Newsletter July 8 & 15 – SWBC – South West Baptist Church

Prayer changes more than things. It changes you.

July 8 & 15

Kia Ora and Welcome

Some exciting new ventures are in this newsletter including; a new monthly service in Te Reo that our bi-cultural team have been developing, a new Mandarin Alpha course, and our refugee families have arrived in Auckland. They will spend the next two weeks in the Auckland refugee centre before heading down to Christchurch to begin their new lives. All of these global ventures need our prayer. I am hugely appreciative of the global heart and engagement that characterises SWBC and this mix typifies what God is doing in our midst.Around the church this week we have had a leadership development focus, with a new leadership foundation beginning for our leaders in Sunday School, SYC, SHARP, Cross-over and SYC International. On the first night, there were 80 young leaders all learning about the character needed in leaders. Throughout the week we have been trialing a block course on ‘presence-based church life’. By next year when we run this, it will have NZQA approval and be available as part of pastoral and ministry training. Next week there is another local-exposure course running with some of the East-Spreydon crew.There is info about our current giving in the newsletter. Thank you to all those who are part of our church in this area. God is very good to us. Financial discipleship and discipline is a significant part of faith for each one of us. While our giving is solid, it is a little below our budget needs for the year. It would be enormously positive if we could lift giving a little to ensure all of the key areas/needs are able to be financially supported. Over recent months many new people have started linking in, and if that’s you, can I encourage you to be part of our church in your giving as well as the other ways you are connecting. For more details on how you can give please visit our website.Tama tu, tama ora, tama noho, tama mate, Kia kaha e hoa ma!
Don’t be discouraged, give it heaps my friends!
Alan

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PASTORAL CARE
Our love and sympathy to Vicki & John Harrington on the passing of Vicki’s Dad.A funeral was held at SWBC for Debs Graham this past week. Debs was a loved member of the Tuesday Christian Fellowship. Our love goes out to Brent, Debs’ husband, and all her friends.Funeral Catering Team – We are putting together a team of volunteers that can be available to help with catering and serving at funerals. If this is something you would like to help with please email Warren at wread@swbc.org.nz or leave your name at the Info Centre.Mercy Basket – We have some spaces in our cupboards and are in need of canned corn, canned tomatoes, baked beans, spaghetti, cereal and muesli bars. Jordy would like thank you for all your support helping us to help others.LEADERSHIP
General Giving – These figures give us a look at where we are five months into our financial year.

Discovery Lunch for Newcomers – is happening on July 22, 12.30pm at our Lyttelton St site. If you would like to come along and hear about the church, places to belong, learn, grow, or to contribute, please meet at the red podium after the 11am gathering. For info on future Discovery lunches email Grace Le Heux at newcomers@swbc.org.nz.

Ki Te Ao MÄrama – A series of hui exploring the journey to a world of light and truth, using MÄori language and focussed on a MÄori world view and that of other indigenous peoples living in our neighbourhoods. This will take place monthly, beginning on Sunday July 22, 2.30pm – 4.30pm at the Mihi Winiata Whare at Hillmorton High School. For more information contact Doug McNeill 021662515 or Sean Pawson 0274992829.

Alpha in Mandarin – On Thursday August 2 an Alpha in Mandarin (with English subtitles) will begin at Raymond’s home. Please invite any Mandarin speaking friends you think would be interested in learning more about God. Please keep this group in your prayers. Invitations at the Info Centre or Reception. For more information contact Raymond Raymond@knockoutconcrete.co.nz.

Rental Available – Four bedroom house with double garage in quiet cul-de-sac. Ideal for a family or as a flat. Located in Dellow Place, Spreydon. $470 per week. For more info please contact Debbie 021 613707.

0-18 MINISTRIES
Children’s Ministry – We are in the position to offer a unique opportunity in the shape of an internship role. This could suit a senior school pupil, a school leaver, or a person looking to get back into some study and wanting some practical experience with children. If this interests you in any way, please talk to Rachel or email rsangster@swbc.org.nz.

MINISTRIES
Family Fusion – We have created a fun, safe place where families in the greater Halswell area can come and learn about God while doing craft, engaging with stories from the Bible and eating a meal together. Please invite anyone in this area who you think may be interested. Sunday July 15, 4.00pm – 6.00pm at 6 Balcairn Street. The theme this month is mid-winter Christmas. For more information contact Claire crussell@swbc.org.nz.

SYC International Fundraiser – Please come to the Living Room & support our Leaders of SYC International as they fundraise for their trip to Japan this December.

Sunday July 8, after the 7pm service – Dumplings for sale.
Sunday July 15, after the 11am & 7pm services – Dumplings & hot soup for sale.Sensible Shoes Study Groups – We have study groups confirmed for the following areas – Beckenham/Bowenvale, Somerfield, West Spreydon, Riccarton, Hoon Hay, Aidanfield, Westlake/Oaklands, Wigram and some centrally run. It’s not too late to sign up, but you’ll need to get in quick! Please email me with your name and the suburb you live in and I’ll put you in touch with the leader in your area. Contact Claire crussell@swbc.org.nz 3384163 ext. 242.Marriage Preparation Course – For you and your fiancée, 5 Tuesday evenings from July 21 with the well-presented DVD series by Nicky & Sila Lee. $120 per couple (includes “Prepare” questionnaire and manuals). For info and registration forms contact Murray & Janine Close meclose6@gmail.com, or download a rego form from the church website.Healing Rooms
We welcome you to prayer on at 248 Lyttleton St on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10.00am; and the 1st Monday of the month, 7.30pm. For more information, leave a message for Karen at reception 338 4163.SENIORS
New Horizons for Seniors and Younger
Please contact Ruth or Alison 338 4163 ext 221 with queries or see Info Centre for our timetable.
Monday July 23 – Bread Making with Anne Turner, the Sunday Bread Lady. 12.15pm – 2.00pm, Cobham Hall, $5 lunch provided. Please RSVP by Monday July 16.
Monday July 30 – Potluck Lunch, 12.15 pm – 2.00pm, in Cobham Hall, then Bingo (with no money changing hands).

Oasis – a group supporting those with significant memory loss and their carers is gathering on Sunday July 15, 2.00pm at John and Jackie van den Bogaert’s place, 21 Empress Pl, Halswell. If this is relevant and you have queries Rosemary Thompson would love to hear from you on 3327821.

OTHER
Prison isn’t working – RNZ’s Kathryn Ryan facilitates an expert panel looking at crime, re-offending and prisoner reintegration. July 12, 5.30pm – 7.30pm, Christchurch Transitional Cathedral. Tickets at www.pathway.org.nz.

PAPUA NEW GUINEAPapua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. It has a population of nearly 7 million people, with nearly 850 different languages being spoken. Its population is still predominantly rural.With so much diversity – geographically and culturally, one of its biggest challenges is articulated in its motto: ‘unity in diversity’. Please pray for unity within Papua New Guinea. That their differences may be celebrated, and that all voices are heard within decision making processes.