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Prayer Chain Update
In your prayers...
Please remember Anne White, and children Nicole, Rebecca and William. Anne's husband, Bill, passed away this morning in the Mater Public Hospital. Bill had suffered a stroke some weeks ago, and his condition had deteriorated over the last few days.
Bill's funeral will be held at the Mt Thompson Crematorium (West Chapel) on Thursday at 11:00am
Please support the family in prayer, and ask that God in his grace will give all they need in this time of bereavement. Our hope as followers of Jesus, in not in what is seen, but in what is unseen: the promises of eternal life in Jesus Christ, guaranteed by his death on the Cross and his rising again from the tomb.
...The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:4-7
And for tomorrow...
20twenty is back!
In case you missed it, 2006 was the inaugural 20twenty inter-church cricket competition. It makes it's return for version two in less than 3 weeks! Make sure you don't miss it this year...
Why cricket? Why not! It's the perfect way to make some friends within the church or to introduce your friends to people at church. RCRC's sport ministry is all about leading people to Christ and what better way of doing it than cricket! Please think about joining, but don't delay because almost everyone from last year wants to go around again (important note - ALL of the people from the team who don't know Christ have returned for 2007).
Details?
When - Saturday 1pm-4pm
Where - All games in Cleveland
How Long - 10 Weeks
Ages - EVERY age above 15 (RCRC is an all ages team)
Cost - $5.50 per game (that's a $1.50 saving from 2006)
Gear? - Great if you have some, if not, don't stress
Who are RCRC thrashing this year? Same local churches as last year, but this year there are two new additions: Gateway Baptist & Victoria Point Baptist
We'd love for you to be involved, and there's plenty of ways that you can this year!
Player - Be quick
Umpire - Part of all the action without the energy (don't worry we're not playing for sheep stations - except when we're playing the Uniting boys)
Canteen - The off field action is ramping up this year. Want to sell the drinks and sausages?
Support - Come and cheer us on. Bring the kids. And follow the results - we'll put them on the screen each Sunday like last year...
Prayer - COME ONE, COME ALL. We're talking about lost souls here!
$ - if you would like to sponsor some shirts. Thanks to Digiart for their 2006 sponsorship!!
All questions please email or see Josh Hemelaar
josh@royalfoods.com.au
Burma Mission Report
From the Team in Burma
[Email received from Frank Thursday night]
The rapport between all team members is fantastic.
Each person has been so focused on their tasks, and the kids are loving our being here. We have morning and tea times set on the agenda, but we yet to have one, as the kids just keep wanting to work through.
Steve Flood has got some awesome drum beats coming out from his corner of the yard. And if you can't hear Steve, then you can't miss the noise coming from Cor's group. They are busy cutting and planing, drilling and screwing timber into some wonderful tables and benches. Cor's team were originally supposed to make up 10 table and bench sets, but that job has more than doubled.
The church donations have been used to pay for the timber, tools and extras.
The timber is bought by the tonne, and the first lot of 1.8 tonne cost over $800 The craft groups are just having an absolute ball. These kids just love being creative, and are grabbing these once a year opportunities with both hands. Nat and Rowena who have the largest group have got the kids spell bound.
Alette, who is teaching recorder, is getting some of the squeaks to start sounding like a rhythmic melody. We look forward to seeing their performance at the end of the week.
Beverley has a group of seamstresses working away on making their own skirts.
Her sign language is getting pretty good, because the translator in her group doesn't know too much English.
And as for Dr Maria, she is setting records. So far she has been able to analyse 100 children. She is very impressed with the general health of the children. It shows that the leaders are doing their best to look after the well being of the children. She has found a few bugs that need immediate attention, but we'll be more specific about at a later stage.
Janette, Minandi and Nancy are teaching cross stick, card making and jewellery. The results of their fantastic work will be seen when we come back. I'm sure there will be plenty for you to buy. Again, the children just don't want to stop when its time for a break.
Ryan is having a ball in the room set up like an office. He has 8 PCs running and seeing the concentration on the children's face is just beautiful. They are just so thankful to have the chance to play with modern technology.
Olive, our 75 year old faithful from Victoria (it's her 13th trip), is just doing her magic with the small children, reading stories, singing songs, and craft work.
And finally, Shelley is doing a wonderful job teaching those who are interested how to cut and manage hair. She has fitted into the group so well. Please continue to pray for her.
We thank you all for your prayers, and support.
Frank and the Team.
eNews Update
Sunday AM
Jesus called Thomas to 'stop doubting and believe...' - but what is faith, really? Is it grounded in my emotions? My intellect? My will? If faith is about 'feeling' does the 'right side of the brain' (the analytical 'let's see if this stacks up' part of the brain) ever have to be used? How can we call people to faith, praying that they will have faith, and be fuzzy on this? The po-mo's might even ask 'what does it matter?' ...well, does it? Read ahead at 2 Cor 5:1-5 and Heb 11.
