Just thinking…
A man called Walter Bruggemann describes a lot of the Psalms in terms of a journey. It is a journey from what he calls a state of ‘orientation’ (‘everything is going fine. I can handle life’) to ‘disorientation’ (something has happened that has completely shaken up my world and I don’t know how to respond’). For those who wrote the Psalms, the cause of the disorientations were many: relationship breakdown, national disasters, and yes … health issues too. He writes about how there is ‘a dismantling of the old, known world and a relinquishment of safe, reliable confidence in God’s good creation. The movement of dismantling includes a rush of negativities, including rage, resentment, guilt, shame, isolation (we are familiar with this word now!), despair, hatred, and hostility.’ You might be feeling a bit disorientated yourself now – I know I am! In modern lingo, we have moved from a state of ‘normal’ into a state of ‘new normal’, and we are still trying to figure out what the rules of the new normal are. But Bruggemann says, that doesn’t have to be the end of the journey. The Psalms usually show another step from disorientation to ‘new orientation’. God steps in. He reminds us that he is still God. We remember that he has taken us safely through many disorientations in our past - he is actually very good at doing this! We rediscover confidence … trust … and an attitude of praise and worship in the new world we stand in. I invite you to take this journey from orientation to disorientation to new orientation. Why don’t you open up Psalm 13 and pray it back to Jesus? Put your own details, your own complaints and your own fears in there … but then to land in the same place the writer did … “I trust in your unfailing love … I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me!’
In Him,
Murray
This Sunday 22 March…
A Prayer Of 'Though' and 'Yet': We aren't immune to suffering. But neither were those who have gone before, including Habakkuk - a man whose prayer can reorient us in times of disorientation. Come and learn from one of the great prayers of the Bible.
COVID-19 Prevention
You can take some simple steps to help stop the spread of diseases like COVID-19. Avoid close contact with people with cold or flu-like illnesses. Cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with water and soap and dry them thoroughly: before eating or handling food, after using the toilet, after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or wiping children’s noses, after caring for sick people.
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 Grace & Elisha.
eCamp Cancelled
eCamp 2020 has been CANCELLED as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19. The decision was made following the press release from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern around criteria for public events and mass gatherings. This is also in line with the Ministry of Health advice. We are gutted too but believe that this is the best more for the safety of everyone involved.
Evening Prayer Service Cancelled
Please note that there will be no Evening Prayer Service on Sunday 5 April 2020.
GROW Camp
What an awesome time we had a GROW Camp this year! Thanks to the amazing Phil Halstead for being our guest speaker. We had a wonderful time having fun, eating some good food and growing together in the Lord. Thanks to everyone who came along! You can check out all the photos on Facebook by clicking here.
Ignite Youth Group – Social Night
The next Ignite Youth Group will be next Friday 27 March. We will be having a Social Night! More details to come...
mainly music Cancelled
mainly music for young children has been cancelled due to COVID19. Please keep checking our Facebook page for updates about the potential of online streaming.
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.
Thursday Morning Home Group
Home Group in the church lounge on the third Thursday 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 Thursday 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!
