
Just Thinking…
The wind howled past the tent ropes like a banshee, setting teeth on edge and tent flaps flapping. The wind had been constant for the last two days, and like a water tap left running, it began to wear away at one’s soul. There were 30 young people with me. We had trekked north for our annual youth camp under canvas, ended up at Uretiti beach near Waipu, and then negotiated the complex task of erecting 7 large tents on the sandy site, surprised at how so many trees had been cut down since last year’s camp. And then the wind came. With no trees to shield us, we were copping the full force of a belligerent Westerly which just wouldn’t stop. I walked outside the tent to look at the source of our troubles. Sure enough, the hills beyond the road formed a perfect wind-tunnel and it pointed right at us. So what to do? Hang tight? Do nothing? But then, nothing would change. Or commit to the time-consuming, disruptive, and tiring task of moving our camp-site to a more sheltered location? Was it worth the trouble?
Many churches face a similar decision. Things aren’t quite working, but the disruption and energy required to change is so big! Not to mention the frayed emotions and the uncertainty. After all, would the new location actually be any better? It seems to me that change is always a risk; but then, staying unmoving also has risks attached, made all the greater by being so subtle. We are in a season of seeking God’s vision for our church. To ask that question genuinely means being open to his changes. Do we pull up our tent-pegs? This Sunday, I will be feeding back the reflections from the leadership team on what we believe the Lord has been saying to us as a church. Please come prayerfully as we engage with this material. P.s., we DID move the youth camp. The wind stopped..
In Him, Murray














The start of the year is a great time to get plugged in to one of the home groups that are operating in the life of our church. There is a depth of connection that often doesn't happen outside of these groups, so we encourage you to call one of leaders below or contact the church office for more information.
Wednesday Night Home Group - Next Wednesday Home Group at the home of Paul and Ruth Ungemuth every second and fourth Wednesday at 7:30pm. Call 528 4401 for more information.
Wednesday Morning Home Group - Next Wednesday Home Group at the home of Joy Galt every third Wednesday at 10am. Call 948 8529 for more information.
Sunday Afternoon Home Group - This Sunday after the service Home Group run by David and Heather Reid every second Sunday after the service at the Reid's home. Call 528 4908 for more information.



The Lord's Vision For RBC
After our recent Sharing Service where we sought God's vision for our church, the church leadership were tasked with discerning God's voice through the many contributions. This Sunday, Murray will be sharing the results of this process. Please come along to this significant service.