Sunday PM
No one doubts the trouble humanity is in, and no one needs to be convinced about the general spiritual state of human beings. But how does God respond to people like that? People like us? Read ahead at Eph 2:1-10
Yep: It's official...
Dave & Leonie are thrilled to announce the engagement of Catherine to Dan Kroon. Dan proposed to his beloved on the Great Ocean Road (Victoria) on Tuesday morning. Catherine has gladly accepted. Cath & Dan are not setting dates just yet, but just celebrating and rejoicing in this new direction together. We wish them every blessing!
Clinton is on leave...
Clinton, Tracy and family are enjoying some time off this week with Clinton's family. Next week it's Dave's turn. He will be on leave from the 16th to the 22nd.
Thanks again:
To all the Redlands CRC people who volunteered their time at the Redlands Easter Family Festival: thanks so much! The day was a great success, and it was a thrill to see the high level of RCRC involvement. Special thanks to Doug Kiltscher, who coordinated RCRC's volunteers, as well as giving many nights to the REFF Executive. Well done! You have been a real blessing!
The Bridge...
Lots of people walked over the bridge last Sunday morning. If you'd like to share what crossing the bridge meant to you, I'd love to hear your story - everything received in confidence, of course. Send your note to dave@redlandscrc.org.au
Prayer:
- Remember those who are working in schools: this week they are having some time off - well deserved no doubt. We're thankful to God for the ongoing contribution made by teachers, Admin and adjunct staff. Rest well, friends, you are a blessing to us!
Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Redlands CRC
Children’s Ministry
Coordinator (Part
time)
Redlands
Christian Reformed Church is seeking an experienced Children’s
Ministry Coordinator
to
·
Equip,
resource
and support our Kids@Church ministry team
·
Extend
the vision
of children’s ministry at Redlands CRC
·
Develop
the
Kids@Church curriculum and related policies
This
is a challenging opportunity for an experienced, dynamic and committed
leader
of Reformed persuasion. Acceptable qualifications and/or experience in
education,
effective communication and team building skills, and a positive track
record
in reformed or evangelical children’s ministry are essential. The
position is 2 days per week.
For
the Job Description and application information, please contact:
clinton@redlandscrc.org.au
07 3826 4700
0424 477 487
Applications
close: May 15th, 2007
Easter
Easter Sunday
9am: We've had some high powered messages calling for big commitment in recent weeks - what about the strugglers? The battlers? The people who do not see the tunnel, let alone light at the end of it? What about people plagued by doubt? Or people so riven with pain and struggle they wonder what they have to do to get God's attention? Then let's think of Thomas (all everyone else who has ever doubted/struggled. Let's look at the way the risen Jesus gently addresses his doubt, and draws him into true life. The resurrection appearance to Thomas is a powerful reminder that Jesus is the God of 'those who missed out'. God is remarkably patient. He wants to lead us to faith, to hope and to transformation. He can, and usually does, take a lifetime to do his work, but he wants us to begin with one step. One step of faith in Christ will begin the journey of hope. Today he calls you to reach out and take a step of faith - cross the bridge, and in His grace, strength and to His glory, have a new beginning in Jesus.
6:30pm: Redlands Easter Festival Combined Churches Service - At the Cleveland Showgrounds. Please join us in celebrating our risen LORD together.
Monday
Redlands Easter Festival - Join in for a FREE day of food, rides, entertainment and celebration at the Cleveland showgrounds.
Missed Last Night's Meeting?
So you missed last night’s meeting and you
really
wanted to be there…
You can still be kept in the loop with what went on,
and
what was talked about.
For an email with the resources from last night,
drop a
line to churchplanting@redlands
crc.org.au
Able Bodied Men Required...
Can you help set up the Easter Festival?
We do not have enough Christians (men of faith) to
1} move gym equipment on Thursday afternoon or
2} putting up and pulling down on Monday.
As much as we want to help our brother in Christ, Tony, we do this for God.
Whilst we all have faith, we must also be practical and must all put our hands to the plough. We are not asking you to commit to a full day but for a few blocks of time on the day.
If you can help even for a short time please contact Tony Willis on 0401 268 990 or freehire@bigpond.net.au ASAP.
"We do unto God not unto man"
Yours In Faith
Easter Festival President
Deborah Wagner
Solomon Islands Update
Just in from Honiara...
Solomon Islands has again hit the world headlines, for less than pleasant reasons. A series of earthquakes struck the country on Monday morning, with the centre of the quakes being in Western Province. We (Kevin & Machi) were in Western Province at the time, though still some distance from where the damage was the worst. Even so, we experienced the quakes that started at about 7:20 in the morning and continued for over two hours with a fair degree of severity. It was reported that during the day, a total of about 19 quakes were recorded ranging from about 5 on the Richter Scale up to 8.1.
