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eNews
Answering Dan Brown
Monday Mailbox
Dear friends,
On May 18 our cinemas will commence showing the Da Vinci Code, a movie based on Dan Brown’s best selling fiction novel. There’s a part of me that wants to say, “O, please just go away…” because it just seems to be a high nuisance-factor diversion. I find it hard to devote time and resources to a story that bears little resemblance to historical fact, decent scholarship, and (in the minds of at least some) any literary merit.
There is no doubt that the Da Vinci Code movie could present us with some great challenges. Christians will need to know how to answer some of the questions people will raise. And, friends, people will raise them. Some have reported how reading the novel challenged their faith in God. Others, or how it confirmed their suspicion of the church. As hard as it may be for us to acknowledge these challenges, these consequences are real.
How important it is then for every Christian to be informed (at least as well as they can be) about the reliability of the New Testament account. How critical it is for us to remember some of the basic material we covered last Sunday night: to submit our minds, thoughts and rational capabilities to God and His word.
On the other hand, the Da Vinci Code presents followers of Jesus with some unique opportunities:
We can tell people who Jesus really is and what he has done for us. His forgiveness, grace and work in the lives of his followers is not fiction and can be historically verified
We can read up on how best to answer the claims of the Da Vinci Code. I would recommend (the first three are in the church library)
-
The truth behind the Da Vinci Code
-
Cracking the Da Vinci Code
-
The real Da Vinci Code (ABC DVD)
-
We can also make copies of an excellent sermon by John Ortberg, from Menlo Park Presbyterian Church,
-
'The Da Vinci Code - A Response' Nicky Gumble, who in his typically well reasoned and logical manner gets to the bottom of Brown’s claims and refutes them convincingly. Pick up a copy at Word, Koorong, and perhaps the Cleveland Christian Bookshop. It will cost about $4.00, well worth the money, and worth considering buying a few to give to friends.
Of course, the best way to help people find out about the real Jesus is to introduce them to him through witness or bringing them along to a service at your church.
In the weeks just prior to May 18, we hope to have a service or two that will deal with the Da Vinci Code subject matter. These will also be prime opportunities for you to invite guests. Please prayerfully consider this, an uphold your pastors as they prepare their messages.
Above all, continue to pray that you will be able to give an answer to everyone for the hope that you have (1 Pet 3:15).
Have a great week, church!
RCRC eNews
Sunday
AM: When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey people honored Him as their King. And still today we say and we sing that we aught to honor Jesus. But why? What makes him so worthy of the honor of our lives? This Sunday we will explore Psalm 24, a Psalm that looks forward to the coming of Jesus and describes why he is so deserving of the praise of our lives. Read ahead.
PM: "What to do when you doubt" - Just one week out from Easter and who is Jesus, really? What happens when we doubt? When there's nagging doubts about who Jesus is or what he came to do? Ignore them? Deny them? Feed them? Come Sunday night and find out...Mid Youth Tonight (Friday)
What's on? Games Night.
Prepare to get messy!
See you at the church from 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Cyclone Larry Car Wash
Who could not be moved by what we have witnessed after Cyclone Larry tore through the Innisfail district. Time to grab those chamois. It's too far to go to swing a hammer or carry water from the well, but here's an opportunity to do what we can.
Time & date: 8am - 2pm on Saturday 29th April
Venue: Redland Christian Reformed Church
What to bring: Materials supplied, come with a smile and team spirit.
Once again we will run three shifts washing cars : 8-10, 10-12 & 12-2. We would like to have about 10 people per shift. Please contact Damien or Helen Watson on 3821 5181 or e-mail damienwatson@optusnet.com.au . Bring your kids. At the last car wash it was great to see parents and kids working together. Those that weren't washing were doing the 'wobble board' thing advertising at the front of the church
We are also looking for a couple of people per shift to give our customers a friendly welcome and offer them a chair & cuppa while they wait. This is an important part of the day - a great opportunity to build relationships with people in the community. We told you last week the team would fill fast – 9 of the 11 places in the RCRC side have been taken! That means you who was thinking about emailing josh@royalfoods.com.au and signing up (or finding out more) had better get a wriggle on. And the square leg umpire position is also still available. Even you would only like to umpire for 1 or 2 weeks, we’d love to hear from you! If you have said you are in, this Saturday at 2:30pm we are going down to the nets to get in a bit of practise and to meet the team. Mary Pleasant Drive in Birkdale (Just past the shopping centre) on the Birkdale primary school oval there. Bring whatever gear you have as well as any cricket balls you have lying around. Hopefully the rest of the Church has read on to this part were we’re asking for some prayer support. Here are some ideas:20twenty updated
Prayer
Peter Barker and Shelley Woods, who will be married tomorrow. Pray for a rich blessing in their lives and in their home
Chaplaincy Car Wash Result!
