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Mid Week News
Attention HSM Campers
Just a reminder to bring a few dollars extra for dinner @ Macca's on Friday night on the way to camp.
Cheers. Dan.
"Christmas in July"
Just a little reminder to you all:
Time: 6:30pm
Attire: Something appropriate for 'Christmas is July'.
Please bring : A wrapped gift of little value ($5 or less) that will be given to a random someone at your table at some stage during the evening.
Drinks :Cold drinks will be available on the night, but if you would like to enjoy a glass of wine with your meal, you are welcome to BYO. ( a corkscrew could also be useful)
Looking forward to a great night Saturday night.
Profession of Faith Classes
Starting in a few weeks we will be holding our "Taking the Next Step" Class. Basically this is preparation for anyone wishing to be baptized, do their profession of faith, or just wanting to learn more about what we believe, and RCRC distinctive teachings.
It's a very relaxed style, more conversational than teaching, and goes for about 7 weeks, most likely on a Wednesday night. (See Attachment)
Thank You
A big thank you to all those who helped out with MOPS this week. We were short on in numbers for carers and helpers but people rallied around and supported the MOPS team. For this we are truly thankful.
Sunday
9am: On the surface, it's a simple question, with a very simple answer, and one that has been given by the church for 2000 years pretty consistently. NO. The two are mutually exclusive. But then you start to ask some questions around that. Questions like "Is that really what the Bible teaches, or are we just reading our own homophobia back into the Bible," or "But what if a person is gay, and doesn't have a choice about it," or, "But what do we do with people who struggle with this, can they be open about it, or do they have to ‘pretend.'" We begin to realize pretty quickly that this is not an open and shut case, and to give simplistic ‘rehearsed' answers actually damages people, and damages the church's witness.
And so this Sunday we are going to have a frank, honest discussion about the issue, to look carefully at the Bible's teaching, and think through some of its implications for us as a community that seeks to be like Jesus in this world.
5pm: No More Little Secrets - breaking the cycles of childhood sexual abuse (Dave G & Jo Briffa - Bravehearts)
There is a seedy side to our world, and it is being driven, controlled, and perpetuated by men. It destroys kid's lives and dehumanises women. It devours marriages and families. Are we realistic in thinking that men who follow Jesus could challenge - or even change - this terrible situation?
Prayer
- Margaret Vanden Akker and Anna Verkuissen both has surgery early this week and are well on the road to recovery. We're thankful that Anna's operation was not as complex as first envisaged. Please continue to pray for Anna and Margaret. Please also remember Margaret Hardwood: pray specifically that the medication she is receiving will be effective, and that God in his grace will work beyond medical expectations
- Pray especially for Sunday's services. Both deal with sensitive issues, and Dave & Clinton need great wisdom as they open them up. Remember: God promises wisdom who recognise their lack of it. He gives graciously and without finding fault (James 1)
- The building Committee are awaiting a quote on the extension. Please pray that our vision will be clear and our commitment to mission will be firm. Property and buildings are good, but they always serve the greater goals of Gospel purpose: God's people bringing God's program of mission to expression
- Give thanks to God for the news received by Les Sherwin. His MRI scan from 2 weeks ago was returned all clear.