers.
Hallowed be Your Name. May Your Name be honoured as holy.
So we are to pray to our heavenly Father to help us direct all our living - what we think, say, and do - so
that His Name will always be honoured and praised.
To pray like that is very much needed in our world, where God and His Name are either ignored or blasphemed.
5PM: Is Jesus merely your drug of choice? Is he simply the ‘thing’ you turn to when you are down, broken, and have nowhere else to go? And if he is, is he really any different then to a pill, the bottle or whatever else people choose to get them through? And if he is, what do you do when you don’t have problems, you aren’t down? When people ate the food that Jesus produced they thought “GREAT!!! We’ll have some more of that, thanks” But Jesus says “Hang on, I’m more than a vending machine – I am the Snickers Bar of Life”
Big News: Next Door available for purchase!
It’s amazing how God causes opportunities to develop while others appear to slip away. We’d been saying to one another in Church Council that it looked like the contract on the Plumbers Block (Delancey St, behind RCRC) was not going to amount to anything. This was a tough realisation because we really do need to expand to cater for future needs.
Then, Tuesday morning, Church Council received a letter from the owners of 84 Sturgeon St (next door: motorbikes, piles of dirt, old white cottage) asking whether Redlands CRC was interested in making an offer for their property. This was a wonderful development, because to this point the neighbours had not at all been interested in discussing any sale.
Church Council has discussed this, and believe very strongly that this is an opportunity that we must not refuse. The owners of 84 Sturgeon have already been approached by developers keen to buy the property, fortunately the owners have given RCRC first option to purchase.
We want to publicly acknowledge and affirm the Knight brothers, acting for their aged mother, as they have honoured their previous agreement to give us first option to purchase. Church Council feels that if we don’t act now the property will be snapped up by developers keen to build multiple dwellings on the property.
After initial negotiations with the owners, we have unanimously decided to offer a contract on the property with a sale price of $700,000 (in the vicinity of the price offered by developers). The proposed property is 2967 m2 while our current property is 4746 m2
The contract we have offered includes the following conditions
• A 14 day period to attain congregational approval on the sale (church council cannot act independently of the church membership in this regard)
• A 21 day period to arrange finances
• A 60 day settlement period
We are of the opinion that this property can be utilised to
• Relieve pressure on the Kids@Church ministry.
• Allow us possibility of expanding our premises at a future date
• Be one more step toward a larger area for Redlands CRC in the future
With all this in mind, Church Council calls an extraordinary congregational meeting for Wednesday Nov 15, 7:30pm in the auditorium. We will be asked to discuss and decide upon the following motion:
That Redlands Christian Reformed Church purchase the property at 84 Sturgeon St, Ormiston
Friends, we need full attendance at this meeting.
His meeting is open to all attenders at Redlands CRC. Voting, however, is limited to those who hold membership in the church.
Please cancel all small groups, and anything else you have on the night, and make a plan to be at the meeting
Please continue to pray for the Lord’s guidance in this, and seek his confirmation that this is a step we need to take.
Please send any feedback to Dave Groenenboom, dave@redlandscrc.org.au, 0418 383 055, 3286 4700
Would Jesus go to Schoolies?
Redlands CRC, 9am & 5pm
• What are we to make of the whole schoolies phenomenon?
• What does the church have to say on the matter?
• How should parents be responding?
• What guidance will you give to your children, grandchildren and teens you know and love?
• In fact, what might Jesus have to say about any celebration we might undertake? How would he RSVP to any party you have?
Some have wondered whether this Discovery Service is just for those who are completing Year 12.
The answer is ‘no’.
The whole schoolies thing affects people of all ages and all walks of life. It’s really about how we celebrate, how parents set an example for celebration, how we make life choices, and how we live with the consequences.
This is an all church, all age, any-walk-of-life, cross-community service. We’d love to see a full attendance from the entire church family! Mark the date, and make a commitment to be there.
Further: take a wad of flyers and promote it in your neighbourhood. There are enough copies for everyone to cover their whole street.
Questions: justask@redlandscrc.org.au, Dave 0418 383 055; Clinton 0424 477 487
Making Redlands a great church community!