Thank you church!
Today's Car Wash raised a tremendous $596.50 in support of the Chaplaincy Work at Ormiston School! What a great ministry!
This is a wonderful result, and I thank the Lord for all those who gave part of their day to serve in this special way.
Thanks church!
Boundary Vision
Boundary Road Application Lodged!
It was with a great sense of anticipation of God's goodness that RCRC lodged the "change of use" application for the
As well as making application for the "change of use" from rural use to "a place of worship", we have also applied for another category which incorporates the use of the building and premises for other activities that include - conference and function rooms, sporting activities/venue, and other community events (eg meeting hall). Lodgement fees for this type of application are considerably more expensive than for the "place of worship" application, but it was deemed to be wise to apply under the current standard, rather than the new standard being released next week. This will then allow for a greater scope of use of the property and facilities.
The Boundary road program is starting to generate extra costs (e.g. the architects, town planners and applications) beyond the holding costs of the land. There are now new opportunities for you to target some special gifts and be a blessing to the church family.
We warmly encourage you to continue to give generously to this project. Our prayer is to be used for God’s kingdom purposes in the
Please see Eddie Bos (bos@royalfoods.com.au, 0416 000 600) with your gift, and he will allocate it according to the appropriate financial needs.
Car Wash Tomorrow
Car Wash - Care to serve with us and help our local Chaplain?
We still need a few more helpers for the car wash tomorrow. We have three shifts:
- 8:00am - 10:00am - come early and be home for a cuppa!
- 10:00am - 12:00 noon - take this one and get to sleep in
- 12 noon - 2:00 pm - serve while you munch...
With Friday's rain and with few people washing cars, it looks like it will be a busy day. We still need extra people for the first two shifts.
Can you help? It will be such a blessing to Chaplaincy at Ormiston School
It will also be great if a few people can bring trigger hoses, sponges and buckets
Care to serve with us? Please let Dave know: dave@redlandscrc.org.au 0418 383 055
Family Camp
Family Camp
When: Friday night 28 April to Monday 1 May
Where: Currimundi Recreation Camp, Sunshine Coast
Who: Anyone looking for a great and relaxing time
What to bring: bedding, towel, personal stuff, musical instruments, board games
Cost: Option A - Communial Dorms
$90 per person, $70 per preschooler, $280 per family
Option B - Unit with ensuite (sleeps up to 6)
$100 per person, $80 per preschooler, $360 per family
eNews - final attempt...
AM: Who can read about Jesus’ washing his disciple’s feet and remain unmoved? But what does it mean? Is it symbolic of Jesus’ selflessness? His humility? Might there be more to it? Clearly: there are implications for how followers of Christ do life, and they are huge. Read ahead at John 13:1-17
PM: Over the last 2 weeks we have been on a short term mission trip to Redlands, one that is opening our eyes to see the mission trip called life. During that time, we have most likely experienced pain, hardship, discomfort, as well as joy and excitement as we have seen what God does. But what is meant to sustain us for the longer journey? Where does our hope, comfort, our joy really come from? This Sunday night we will delve into Jesus’ debrief for his first 72 missionaries, and see what he has to say to us about the mission trip called life.
Ormiston Chaplaincy Car Wash: Feb 01
We still need your help!
