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BKG - Preprimary Invited
BRISBANE KIDS GAMES
Due to slightly lower than anticipated entrants for Brisbanae Kids Games we are extending an invitation to those in preprimary, who attend school.
If you wish to enroll your child(ren), please bring them to the opening ceremony at Redlands College, Sunday, 1pm, and we can complete the process then.
If you wish to have some more information, please contact Clinton - 0424 477, 487.
RCRC Month of Prayer - News Flash
June 21 – God’s new community
Read: 1 Pet 2:4-5 – Living stones
Observe: Had a good look at a stone lately? There it is. Solid. Heavy. If you have enough of them, you can build a wall, or a foundation, or a whole house. Once you put them in place, though, that’s it. Stones, you see, are dead. Inanimate. Cold. Go nowhere. No sense. No feeling. But hey, at least they are predictable! Not so with living stones: they move! They breathe! They are alive! They are a little hard to pin down. This is in part due to the reality that God dwells in them. He is making a temple out of living stones (see also 1 Cor 3:16). Any investment we make in ordinary stones must be for God’s purpose in his living stones. Speaking of which:
"A contract has been offered for the block at 196 Delancey St (rear neighbour). Please pray that the owners will accept this offer. We will keep you posted as to the outcome (any contract offered will be conditional on congregational approval)"
Isn’t it remarkable that when we first commenced this month of prayer none of our immediate neighbours were willing to even consider selling? Now this opportunity has arisen, and we are humbled by the Lord’s grace! [Eph 3:20-21] How great is our God!
Pray:
- New Developments!: Will this new opportunity at 196 Delancey mean that expansion/development can be done from this property instead of Boundary Rd? We need to seek the Lord’s guidance in this! Please seek God’s guidance in this, and send your feedback through to the address below.
- Lord: bless this contract and act though human hearts (ours and theirs) to bring your will to greater expression. This contract, Lord, is yours. Do with it what you will.
- Ask that our minds will be fanned into flame by the Lord’s Spirit, that we will seek to be the living stones the Lord seeks. Ask for courage and faith to deal with all the uncertainty this delivers
- God’s spiritual house has Christ Jesus as the cornerstone: ask that our ministry and vision will be centred on Jesus Christ and directed to his glory. Request this specifically for the ministries you/your family are involved in.
- Lord, please make us into a better reflection of your new community. Let us be a model of your grace as we live out your Gospel
Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au
June 20 – God’s new community
Review: Let’s keep in mind the overall outline of what we’re seeking to cover in this month of prayer.
- Week 1: The lost
- Week 2: The joy of being found
- Week 3: The calling of the local church [this is where we are now]
- Week 4: The prize!
The overall goal of the 'Month of Prayer': when we have a clearer vision of the purpose of the church, we’ll also have a clearer understanding of what decisions to make about property. Our prayer is that these daily devotionals will help focus our minds on what really matters.
Today
Read: Col 4:1-4 – The church at prayer for the Gospel
Observe: No matter where you turn in the New Testament, when people are praying for the church, they always start with people, and they never start with property. That’s because the church is people, not property. Church is the assembly, not the address. The body, not the building. As we consider the various options: Ormiston, Boundary Rd, or any other, our primary consideration must be what facilities will enable us to minister most effectively to people? What will help us do the work of church planting and development? Of witness to the community we have been placed in? Of being Christ’s people in his world? Of nurturing the church to maturity?
Pray:
- That God will raise our awareness that, after his glory and honour, our greatest consideration is nurturing people to maturity in Christ, and bringing others to him. Pray that the Church Council will have their focus aligned to this goal. Ask that we as a body might be united around effective ministry and witness to people
- Does your vision for our property development have at its heart a church community which seeks to be used by God for the transformation of their city?
- New Developments!: Please continue to pray earnestly for open doors for the purchase of neighbouring property! These things are in God’s hands! Pray that we might see his will clearly
- Lord, please make us into a better reflection of your new community. Let us be a model of your grace as we live out your Gospel
Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au
RCRC Month of Prayer
June 19 – God’s new community
Read: 1 Thess 1:1-10 – The church: a model of repentance and hope
Observe: Perhaps we come from a tradition and culture which feels uncomfortable in the spotlight. Interestingly, the Thessalonian church was right there: centre stage. But only because they were a wonderful reflection of God’s work in community through the Gospel. They imitated Paul, his companions in ministry, and the Lord Himself (v.6). As they did, they themselves became a model church (v.7). But is was no cause for pride: it was grounds for praise to God in Christ. Wanting your church to be a ‘model’ has nothing to do with self centeredness, and everything to do with wanting God’s transforming grace to be fully manifest in every aspect of the community. To God alone be the glory!
