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Children's Ministry Coordinator and High School Ministry Coordinator
Introducing Ettiene and Dana de Wilzem
Last Sunday morning we had the pleasure of introducing the church to Ettiene and Dana de Wilzem. Over the last few months we have been praying that God would provide for us in the area of Children's and Youth ministry, and in answer to that prayer, God has provided us with this couple.
Presently, Ettiene and Dana are part of the Mansfield Christian Reformed Church, where Ettiene serves part time as a home missionary. They have been married for just over 1 year, having met while both studying at the Bible College of Queensland.
Dana has been appointed to the role of Children's Ministry Coordinator, and Ettiene as High School Ministry Coordinator. They will begin their roles in the middle of January, and at this stage we plan to hold a commissioning service for them on the 24th January.
We see their appointments as a real answer to prayer and a blessing for the church, as both Lauren Downs and Daniel Kroon are finishing up at this time. We are excited with their arrival, and what God will do in us and through us as we seek to serve him, and one another and this community, together.
Please pray for Ettiene and Dana as they make the transition into life and ministry at Redlands CRC. Pray that God will bless them as they leave their church, and that they would settle in and find friends quickly. Pray that God would bless them in the ministry that they undertake.
Please feel free to contact Ettiene (ettiene_77@hotmail.com) and Dana (danadewilzem@gmail.com) to encourage them as they take up these roles.
Clinton Berends, Pastor
SUNDAY SERVICES
This coming Sunday morning we will be farewelling Dan and Cath Kroon, as it is Dan's last official week with us. Please come along to the service and stay for a special morning tea afterwards as we wish them well as they move on to the next stage in their life together. (Be sure to sign the card that will be circulating!)
The 5pm service will be a special carol service - bring your friends and family as you would have done to the outdoors carol service, and then stay on for supper afterwards. Everyone is welcome to stay and enjoy cake and coffee together.
5pm Service
Sunday evening will be a Family Carols Service for everybody to come and celebrate Jesus, the Light of the World. With Christmas carols and a simple gospel message for kids and adults alike, we hope it can be a God-honouring service for all to be a part of. And there will be some special exciting stuff happening for the kids to encourage us all with the message of Jesus this Christmas. Look forward to seeing you there.
9am Service
Jesus has been interpreted and reinterpreted throughout history. From revolutionary, to political leader, to pacifist. But before his birth, Zachariah the pastor, moved by the Holy Spirit sings a song about Jesus, and his own son John. And in it we see the gospel - the Good News of what God has done, and is doing, through his Son Jesus. We will see that Christmas is more than an event to make once a year - its God's action to celebrate every day of our lives.
Luke 1:57-80
Young Adults Coffee this Sunday evening
Young Adults Coffee was to have been held at the Hemelaar's place this Sunday evening (20th), however, there will be supper after the family carols service at the church, and we encourage everyone to stay on and enjoy supper together, so there will be no Supper at the Hemelaar's.
Chris Oosterloo
Chris goes into hospital today for possible bypass surgery. If you would like to contact the Oosterloos, their number is different from the one in the Directory. Their correct number is 3286 6906.
Church Keys
Anyone who has keys to the church who no longer requires them, could you please either return them to the office or to Bill Sikkema please.
Note from Keith and Emmy
Greetings from Christchurch
Even though our return date to Brisbane is just around the corner, we still want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very fine Christmas celebration, and a great start to the year 2010. May we all experience the generous care and nearness of our dear heavenly Father; whatever happens in the new year He does remain faithful!
Last night we finished the Marriage Course here in the Christchurch congregation, and it certainly has been appreciated by the 20+ couples who faithfully came for the seven weeks of the course. Nex week we will meet with some 20 folk for a 'Messiah Appreciation' night at someone's place; singing some of the well-known choruses of Handel's masterpiece, together with good food and drinks.
For Christmas we have already 3 invitations, so we're not being neglected.
We have also just returned from a week's break, and made a great trip through a small part of the South Island. The green grass here is amazing; no water shortage in New Zealand.
It has been a good and rewarding experience here; and it also gave us a good opportunity to do some reflecting and planning for next year.
We're very much looking forward to see you all again!
Warmest greetings, Keith and Emmy
Summer in the Park
In your planning for the holidays, don't forget to include: RCRC Community Summer in the Park
You are all invited to join us for a time of sharing and fun. When: Wednesday 6th/13th/20th January 2010. Where: Wellington Point BBQ picnic area Time: 5.30pm onwards What to bring: BYO BBQ or picnic, chairs, family and friends. This will be a time of sharing and getting to know one another, so bring along your bbq or picnic supper and let's enjoy our summer in the park together. We look forward to seeing you there. "Let's start making a difference together"
Keith & Emmy Contact Details
For people who are wishing to send Christmas greetings to Keith and Emmy, their mail address is Unit 2/51 Cornwall St, St. Albans, Christchurch, 8014, N.Z. Their email addresses remain the same as they have always been.