Reports about damage and fatalities have been flying around, but because of the remoteness, accurate reports are not available for all areas yet. Gizo, the capital of Western Province, has been the hardest hit, with significant damage being done to many of the commercial buildings along the waterfront. Many villages were also affected by the tsunami that resulted from the earthquakes, and many houses have been washed away into the sea around Gizo, Simbo Island, and Choiseul Province. Villages in further away Mono and Shortlands also were affected. The Tsunami did reach Honiara, but it was down to about 10 centimetres when it finally arrived, and caused no damage here.
Even so, the town was almost deserted during the morning, and all shipping had gone into deeper water.
Reports indicate that about 20 people have lost their lives. Among them was a dear friend of ours, Rev Rollinson Zapo, the United Church Bishop, who was based in Gizo. He died when a beam in the house fell on him during the earthquake. Please remember his wife Janet and their family in your prayers.
Relief efforts are starting to get underway, with shelter and food being transported to Western Province. Not only were houses destroyed, but many gardens also, so food and fresh water are essential priorities.
On Tuesday afternoon, there is a meeting of NGO's to see how their efforts can be coordinated, and Machi is attending on behalf of our mission. Thank you again for the many prayers that are ascending to the throne for our still troubled nation, as well as for us personally.
Kevin & Machi Rietveld
CRCA Missionarys
SWIM Base, Honiara
Prayer Chain Update
Easter Prayer Vigil - Easter Festival
Merna Gray is looking for a couple of volunteers for the Easter Prayer vigil in the lead up the Monday's Easter Festival at the showground.
You can join other people from the churches in Redlands by coming to the prayer vigil from 1am-2am or 4am-5am this Saturday morning. This is one for the really early risers or the night owls - please contact Merna direct at gm_ministries@bigpond.com or (07) 3286-1771
Your world
- We've been reminded to pray for Zimbabwe: for some at RCRC this is their homeland, yet it seems so ruptured with political strife and racial unrest. Please pray for peace, for justice, and safety for all in that beautiful country
- People have also been asking about the Solomons. I spoke with Machi Rietveld earlier today. She said while the earthquakes have been a little scary, there is no damage to the base. The Tsunami had no real impact in Honiara, with its centre being one of the islands to the west. There are reports that one bishop of the United Church died while seeking to help people in that area. The SWIM base team are thankful for your continued prayer and support. You can email them direct at swim@solomon.com.sb
Prayer Chain Update
Mark Nugent
We have just received word that Mark's surgery was successful - God is good! Margaret and Cameron report that he was already asking for food in the recovery ward! Good signs! Mark will probably be in hospital (Wesley) until the end of the week.
Thanks for your prayers: please continue to pray for his recovery!
More Updates
Prayer
Please pray for Lucy Watson. She has had a anapylaxic fit this morning and is currently at the Redlands Hospital for treatment.
Pray for Helen and Damien, the treating doctors and for Lucy, that God may bring healing and recovery.
GT Team drivers
Are you licensed to drive?
Do you have spare seats in your car?
Are you willing to be part of the GT (Gods Taxi) team assisting people to attend church who otherwise couldn't normally regularly attend?
If you answered 'yes' to these questions then we'd love to hear from you. We are looking for people, who on there way to church, could pick up people in their spare seats. If you'd like to be part of this team or need more info please email greg.keegan@gmail.com
Come to Breakfast tomorrow! (8am)
Hi church!
This is a reminder that we're all coming to breakfast at Redlands CRC tomorrow morning.
The breakfast will start at 8am, but you can come a little earlier if you like, as we won't all be able to stand around the "Special K' dispenser at the same time!
We're planning to begin the speaking program at 8:15, and we'll work through the following items:
- General Introduction
- Sunday Service attendance issues
- Children's Worker
- Church Planting
- Church Council
- Building Developments
The aim of this meeting is to involve the Redlands CRC family in various developments. Some of these are ongoing, and this will be the first of a number of meetings for this year. This sort of discussion and consultation is especially important with regard to building and other developments.
Further, we will be seeking to make a decision by secret ballot with regard to the appointment of a children's worker.
Currently, there is no budget allocation in this current financial year for this position, consequently, we will be asking the congregation to embrace the mission and ministry of Kids@church by warmly and generously supporting this move in their giving as well as their vote.
The plan is that we are done by 10am, or earlier.
Feedback: or in indicate your financial support for the Children Ministry Worker, you can reply to dave@redlandscrc.org.au All financial commitments will be treated with confidentiality, and passed immediately to the treasurer. Alternatively, you can email the treasurer Eddie Bos direct at treasurer@redlandscrc.org.au
Day 41...
Well, today we have come to the end of our 40 Days of
Community journey. However you might feel about that, the question has
to be
asked, ‘Where to from here?’
