Just thinking…
Jesus redefined family. And he did this on at least a couple of occasions. We read about one incident when his mother and some of his brothers came looking for him while he was teaching. Someone gave him the report that they were outside the packed house, waiting to see him. His response? “Those who live for God’s purposes stand in the closest of relationships to me” (my paraphrase) – a phenomenal thing to say in a Jewish culture where honouring of biological parents was paramount. But there was also another situation, when he was hanging from the cross and looking down on the upturned faces of his mother, a disciple and some others. We read, ‘When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”’ Although not related by blood, they would now be to each other as close as the closest blood relatives. What Jesus seems to be doing in both these situations is blurring the lines between Christian community and family. Someone once suggested to me that one of the ‘idols’ that Christians may have today is the nuclear family. So much valuable teaching and resource is given to promoting Christian marriage, Christian parenting and the like, but is a side-effect of this a firming of a boundary that Jesus wishes to make more permeable? Does Jesus wish us to treat those in our faith whanau as we treat those in our blood whanau? Does he wish us to reach out beyond the borders of our families and invite others in? Something to think about.
In Him,
Murray
This Sunday 13 October
Of Church And Spiders: This Sunday, Simon will be talking about spiders, as we think about what it means to be the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-31).
Ignite Youth Group
Tomorrow night, 6:30-8:30pm in the church. Due to an unfortunate weather report for tomorrow night, we have decided to change our plans from a games night to a movie night! We will be providing popcorn and other goodies so we will be asking for a gold coin donation for the night, to help cover the cost. If your youth has any dietary requirements or allergies, or if you have any questions about the night, please feel free to contact the church office.
Ladies’ Lunch
Next Saturday 19 October. Meet in the church lounge at 12 noon till 2pm. A koha is appreciated. All welcome!
Film Group
Meet 5.45pm Tuesday 15 October at Rialto Theatre Newmarket to purchase tickets together for 6.10pm screening of 'Yuli'. Please let the church office know if you would like to come.
Kids Programs This Sunday
Spark is our program for older preschool to year 2 kids, led by Margaret Stewart.
Blaze is for kids in years 3-5, led by Olwyn Dickson.
Ignite is for young people in years 6 and above, led by Matt and Elisha.
mainly music
mainly music for young children will begin again for term 4 next Tuesday 15 October at 10am in the church.
Men’s Breakfast
Men’s Breakfast, will be Saturday 13 October from 8am. Our Speaker will be Bruce Patrick, former Pastor of Orakei Baptist Church and Pastor of Auckland Baptist Tabernacle. Bruce will be speaking on One Of The Most Remarkable Stories Never Told” ... the amazing adventures of Octavius Hadfield, one of our greatest early missionaries: pioneer missionary to the Cook Strait region, Anglican Bishop and Primate. Share a cooked breakfast, coordinated by chef supremo Lindsay M. We'd love to see you there. Please consider inviting a friend.
Trick-or-Treat Drop-In
Remuera Baptist Church (641 Remuera Road) is hosting a 'Trick-or-Treat Drop-In' on Halloween Day, 31 October, from 5:30 - 7:30pm. Loads of free entertainment suitable for kids young and old. There will be a magician, bouncy castles, a sausage sizzle, face-painting ... and most exciting of all ... a chocolate-factory-themed adventure!
Young Adults Group
As young people, we believe it is super important to have a network of like-minded Christ followers surrounding us. The Remuera Baptist Church Young Adults Group meets every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm. We alternate between bible studies and social nights each week. If you are interested in joining us, or would like more information, please email the church office or message us on Facebook @remuerabaptistchurch
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!
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.
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!
