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Trivia Night- This Saturday!
Fire up your brain cells, this is going to be a great night! Come along to support the team of youth and young adults heading to Honiara. You can turn up on the night, we'll find a table for you- $10 entry, BYO snacks, from 7pm this Saturday (12th) at Redlands CRC. If you want to RSVP, flick an email to ettiene7@gmail.com. Come along and share this night of fun and celebration!
Sunday 9am
We live in a consumer society. All around us are temptations to spend money, acquire goods, services and experiences. And so its only natural that we often view the church in the same way, a spiritual shop in which to purchase spiritual goods, services and experiences. And so when we don't like the quality of goods in one shop, its easy, there are plenty of options down the road. But is this really what God has in mind? Is it really how God sees his church? Or have we missed the point? This Sunday at 5pm we begin a short series called 'Why Church?' looking at the church through God's eyes. Starting this week with Ephesians 2:11-22 we will be challenged to see the church as more than a shop, but as an integral part of our lives.
Preacher: Clinton Berends
Change of Address
Keith and Emmy are now in the home of John and Gerda Bain, till early September.The adress: 20 Lowe Circuit, Redland Bay. Ph 3206 9412; mob 0407658880.
Welcoming another...
It's baby season!! - Belinda and Andrew Crawford are happy to announce that Sophia Dominique Crawford was born on Monday afternoon! What a glorious blessing!
Welcoming a new family member
A huge welcome to Devi Shey Berends born at 10.22 this morning. Weighing in at a healthy 9lb6. Everyone is doing well. We rejoice with the Berends family and thank God for His goodness!
9am Sunday
You Don't Have to Hit Back. When others hurt us, when we're wronged or threatened we will often want to retaliate. This is not what Jesus would want us to do. Our calling is not to return fire, but return a blessing. The Jesus who gives us life will give us what we need to break cycles of violence and retaliation. Check it out: 1 Peter 3:8-22
Make your vote count!
With a Federal Election coming before the end of the year, we are already being overrun with political advertising and opinion. The range and complexity of the issues can be confusing and overwhelming.
At Redlands CRC we have a policy of not supporting one party over another. Even so, we encourage people to be fully informed of the issues, and to vote as responsible followers of Jesus.
With this in mind, Redlands CRC Church Council has agreed to host the 'Make It Count 2010' webcast at our premises. This is a specially arranged evening with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Leader of the Opposition, Mr Tony Abbott.
Both these men will specifically address matters relevant to the Christian church. Both leaders will have questions posed to them from Australian Church Leaders.
The event will be a direct telecast from Old Parliament House, Canberra, and will not be seen on and TV networks (whether paid or free to air).
The Church Council of Redlands CRC believes this will be informative and helpful for the church family as they prepare for the election.
We encourage people to invite friends, family, and other interested people to this special event.
When: Monday, June 21, 2010, 7:00 (sharp!) to 9:30pm
Where: Redlands CRC, Main Auditorium
Program:
7:00pm Opening
7:15pm Telecast introduction
7:20pm Address by Mr Rudd
7:40pm Questions from Church leaders addressed to Mr Rudd
8:10pm Panel discussion and interviews
Quick cuppa and supper for those who choose to do so
8:40pm Address by Mr Abbott
9:00pm Questions from Church leaders addressed to Mr Abbott
9:30pm Close
*These times are 'hard times' and there will be no capacity to vary from them on the night.
If you have any questions, please contact Dave Groenenboom or Margaret Nugent
Stepping Forward Together
With just 4 weeks to the end of the financial year, we can be very thankful for the continued provision of God. We still hear talk about the financial crisis, and whether there will be a double dip recession. We see ongoing impact of the GFC around the world. While some things in our own country are more stable, there is still some uncertainty in the marketplace.
As Christians, we follow a God who is greater than the marketplace, and whose word is faithful and sure. Our great God stands above the shifting sands of financial institutions, and his strength, power and promises will lead us through even the most trying of circumstances. We worship the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and he has promised to be with us always.
Even so, our financials indicate that in the last few months our giving income has dropped a little at RCRC.
With this in mind, we want to encourage the entire Redlands CRC family to shoulder this challenge together. We are a family of believers following Jesus and loved by him. Other forces, market or otherwise, cannot ever change that reality. So we take this opportunity to encourage everyone to review their financial commitments to RCRC so that our mission to our community might not only continue in uncertain times, but even expand. It was so encouraging for us to see what God is doing through RCRC at our recent congregational breakfast.