Over recent months we’ve had reasons to discuss the way we receive people into the Redlands CRC community. These discussions include what we do to welcome people informally on Sunday and at other times. Small Groups have also been discussing these things as a response to a questionnaire circulated by our Ministry Intern, Michelle Hudson.
Church Council is happy to let you know that Sherri Greef will be heading up a new area of ministry. Sherri will be our coordinator for fellowship and community development. Sherri has already set about meeting with people to share and gather ideas that will enable us to grow in this work.
So… if you get a phone call from Sherri asking to meet and chat with you, recognise that she has a passion and mandate to help us develop the family feel here at Redlands. The idea is that through all this we become more like the sort of Christian community the Lord would want us to be.
We’ll be introducing Sherri to you in he near future so you’ll be able to put a face to the name.
If you have questions please email Sherri at communitylife@redlandscrc.org.au or dave@redlandscrc.org.au . You can also phone Sherri on 0415 835 533
Prayer
• Damien Bos arrived safely home last Tuesday. After 15 months in the northern hemisphere, it’s great for him to be back. Give thanks to the Lord who makes all this possible
• The developments with the block next door are an outstanding testimony to the work of God. Give thanks to the King for his sovereign work. Ask him to guide the church family as they consider this important development.
• Prayerfully consider who you will bring along to the Discovery Service on Nov 12. These are prime opportunities to introduce people to the good news of Jesus. Please seek the blessing of God on this work.
• John & Diny Kapinga are moving to the Prins Willem Village. These moves are always significant and difficult to undertake. The sale of their unit was nothing short of remarkable – and we give thanks to God for his intervention. Please uphold them in this difficult time, asking the Lord for special strength and a smooth transition.
• Danielle de Kok and Will are happy to announce the arrival of Cody-Lea Maria last Tuesday! We rejoice in the gift of new life and we pray that God in his grace will uphold Danielle, Will and little Cody-Lea.
• Peter Forno’s mother died earlier this week while Peter, Rowena and the boys were holidaying in Fiji at the time. Ask that the grace and comfort of the living God will surround the Forno family in their grief.
• In the region: there seems to be trouble among our pacific neighbours: East Timor, Solomons, Fiji. Please pray for cool heads (both in Canberra and the capitals of these nations) that peace might rule and violence be defeated
Discovery Service: Nov 12 9am & 5pm
Would Jesus go to Schoolies?
Some have wondered whether this Discovery Service is just for those who are completing Year 12.
The answer is ‘no’.
The whole schoolies thing affects people of all ages and all walks of life. It’s really about how we celebrate, how parents set an example for celebration, how we make life choices, and how we live with the consequences. How does the church of today carry the Gospel message into the culture we live in? How do we, as followers of Jesus, give leadership in this issue?
This is an all church, all age, any-walk-of-life, cross-community service. We’d love to see a full attendance from the entire church family! Mark the date, and make a commitment to be there.
Questions: justask@redlandscrc.org.au, Clinton 0424 477 487; Dave 0418 383 055
eNews Flash: Property next door becomes available!
It’s amazing how God causes opportunities to
develop while others
appear to slip away. We’d been saying to one another in Church
Council that it
looked like the contract on the Plumbers Block (
Then, Tuesday morning, Church Council received a letter
from the
owners of
Church Council has discussed this, and believe very strongly that this is an opportunity that we must not refuse. The owners of 84 Sturgeon have already been approached by developers keen to buy the property. We are very thankful that the owners have given RCRC first option to purchase. We want to publicly acknowledge and affirm the Knight brothers, acting for their aged mother, as they have honoured their previous agreement to give us first option to purchase.
Church Council feels that if we don’t act now the
property will be
snapped up by developers keen to build multiple dwellings on the
property. After
initial negotiations with the owners, we have unanimously decided to
offer a
contract on the property with a sale price of $700,000 (in the vicinity
of the
price offered by developers). The proposed property is 2967
m2 while
our current property is 4746 m2
The contract we have offered includes the following conditions
· A 14 day period to attain congregational approval on the sale (church council cannot act independently of the church membership in this regard)
· A 21 day period to arrange finances
· A 60 day settlement period
We are of the opinion that this property can be utilised to
· Relieve pressure on the Kids@Church ministry.
