Just Thinking…
Kia ora,
While I was a QB (a youth leaders training weekend organised by the Baptist Union) a few weeks ago, I went to a breakout seminar by Lindy Jacomb. Her presentation was on grief and lament in the church. A topic which we should cover, but is never fun to talk about. I really connected with Lindy’s presentation because, as a Christian, I struggle with the dichotomy of faith and pain in this world. Honestly, I am sometimes at a loss with how to respond to the genuine question of “why is there pain?”. In her presentation, Lindy shared some insight into the idea of lament as a Christian practice for when we experience suffering.
In the article attached below, Lindy responds to the growing number of stories of abuse and suffering within churches. She shares her wisdom and provides some ideas of how lament might be something we are missing in our collective churches in Aotearoa.
I know it’s a longer read, but I think it is worth reading if you have the time. However, please note, that the article covers abuse and trauma, which may not be for everyone.
Religious Trauma and the Role of Lament - Lindy Jacomb
Arohanui,
Matt
This Sunday…
This Sunday: Treasures of Darkness
This Sunday, David Jenkins will be speaking on the tantalising phrase in Isaiah 'Treasure of Darkness'.
Kids Programmes
Our Sparks and Blaze programmes will resume once the school term begins. Enjoy your holidays!
RBC Youth
Give thanks for a great 40 hour famine and for having raised over $500 for World Vision! Thank you for all your support and prayers.
Ignite
Ignite will be back in term 3. Happy school holidays everyone!
Bible Study Connect Group
Come along next Thursday at 10:30am, either physically or on zoom as we continue studying Paul's amazing letter to the church at Ephesus.
Worship This Sunday: Gathered AND Online
It was so exciting to be back together in our church building again! We will be doing it again this week at 10am (with masks and vaccine passports)!
There will also be an online service available to view, and a link will be sent out to you at 10am on Sunday morning.
Prayer Connection Points
Come along to a prayer gathering at the church lounge Thursdays from 11:30am-12:00pm. Masks are required. Also, On Mondays from 12:00 – 12:30pm there will be an Online Prayer Gathering for half an hour via zoom. Contact the office if you would like the meeting link and passcode.
Book Club
The Book Club has chosen their first book - "One Soul At A Time" - a biography of Billy Graham. Please contact Carolina at the church office if you want to join - it's not too late!
Isolation Support
If you or others you know are having to isolate because of covid, please contact the office.
Mainly Music
We run mainly music sessions during the school term every Tuesday, 10am in the RBC Auditorium. If you have kids or know of anyone who does, please invite them to come along! Please also keep the attendees and volunteers in your prayers.
Connect Groups
Thursday Morning Bible Study Group
Every Thursday morning at 10:30am in the church lounge. We are currently looking at the Letters that Paul wrote to the Church of Ephesus. 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! Please note that masks are required.
Thursday Prayer Group
Every Thursday in the church lounge from 11:30am - 12:00 pm. Contact the office for more information. Please note that masks are required.
Monday Zoom Prayer Group
From 12:00 – 12:30pm on Zoom. Contact the office if you would like the zoom link to be sent to you.
Thursday Night Book Club
Every Thursday from 7:30pm via Zoom. Contact the office if you would like the zoom link to be sent to you.
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!
Wednesday Night Home Group
TBA
Thursday Morning Home Group
TBA