4 people for the 8:00 – 10:00 shift (sign up now and be home in time for coffee)
6 people for the 10:00 – 12:00 shift (signup now and get to sleep in)
This car wash to raise money for Chaplaincy atOrmiston
School
. The need is urgent.The car wash is approved by the Redland Shire Council, and all monies raised will go straight to Ormiston Chaplaincy. If you want to be part of this cleansing ministry, please email dave@redlandscrc.org.au If you just want your car to be cleansed, we’ll do it with grace, but it will still cost you $5.00
ProFaith starts Monday week (April 03)…
What: If you’re a follower of Jesus and you have never declared your faith publicly to the church family you might want to come along to this short term group. In some others churches, this might be called ‘confirmation class’ or ‘baptism class’. The point is that it provides a context form people to say they are fair dinkum about following Jesus and that they want to honour him with their lives.
Who: anyone who wants take a public, permanent and serious stand for Jesus Christ
Format: we use a book called “Quest for Faith” as a discussion guide/reader. The chapters are short, and make for good discussion. Books will be provided for all attendees.
Where & when: Dave’s office, 7:30pm – 8:30pm Monday nights
Questions? Email/Phone Dave (0418 383 055 dave@redlandscrc.org.au) orClinton
(0424 477 487 clinton@redlandscrc.org.au)RCRC Easter Services
Good Friday: 9am
Easter Sunday @ RCRC: 9am
Easter Sunday @Cleveland
Showground: 7:30pm….Are you asking your friends?
20twenty Cricket
It’s taking the cricket world by storm and many people are saying it’s the future of the game.
If you’re looking for a great way to introduce your friends to your Church mates and more importantly, God! Or if you would just love to play 20/20 cricket, here is your opportunity!!!!!!!
This winter, the first and onlyBrisbane
20/20 cricket competition is being run by the Churches Cricket Association of Queensland and is comprised of 6 Churches from theRedlands
. RCRC has entered a team and now we are calling for team members.More details:
Saturday afternoons 1pmà4pm (That’s right, it’s all over in 3 hours!)
Venue is inCleveland
15+ (NOT only for youth)
Cheap as chips!
Want to know more? Email josh@royalfoods.com.au
Not feeling as sporty as you once were, but still want to get behind this great evangelism tool? You may be our perfect square-leg umpire!!! Email josh@royalfoods.com.au for more info…
Got a business and want to sponsor the RCRC side? We need some eye-catching shirts. Email josh@royalfoods.com.au to register your interest.
The team will fill quickly, so get in now!!! Also, be prepared we will need all of you to join our prayer team. Both sides = UNBEATABLE!
Boundary Rd
Boundary Road
This morning RCRC will be lodging the "change of use" application for theBoundary Rd
property with the Redland Shire Council. The deadline for the application under the existing regulations is the end of this week, so we have managed to get the town planners and architect to do their paperwork just in time.As well as making application for the "change of use" from rural use to "a place of worship", we have also applied for another category which incorporates the use of the building and premises for other activities that include - conference and function rooms, sporting activities/venue, and other community events (eg meeting hall). Lodgement fees for this type of application are considerably more expensive than for the "place of worship" application, but it was deemed to be wise to apply under the current standard, rather than the new standard being released next week. This will then allow for a greater scope of use of the property and facilities.
The Boundary road program is starting to generate extra costs (e.g. the architects, town planners and applications) beyond the holding costs of the land. There are now new opportunities for you to target some special gifts and be a blessing to the church family.
We warmly encourage you to continue to give generously to this project. Our prayer is to be used for God’s kingdom purposes in theRedlands
. This is a vision which extends significantly beyond the present and which includes future generations. We could not think of a more stimulating challenge than to commit to this future, in God’s grace, with you.Please see Eddie Bos (bos@royalfoods.com.au - 0416 000 600) with your gift, and he will allocate it according to the appropriate financial needs.