· Allow us possibility of expanding our premises at a future date
· Be one more step toward a larger area for Redlands CRC in the future
With all this in mind, Church Council calls an extraordinary congregational meeting for Wednesday Nov 15, 7:30pm in the auditorium. We will be asked to discuss and decide upon the following motion:
That Redlands Christian Reformed Church purchase the property at 84 Sturgeon St, Ormiston
Friends, we need full attendance at this meeting. Please cancel all small groups, and anything else you have on the night, and make a plan to be at the meeting
Please also pray for the Lord’s guidance in this, and seek his confirmation that this is a step we need to take.
Please send any feedback to Dave Groenenboom, dave@redlandscrc.org.au, 0418 383 055, 3286 4700
Damien's homecoming
Damien Bos back tomorrow…
Many of us have been following the progress of Damien Bos in mainland China over the last year and a half. Damien finally returns home tomorrow (Tuesday Oct 31) on Cathay flight CX 103, which is due to arrive into Brisbane International Airport at 10:35am.
If you want to meet Damien and welcome him home, you may want to check the arrival time of his flight. Go to:
http://www.bne.com.au/content/arrivedepart.asp?name=SearchFlightInfo_SearchArrivalsAndDepartureTimes
Questions? Eddie Bos 0416 000 600
Sunday details and Car Wash Update
Thanks
Church
Special thanks to all who helped out with the Car Wash this morning. As a result, God has blessed us with a total of $637.00 to be forwarded to the Solomon Islands Mission. That will come in very handy after the raid on the base earlier this month!
Our next Car Wash will be Nov 25. Get the diary and add the date now! We will need a few more washers than this time, and you know how it goes: the more people, the easier it is for everyone.
Thanks so much for your help!
Damien Watson damienwatson@optusnet.com.au 0448 822 588
Tomorrow
AM (Dave): Hungry? You got to be kidding! Can’t remember the last time you felt really hungry? But what about inside? What about there? Oooh yeah. Sounds a bit hollow. What am I missing? And what does Jesus being the ‘bread of life’ have to do with all of that? Get ready for a challenge. Read ahead: John 6:1-15
PM (Greg Tenni): God in the storm: When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water through the storm, John tells us that they were terrified. How could someone they had known for so long suddenly seem so menacing? What was Jesus doing and why? Good question. Why does God seem so terrifying to us at times? Why does He seem to just surf on by and ignore us when we are going through really difficult times? Read ahead: John 6:16-21
Prayer
·
Melissa Bos is off to
News from the Solomon Islands Mission
Greetings again
from
Amidst all the things that we have experienced, most things are starting to get back to normal and we are happy to share with you some of the good things that God continues to do in and through us here.
- The Police have been extremely hardworking on the cases, and about 50 people have been arrested for the spate of crimes of which ours was one. There were about 12 or so similar crimes over a space of about 4 weeks. Regrettably, very little of our property has been recovered, but we are thankful for the quick supply of 2 new computers.
- Frank and Janet (who served with us here
before) were
sent by our
- The SWIM Team from Samasodu arrived back
and duly
returned to
- The SWIM Team from
- Another SWIM Team arrived from
- Jaap Den Otter (Qld) and Siete & Leny Woldhuis (NSW) are with us too, assisting Jack with upgrading and building some projects on the base. These additional helps are a great blessing to us.
- We have been able to provide a lot of materials to the Hospital and to other needy people, especially things like crutches, wheelchairs and other medical equipment.
- Next week, Machi will be off for another Sunday School Training workshop in Isabel province. Please pray for her as she travels there with a friend.
- Politically, there are still many concerns being expressed here, and things are still in a fragile state. Please continue to pray for the nation and its leaders.
We are thankful that God continues to bless us, even in times of hardship and uncertainty. We are assured by the fact that He is still in control, and that all our lives are secure in his hands. We have been and continue to be blessed by the many expressions of support and prayers that people have shared with us, even from almost unknown quarters. We are so well reminded by these that God’s family is a truly remarkable family to be part of. God bless you all.
The Rietvelds & the Vissers
Midweek News
Saturday - Car Wash for Solomon Islands
It’s amazing how clean cars translate into encouragement for people on the mission field.
God wants you to help make it happen. Wash a few cars, enjoy some sunshine, meet some new friends, share a coffee and one of the legendary RCRC Car Wash snags! Tony will even check your car for safety issues (driving habits not included).