We know we all have different responsibilities, commitments and resources, so please prayerfully consider the following:
- Are you able to adjust your giving to better assist us at this time? God only asks that our giving be regular, cheerful, prayerfully considered, from the heart, and for the glory of Jesus (see 1 Cor 16:1-4; 2 -Cor 9:6-15)
- Remember the families and individuals who are doing it tough. Support them, encourage them, pray for them often, and continue to walk the journey of faith with them as best you can
- Continue to pray that the Boundary Rd property can be sold. This will help us reduce debt and provide better for the future
Last year we celebrated our 10th Anniversary. We were, and are, deeply conscious of God's hand holding us and guiding us. Our great God has plans for us as a family of Christ followers. Give thanks for how richly God has blessed us in the past. Especially today, we want to be faithful stewards of his blessings. So we pray that God in his grace will add his increase to your life, so that together the RCRC family may continue to be his salt and light in his community.
If you would like to discuss this with anyone, please see Pastor Dave or Eddie Bos (bos@royalfoods.com.au)
News from Steve & Nat Flood (Kalimantan) ...Please Pray
Steve and Nat Flood and the Mt Hope community have experienced some troubling events in the last 48 hours. One of the adult staff members at Mt Hope became violent, which scared and troubled a lot of the community. The man was a workmate of Steve's. Staff and children alike are very upset and very confused about what has happened.
The man has now been hospitalised in a nearby town. Leaders will need to determine whether or not the man can return to Mt hope.
Steve & Nat are safe. They ask the Redlands church family to pray for wisdom and that God's peace and restoration will be evident. Please uphold them and the community. Please also pray that Steve & Nat's last few weeks in Kalimantan will be a blessing to them and the community.
Chaplaincy Partner Program
You can support Chaplaincy at Ormiston State School without paying a cent! By transferring your CTP insurance to QBE, QBE will donate $20 in the first year and $7 every year after to Chaplaincy. You can do this at any time- you don't need to wait until your registration is due! It's really easy- just head to www.partnerprogram.com.au, click 'Register Here', enter 'Ormiston State School (Fundraising)', select 'CTP Transfer' in the left hand menu, fill in the form and click submit! All the information you need to know is on the Partner Program website (partnerprogram.com.au). Your support will help Chaplaincy to continue bringing hope to the kids of our community! Thank you!
Sunday 9am
You only have to watch TV for 5 minutes to observe how obsessed we are with style and beauty. As it turns out, this is not merely something that women have to deal with. In a world so focussed on appearances, we need to ask whether there is anything more important than nip and tuck... Check it out: 1 Pet 3:1-7
Preacher: Dave Groenenboom
5pm Sunday
We tell kids that God loves them, cares for them. We tell them that God is powerful, and can do anything he wants. And yet for some kids, and for some adults as well, these two things are hard to reconcile. How can we talk of a God who is loving and powerful, yet he appears to do nothing about abuse, neglect and hurt? Could it be that God is not really that loving, or even worse, that God is not all powerful? How do we reconcile these two things? This Sunday evening we will be looking at the issue of God's presence and place in abuse, seeking to wrestle with this very difficult issue.
KIDS GAMES
Attention Parents!!!!
If you are registering you chidlren for KIDS GAMES 2010 get in fast as places are limited.
RCRC Registration forms can be collected now from the Welcome Desk or downloaded from redlandscrc.org.au.
These registration forms are to be completed instead of the small colour Kids Games brochure for RCRC Kids Games.
Additionally, the brochure provides the option of not getting a new Kids Games Tshirt if you have one from a prior year.
Registration and payments must be finalised by 18th June at 5pm.
If you have any questions, email kidsgames.rcrc@gmail.com.
Come Once, Come Weekly
Did you make it to a Sunday Service yesterday?
Yesterday in the AM we welcomed Redland City Mayor, Melva Hobson and Councillor Wendy Boglary, and we hosted representatives from Queensland Police, State Emergency Services, and Queensland Fire & Rescue Service. To celebrate our National Day of Thanksgiving, we wanted to specifically thank those who work in police and emergency services. So we issued special invitations, got in the commercial espresso machines, and treated them to some great Christian affirmation. We also made gestures of thanks to some in the church family who do so much behind the scenes and yet who are not often affirmed. It was great to honour God together for what he does through people! It was so encouraging to hear (and feel) the buzz in the room! It really is good to glorify God as we meet together. Thanks for being part it!