Employment Opportunity:Redlands
College
Redlands
College
is a P-12 school of over 1,100 students and 130 staff, operated by members of the churches of ChristThere is an opening for a 10 week contract, 3 days per week, as Recepotionist in the Public Reception area
Terms of Contract: April 18 – June 23
Requirements
Faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ
Prior reception experience
Pleasant phone manner
Well developed communication and organisational skills
Ability to work effectively in a small team
Ability to work under pressure
Computer skills (MS Word)
Hold or be prepared to apply for a “Blue Card”
Send your applications with resume and references to:
The
Business Manager Redlands College Anson Rd Wellington
Prayer
The Synod of the Christian Reformed Churches inAustralia
will meet inRedlands
May 7-13. Please uphold Greg Tenni as he takes his seat as a Synod delegate. Please pray for decisions which will glorify the Lord. This Synod will likely be a watershed for renewed local church focus on mission and ministry/discipleship developmentContinue to pray for the Lord’s guidance as we consider our future with Boundary Rd. Ask for the Lord to open new doors for witness and ministry. Seek a servant’s heart for theRedlands
church family and all who are part of it. Pray for wisdom for those developing concepts for the facilityThere are thousands homeless after Cyclone Larry; power is interrupted for weeks, homes and lives need to be rebuilt. You can also donate to Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal Fund by calling 1800 150 411 or making a donation through any branch of the Commonwealth Bank.
TheMyanmar
Team: The remainder of the team leaves this Friday, with some having left last Monday. Please pray for a strong witness, safe travel, and good health.Give thanks for the safe arrival of little Daniel de Boer, a son to Emmy and Roger. What a beautiful gift on God life is!
eNews - let's try that again.... apologies
Sunday's coming!
AM: Who can read about Jesus’ washing his disciple’s feet and remain unmoved? But what does it mean? Is it symbolic of Jesus’ selflessness? His humility? Might there be more to it? Clearly: there are implications for how followers of Christ do life, and they are huge. Read ahead at John 13:1-17
PM: Over the last 2 weeks we have been on a short term mission trip to Redlands, one that is opening our eyes to see the mission trip called life. During that time, we have most likely experienced pain, hardship, discomfort, as well as joy and excitement as we have seen what God does. But what is meant to sustain us for the longer journey? Where does our hope, comfort, our joy really come from? This Sunday night we will delve into Jesus’ debrief for his first 72 missionaries, and see what he has to say to us about the mission trip called life.
Ormiston Chaplaincy Car Wash: Feb 01
We still need people for the car wash, friends - can you come?
4 people for the 8:00 – 10:00 shift (sign up now and be home in time for coffee)
6 people for the 10:00 – 12:00 shift (signup now and get to sleep in)
This car wash to raise money for Chaplaincy at Ormiston School. The need is urgent.
The car wash is approved by the Redland Shire Council, and all monies raised will go straight to Ormiston Chaplaincy. If you want to be part of this cleansing ministry, please email dave@redlandscrc.org.au If you just want your car to be cleansed, we’ll do it with grace, but it will still cost you $5.00
ProFaith starts Monday week (April 03)…
What: If you’re a follower of Jesus and you have never declared your faith publicly to the church family you might want to come along to this short term group. In some others churches, this might be called ‘confirmation class’ or ‘baptism class’. The point is that it provides a context form people to say they are fair dinkum about following Jesus and that they want to honour him with their lives.
Who: anyone who wants take a public, permanent and serious stand for Jesus Christ
Format: we use a book called “Quest for Faith” as a discussion guide/reader. The chapters are short, and make for good discussion. Books will be provided for all attendees.
Where & when: Dave’s office, 7:30pm – 8:30pm Monday nights
Questions? Email/Phone Dave (0418 383 055 dave@redlandscrc.org.au) or Clinton(0424 477 487 clinton@redlandscrc.org.au)
RCRC Easter Services
Good Friday: 9am
Easter Sunday @ RCRC: 9am
Easter Sunday @ Cleveland Showground: 7:30pm
….Are you asking your friends?
Boundary Rd
Developments
This morning RCRC will be lodging the "change of use" application for the Boundary Rdproperty with the Redland Shire Council. The deadline for the application under the existing regulations is the end of this week, so we have managed to get the town planners and architect to do their paperwork just in time.
As well as making application for the "change of use" from rural use to "a place of worship", we have also applied for another category which incorporates the use of the building and premises for other activities that include - conference and function rooms, sporting activities/venue, and other community events (eg meeting hall). Lodgement fees for this type of application are considerably more expensive than for the "place of worship" application, but it was deemed to be wise to apply under the current standard, rather than the new standard being released next week. This will then allow for a greater scope of use of the property and facilities.