The benefit of the 40 Days journey is not really in
what it
gets us doing and thinking about for just the 40 Days – but the
‘habits’
that it instills in us that we take with us into the rest of our lives.
Here
are a few of those things that I want to encourage you to make an on
going part
of your life.
1)
The
practice of
regular devotions
For some, the idea of a daily time reading / studying
and
praying was pretty new during the 40 Days. Maybe it was the first time
you were
able to keep up (or almost anyway) that sort of regular time. I want to
encourage you to build this into your weekly and daily timetable. If you
are looking
for somewhere to start, start reading through Mark in your Bible. If you
are
looking for a devotional guide, talk to your Small Group and see what
they can
recommend. Or else feel free to email 40days@redlandscrc.org.au
2)
The
practice of
weekly church and Small Group
attendance
Life is busy, and there are lots of things that
compete for
time and attention. I want to encourage you to take church and Small
Group attendance
out of that ‘competing’ realm, and place it as an essential
practice
for yourself and your family. We need that time to build relationships
within
the church. We need that to connect with God and reflect through the
service.
We need that time to be feed and nourished by God’s Word. Other
people need
your presence and encouragement. That’s the way God designed his
body.
You are an integral part of the church.
3)
The
practice of
serving in ministry and mission
We are not encouraged to give our lives away in
service
today. We are taught to stand up for ourselves and be independent. But
they way
of Jesus and the way of the Jesus community is different. It is the way
of
giving up our lives, in order to keep them. It’s the way of
becoming the
least, and serving others, both inside and around the community of
faith. I
encourage you to make service, in the church, and in the wider
community, a
regular part of your life. Maybe you can do that in an organized way,
through a
ministry role in the church, maybe its something that you do in an
unstructured
way, as you meet the needs of people around you. But serving is never to
be a ‘project’
it is a way of life.
4)
The
practice of
community
Really, this is what all the other 3 are a part of.
The
great message of this journey is that we are not meant to consider
ourselves individuals,
but a community first. Jesus does not just call and save individuals, he
calls
and saves a people. Our identity, our lives, can not be understand apart
from
the community God has placed us it. So live that. Be connected. Love
others,
let others love you. Be thankful and protective of God’s
family.
We want to hear
from you:
We would love to put together a collection of
stories,
encouragements from the 40 Days journey. If you have something you would
like
to share, something that excited you, challenged you, stunned you, then
we want
to share that with others as an encouragement to them. It brings honor
to God
when we tell good stories about what he has done.
Please email them to 40days@redlandscrc.org.au
Midweek News
Saturday - Come to Breakfast @ RCRC:
March 31st, 8.00 am
The entire congregation is invited to attend a (continental) breakfast . The topics for discussion will be:
�� Part Time Children's Worker
�� Taking pressure off the 9am Church Service
�� Restructure of Leadership
Other Issues:
�� Church Planting update
�� Building developments
So please come! We would like maximum involvement in these discussions: God leads us together into an understanding of
His will. You can send us any thoughts before then if you like: dave@redlandscrc.org.au
This Sunday - 9am & 5pm
We have been challenged with a lot over the last 40 Days.
We have been challenged to greater love, obedience, service, mission, worship, fellowship. And just because the 40 Days of Community is over, doesn't mean that these things now stop. In fact, now they really begin. So what sustains us for that long journey, what keeps us going? God has given us something very special in Revelation 21 and 22 for just that, he has given us a glimpse of eternity. In this glimpse he is saying, it is worth it, it is so worth it. Keep pressing on.
RCRC YAK (Chilli)
What: Car Hunt
When: 31st March 7pm
Where: Redlands Christian Reformed Church
Caring for our Church Building
Just a reminder from the Committee of Management regarding a few things around the building to make it all run smoothly.
The blue auditorium chairs must not be removed from the auditorium - eg. Outside or upstairs.
If the blue auditorium chairs have been stacked for any reason, there is a seating plan at the sound desk to reposition them (so we get correct spacing between rows - for the comfort of everyone.)
Each group using the building throughout the week could they make sure everything is back in order and that the carpet is clean - if needing to use the vacuum cleaner it is in the cupboard in the Hall.
Thank you for your cooperation - C.O.M
eNews Update
"FOODBANK re-opens at RCRC"
...well, it never really closed, but it does need a re-start. We are re-opening the Foodbank: there is a new box in the foyer to receive your donations. All non perishable items can be left for collection. Greater quantities of smaller individually wrapped items are preferred above larger packages. All 'deposits' will be distributed through Redlands Community Centre to needy people in our community. For all enquiries please speak to Bev Bird (07) 3286 5087, bird41@bigpond.com
Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you [Mk 6:38]
Church Planting
Why Plant
Churches?
