Just thinking…
Ken Costa, in his book, God At Work, writes: The New Testament writer Paul drew no distinction between hard spiritual work and hard work in the workplace. He used the same words to discuss manual labor as he did apostolic service. The reality is that all jobs are equal. Throughout Scripture we find God’s people involved in a vast array of different jobs: Abraham was a cattle trader; Joseph was prime minister and later dabbled in wheat futures; Luke was a doctor; the first Ethiopian convert was a central banker; Dorcas was in fashion; Simon the tanner was the Louis Vuitton of his day; and Jesus was, of course, a carpenter. For me, this realization transformed the way in which I viewed the workplace. God was interested in every aspect of my life. At church on Sunday, we may pray for the leaders of the church and society, but how often do we pray for Sarah the accountant and Mark the salesman in the third row? Christians have, at times, adopted the great fallacy that an emigration from the world of work would produce a spirituality of a higher order that would, therefore, be more pleasing to God. The monastic tradition, often blamed for this withdrawal from the world, has, on the contrary, a high view of work. We cannot, and were never intended by God to, take exit visas from the world to escape its pressures. Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in Letters and Papers from Prison, spoke of the calling of Christians to be “this worldly,” living amongst the harsh realities of life and demonstrating our faith by the day-to-day choices we make. Before Jesus was arrested, he prayed for his disciples: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). We have been created by God to work in this world.
In Him,
Murray
This Sunday 19 May…
God at Work: Adrienne Cleland is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Operations) and Registrar at the University of Auckland. This Sunday, Adrienne will be sharing some thoughts on Work-Life, God-Life ... and how the two fit together. Come along for a great time!
Young Adults Group
We are kicking off our Young Adults Group again next Wednesday evening at 7:30pm! If you are interested, please contact the church office.
Kids Programs This Sunday
Spark is our program for preschool kids, led by Margaret Stewart.
Blaze is for kids in years 0-5, led by Olwyn Dickson.
Ignite is for young people in years 6 and above, led by Matt and Elisha.
Leisure for Pleasure
Next Tuesday, 1pm in the church lounge. There is friendly company, card and board games, quizzes, music or bring your own handcrafts. With afternoon tea to follow. All are welcome!
Parenting Place Seminar
Parenting styles, personality types and the five love languages
with Joy Sluiters. Helping you understand your child’s personality and how to adjust your parenting to suit. This presentation will offer insights into parenting styles and how to use the ‘five love languages’ to best love your children.
Saturday, 25 May at Remuera Baptist Church, 641 Remuera Road, Remuera.
For more information and how to book, click here.
mainly music
mainly music for young children is every Tuesday at 10am in the church lounge. Newcomers are welcome.
Morning Tea at the Jenkins’
This Sunday 19 May after the service, we will be sharing in morning-tea at the Jenkins' home instead of at the church. No need to bring anything, email the church office if you are interested.
faith @ 6:30
On Sunday 26 May we have our next faith @ 6:30 service. Come along at 6:30pm for an all-age service where we play games, worship and learn about God. This time we are going to be hearing from a panel who will answer your questions! Don't forget to add your question to the question box in the lounge.
Ladies Lunch
Our next lunch meeting will be held in the Church lounge on Saturday 18 May at 12noon. Lunch will be provided and a koha will be appreciated - visitors and friends very welcome.
Youth Group!
Tonight is our monthly youth social night! We will be going to play Lazer Tag in Botany! We will leave the church at 6:30pm and pick up will be from the church at 8:30pm. The cost is $15. See you just before 6:30pm! Other social night dates for 2019 are: Friday 17 May, Friday 14 June, Friday 19 July, Friday 16 August, Friday 13 September, Friday 11 October, Friday 8 November, Friday 13 December.
Film Group
On Tuesday 21 May we will meet at the Lido Theatre Manukau Rd, at 5.35pm for the 5.50pm screening of “All is True”. Please email the church office for reservations.
Home Groups
Wednesday Night Home Group
Home Group at the home of Paul and Ruth Ungemuth every second and fourth Wednesday at 7:30pm. Each week we share in supper, do a bible study and pray for each other. Will begin on Wednesday 13 February. 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. After morning tea we do a bible study and pray together. 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. We have a shared lunch which is then followed by a time of prayer and doing a bible study. 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 of what we have going on. We'd love for you to join us!