Christmas Greetings from Ormiston Chaplain
Dear everyone at Redlands CRC, thank you SO MUCH for all your support of chaplaincy at Ormiston this year! Your prayers, financial generosity and time are very much treasured. It is a joy to serve the community with you! Every blessing for Christmas and the New Year! love Melody 
(O.S.S. Chappy)
PRAYER
Please pray for Chris Oosterloo. She is going into hospital on Wednesday for possible bypass surgery. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and the right and timely treatment.
Christmas Cards for East Timor
After Church this Sunday there will be Christmas cards for sale, made by the orphaned children from Xanana Gusmao's town of Los Palos in East Timor (Timor Leste). The cards feature East Timor's tais silk which is woven in a distinctive style. (Mulberry trees, thus silk worms are indigenous to East Timor). The children are raising their own funds through various means; one way was to make these cards. The cards are $10 for a pack of 3 and the money will go directly to the children from you, to cover their living requirements for the next three months while they are waiting for a fund to be approved for their living expenses and education next year.
Those who were members of this church in Year 2000 will remember that you donated personal grooming items, clothes and fishing gear as well as money for a well, irrigation of the vegetable garden and doors for the toilet area. Many children were left newly orphaned and frightened at that time. It was just after the referendum when the East Timorese gained their independence. There was petrol bombing and slaughter in retribution by the Indonesian army as they left the island. The parents of these children from Los Palos were among the many killed when the islands population went to Dili to cast their votes.
I am still in touch with Lala who went there as an SBS journalist two months after Australia's peace keeping force entered the country. She was asked by Xanana Gusmao to help look after the children and to try to raise money from Australia. Lala remained in East Timor and became a mother to the children. She is in Malaysia with the older ones where they are now receiving tertiary education supported by the Malaysian peace keeping force. Jose Ramas Horta has received assurance from the Govt that the children's education in Malaysia will continue to be in a religious context with Christian care. He visits to check! (as you will see on the website). Timor Leste is a very strong Christian country. The children have solemnly promised to return to help rebuild their country and this is their goal.
I have been with the children and Lala several times in East Timor. They are wonderful! I was one of a group of teachers who reopened the university and taught English in Dili in 2000 at students' request to the Australian Govt. You can read the children's own website on http://www.timorlestenewgeneration.blogspot.com Praise God for the Christian care of these children. Chris Oosterloo.
5pm Service
Our God is significant throughout our lives. When we look at Psalm 32, we recognise his amazing work both in our past and our future. When we look back we see his grace expressed in the forgiveness of our sins and the live that comes with it. And when we look forward we see his grace expressed in his guidance and instruction for life. Such a great God is completely trustworthy and we are called to rejoice in his faithfulness and love!
Baptism Service, 5pm.
This week we have a great opportunity to see God's grace at work in the lives of his people and this church. We are going to celebrate with five of our young people as they profess their faith in Christ and get baptised. Hope you can join us for this special time.
Also, we're going to recognise and encourage the Year 12's leaving HSM and taking further steps as young adults in God's community of believers.
9 am Service
It has always been the case in this world that the powerful rule, and the weak get trampled on. It started with Cain and Able, and it continues on in the world today. It was the case at the time of Jesus birth as well. But in this amazing scene that we are going to consider this week, in Luke 1:39-56, we have two women, one old and barren, one young, unwed and pregnant, bearer the forerunner of the messiah and the messiah himself. You see Jesus turns this world and its thoughts and systems of power on its head. He started then - and he continues today.
Luke 1:39-56
Last Bulletin for 2009
The last Bulletin for 2009 will be published on THURSDAY 17th December. Please get anything that you would like to include in the Bulletin to the Office by Wednesday 16th December at 12.30pm. The next Bulletin will then be published on 8th January 2010. Thanks.
PRAYER
Please pray for Heather Daniels' grandchildren, Kate and Alex and their friend James as they travel to Cambodia on a mission trip. Pray for their safety and protection and that God will use them to bring His love to the people they meet.
THANK YOU
To the Elders, staff and members of RCRC,
We the committee of the Global Market Day would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for all your prayers and support.
Without all of you backing us this could not have been the success it was.
So thankyou.
We would also like to invite anyone who is interested in helping put this Global Market together for next year to please let us know.
God bless and thank you again
Suzi Foster, Miranda, Belinda, Chris and Janette
Global Market Day Cake Stall Thanks
To all those who helped with the cake stall on Sunday. Your willing hands were much appreciated. Thanks also to everyone who donated items for us to sell. Thanks to you, there was a delicious array of beautiful cakes and sweet things available.