Truth is, not everyone makes it every Sunday. For some, this is unavoidable. Whether through career or other circumstance, from time to time we just cannot make it.
But did you know that a proportion of the Redlands CRC family attend only once every two or three weeks?
Is that you?
I know: no one needs a guilt trip. But having a good look at how we spend our time, and what we spend our time on, could be a timely thing to do. I'll leave that exercise to you...
As you think about Sundays, though, it's good to remember the metaphor Paul uses to describe the church in 1 Cor 12. He refers to it as 'the body of Christ'. One of the key points he makes is this:
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. " (1 Corinthians 12:27, TNIV)
God wants you to be active in the church. If your typical attendance pattern is to come every second week, or every third week, or less - have you ever thought about the impact that has on the body? You might think that it doesn't matter too much whether you're there or not. If you don't think it matters, try this: take just one piece of your body out of the picture - just for a day. Let's say, your left hand. You're probably right handed - it shouldn't matter that much, right? Or a toe - or even a section of a toe - ever tried walking with an ingrown toenail? See, if just one small part is out of action, the rest of the body knows all about it.
The reality is that God really loves it when the body is working well. Every part of it. He loves it when the body is healthy. He loves is when the body worships and serves and works the best that it possibly can. He loves it when the whole family meets and worships together!
It may even be that the body needs you more than you need the body. Either way, when the whole body works well together, God is honoured and is grace is more evident in the church and in the world.
So why not make a plan to come more regularly: come once, come weekly. Glorify God with His people, and together pray that the wonderful news of his son will be carried into his world just that little bit better as we do.
New Elder and Deacon
We are pleased to announce that all the Elder and Deacon nominations that were put forward by the Church Council have been confirmed by our congragations. We welcome and asked God's continued blessing on the new roles of - Todd Hammond as a new Elder and Melody Groenenboom, Doug Klitscher and Glenn Williams as new Deacons. They will be installed in these positions in a Service in the near future.
Where Was God?
On June 6th in the 5pm service we will be looking at this question in terms of abuse. This will be an opportunity for you to invite any friends who are struggling with this issue as Clinton preaches with a Scriptural perspective on one of life's hardest questions.
Sermon Series in June
Clinton will be commencing a new preaching series starting Sunday evenings on 13th June.
Sunday services
9am Sunday Cultivate a Servant Heart. When the pressure is on and when people misunderstand, it's amazing how quickly we get defensive and want to hit back. But Jesus calls us to a different path, a different response. And the amazing thing is this: when we follow in his likeness we validate who he is and what he has done! Find some practical strategies for managing some of the difficult situations followers of Jesus often find themselves in. 1 Read ahead at Pet 2:13-25
Preacher: Dave GroenenboomTHANKSGIVING SUNDAY
As part of National Thanksgiving Sunday we've invited people from Police, Ambulance, Fire and SES services. After the service we will be serving free coffee to the members of these service who attend.
5pm Sunday Often when we listen to the gospel of Jesus, we hear that our sins have been forgiven and we are now free. The difference the gospel makes is then between carrying our burden of sinfulness or leaving them on the cross of Jesus. While this message most definitely rings true, we sometimes forget that it also means that Jesus is the difference between life and death. By God's grace, we have been brought from death to life in Jesus Christ. Preacher: Ettiene de WilzemStepping Forward Together
With just 6 weeks before the end of the financial year, we can be very thankful for the continued provision of God. We still hear talk about the financial crisis, and whether there will be a double dip recession. We see ongoing impact of the GFC around the world. While some things in our own country are more stable, there is still some uncertainty in the marketplace.
As Christians, we follow a God who is greater than the marketplace, and whose word is faithful and sure. Our great God stands above the shifting sands of financial institutions, and his strength, power and promises will lead us through even the most trying of circumstances. We worship the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and he has promised to be with us always.
Even so, our financials indicate that in the last few months our giving income has dropped a little at RCRC.
With this in mind, we want to encourage the entire Redlands CRC family to shoulder this challenge together. We are a family of believers following Jesus and loved by him. Other forces, market or otherwise, cannot ever change that reality. So we take this opportunity to encourage everyone to review their financial commitments to RCRC so that our mission to our community might not only continue in uncertain times, but even expand. It was so encouraging for us to see what God is doing through RCRC at our recent congregational breakfast.
