Just Thinking…
As a teenager, I lived by the motto “Sometimes you’ve gotta do, what you’ve gotta do”. It was my mantra for life, my firm belief, that my actions would only impact me and wouldn’t affect others. If the outcome benefited me, then it was worth doing.
Yet, now as a Christian, I don’t think my teenage wisdom was right. In fact, I think that as Christians we are called to a higher standard. We are called to care for others no matter the cost. The Bible is filled with parables and stories of people who were willing to give up everything to care for others. Have a look at the stories Jesus told, and you’ll see this theme, with probably the most well-known being the good Samaritan. As Jesus' followers today, we are called to act not for our own benefit, but out of a conviction of care for others, even if that costs us a lot.
Earlier this week, Tearfund released its annual Ethical Fashion Guide. This is a substantial piece of research that they undertake to help us as consumers be better informed about the brands and companies we purchase from. This guide exists to help us learn more about the ethical and environmental costs of producing clothing. A grade and a visual guide illustrates a brand’s true involvement in modern slavery, environmental degradation, and promotion of a throw-away culture. If you haven’t come across this before, I totally recommend having a look, and see what grade the brands you normally buy from have.
There are many reasons why being concerned about the way clothing is produced may be difficult. I’m a student who grew up without much money, so I understand and feel for you if the ethics of clothing is the last thing on your mind. But if you have the capacity, this is one example of where we as Christians can model to our culture what living in a way that loves people and the planet around us can look like.
If fashion isn’t your thing – cool, use this as an example to think about a global injustice. Clothes are a good example of injustices that exist in the world.
This week, as you do your online shopping, take a moment to think through how we as Christians should care for the least in our world, and how our actions can make a massive change.
Click here to view the Tearfund Ethical Fashion Guide.
Blessings,
Matt

This Sunday…
Reflections From the Trenches:
We take a brief break from our journey through Acts to get some insights from a number of our people about life in lockdown.

Kids Programmes during Lockdown
There will be not Blaze or Spark's programmes running due to covid restrictions.

Youth on Zoom
We are back this week for the new term. Join us at 4:30 on Friday 22 Oct, for a time of games on Zoom. Click here for the Zoom link.

New Youth Night
We are excited to be starting our new yr 9-13 youth group in term 4! But would love to hear from you, because we need to pick which day of the week to have it on.
Please click here to vote!

Virtual Morning Tea
This Sunday at 11:30 am, after our worship service has been posted, we will be having a Virtual Morning Tea!
Get your biscuit and a cup of coffee and sit down for a Zoom chit-chat with others! Catch up on others' weeks, talk about whatever, leave whenever you wish, enjoy some fellowship!
The young people are also invited to this, and then will have a 'break-out' Ignite youth meeting using the same zoom link, which Matt will organise.

Giving to our Community During Lockdown
There are many in need in our community during lockdown. If you would like to contribute financially, a couple of good options would be to Vision West (click here) or contact Ruapōtaka Marae in Glen Innes on 09 5705340.

mainly Music
Due to covid restrictions, we are unable to meet in person for our mainly music sessions. However a link will be posted on out Facebook at 10am each Tuesday. We hope you can sing along (virtually) with us!

Home Groups
Young Adults Home Group
Every Sunday 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!
Basix Small Group
Basix is a series of chat group courses looking at the basics of the Christian faith. Each course runs for four weeks, and discusses questions about who God is, life and the Christian faith. Please contact the office if you are interested.
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.