When Jesus issued us the Great Commission (Matthew
28:18-20)
he instructed us not just to “make disciples” but also to
“baptize”
and “teach them.” Clearly, he intended for every new
follower of
Jesus to be incorporated into a church, the local body of Christ. The
only way
that this happens is if our churches grow larger and/or new churches are
planted.
When Paul undertook his missionary work around the
known
world, he started a program of church planting. He went to the largest
city in
an area or region, he preached the gospel there, and from that preaching
a
church began. Paul would then continue on to other cities and regions to
do
this again, but the church that he left behind would continue to preach
the gospel
in their city, and in the surrounding countryside, and as people came to
faith,
more and more new churches were planted.
Because there were no church buildings in the early
church,
the largest facility to hold a ‘gathering’ of the church was
the
family home. This limited the size of each church. Church planting was
therefore both necessary, and effective in making new
disciples.
Research shows that church planting is one of the
most
effective (or possibly the most single effective) method of reaching new
people. Church plants tend to reach groups of people that existing
churches
struggle to meet. Groups such as young adults, new residents and new
social
groups. And it makes sense.
Each church develops, over time, its own flavor and
style.
While a church must work hard to be inclusive of new people, rather than
exclusive,
it can’t help having its own distinct style and flavor. It is
always
going to find it harder to reach people who are different, in age,
culture,
background, etc. This is where new church plants are of advantage in
kingdom
work. They more readily accommodate and disciple those who are new and
different.
Studies also show that new churches are more
effective in reaching
completely un-churched people. A new church will gain 60-80% of its
growth from
those who do not currently attend a church, while a church that is over
15
years old will gain over 70% of its growth from those transferring their
membership from other churches. Church planting is an effective means of
evangelism.
We, at RCRC, are committed to the
Next week, on Tuesday night (3rd April) we
will
be having our first Church Planting Exploration Team (CPET) meeting,
7.30 @ the
church. Through this time we will continue to explore issues that relate
to
church planting, and where God is leading us as a church. If you are
interested
in learning more, we would love to see you then. For more information
email churchplanting@redlands
crc.org.au
Prayer Chain Update
Anne White's husband, Bill, is currently in the Mater Public hospital having suffered a stroke earlier this week. He also seems to be battling some kind of infection. Anne has been told by the medical people that Bill may require further care and may not be able to return home.
Please keep Anne, Bill and the family in prayer. We know the uncertainty of life, but we also know the certainty of God's promises to be close to us and never let us go.
And tomorrow...
Midweek News
This Sunday
We read Malachi and we ask ourselves: "How did things get that bad?"
The answer is more simple than we think.
It's also a good reason for us to reflect on our own approach to worship. On the other hand, some other examples of worship, e.g. Acts 2:42-47, and Hebrews 10:24-25 allude to worship which is transformational for people and honouring to God.
Here's the question: Can we do anything to ensure that the worship we do together is more God honouring than God distressing?
Car Wash for CARE this Saturday
Come for a couple of hours between 8am to midday. Money going to C.A.R.E (Community Assist Redlands Enterprises) a not for profit organisation that assists with aged care and families of persons with disabilities. (You may recall an article on the front page of the Redland Times on March 2 where their office was broken into and computer stolen.)
Contact Damien Watson on Ph 3829 3468 or e-mail damienwatson@optusnet.com.au for further details.
Prayer Chain Update
Prayer Chain Update
Hi all,
Ben West: Just letting you all know that Ben West has been discharged from Greenslopes Hospital on Wednesday morning. His recovery from the surgery has proceeded well, and we're still awaiting the detail on the pathology results. Please keep Ben, Sharon and family in prayer.
Rani Gillan: Rani is making good progress in Greenslopes. While it appears that her bowel blockage is clearing, she still has a way to go.
Please continue to pray for these and others you know who are suffering with health issues
DG
SURGERY / HOSPITAL UPDATE
We have a number of our church family in hospital or
awaiting surgery that we encourage you to pray
for:
Ben West continues to recover after surgery on
Saturday. The
surgery went very well, being a little less complication than was first
thought. Understandably he is still in some pain and discomfort. He and
Sharon
are awaiting some pathology results in the next couple of days. Ben is
not sure
when he will be home at this stage
Rani Gillan has been readmitted into
hospital
today with further complications from her Crone’s Disease.
Rebecca
Cooper will undergo surgery on
her injured
knee this Thursday. The extent of the surgery will be decided on the day
when they
can see the full extent of the damage.
Please continue to pray for these three, and others
who have
ill health or recovering from illness. Pray that their recovery would be
quick,
the diagnoses received favorable and that the grace of God would sustain
them
through this time.
CHURCH PLANTING
Over the last couple of months (since the purchase of
the neighboring
properties) some people have asked a few questions about Church
Planting. I
thought I would take this opportunity to answer some of
these.
1)
Are we
still going
to plant churches now that we have more property and (eventually) more
space?
