Just Thinking…
A week in politics is a long time, and this week for Simon Bridges must seem interminable. I was listening to talk-back radio yesterday, which as you would expect, was full of the Jami-Lee Ross/Simon Bridges affair. For me, this debacle has re-surfaced the age-old mixed blessing of power. Power is inherently neutral – power and authority can be used to bring social housing to a community in Auckland, or it can be used to oppress that same community. But it is also inherently dangerous. Money is simply power-made-physical (and we all know the ambivalence Jesus had about this stuff), and power can likewise bring out the worst in people. New Zealand has one of the lowest levels of corruption in the world, and while that is a good thing, it actually distances us from the experiences of most other Christians in the world who live under the heel of abusive rule. It also distances us from the world of the Bible. We don’t understand it when the Psalmist asks God to judge his powerful enemies. We just don’t get it when the book of Revelation speaks about martyrs crying out to God, ‘How long?’ May this latest misuse of power from those who have been entrusted with it remind us that we don’t know how lucky we are. May it call us again to pray for our brothers and sisters in the world who live in societies where power can and does kill them. And may it remind us again that the God we serve has ultimate power and will one day call each of us to account for the way we have used the power he has lent us.
In Him,
Murray
Trick-or-Treat Drop-In
The Trick-or-Treat Drop-In is the RBC light party held on 31 October each year. Save the date so you can get dressed up and come along to enjoy our sensory Dark Treasure Hunt, bouncy castle, games, face-painting, the odd sizzled sausage or two, and loads more fun! For more information check out our Facebook page.
Kids Programs This Sunday
Spark will not be happening this week so these kids can go to crèche.
Blaze is for kids in years 0-4, led by Kelly Jenkins.
Ignite is for young people in years 6-10, led by Olwyn Dickson.
There will be a Garage Sale/Market on Saturday 10 November in the church carpark, with limited tables and spaces which can be purchased to sell your own goods. Contact the church for more details.
ALPHA CONTINUES THIS TUESDAY, 3:30PM IN THE CHURCH
Alpha is a video and discussion-based group for those wishing to explore the basics of the Christian faith. Do you have anyone you could ask to attend? There will be brochures available this Sunday to give out to friends. Register with Murray on 095242524
mainly music for young children is every Tuesday at 10am in the church auditorium.
Men’s Breakfast
Saturday 3 November, 8am. Our speaker will Johannes Balzer, National Leader of Inter Serve. Johannes will talk about Interserve, some stories of what they do, and some of the holistic gospel understanding that underpins this. Share a cooked breakfast, coordinated by chef supremo Lindsay M. We'd love to see you there. Please consider inviting a friend.
Home Groups
Wednesday Night Home Group
Home Group at the home of Paul and Ruth Ungemuth every second and fourth Wednesday at 7:30pm. Contact the office for more information.
Wednesday Morning Home Group
Home Group at the home of Joy Galt on the third Wednesday of the month at 10am. Contact the office for more information.
Sunday Afternoon Home Group
Home Group run by David and Heather Reid every second Sunday after the service at the Reid's home. Contact the office for more information.
Young Adults Home Group
Every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm. Please email the church to be added to the Facebook page, and check Facebook for updates.
