Just Thinking…
I've been chatting with you for the last couple of weeks about 'Two-Word Attitude Adjusters' ... on the assumption that most of us are probably feeling a little out of sorts every now and then in the current climate! I've talked about 'AND YET', and 'THANK-YOU'. Here's the next one for you: 'NEXT TIME'. This is a really important one, because it is an antidote to one of the most destructive two-word phrases ... 'IF ONLY'. Have you known the power of this one? IF ONLY carries with it all the hopelessness and despair of regrets and self-recrimination. 'Why didn't I do it right?' 'Who do I always mess things up?' You know the drill. The power of 'NEXT TIME' is that, instead of being backward looking, it looks to the future. 'Ok, so maybe I didn't cover myself in glory in [that situation ... fill in the blank], but NEXT TIME, I will learn from past mistakes and do it better. Jesus is the Lord of NEXT TIMEs! Remember the time he said to his mate, Simon Peter:
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32)
Do you hear what Jesus is saying here? 'Peter, you are shortly going to fail. But don't destroy yourself with 'if only's. Instead, get back up off the ground and find again your place of service in my name. And the next time will be different.'
Are the IF ONLYs weighing you down? Replace them with God's NEXT TIME, get up, and try again.
In Him,
Murray
This Sunday…
The God of Small Things:
Does our understanding of God being BIG prevent us from offering him our small things?
Kids Programmes during Lockdown
There will be not Blaze or Spark's programmes running due to covid restrictions.
Youth on Zoom
This week we are bringing back some OG games, so join us for some fun and a chance to catch up. And as always, feel free to invite others to join us.
4:30 pm on Friday 5 November.
Click here for the Zoom link.
Trick-or-Treat Drop Off
We had an amazing time last Sunday afternoon doing the Trick or Treat Drop Off, and the response from the community has been completely overwhelming! Thanks so much for your prayers and support, and tune in this Sunday to our online service where we will show you some of the action and comments.
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.
Festival One
This is a family-friendly Christian music and arts festival held in the Waikato, on anniversary weekend, 28-31 January 2022. Ticket prices will go up at the end of October; however, there is still plenty of time to sign up. Check out their website here, or talk to Matt Anderson if you have any questions.
mainly Music
Due to covid restrictions, we are unable to meet in person for out mainly music sessions. However, a link will be posted on our Facebook page each Tuesday at 10am for anyone who wants to sing along virtually!
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.