The answer to that is basically “yes”, we
are
still going to plant churches. Church planting was never an answer to
our space
problems, but it did arise out of discussions on the future of RCRC.
Church
planting is a ‘gospel’ issue, not a ‘space’
issue.
2)
But
isn’t our
focus on getting RCRC bigger now that we have so much land to take
up?
The goal of RCRC has never been to get bigger. The
goal has
never been to plant churches, either. The goal has always been to see
the work
of the gospel of Jesus make inroads into the
A larger church, as we grow and expand over time, is
going
to be capable of gospel ministry in some ways that RCRC at this current
size,
and any church plant that comes from RCRC, can not do. A larger church
can mean
more ministries, more resources, greater community presence and impact.
A
larger church will reach into our local community in new and exciting
ways.
But by the same token, a church plant is going to be
capable
of gospel ministry in other ways that a larger church, or even RCRC at
its
current size, can not. A church plant that is small, and targeted to
specific
groups within the community is going to reach and envelop people in new
and
exciting ways as well.
As you can see, its not a choice between one and the
other.
The choice is between gospel ministry, or… no gospel ministry. If
we take
the former, we are going to be pushed into both
directions.
3)
Won’t church
planting significantly reduce our size, in both numbers and
resources.
It is true that church planting is going to have
impacts on
many areas of church life. It is going to impact leadership, ministries,
and
also money. But maybe not in the way that we might think, or
expect.
When we talk about church planting we are not
thinking about
splitting the church in half (or even taking away a quarter, or even 50
people)
and putting them in a different location. If we were to do that, the
likelihood
is that we would end up with a church that looks pretty much like RCRC.
And as
much as I love RCRC, we already have one and we don’t need any
more. If
people want to come to an RCRC type church, let them come to
RCRC.
What we are talking about is taking away a smaller,
missionary type, group of people. When we do the work of overseas
mission, we
take very small teams and we plant them into a new culture and they work
with
local people, creating a church of local flavor. It can sometimes look
very
different from the church that the missionaries came from and in fact it
should
look different as it is made up of very different people.. When we are
thinking
of planting church we are thinking about sending out mission teams
–
smaller groups of people, who work hard at mission and evangelism, who
seek to work
with those who come to know Christ and build a church that reflects the
community it lives in. Instead of the church producing evangelism,
evangelism
will produce the church.
A church plant of this nature, especially in its
early
stages, is going to be less of a draw on resources that sending out a
ready
made church with services, rosters and a weekly newsletter already in
place.
Now, of course, this is not going to answer every
question,
but maybe it has aroused some curiosity in church planting and what we
are
looking into for the future. So a reminder of a way in which you
can
scratch that church planting itch, we are having our first Church Planting Exploration Team
meeting
on Tuesday 3rd April,
7.30pm at
the church. Even if you are only curious, or want to know a
little
more, we would love to have you there.
For further comments, or questions, email churchplanting@redlands
crc.org.au
There will be another email next week to talk about
this a
little further.
Ministry Fair Tomorrow
Tomorrow
...is a special day at Redlands CRC! The focus of Clinton's messages will be on ‘serving together'.
After both services, there will be a ‘ministry fair' where the different ministries at Redlands CRC are presented. This will take place in the hall. There'll be plenty of time to chat with people about various ministries and how you can be a part of them.
There will also be ample opportunity to catch up with others: We'll get to share a bite to eat as the sausage sizzlers will be cooking up a treat! You won't want to miss this!
See you tomorrow!
Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au
Midweek News
This Sunday
Ever feel like a cog in a machine? Feel that way at work, in your family, in life? Ever feel that way in the church?
Sometimes we just keep doing stuff, serving, ministering, but we wonder what its all in aid of.
In Ephesians 4, Paul gives us a unique look at our place in the body, in the world and in the plan of Jesus. When we see this, we can never simply consider ourselves a cog in the wheel again. Read ahead in Ephesians 4:7-13
RCRC Ministry Fair - 40 days of Community
Don't miss this great opportunity to learn more about the various ministries that exist at Redlands CRC. Find out how you can help them share the love and word of God in our church, and local community.
Make time to visit the displays.
Where: Redlands CRC (overflow area)
When: Sunday 18th March, directly after both the AM & PM service.
For more information
Please contact Doug Pobjoy.
0411 241 585
dpobjoy@tpg.com.au
Watch Found
A watch was left in Dave's study after Kids@Church on March 04 It has a silver case and a purple floral band. Please contact Ingeborg office@redlandscrc.org.au 3286 4700; 0417 791 097
Prayer Points
- -Please especially remember Ben West, who is having his facial nerve removed on Saturday in an effort to treat cancer in his face. This is a huge operation. Ben will be in Greenslopes Hospital. Please check with Sharon before making any plans to visit (3206-3424). Please also uphold Sharon and the children during this time.