We know we all have different responsibilities, commitments and resources, so please prayerfully consider the following:
- Are you able to adjust your giving to better assist us at this time? God only asks that our giving be regular, cheerful, prayerfully considered, from the heart, and for the glory of Jesus (see 1 Cor 16:1-4; 2 -Cor 9:6-15)
- Remember the families and individuals who are doing it tough. Support them, encourage them, pray for them often, and continue to walk the journey of faith with them as best you can
- Continue to pray that the Boundary Rd property can be sold. This will help us reduce debt and provide better for the future
Last year we celebrated our 10th Anniversary. We were, and are, deeply conscious of God's hand holding us and guiding us. Our great God has plans for us as a family of Christ followers. Give thanks for how richly God has blessed us in the past. Especially today, we want to be faithful stewards of his blessings. So we pray that God in his grace will add his increase to your life, so that together the RCRC family may continue to be his salt and light in his community.
New Elder & Deacons
The Church Council is happy to announce that last Sunday's votes resoundingly affirmed all those put forward for affirmation by the church family, namely
Elder: Todd Hammond
Deacon: Melody Groenenboom, Doug Klitscher, Glen Williams
Please prayerfully uphold these bothers and sister as they prepare for their service. Church Council is planning a commisioning service on Sunday Jun 6 at 9am.
Tomorrow @RCRC
Tomorrow 9 AM:
With this week being Chaplaincy Week tomorrow's AM service we'll be treated to some insights about the work in the Ormiston School from Melody and a Grade 6 student, Rhianna Eather. Any present at Friday's Chaplaincy Dinner will know that this is going to be something very special indeed!
Dave's message will show how through Jesus, God is doing something wonderful and amazing for his world. This is God's 'Big Picture' and most amazingly, we are actually part of it. Read ahead at 1 Pet 2:4-12
Tomorrow 5 PM:
So far in this series we have seen what Jesus means for our relationship with God, and especially our eternity. But does this have any impact on the here and now, or is Jesus simply an 'afterlife' insurance? This week, as we wrap up "Why Jesus?" Clinton will look at Romans 5:1-11 and see that Jesus has blessed us so fully now, that life will only make sense when we are following him
Sunday week (May 30 - 9am)
As part of the weekend of National Thanksgiving Day, we have invited all members of the local Police Force, Ambulance service, Fire and Rescue and SES to Redlands CRC. We will be thanking God for the work they do in our community and affirming these people in their roles. We don't know how many will come, but we will be having some fantastic coffee after the service, and we'd love it if you could bring some fantastic cakes, scones, whatever, to share after the service. This is the first time we have invited people from emergency services, and we really want it to be an excellent welcome and affirmation for them, so let's make this a great expression of the goodness of God!
PS. You can ask a question anytime!
Triple C Club
Tuesday 25th, Triple C Club will be meeting at Margaret Bos' place, 28 Cayman Cres, Ormiston, for the usual Club and followed by lunch and Bible Study. Still meet at the church at 9.30 to go to Margaret's as a group.
Care for our Kids and our Facilities
The crèche room facilities are provided for the use of children 0-5years of age whilst under the supervision of a parent or carer.
To ensure the safety of our children and prolonged life of play equipment, could parents please ensure their children (of all ages) are take care when playing around the facilities, particularly after morning church services.
For parents of older children, please encourage them to resist playing with the equipment in the crèche room.
Thank you for your cooperation.
5pm Sunday
So far in this series we have seen what Jesus means for our relationship with God, and especially our eternity. But does this have any impact on the here and now, or is Jesus simply an 'afterlife' insurance? This week, as we wrap up "Why Jesus?" we will look at Romans 5:1-11 and see that Jesus has blessed us so fully now, that life will only make sense when we are following him.