Come along: see if we can beat the record!
Damien needs to know you’re coming: 0448 822 588, damienwatson@optusnet.com.au
Sunday
9AM: Hungry? You got to be kidding! Can’t remember the last time you felt really hungry? But what about the inside? What about there? Oooh yeah. Sounds a bit hollow. What am I missing? And what does Jesus being the ‘bread of life’ have to do with all of that? Ready for a challenge? Read ahead: John 6:1-15
5PM: God in the storm: When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water through the storm, John tells us that they were terrified. How could someone they had known for so long suddenly seem so menacing? What was Jesus doing and why? Good question. Why does God seem so terrifying to us at times? Why does He seem to just surf on by and ignore us when we are going through really difficult times? Read ahead: John 6:16-21
Kids@Church
Did you know:
• K@C is one of the major attractions for families coming to RCRC?
• Some weeks they have over 80 children?
• That most kids make a commitment to follow Jesus at places like K@C?
• Teachers have a huge impact on little lives!
• That all material and lesson plans (great stuff!) are supplied?
• AND that all we need is you. Teachers are needed right now – you can share with others, and you won’t be teaching alone.
• The kids in your class will love you to bits
• And God will love your contribution
• Phone/email Jo Lindeman: (07) 3824-0285, djol@optusnet.com.au
Make plans for this Sunday
• Come to worship – praise the living God for who He is and what he’s done. What is more important than honouring God for what he’s given you in Jesus Christ?
• When you come: Make sure you talk with people you don’t know for the first 15 mins after church. Spend more time meeting people than wondering why people might not have met you last time. The best changes in life always start ‘at home’. As Martin Nystrom reminds us “if there’s need for changing people, Lord, let it begin with me”.
• Ask someone home for a BBQ/Coffee/chat. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, just seek to be a blessing, and you may even find that you’re more helped than they are!
Prayer
- Martin Wullschleger is a skilled trauma surgeon from Switzerland. He, Debbie and the boys have been part of RCRC for a while now. Martin is sitting an English exam this Saturday from 9am - 12 noon in St Lucia. Martin needs to pass this exam for accreditation. All other areas are fine, but Martin really wants to do well in this particular exam. Please pray for a successful outcome so Martin can bless our country with his great skills, and glorify God in his chosen area of expertise.
- Thinking about the drought? What leadership could we be giving to our community? I’d be really interested in your thoughts about this. I have a few ideas – what are yours? … Speak to Dave… dave@redlandscrc.org.au, 0418 383 055
- Pray for Margaret VandenAkker – her elderly father (Dick) is dying, and her car is no more after the accident. She needs strength for this difficult time; she also needs to return to Brisbane soon (without her car). Pray that God will make all things well…
- Many Australian sons and daughters are serving in the Solomons with RAMSI forces. We have two mission families over there – still recovering from an armed raid. Life may yet get tougher. Please pray for peace and cool heads. Remember them before God’s throne of grace
- Hey, Christmas is coming. = Christmas Shopping! Stress! Why not downsize the gift list (they really don’t need it), reduce the shopping list (you really don’t need it), and increase the sacrificial giving. Let the light of the world shine even brighter in Redlands by giving to local mission work. They really need it! Be courageous and do some Kingdom good! More about this later – for now, pray for God to lay this burden on your heart.
Wash Cars for the Solomons Mission
Car Wash
Just a reminder that we’re looking forward to seeing you all at the Car Wash this Saturday. We’re still looking for people to wash, especially between 11am and 1pm. To sign up (hey, even a 30 minute block would be great…) contact Damien Watson on 0448 822 588 (please note the changes number) or damienwatson@optusnet.com.au
See you there!
News Update: Damo & Car Wash
Damo’s return: delayed
For
all those who
were travelling to the airport to welcome Damien Bos home, we’ve
just learned
that Damien will not be able to return to
Car Wash: Saturday
The car wash will be going ahead this Saturday as planned, but we still need lots of washers between 11:00 and 1:00pm. If you can help – even for an hour or so, please let Damien Watson know damienwatson@optusnet.com.au , 0412 151 514
New Information for this Sunday
Special Collection Sunday
This Sunday (both services) we will have the opportunity
to dig
deep and support the work of the New Life Orphanage in
All monies received through the collections (apart from those obviously designated for RCRC) will be dedicated to the New Life Orphanage. Enquiries: Eddie Bos 0416 000 600
AGM Sunday Morning
This Sunday morning there will be a brief 10 minute meeting to receive and approve the audited financial statements of the Redlands Christian Reformed Church. These statements have been available for the last two Sundays, and copies are still available from the foyer.