Lauren Downs
RHAYA meeting this week
The last Rhaya meeting for the year will be held this Friday night (4th December) at 7.15pm in RCRC hall. All ladies are warmly invited to attend.
Global Market Day this Sunday 2-6pm
- Stand up against injustice and learn how we can make a difference.
- Please park in the street or across the road.
- Bake a cake or five for the cake stall
- Bring your relies, friends and neighbours,
- Learn more about how you can be part of the solution.
- Do your Christmas shopping.
- Enjoy dinner at the market. No cooking. No washing up!!
- Enjoy a Fairtrade coffee (and cake) in the cafe.
- Fun activities and jumping castle for the kids.
- Don't miss being part of this exciting event.
If you are loaning a gazebo, table or esky for the market, please have it to church by 2pm on Saturday.
If you would like to know more about how you can help, call Miranda 0432 579 044.
I'd LOVE to talk to you.
Thank you everyone for your enthusiasm and willingness to get involved.
See you Sunday
9am Service Details
Would you rather be safe or brave? (Matt 25:14-30)
The parable of the bags of gold is often applied in the context of personal gifts. Perhaps it's more a statement about living in faith and courage, and in the assurance of the rich promises of our Master. Maybe this 'courageous Christianity' is something of what Jesus means when he talks about his gift of 'life to the full'. In this message Dave will round off the 'God of Justice' series, and will include some practical steps we all can take to start stepping forward as the people of justice and hope we are called to be.
Pastor: Dave Groenenboom
Cake Baker's Unite!
Thanks to all those who have volunteered to make a cake or two for the cake stall at the global market day next Sunday.
Whole large cakes, cup cakes, cookies, toffees, and fruit cakes are always very popular but we would love anything sweet!
Whatever you make, please remember to list the ingredients on a small label and attach it to the outside of the wrapped item. (if you are making small items like toffees or cupcakes, just one label on the container is fine). Please label any containers you want returned with your name and phone number.
I will put a couple of large tables labelled "cake stall" in the big downstairs morning tea room next Sunday morning if you want to drop your goodies there. Otherwise, just bring them to the cake stall when you arrive at the market day which starts at 2pm.
Thank you!!
Lauren Downs
Upcoming Events
29th November - Global Market Day 2-6pm
13th December - last day for Kids@church and Kids@nite
20th December (5pm) - lovely family Christmas carol service with a special treat for the kids. A great one to bring visitors to.
Prayer
- Steve and Natalie Flood as they serve in Kalimantan.
- The orphanage in Myanmar.
- a buyer for the 5.5 acre property on Boundary Rd
- Carol Bottema as she is treated for her cancer. Please continue to ask for endurance , healing and restoration
- For Cheryl McWilliams and the family as Cheryl waits for surgery which is now the only avenue of treatment for her.
- Wisdom for doctors in treating Cameron Nugent's arm and for healing after many surgeries.
- For Joan Rynsdorp who has a fractured vertebra
- For Margaret Harwood's mum who has been told she only has a few months to live. Pray for strength for Margaret and family.
- our children's and youth ministry positions that we are advertising presently, that God will provide the right people.
- For students doing exams
- For smooth preparations for Global Market Day.
MOPS Christmas Dinner - Can you help?
MOPS is holding it's Christmas dinner on Wednesday evening 2nd December. We are looking for waiters and waitresses for the evening. If you can help, please contact Jenni Holz 0439 326 329.
5pm Service Details
Last week, as we looked at the life of Joseph, we saw things just get worse and worse in his life. His one shot at getting out of prison, seems to have been forgotten by the cup bearer to Pharoah. But in an amazing turn of events (or God moments) Joseph is lifted out of the dungeon, and given the second in command position is Egypt. And so this week we want to have a look at what God was doingm through the triumph of Joseph, and how Joseph used his blessing for the blessing of others, and the cause of God's kingdom. And as we do that, we'll be thinking about why God may have blessed us, and be challenged to think about what we are doing with it. Read ahead in Genesis 41-45
Pastor: Clinton Berends
The Triple C Christmas Lunch
The Triple C Christmas lunch will be held at the Sands Hotel at 11am. However, it will be on 1st December, (not 3rd as previously advertised). Please contact Anna; 32074228; appiean@tadaust.org.au for more details or to book your place.
9am Service Details
We feel uncomfortable when we witness injustice and abuse on the TV or some other context. How does God see it? More importantly, what does he think about it? And then we have the age old question: Does God have a plan to do something about it - if so, what is His plan?
Pastor: Dave Groenenboom
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