The Boundary road program is starting to generate extra costs (e.g. the architects, town planners and applications) beyond the holding costs of the land. There are now new opportunities for you to target some special gifts and be a blessing to the church family.
We warmly encourage you to continue to give generously to this project. Our prayer is to be used for God’s kingdom purposes in the Redlands. This is a vision which extends significantly beyond the present and which includes future generations. We could not think of a more stimulating challenge than to commit to this future, in God’s grace, with you.
Please see Eddie Bos (bos@royalfoods.com.au 0416 000 600) with your gift, and he will allocate it according to the appropriate financial needs.
20twenty Cricket
It’s taking the cricket world by storm and many people are saying it’s the future of the game.
If you’re looking for a great way to introduce your friends to your Church mates and more importantly, God! Or if you would just love to play 20/20 cricket, here is your opportunity!!!!!!!
This winter, the first and only Brisbane20/20 cricket competition is being run by the Churches Cricket Association of Queensland and is comprised of 6 Churches from the Redlands. RCRC has entered a team and now we are calling for team members.
More details:
Saturday afternoons 1pm - 4pm (That’s right, it’s all over in 3 hours!)
- Venue is in Cleveland
- 15+ (NOT only for youth)
- Cheap as chips!
Want to know more? Email josh@royalfoods.com.au
- Not feeling as sporty as you once were, but still want to get behind this great evangelism tool? You may be our perfect square-leg umpire!!! Email josh@royalfoods.com.au for more info…
- Got a business and want to sponsor the RCRC side? We need some eye-catching shirts. Email josh@royalfoods.com.au to register your interest.
The team will fill quickly, so get in now!!! Also, be prepared we will need all of you to join our prayer team. Both sides = UNBEATABLE!
Employment Opportunity: Redlands College
Redlands College is a P-12 school of over 1,100 students and 130 staff, operated by members of the churches of Christ. There is an opening for a 10 week contract, 3 days per week, as Recepotionist in the Public Reception area
Terms of Contract: April 18 – June 23
Requirements
- Faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ
- Prior reception experience
- Pleasant phone manner
- Well developed communication and organisational skills
- Ability to work effectively in a small team
- Ability to work under pressure
- Computer skills (MS Word)
- Hold or be prepared to apply for a “Blue Card”
Send your applications with resume and references to:
The Business Manager Fax 07 3207 3799 Email mail@redlandsc.qld.edu.au
Redlands College
38 Anson Rd
Wellington Point Qld 4160
Prayer
- The Synod of the Christian Reformed Churches in Australiawill meet in
- Redlands May 7-13. Please uphold Greg Tenni as he takes his seat as a Synod delegate. Please pray for decisions which will glorify the Lord. This Synod will likely be a watershed for renewed local church focus on mission and ministry/discipleship development
- Continue to pray for the Lord’s guidance as we consider our future with Boundary Rd. Ask for the Lord to open new doors for witness and ministry. Seek a servant’s heart for the Redlands church family and all who are part of it. Pray for wisdom for those developing concepts for the facility
- There are thousands homeless after Cyclone Larry; power is interrupted for weeks, homes and lives need to be rebuilt. You can also donate to Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal Fund by calling 1800 150 411 or making a donation through any branch of the Commonwealth Bank.
- The MyanmarTeam: The remainder of the team leaves this Friday, with some having left last Monday. Please pray for a strong witness, safe travel, and good health.
- Give thanks for the safe arrival of little Daniel de Boer, a son to Emmy and Roger. What a beautiful gift on God life is!
Bumper eNews Edition
Sunday's coming!
AM: Who can read about Jesus’ washing his disciple’s feet and remain unmoved? But what does it mean? Is it symbolic of Jesus’ selflessness? His humility? Might there be more to it? Clearly: there are implications for how followers of Christ do life, and they are huge. Read ahead at John 13:1-17
PM: Over the last 2 weeks we have been on a short term mission trip to Redlands, one that is opening our eyes to see the mission trip called life. During that time, we have most likely experienced pain, hardship, discomfort, as well as joy and excitement as we have seen what God does. But what is meant to sustain us for the longer journey? Where does our hope, comfort, our joy really come from? This Sunday night we will delve into Jesus’ debrief for his first 72 missionaries, and see what he has to say to us about the mission trip called life.