Church Council requests that all members of Redlands Christian Reformed Church remain in the auditorium for this brief meeting. The motions before the meeting is as follows:
1.
To receive the financial
statements of the
RCRC and Auditor's Report as
presented for
the year 2005 – 2006.
2.
To adopt the audited financial
statements of
the RCRC as presented for the year 2005 –
2006.
3. To appoint Frederiks & Associates as auditors for the 2006-2007 year
All members of Redlands Christian Reformed Church are eligible to vote.
NOTE: This meeting will be held after the morning service only.
[My apologies for previously indicating that this meeting would be held after both services, also for sending the motions out earlier with the wrong dates. I know it’s hard to believe, but sometimes us preachers are some of the most confused people on the planet. Please forgive me for dragging you into my crazy day… - DG]
Mid Week News
Sunday
9AM: A man, lame for 38 years, is healed by Jesus at Bethesda Pool. A remarkable event in itself – so why is there no celebration? No praising God? Why did it happen that way? More importantly: what does this event tell us about Jesus, his ministry, and the church he intends to grow? Read John 5:1-18
5PM: Judgment Day. Made famous by the terminator movies, brings us to the end of the world. But what will really happen when we stand before Jesus as Judge on the real Judgement Day? Should this be a factor in your planning? Is there anything you can do that will make a difference? John 5:15-30
Burma Mission Focus
This Sunday, both services, we will meet Bella and Christobel from the New Life Orphanage in Burma. Several teams of RCRC people have made short term mission trips to Burma to minister to the orphans there. Sunday is your big chance to meet some of the people who serve the Lord in the orphanage on a day to day basis. Please come to encourage these dear friends in their ministry, and be challenged with how you can support them in their calling.
AGM Sunday Morning
This Sunday morning there will be a brief 10 minute meeting to receive and approve the audited financial statements of the Redlands Christian Reformed Church. These statements have been available for the last two Sundays, and copies are still available from the foyer.
Church Council requests that all members of Redlands Christian Reformed Church remain in the auditorium for this brief meeting. The motions before the meeting is as follows:
1. To receive the financial statements of the RCRC and Auditors Report as presented for the year 2003 – 2004.
2. To adopt the audited financial statements of the RCRC as presented for the year 2003 – 2004.
3. To appoint Frederiks & Associates as auditors for the 2005-2006 year
All members of Redlands Christian Reformed Church are eligible to vote.
This meeting will be held after the morning service only.
[My apologies for previously indicating that this meeting would be held after both services - DG]
Solomon Islands Mission Car Wash - Saturday 28th October
It has been disturbing to read the dangers and difficulties that our people are facing in the Solomon Islands for the name of Jesus. As we pray for their continued work, we are also going to send some practical support.
Come and wash some cars and enjoy some fellowship. We'll also take a photo of everyone at the 10am changeover to send over. They are far away, but not alone!
Contact Damien Watson on Ph 3821 5181 or damienwatson@optusnet.com.au to book in when you are coming.
Help us reach kids!
Kids@Church – Team Member Required
Love working
with kids?
Have good team skills? Have a passion for a great church? Then no doubt
you’re
already a very busy person – but we really need you right
now!
Kids@church is one of the leading ministries at RCRC, and there is an immediate need for a new team member. This person will be come part of a great K@C coordinating team.