Preacher: Clinton Berends
9am Sunday
Jesus is more than an idea, a religious point of view, or a point of theology. As Living Stone he is the foundation for a people who work his grace into the needs and challenges around them. This message seeks to answer the question of how God is at work in our world, just in case you've ever wondered. Read ahead 1 Pet 2:4-12
Preacher: Dave Groenenboom
Sunday's services
AM: When the going gets tough... We're working through the new series "Following Jesus in a Hostile World", and this Sunday we're asking, 'How do you react when following Jesus gets difficult? Blend in with everyone else? Go soft on things you want to stay committed to? Pray harder? Try and become more 'religious'? Withdraw from 'the world'? Seriously, it can be pretty hard to work it all out - so how can we do this better? What might God say to us in 2010? What does he want us to do so we remain strong in Him as live as his people in his world? Read ahead: 1 Pet 1:13-25
PM: Why Jesus? So far in our 'Why Jesus?' series we have seen that we, and this world are in a whole heap of trouble. We have seen that we are rebels to God, and under his wrath and judgment, and this world has been polluted by sin. And what is worse, we have seen that we can do nothing about. Even when we know what is right, we don't do it; even when we put all our efforts into religion, it doesn't change our heart; even when we claim some sort of spiritual pedigree, it doesn't. It's a pretty grim picture. But it brings us to Jesus. God's provided a way. Read ahead in Romans 3:21-31
PS. Don't forget: you can ask questions about Sunday messages at Ask a Question
See You at the Breakfast Meeting, Sat, 8:00am @ RCRC
Saturday's breakfast meeting is open to everyone who is part of the RCRC church family. It will be great for you to come along. Here's why:
- We're in this together. Every voice matters, every person counts, we all get to contribute
- Healthy churches develop plans together. It's great to discuss what our plans are and how we seek to bring them to fruition. While we have leaders, they cannot lead without the guidance and wisdom of the whole community
- There is great blessing in people meeting together to encourage one another. New friendships are forged, older friendship are strengthened. God loves great community!
- You'll enjoy great food and wonderful fellowship
Here's what's on the agenda
- We're having a closer look at our discipleship process and how it can work to help people grow toward maturity
- We're looking at plans and dreams for planting churches now and in the future
- We'll get an update on finances from Eddie Bos
- There will be a time to ask general questions
So please come along. Whether you've only been with us a little while, or for years, we'd love for you to come along and be part of moving into the future together.
Prayer Requests
* Please remember Bill Lindeman, whose brother, Kees, died last Saturday. Bill and Corrie will travel to Sydney for the funeral this week. God is very close to those who grieve and mourn – may his nearness surround Bill and Corrie and their family at this time * Please keep Mark Nugent in your prayers. Three years ago he had extensive reconstructive surgery to his spine. Recently he has been experiencing a lot of pain caused by the growth of an ectopic bone over the graft site on his spine. New medication is being trialed but surgery may be necessary to remove the bone. Mark is committed to the Solomons' Mission trip in June, so please pray that the medications will work and he will be able to travel with the team.
Childsafe Training Date Claimer
We are planning another Childsafe Training Breakfast on Saturday morning, 19th June. If you have not yet completed your Childsafe training, then this is a great opportunity to get it all out of the way. At the end of the session we take the tests together, so it's all done! It will also be a great opportunity if you are involved with Kids Games in the holidays, to get that training done before then.
Elder and Deacon Nominations
The Church Council is pleased to present the following nominations before the congregation for affirmation.
For the role of Elder - Todd Hammond
For the role of Deacon - Glenn Williams, Melody Groenenboom and Doug Klitscher
Votes of affirmation will take place in both services on Sunday 23rd May. (A reminder that we seek an 80% positive affirmation from the congregation to proceed).
Brief biographies on all of these will be available this weekend.
We thank God for his provision at this time.
METAL CUPBOARD
The church has the need of a lockable metal cabinet. If you have one that is in good condition and you are happy to donate it to the church, please contact Bill Sikkema sikkema@bigpond.net.au
Dads: Still Stuck for Mothers Day?
Then try this:
Hey Dads. You know we have this special morning tea for Mothers Day tomorrow after the 9am service, right?
And you've never baked a cake, right?
Even if the only power tool you've ever used is a cement mixer and a nail gun, and if the only appliance you have ever held in your hand is the TV remote, you could still make this great chocolate cake*. It's dead easy. Just click on this recipe, print off the page, and go play in the kitchen for a while. That special Mum in your life will be so proud of you.
(Mums, you could print off the recipe page and leave it somewhere strategic, like stuck to the TV screen, if you like)
We also have real 'fair trade' coffee (black, latte and cappacino) tomorrow after church - she won't want to miss it. It's going to be great, especially when you bring that (or another) cake to share.
Remember: the Mums sit down, and Dads and kids do the serving. This is how it has to be.
Let's make this a special time for Mums, OK?
*Recipe provied by Alison Alexander for 612 ABC, Brisbane
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