Ormiston Chaplaincy Car Wash: Feb 01
We still need people for the car wash, friends - can you come?
4 people for the 8:00 – 10:00 shift (sign up now and be home in time for coffee)
6 people for the 10:00 – 12:00 shift (signup now and get to sleep in)
This car wash to raise money for Chaplaincy at Ormiston School. The need is urgent.The car wash is approved by the Redland Shire Council, and all monies raised will go straight to Ormiston Chaplaincy. If you want to be part of this cleansing ministry, please email dave@redlandscrc.org.au If you just want your car to be cleansed, we’ll do it with grace, but it will still cost you $5.00
ProFaith starts Monday week (April 03)…
What: If you’re a follower of Jesus and you have never declared your faith publicly to the church family you might want to come along to this short term group. In some others churches, this might be called ‘confirmation class’ or ‘baptism class’. The point is that it provides a context form people to say they are fair dinkum about following Jesus and that they want to honour him with their lives.
Who: anyone who wants take a public, permanent and serious stand for Jesus Christ
Format: we use a book called “Quest for Faith” as a discussion guide/reader. The chapters are short, and make for good discussion. Books will be provided for all attendees.
Where & when: Dave’s office, 7:30pm – 8:30pm Monday nights
Questions? Email/Phone Dave (0418 383 055 dave@redlandscrc.org.au) or Clinton(0424 477 487 clinton@redlandscrc.org.au)RCRC Easter Services
Good Friday: 9am
Easter Sunday @ RCRC: 9am
Easter Sunday @ Cleveland Showground: 7:30pm….Are you asking your friends?
Boundary Rd
Developments
This morning RCRC will be lodging the "change of use" application for the Boundary Rdproperty with the Redland Shire Council. The deadline for the application under the existing regulations is the end of this week, so we have managed to get the town planners and architect to do their paperwork just in time.
As well as making application for the "change of use" from rural use to "a place of worship", we have also applied for another category which incorporates the use of the building and premises for other activities that include - conference and function rooms, sporting activities/venue, and other community events (eg meeting hall). Lodgement fees for this type of application are considerably more expensive than for the "place of worship" application, but it was deemed to be wise to apply under the current standard, rather than the new standard being released next week. This will then allow for a greater scope of use of the property and facilities.
The Boundary road program is starting to generate extra costs (e.g. the architects, town planners and applications) beyond the holding costs of the land. There are now new opportunities for you to target some special gifts and be a blessing to the church family.
We warmly encourage you to continue to give generously to this project. Our prayer is to be used for God’s kingdom purposes in the Redlands. This is a vision which extends significantly beyond the present and which includes future generations. We could not think of a more stimulating challenge than to commit to this future, in God’s grace, with you.
Please see Eddie Bos (bos@royalfoods.com.au 0416 000 600) with your gift, and he will allocate it according to the appropriate financial needs.
20twenty Cricket
It’s taking the cricket world by storm and many people are saying it’s the future of the game.
If you’re looking for a great way to introduce your friends to your Church mates and more importantly, God! Or if you would just love to play 20/20 cricket, here is your opportunity!!!!!!!
This winter, the first and only Brisbane20/20 cricket competition is being run by the Churches Cricket Association of Queensland and is comprised of 6 Churches from the Redlands. RCRC has entered a team and now we are calling for team members.More details:
Saturday afternoons 1pm - 4pm (That’s right, it’s all over in 3 hours!)
- Venue is in Cleveland
- 15+ (NOT only for youth)
- Cheap as chips!
Want to know more? Email josh@royalfoods.com.au
- Not feeling as sporty as you once were, but still want to get behind this great evangelism tool? You may be our perfect square-leg umpire!!! Email josh@royalfoods.com.au for more info…
- Got a business and want to sponsor the RCRC side? We need some eye-catching shirts. Email josh@royalfoods.com.au to register your interest.