Pray:
- For your church: ask that we might be a model congregation of grace and hope, and that our every action, aspiration and attitude might be focussed on knowing Christ and making him known
- That you will be able to speak with people whom you don’t know, and that God will use you to draw people into the church family
- That as you see fault and failing in your community, that God would give his grace to you to make the church a better place
- New Developments!: Please continue to pray earnestly for open doors for the purchase of neighbouring property! These things are in God’s hands! Pray that we might see his will clearly
- Lord, please make us into a better reflection of your new community. Let us be a model of your grace as we live out your Gospel
Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au
RCRC Month of Prayer
June 18 – The Joy of Finding
Read: Luke 7:36-50 – How the ‘found’ are overwhelmed by grace!
Observe: There are three responses to note here. The first is the woman’s response: lavish in its expression, flowing out of a heart overwhelmed by the grace and love of Christ. The second, the unspoken response of Simon the Pharisee, recoiling in horror at the scene being played out on front of him. The third response is that of Jesus: affirming the woman’s love and gratitude, and challenging Simon’s cold and judgemental heart. Our calling is to respond in Christlike attitude, drawing the broken and repentant into loving and affirming community. The Church’s call is to be a haven of rest for the weary!
Pray:
- That our attitudes will be like that of Jesus Christ, who while taking sin seriously, overcomes t with grace, acceptance and love that draws people into change
- Seek God’s forgiveness for when we have been small hearted and narrow minded toward those who are new in the grace of God
- New Developments!: News this from yesterday is that developments with neighbouring property is looking very positive. God is working in this situation, and we hope that very soon we can tell you more. Please continue to pray earnestly for open doors!
- Lord, please lead us in your way. Have us place our every opportunity into your hands that it may become what you want it to be. You must become greater, we must become less…
That's a lot of clean cars!
Car wash nets $904.00!
Thanks to everyone who helped out with today's "cleansing ministry". A total of $904 was raised, and the place was a buzz of excitement and cooperation. God is at work, and people suffering the aftermath of the Indonesian earthquake will be blessed!
Thanks church! Thanks to the Lord who is working through you!
DG
RCRC Month of Prayer & News Flash
June 17 – The Joy of Finding
Read: Luke 19 – How the ‘found’ rejoice!
Observe: Ever think about Zacchaeus’ face? His expression? Previously: Eyes that averted the gaze of others. Furrowed brow. The strain of the outcast. Gaze lowered. One day it all changed: Jesus entered Zacchaeus’ life. While we don’t have all the detail, it’s clear that at the beginning of the story he is ‘lost’ and at the end of the story he is ‘found’ - by the grace of Jesus. His response is both immediate and lavish: half his wealth to the poor, and four times and amount he has cheated. But his face would have told the story even better! Tears of joy, open hands, laughter, eyes toward heaven in gesture of praise! Repentance brings change worth dreaming about! This outcast immediately starts living out the righteousness he has just received!
Pray:
- Pray for this sort of change in both us and all who still do not know Jesus. Ask that God will help you to open their eyes to who Jesus is. Ask God to turn you into a sycamore-fig tree for them!
- Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus grace was to start living in justly and compassionately. Pray the Lord will bring this change in people of our city through the grace and love of His Son.
- New Developments!: News this morning on the nearby land purchases has become more positive again. God is working in this situation, and we hope that very soon we can tell you more. Please continue to pray earnestly for open doors!
- Lord, please lead us in your way. Have us place our every opportunity into your hands that it may become what you want it to be. You must become greater, we must become less…
Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au
RCRC Month of Prayer
June 16 – The Joy of Finding
Read: Acts 16:16-40 "Found Families"
Observe: One minute the Jailer is standing over his prisoners, the next minute he is being baptised by them. He is transformed by the grace of God, and he and his family will never be the same. God’s grace takes root, and their lives change route. They were some of the people Paul wrote to in the Philippian letter! They become co-workers! Partners in the Gospel! People who knew more than anyone what it was like for Paul to be in chains for the Gospel.
God changes hearts in an instant, but the transformation is seen over time. We know it by the fruit.
