Just Thinking…
We woke this morning to the news that the Queen has died. She has been the longest reigning British monarch, ruling for 70 years. No doubt there will be many tributes, recollections, speculations, pageantry and video montages over the coming days. A comment made by someone on the news this morning, however, sticks in my mind. This person said, "Her personal happiness was not her highest priority." Dwell on that comment for a while. "Her personal happiness was not her highest priority." There is such a contrast between that philosophy of living and the one so prevalent amongst so many today! And it is an attitude that freed her to live a life of fruitful service right up to the last week of her life. So many leaders end their tenures in scandals or falls from grace as they have sought their own happiness at the expense of their calling. Queen Elizabeth, however, did not just finish ... she finished well - an increasingly rare thing in our world. She follows in the footsteps of Paul, who said: 'I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.' (Acts 20:24). Did you catch the similarity there? Paul, too, says "My happiness is not my highest priority." May we in this day prioritise well. And thank-you, Lord, for role-models we can look to who have done just that.
In Him,
Murray
This Sunday…
This Sunday: Things We Have Exchanged
We all exchange things, right? Big things. Little things. But would we ever exchange something of great value for something worthless? Romans 1gives an answer.
Kids Programmes
Our Sparks and Blaze programmes are on every Sunday during the school Term. Years 0 - 6. We look forward to seeing you there!
RBC Youth
Join our yr 9-13 Youth Group!
Time: 7-8:30 PM
Date: Every Wednesday during school term
Location: @RBC
Ignite
Join us for Ignite, our youth group for yr 7-8!
Time: 10 am (during the Sunday morning gathering)
Date: Every Sunday during school term
Location: @RBC
This week at Ignite, we will be continuing our look at wisdom writings in the Bible.
Bible Study Connect Group
We will be starting a new series this coming Thursday at 10:30am on 1 Corinthians! Feel free to join us, either at church or via zoom! Contact the office for more details.
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.
Knitting for Friendship
Every Thursday from 1:30pm - 3:00pm. Held at the home of Margaret Howie-Pask. For more details, please contact the office.
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.
the Baptist NZ App
There is now a Baptist NZ app! This replaces the Baptist Magazine and is a digital platform for churches across NZ to connect, encourage and resource one another by sharing stories, articles, podcasts and news.
You can learn more about it by clicking here.
It can be downloaded from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.
Are You Able To Help on Sunday Mornings?
Pastor Murray is looking to get a person or a small team of people together who would be available to help setup the facilities before the church service on Sunday mornings. Can you help? Please contact him for more information
Men’s Group
Remuera Baptist Men’s Group meets monthly – this is generally on the first Saturday of the month. Contact the office for more details.
BMF
Our next meeting will be Monday September 12 at 11 a.m followed by shared lunch. This will be a special meeting to meet John McMullan on his return from Kolkata All welcome to join us!
Baptist Missionary Fellowship meets at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month. This is usually at the home of Olwyn Dickson, but the venue if changed, will be advertised here. Please get in touch with the church office if you would like to attend.
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.
Volunteers Needed
If you are passionate about serving the Lord through this ministry and are able to give up some time on Tuesdays mornings, we would love for you to volunteer at our mainly Music sessions. For more details, please get in touch with Murray.
Connect Groups
Thursday Morning Bible Study Group
Every Thursday morning at 10:30am in the church lounge. We will be looking 1 Corinthians, another letter Paul wrote, this coming Thursday. 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.
Knitting for Friendship
Every Thursday from 1:30pm - 3:00pm. Held at the home of Margaret Howie-Pask. If you would like to join, please get in touch with the church office.
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