Basically, this role involves
· Assisting in coordination of the overall program with Jo Lindeman and those already on the team
· Assist in Leading/Facilitation of K@C Group time, where the kids enjoy
· Singing
· Birthday celebrations
· Kids Talk provided by someone else (you introduce them, that’s all)
· A game - kind of related to the Kids Talk (where possible)
· You would also do a little roving through the K@C rooms to see how everyone is going
Please contact Jo
Lindeman, K@C Coordinator, (07) 3824
0285 M:
0423 438 079 djol@optusnet.com.au
Midweek News
This Sunday
9AM: Who are the most thirsty people? Jesus interaction with the Samaritan woman tells us that often those with the greatest need are those ‘religious people’ tend to avoid. Jesus is prepared to cross the social, moral and cultural divides of his time. What will the response of his followers be to similar challenges today? And how does Jesus motivate us this task? Read ahead at John 4:1-42
5PM: Do you remember David Copperfield? He was the magician who dazzled audiences with disappearing cards, sawing assistants in half and levitating 10 metres off the ground. He captivated millions. The truth is, people’s fascination with magic isn’t a recent phenomenon. People of Jesus’ day thought that he was a bit of a magician and asked him to perform tricks. This Sunday night we will look at his reaction to their queries and also a man who, through desperate circumstances, looked beyond the signs and wonders and saw a life-giver. This will be a great message for those who don’t know Jesus yet so bring along your friends. If you’d like to read ahead, look at John 4:43-54.
Redlands CRC AGM – Oct 22
Church Council advises that a brief congregational meeting to approve the audited financial statements of the Redlands Christian Reformed Church will be held after the both worship services on October 22.
Copies of the statements are available from the information booth.
Please mark this date in your diary and plan to be there.
We plan to have a breakfast meeting, open to all, early in November to discuss issues of facilities and mission more widely. We will advise a date after the church council meeting this coming Tuesday (17th).
Burma Mission – Special focus next week
Next Sunday in both services we will hear from Bella and Christobel from the New Life Orphanage in Burma. They will be coming back to Australia with Eddie Bos early next week. Pleas pray for safe travel and stability in the orphanage with Bella and Christobel are with us.
Prayer Diary
• Clare Litchfield’s aunt, Sue (UK) has been diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. Sue is new in her faith, and understandably, Sue’s family is most concerned. Please pray for healing and recovery, and that God’s grace and power will be seen in this situation
• Things have settled down in the Solomons, but most of the items stolen in the raid on the SWIM base has still not been located or returned. Much work has to be done. Please pray for continued safety for the Rietvelds, Vissers, and all at the base. Pray for stability in the country as a whole.
• We are still in need of a solution to our shortage of space here at Redlands CRC. Our greatest need is for other areas/rooms where kids@church can meet. Kids@church routinely has around 80 – 100 children. We really need more room, friends, and humanly speaking, the only ways we’ll be able to do this is to move into the building on the block next door – if we’re ever able to purchase it. Either that, or we have to contemplate double streaming in the morning. The latter is not our preferred option, and we really need to seek the Lord’s guidance in this. Please prayerfully commit this to the Lord.
• Clinton, Tracy and the boys are taking two weeks leave from tomorrow. Pray for good rest, recuperation, and renewal for them while they are gone.
INTERNSHPS 2007
Internships@RCRC
2007
DISCIPLESHIP WITH A
DIFFERNCE
Have you ever thought about serving Jesus in
and
through your local church, but you don’t quite know how? Maybe you
would
like to explore just how God has gifted you for ministry. Maybe
you’d
like to find a safe environment where you can develop ministry skills.
Do you
want some practical skill sets to help you grow in Christ to prepare you
to
take the next step in life? Are you already in leadership and feeling a
lack of
training or direction?
A MINISTRY
INTERNSHIP
may well
be God’s invitation and your
opportunity
WHAT IS AN
INTERNSHIP?
An internship is you being developed as a disciple
of Jesus
Christ. It is a commitment of 3-4 days per week where you undertake 3
things:
Study: There are various options here, including
a Cert IV
in Ministry, a Diploma in Ministry or study designed specifically for
you
Ministry
Involvement: Get involved in
various
ministries at RCRC and beyond.
Mentoring: Weekly mentoring with
a Pastor,
focusing on Spiritual growth, things learnt from study and Ministry
Involvement.
COST
The cost of an internship depends on the course of
study
undertaken. There is some help available from RCRC and some courses are
eligible for Austudy / Newstart allowances.
WHERE TO FROM
HERE?
For further information, please speak to or email
Dave or
Clinton. dave@redlandcrc.org.au, clinton@redlandscrc.org.au
Application forms are available on the desk in the
foyer at
church, or we can email one to you.
