Just thinking…
It seems to me that pressure can either drive things apart or drive things together. The difference is often found in the orientation of two objects to each other before the pressure is applied. A child tragically dies in a family or a husband loses his job. How does this affect the marriage? So often it comes down to whether there are pre-existing attitudes of trust, openness, communication and mutual dependence in the relationship. If these ‘channels’ are there, then the pressure can be dealt with; if they are not, then pressure has no-where to go and fractures may result. I recently read an article about the American astronauts who walked on the moon. Jim Irwan, who spent three days on the Moon in 1971 as part of the Apollo 15 mission said, “Standing on the Moon and looking back at Earth, I was able to close one eye, hold up his thumb and cover the entire planet — every mountain, every city, every person, every valley, every ocean.” He said it made him feel terrifyingly small. He went on to claim that many of the astronauts involved in those early days of space walks had existential crises and struggled to understand the meaning of their lives. Many found the return to earth extremely difficult, and divorce rates among astronauts were high. The last man on the Moon, Gene Cernan, summed up the anti-climax of post-flight life, saying it was "tough to find an encore". Interestingly, Irwin himself had a long-held faith that he said was only deepened and enriched by the moon adventure. Because his posture towards God had already been one of trust, the experiences that brought other astronauts trauma actually pushed him deeper into wonder of his Creator God. The small steps you make today towards openness towards God (and others!) will lead to greater resilience and peace tomorrow. Will pressure drive you apart or drive you together? It depends on the small steps you take today.
In Him,
Murray

This Sunday 29 November…
When Christmas Meets "Black Lives Matter" : What does Christmas have to say about 'Black Lives Matter'? As it happens... quite a lot! Come along and hear more!

Kids Programmes This Sunday
Spark is our program for older preschool to year 2 kids,
Blaze is for kids in years 3-5,
Ignite is for young people in years 6 and above.

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!

Christmas Morning Tea
We will be having a special Christmas morning tea following the service on Sunday 20 December. Please stay and celebrate with us!

Carols in the Carpark
Our famous Carols in the Carpark evening will be on Sunday 20 December from 6:30 - 7:30. This is a family-friendly time of carol-singing and creative-retelling of the Christmas story with fun content for kids. Bring your friends and bring a cushion, blanket or camp-chair to sit on. If it is wet, we will be inside the church.

Christmas Day Service
Join us for our Christmas Day Service on Friday 25 December from 9:30am - 10:30am

mainly music
mainly music for young children is on in the church every Tuesday at 10am. Newcomers are most welcome!

faith @ 6:30
The final faith @ 6:30 all-age evening service for 2020 will be held on Sunday 29 November at 6:30 - 7:30pm. The theme for this week is Listening to God. Come along for some worship, activities, and learning. All are welcome!

Home Groups
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!
Revelation Bible Study
The Revelation Small Group Series are studies looking at Jesus’ messages to the seven churches and asking what they mean for us today. This follows on from the Revelation sermon series and starts on Wednesday 21 October, 7:30pm. There will be five studies: 21, 28 Oct, 18, 25 Nov, 2 Dec. Enquiries phone the church office.
Myth-busters Small Group
Myth-busters is a 5 week series exploring what the Bible actually says about some key topics rather than what we think it says. Please contact the office if you are interested.
SHAPE Small Group
Pastor Murray will be leading a SHAPE Small Group series, looking at how God has wired you for service. Please register your interest by contacting the office.
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.
You can check out what’s happening from our Facebook page by clicking here.
You can check out all our Sunday services during the lock-down from our YouTube channel by clicking here.
You can find out what’s happening at RBC by joining our e-newsletter list. Please contact the office if you wish to be added to this.