The team will fill quickly, so get in now!!! Also, be prepared we will need all of you to join our prayer team. Both sides = UNBEATABLE!
Employment Opportunity: Redlands College
Redlands College is a P-12 school of over 1,100 students and 130 staff, operated by members of the churches of Christ. There is an opening for a 10 week contract, 3 days per week, as Recepotionist in the Public Reception area
Terms of Contract: April 18 – June 23
Requirements
- Faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ
- Prior reception experience
- Pleasant phone manner
- Well developed communication and organisational skills
- Ability to work effectively in a small team
- Ability to work under pressure
- Computer skills (MS Word)
- Hold or be prepared to apply for a “Blue Card”
Send your applications with resume and references to:
The Business Manager
Redlands College
38 Anson Rd
Wellington Point Qld 4160
Fax 07 3207 3799 Email mail@redlandsc.qld.edu.au
Prayer
- The Synod of the Christian Reformed Churches in Australiawill meet in
- Redlands May 7-13. Please uphold Greg Tenni as he takes his seat as a Synod delegate. Please pray for decisions which will glorify the Lord. This Synod will likely be a watershed for renewed local church focus on mission and ministry/discipleship development
- Continue to pray for the Lord’s guidance as we consider our future with Boundary Rd. Ask for the Lord to open new doors for witness and ministry. Seek a servant’s heart for the Redlands church family and all who are part of it. Pray for wisdom for those developing concepts for the facility
- There are thousands homeless after Cyclone Larry; power is interrupted for weeks, homes and lives need to be rebuilt. You can also donate to Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal Fund by calling 1800 150 411 or making a donation through any branch of the Commonwealth Bank.
- The MyanmarTeam: The remainder of the team leaves this Friday, with some having left last Monday. Please pray for a strong witness, safe travel, and good health.
- Give thanks for the safe arrival of little Daniel de Boer, a son to Emmy and Roger. What a beautiful gift on God life is!
Monday Mailbox (on Tuesday...)
Who will you invite?
A few weeks ago I sent you an encouragement to invite people along to our Easter Services.
Today I want to encourage you to take the step you’ve been praying about.
As I do this, I’m mindful that asking someone to a church service is not the easiest thing to do. I am no expert: but I thought it would be helpful to share the following few points with you. Maybe you have a few other suggestions – I’d be glad to hear about what works in your experience!
Anyway, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- People really are interested in what is valuable to you. When you talk positively and confidently about your spiritual life it may have more of an impact than you think! Estimates vary, but most will agree that when asked by a friend, people often are inclined to accept an invitation to a service or a church event.
- We live in an age where people are more and more open to spiritual things. Today’s people are more inclined to discuss spiritual matters than previous generations – give it a try
- Ask people whether they have ever had anything like a spiritual experience. Once again, you’ll probably be surprised how open people are. Once they have shared their experiences, you can share yours.
- Talk about the Easter weekend. Ask what their plans are, and share your own. Add something like “How about you come along with us, and we have some lunch afterwards?”
- Stay upbeat and positive about your church community. Talk about how it’s made up of everyday people who are easy to relate to. Talk about how teaching is relevant, music is great, and it’s a place where people matter. You might even mention how being part of your community helps you manage some of the tougher bits of life – that’s sure to capture some interest.
- Remember: People really are interested in what you find interesting and helpful – they won’t often expect you to talk so positively about your church family. What a pleasant surprise it will be!
- Relax. You don’t have to know all the answers to every question. If tough questions come up, let them know you’ll try and find an answer. People appreciate it when Christians admit they don’t know some of the answers. The most important thing you need to know is what difference following Jesus makes in your life.
- Most of all: just keep praying that God will use your words, overcome your weaknesses, and give you peace about what you will say. It’s God who changes hearts, opens minds, and who will speak to the inner realities of the people you are praying for. Keep asking him to use you. And keep taking him on His word!
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect… (1 Peter 3:15)
Have a great week, church!
PS. Don't forget: I'd be glad to hear how you get on You can send your response to dave@redlandscrc.org.au
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