After applying, you will have an interview to assess
your
suitability for an internship.
RCRC Podcasts
Baptise your iPod!
For those using iTunes and iPods – RCRC is now podcasting from our website. To direct your iTunes to our podcast, click on the following link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodc ast?id=200501265
Alternatively, on our Sermons page, click on the iTunes link, and when iTunes has started select ‘subscribe’.
This will download the latest Sunday messages to your iTunes regularly.
Mid Week News
Sunday
9AM: What gets you all fired up? What injustices in the world spark a 'righteous anger' inside you? War & violence? Famine & poverty? Sunday morning drivers? Reality TV? Great injustices and small annoyances both seem to get us fired up at times. And the things that fire us up are usually the things we consider important in life. But are these things really that important? Worth getting excited about? And what did Jesus get fired up about? Have a read of John 2:12-25 and come Sunday morning to find out what's really worth getting all fired up over.
5PM: “Have you ever wondered what the most shocking verse in the Bible is? Then come along tonight to discover the answer.
Simply Christianity
…has moved to Thursday night. This is a five week excursion through the Gospel of Luke. It’s a great course to really get a handle on who Jesus is and what he came to do. I currently have a small group with just one female – is there another female or two who would like to come along? You’ll find the material very beneficial and the groups pretty relaxed: please let me know ASAP dave@redlandscrc.org.au
Redlands CRC AGM – Oct 22
Church Council advises that a brief congregational meeting to approve the audited financial statements of the Redlands Christian Reformed Church will be held after the AM worship service on October 22.
Copies of the statements are available from the information booth.
Please mark this date in your diary and plan to be there.
Car Wash
The last car washes for the year will be on 28th October & 25th November. Will advise where money raised will go in the near future. Please add dates to your diary.
Contact Damien Watson on damienwatson@optusnet.com.au for further info.
Prayer diary
• The Solomon Islands Mission, where the Rietvelds and Vissers are currently serving, suffered an armed attack last week. Kevin received minor injuries and there was significant damage done to the base. Please pray for safety for those who serve on the mission, also for in the Solomons as anti-Australian sentiment is on the rise. The Solomon Islands Workgroup also needs wisdom and discernment as it determines the future of the mission.
• We are still in need of a solution to our shortage of space here at Redlands CRC. Our greatest need is for other areas/rooms where kids@church can meet. Kids@church routinely has around 80 – 100 children. We really need more room, friends, and humanly speaking, the only ways we’ll be able to do this is to move into the building on the block next door – if we’re ever able to purchase it. Either that, or we have to contemplate double streaming in the morning. The latter is not our preferred option, and we really need to seek the Lord’s guidance in this. Please prayerfully commit this to the Lord.
• Please pray for other churches in our local area: Redlands will be blessed with lots of strong and healthy churches, right? So let’s seek their blessing.
• Please continue to pray for the Stanley family, and all those who have been impacted by Matt’s death
Thanks, and keep praying...
Thanks
Church
Yesterday I walked away from the church marvelling at what God does through his people. Yesterday many would only have noticed the 800-900 who attended, the people who spoke at the front, and those stricken with grief for Matt Stanley and his family. Less visible were those working behind the scenes: a group in the kitchen, guys doing traffic control, young people greeting those who came, musicians, sound and visuals. Some people cancelled other things just so they could be there to assist. People rang and emailed, asking how they might help out. The body of Christ was very much alive!
Friends, it’s a joy to be part of this community, and it thrills my heart to hear the warm expressions of thanks from Paul, Kay and Nick Stanley for everything. They remarked that they couldn’t have had Matt’s funeral in a better place. Friends, your ministry has opened the door to further ministry. It’s a reflection of new community, and embodiment of God’s love and grace for people. A beautiful thing – and I praise God that even in this context of grief, his grace is both seen and felt.
Please pray…
I had an email this morning that there has been an armed raid on the Solomons Base, where Kevin and Machi Rietveld are serving. There has been significant damage to the home, buildings and vehicles. Phones, computers and radios have been stolen. The intruders basically looted and trashed the base.