- -Please continue to pray for those recovering from recent illness. We think of Bec Cooper.
- -Also continue to pray for those who have recently had medical diagnosis which means a change in life as they know it. We think of Clinton Berends, Michelle Hudson, Damien Watson, Craig Jewell, Stella Dekker, Albert Verkruissen and any others with long term ailments.
- -Please pray for our elderly, as they come to terms with being able to do a little less and feeling somewhat frail. Pray for patience and understanding for them and their families.
- -Please pray for all those in leadership in the church as they seek to serve our Lord and Saviour to the best of their ability. Pray for a pure heart and a right attitude to do His Will. Also pray that they may draw closer to God, and draw strength from Him to serve in their appointed roles.
Come to Breakfast @ RCRC: Mar 31, 8am
The entire congregation is invited to attend a (continental) breakfast from 8am on March 31. The topics for discussion will be:
- Part Time Children's Worker: Church Council has considered the present needs and stresses on the Kids@Church ministry, and recommends to the congregation that we approve the appointment of a Children's Worker, 2 days per week, to further develop the ministry in terms of
o Development and support of K@C teachers and leaders
o Teacher & helper recruitment, training and resourcing
o Development and responsible implementation of mandated duty of care policies
o Development of curriculum, assisting teachers in preparation of material
Church Council affirms the current K@C leadership for their excellent effort, and believes with them that the ongoing development of K@C ministry has now gone beyond the realm of volunteer ministry. There are 150 children registered, and sometimes over 100 in attendance.
We also point out that there is still a need for further teachers and leaders in K@C, and that any future appointment will not remove these needs, but probably increase them.
We will be asking the congregation to support this move at this meeting with a ballot.
- Taking pressure off the 9AM Church Service: Following the meeting on Feb 25, and the feedback forms collected over two Sundays, the church council believes the best way forward is to encourage a ‘migration' of about 15-20 families to the PM service.
o This will free up space in the AM service, allowing further expansion
o This will also allow for some ongoing discussion about developing increased ownership in the PM service and how the PM service might develop it's own character
o After 40 Days of Community the AM & PM Dave & Clinton will again prepare specific messages for each service
o With regard to moving people from the AM to the PM service, we will need to discuss together
§ Starting date for the changeover (we have observed that some have already started to make the change - thanks for showing great initiative)
§ The nature of a Children's Program to be offered in PM Church
§ Ministry openings for those who seek to be involved
- Restructure of Leadership. Church Council has been in discussion of how we can better support the various ministry areas at RCRC, how we can be more responsible with pastoral care, etc.
These are changes of process, and not changes to our form of church government.
These developments need to take place in a way that does not intensify burden on the current Church Council. We would love to share some of these changes with you and receive your feedback.
- Other issues
o Church Planting update
o Building developments
A more extensive information paper will be made available on Sunday March 25.
So please come!
We want maximum involvement in these discussions: God leads us together into an understanding of his will. You can send us any thoughts before then if you like:
Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au
Ministry Fair
RCRC Ministry Fair - 40 days of Community
Don't miss this great opportunity to learn more about the various ministries that exist at Redlands CRC. Find out how you can help them share the love and word of God in our church, and local community.
Make time to visit the displays.
Where: Redlands CRC (overflow area)
When: Sunday 18th March, directly after both the AM & PM service.
Join us for a sausage sizzle as well
For more information
Please contact Doug Pobjoy.
0411 241 585
dpobjoy@tpg.com.au
Interested?
Wesley Hospital Medical Trial: Flu Patch
Would you like to be part of an official medical trial of a flu patch?
Are you over 65 years of age?
Jill Griffiths, who comes along to Redlands CRC, has a family member who is part of a research team at the Wesley Hospital.
Some travel and parking expenses will be reimbursed
If you are interested, please call Jill Griffiths on 3822 6296
Mid Week News
Sunday
Most of us have heard Rick Warren say that loving community is the number one factor in churches that grow. That's an attractional quality.
But what else is needed for that community to move toward maturity?
If we really are going to grow together, if the church really is to be the new community it's called to be, what sort of things should we be thinking about. Eph 4 draws us into Kingdom life that really is an expression of new creation. It's a wonderfully attractive picture: read about it in Eph 4:25
Relay for Life:
Are people from your small group interested in being part of the Relay for Life - but you don't have enough to field a team?
Then let's combine.
Send the names of interested people through to dave@redlandscrc.org.au and we'll set up a joint effort. This is what you'll be committing to walking the Relay for Life Track for your designated period of time - teams are responsible to have at least one member of their team walking on the track for the whole 24 hour period. eg. 12 walkers each with a two hour responsibility
Each walker raising $100 in sponsorship
Finding some way to do this as a church: ie. RCRC T-shirts (hey, you can borrow from those who have them...)
...all pretty easy, really, and it could be a load of fun!