Imagine for a moment, transformed Redlands families bearing fruit of changed lives and redeeming culture. Imagine God bringing his good work to completion until Jesus returns. What a glorious joy: seeing grace transform families and whole communities!
Pray:
- That God will use you to speak of Jesus, and that his grace and power will bring change to the families you know
- Praise God that this is his work, and that we can trust him – fully to do this. Ask his Spirit to simply help you reflect Christ’s love with integrity, making you and your family a positive reflection of life in Christ.
- That our future plans and facilities will have one great focus: to be a beacon of hope for lost sons and daughters
- Land developments: Lord, please lead us in your way. Have us place our every opportunity into your hands that it may become what you want it to be. You must become greater, we must become less…
Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au
Midweek News
Sunday
9 AM: When life falls apart...keep trusting (Esther)
When things go really bad we often think God has left us and we've done something wrong. Esther and Mordecai remind us that even in such times, God is still at work and present in our lives. Sure, believing "God is in control" presents a few problems for our faith - especially in a world where (we think) so much is under our control, but the alternative is too ugly to contemplate... Jesus' own life shows us that despite evil people, we can be determined to do the will of the Father. Jesus, who is victorious, will strengthen us. Read ahead: Esther 2:19 - 6:3
5 PM:What’s the cost of our failings? What does it matter when we sin?What does it matter when someone as famous as David commits the most horrible of sins? Is it merely a stutter in the conversation of God, or does it forever color the picture of David? Or is it possible that the cost somehow holds the two in dynamic tension. This week we explore David’s most infamous moment, and examine the cost of sin, and the cost of forgiveness. Read adhead 2 Samuel 23:8-39
Car Wash this Saturday raising money for the Indonesian Earthquake Appeal.
We need around 30 car washers, 3 bbq cooks, 6 welcomers + a few other people for non-strenous odd jobs.
Shifts will be in two hour blocks from 8am-10am; 10am-12md & 11am-1pm.
We are very short on washers for the 11am-1pm shift.
Also please be praying that our clients will sense the welcome and love we show them as something worth pursuing.
More info and volunteering contact Damien Watson on ph. 3821 5181 or e-mail: damienwatson@optusnet.qld.com.au
Turning serving from a burden to a joy
Possible? It is if you can find out the best ways to use the gifts God has given you, for even using your gifts can be drudgery if you use them in the wrong way or in the wrong context. God's call is for us to be as effective as possible in the way we serve. So come along on Monday nights, starting coming Monday, and be part of the discover your gifts course. Over four Monday nights you will
- find out your best gifts
- work out the best places to use them
- learn ways on how best to work with others
- The more people who learn that, the better the church can do what God calls it to do.
To register: register@redlandscrc.org.au or phone Dave on 0418 383 055
Where: Redlands CRC
Cost: $20.00 (covers course material, etc.)
Dates: June 19, 26, July 3, 10 @ 7pm
Brisbane Kids Games
Prayer Points:
• Please pray for the children and parents of the community as they consider enrolling
• Pray that God’s Spirit will open up hearts and speak the truth of God into them
• Pray for the team members, as they seek to get everything organized
• Pray for all volunteers, for open hearts to receive the kids
• Pray for safety during the week (and great weather too!)
June 15 – The Joy of Finding
Read: Luke 15 "The father heart of God"
Observe: As we return to the lost son, let’s take some time to think about the father. Notice how the son consistently underestimates his fathers grace (v.12, 17-24). I don't know about you, but I get angry when people treat me like dirt. This father was grieved, for sure, but his heart is to forgive the lost son. Is anything beyond the grace of the father? Not in this story. Even the self directed older son is covered by grace.
The return and repentance of the lost is cause for divine celebration! Imagine that: heaven rejoicing over a sinner returning to God!
Think of the people close to you who don't know Christ, and imagine what celebration there would be when they come to God!
Pray:
- For the lost people you know by name. Ask God to seed in your heart a vision of them turning to him. Ask him to use you to help bring them closer to Jesus.
- Give thanks for the sheer miracle of forgiveness! Pray for the Lord to give a fresh start to the people you know: both those following Jesus and those yet to follow him.
- That our future plans and facilities will have one great focus: to be a beacon of hope for lost sons and daughters
- Land developments: Lord, please lead us in your way. Have us place our every opportunity into your hands that it may become what you want it to be. You must become greater, we must become less…
Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au
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