Obviously, the base cannot be contacted directly. We have been asked to pray for the following:
a) a
sense of peace and security for our missionaries,
b) a
continued knowledge of God's care for the SWIM team, and another team on
c)
restoration of communication for
them,
d)
minimum delay in the matters of replacement for all those credit cards,
air
tickets and passports (especially the SWIM team from the NSW Central
Coast, who
with the Jack Visser were completing work on another
island),
e)
comfort for the relatives of the families of all the people
involved,
f) reduced antagonism in the Solomons, and foreign teams who are there to assist the country
Dave
Midweek News
Sunday
9AM: CSI is one of the most popular shows on TV. It gets us asking 'who are we?', 'what is life about?', 'what are we really looking for?' Do you know who you are? Do you know what you're seeking? More to the point: do you know the impact Jesus has on your question?
5PM: Something is wrong with this world. When Matt Stanley at 15 gets killed on a Saturday night, when oppression and injustice are the norm for a large portion of the world, where relationships fail almost as often as they succeed, we feel it, something is wrong with this world. So why Jesus Christ? What difference does he make? What does following Jesus mean for the tragedy and injustice of the world? This Sunday night we continue in the gospel of John and see how a simple wedding, with a wine making miracle is the announcement of God’s answer to the wrongs of this world. Read ahead in John 2:1-11
Car Wash
Upcoming Car Washes The last car washes for the year will be on 28th October & 25th November. Will advise where money raised will go in the near future. Please add dates to your diary. Contact Damien Watson on damienwatson@optusnet.com.au for further info.
Prayer Points
- The Stanley family and friends as the come to grips with the loss of their son, brother and friend.
- Those enjoying the holiday period that they may be safe.
- Thanks for the 'Wacky Wednesday' activity day, that it could be enjoyed by many.
Matt Stanley
Comment and Funeral
details
We have no doubt all heard of the untimely death of Matt
Stanley, a young
A number of RCRC families are touched by Matt’s death: he was a schoolmate and friend to a number of young people in our church family. Following his death, the Monday night young person’s small group opened their doors to any young people in the community who wanted to talk about Matt’s death. About 45 young people turned up – all trying to come to terms with this senseless death and equally senseless violence.
In reality, though, we are all impacted by this death. It happened on our streets. In our community. Our backyard. And we need prayerfully to consider two things. First: what is happening in our society when aggression sits so close to the surface, not just in general, but in children? Why do events like these even happen? Sure, we know about the fall and our capacity for wrong: but violence and rage seems more prominent today than ever before. These things are consequence of a society we ourselves are building. And, before God, that is reason for pause.
Second: we need to consider the alternative voice of the Gospel. How would God want our community to be different? How can reflections of life and hope be spoken and lived following Matt Stanley’s death? How can we work towards non aggression and non violence? Part of the answer is that we start at home. We watch our own responses and seek Christ’s Spirit to mould and shape our attitudes and values. We help our kids think critically about the violence they see on TV, in movies, and computer games. There is some stuff we simply should not let in our homes. Not merely with a blanket rule, but also through discussing with our kids the value of human life, and that anything which devalues or diminishes it is anti-Kingdom. We actively change in obedience to Jesus that His likeness will be reflected in our lives. Gospel people could also get involved in community groups that help people deal with violence: put your care and concern into actions that matter.
Finally, remember that the Jesus who lives is the one who will both bring ultimate justice, and the one who will wipe every tear from our eyes. Pray especially that his life will bring hope as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
Can I encourage you to pray for Paul and Kay Stanley, and their son Nick? Uphold them in their loss and ask for God’s grace to surround them and comfort them.
Dave
Funeral - Friday 2:30pm at RCRC
Paul & Kay Stanley approached RCRC to host Friday’s funeral, and a small army of people have already swung into action to do what needs to be done for what will probably be a large event.
Thankyou, friends, for you willingness to serve this family and their loved ones in their time of need. God is wonderfully blessing others through your ministry.
Colin Buchanon show
Colin is Coming...
A few of us Mums from RCRC are taking our kids to see Colin Buchanan this Thursday. I have 4 tickets available if anyone is interested in coming along.
Please contact me either by email djol@optusnet.com.au or give me a call 3824 0285. Here are the details: Thursday 28th September, 12:30pm at Garden City Christian Church, Mount Gravatt. The tickets are $8 each and kids under 2 are free.
Thanks guys!
Jo Lindeman
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