Act now - send an email to Dave: we've only got a few days to register
Taking the next step
Preparing for profession of faith, baptism and membership
A 7 week discussion on the basics of the Christian faith and Redlands CRC ‘distinctives'
Begins April 2007.
If interested email clinton@redlandscrc.org.au or phone 0424 477 487
40 Days of Community
The Week Just Gone:
Over the last week I have received a lot of comments from my message last Sunday. These comments have been a real mixture. So I just wanted to add a couple of things.
Firstly, its not a matter of doing more. Many of you are already stretched time wise and commitment wise. Jobs, families, hobbies and ministries. I believe it is a matter of doing things differently. When we talk to people after church, who do we talk to? People like ourselves, just the people we get on with, or people who are different, that we don't know. Instead of inviting 2 families around who we get on well with, and we share much in common with, why not invite some close friends, and some people we might not know so well. This will undoubtedly push us out of our comfort zones, it will go a long was to bringing us towards an enfolding church.
Secondly, while its true that like attracts like, we have a special responsibility to those who are different. Some people have made the comment that we are a white middle / upper class church in a white middle / upper class area, and this is kind of natural. And its true, like will often attract like in church situations. But the gospel calls us to go beyond this, to actually seek, and enfold, those who are different. We do have people who are different from ourselves come through RCRC, let's work extra hard at enfolding them.
The Week To Come:
This week we are looking at purpose #3 we are put together to GROW to maturity. The point will be made that it is impossible for us to grow into the image of Christ without the community around us. We simply can not obey the commands to love, support, nurture, if there is no one to practice these things on.
This is why Small Groups are so important. If we are just relying on a Sunday Service to do these things, we are going to come up short, our growth will be stunted. So I would like to challenge you, if you are not in a Small Group. Are you really growing as you could be growing? What is standing in the way of joining a Small Group?
If you would like to know more about joining a group, I would love to help you get connected.
Clinton
Church Planting Exploration Team
In an exciting, challenging and daunting new phase of RCRC ministry we are going to be looking at the issues of church planting and ways in which we can further the work of the gospel in our area through it. To do this, we are wanting to gather a Church Planting Exploration Team, to begin training in church planting and preparing the whole church for this adventure.
We are looking for people who are interested in:
- Learning more about church planting
- Wanting to help resource and support a church planting team
- Being a part of a church plant from RCRC
If this is you, or you are just curious to see if it might be you, we would love you to come along to our first gathering
Tuesday 3rd April, 7.30pm @ the church.
If you have any questions, or want to register your interest, please speak to Dave or Clinton, or email churchplanting@redlandscrc.org.au
Changes to Sunday Services?
You were asking?
After yesterday’s morning service a few people asked about the slips we filled in about changes to worship services:
· Are we really going to add another service to Sunday morning? What time will it be? What about kids at church? etc.
· If we ask some families to move to the 5pm service, thus opening up more seating at the 9am, will there be a kids program? Etc.
These are important factors, and you can be sure that they will all be addressed in time. Any changes to the way Sunday services are configured really needs to be well developed, supported in a united way, and fully discussed with the church family.
Even so, given the questions asked, we thought a brief email might clear up a few things.
What’s happening is that we are beginning a process of discussion about Sunday services, and this already commenced the week before (Feb 25). An open meeting was held and that meeting was attended mainly by small group leaders, those involved in Sunday ministry, and any others who wanted to attend.
The issue is that our 9am services are generally quite full, and we need to make some space. Our starting point is that there are two unacceptable options:
· To say that we are full, and leave no room for new people
· To do nothing
Church Council has recently discussed the matter of having a second service on a Sunday morning. The Church Council does understand that this would place increased strain on people involved in current ministries: music, technical, children’s ministry, coffee, etc., so it is not a trouble free solution.
Another possibility is to ask some of the families who currently attend the 9am service to attend the 5pm instead. This is not without its complications either. It would involve changes in family schedules, and have some impact on the feel of the 5pm service.
So friends, it’s a difficult one! The small form you may have filled out last Sunday is certainly not the last word. In a sense, it’s just the beginning of our discussion process.
In questions like this the most important this is that we develop solutions together, and that we move ahead together.
So coming Sunday there will be an opportunity for those who have no yet made their preference known to do so. After that we’ll work through all the information we receive, and then come back to you to discuss a final proposal.
Finally, some have wondered why we’re asking people to put their names on the forms they fill in. We’ve asked for this because knowing general preferences is a good thing, but it’s not much help if there’s no commitment to follow through. So we’re asking you to put your name on your form so we can gauge the level of real commitment to each proposal. Remember: we will still come together before moving ahead with anything.
As always, if you have some insight on something that hasn’t been mentioned, or which doesn’t already appear to be part of the picture, please email us! We’d love your feedback!
Every blessing!
Dave Groenenboom
Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au
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