Newsletter 21-September-2014

Today's Theme:“Reasons for Thanksgiving 2”
Focus Scripture:Exodus 16:2-15
Other Readings:Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45

Exodus 16:2-14 (NIV)
In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death." Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days." So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, "In the evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we that you should grumble against us?" Moses also said, "You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD." Then Moses told Aaron, "Say to the entire Israelite community, `Come before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling.'" While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud. The LORD said to Moses, "I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, `At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.'" That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor.

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NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 28 September 2014
Theme: “Thanksgiving”
Focus Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7
Other Readings: Psalm 78: 1-4, 12-16, Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

 

Prayer Points:- Please pray for: The kindergarten has a number of children going off to school so they need prayers for their role to increase again. Holiday Programme for the week of 29Sep – 3 October.

 

CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:

 

HOLIDAY PROGRAMME: 29 September – 3 October:- Where has this term gone? Once again we welcome the congregation’s support for the Holiday Programme, by praying for us and the team and for your practical assistance with the provision of home baking. Thank you for your continued support.

 

ALPHA:- Please pray for those attending and the leaders.

 

Thanksgiving Sunday 2014:- This year our annual Thanksgiving project is to start growing a fund that will enable us to employ a Children and Youth Leader. This has always been on our hearts and although Stephen helped out for a few months – we have not had anyone in this position since Steph finished. We have worked, advertised etc but to date we have not made an appointment.

The Leadership Team decided this year to lift this ministry out of our regular annual budget and to approach the need for funds in two ways. 1. That we dedicate this year’s Annual Thanksgiving Appeal to the establishment of a “seed fund”. 2 That we ask for specific donations to be dedicated to this ministry on a regular basis – like we did when we first employed Steph.

We are committed to investing in our Children and Youth ministry by employing someone who can be dedicated to this specific ministry and when we employ someone we will need your continued support to maintain it. Please consider giving thanks – and growing our CYL fund. Thank you, Lorraine, the Leadership and Finance Teams.

 

4eva@6: 28th September:- On this Sunday night at 6 pm we are hosting a prayer and healing service. This is our regular 4eva@6 service time but with representatives from the Northern Presbytery to lead us. The Moderator Rev Roy Christian and Rev Sandra Warner lead the Presbytery Team who have offered this ministry to churches within the Northern Presbytery bounds.

We have been asked for to lend support with a prayer team – please see Lorraine if you could help – thanks. We also would invite you to come along, to pray for it, and to share in this ministry opportunity with those who you believe God is calling to come and be present. Thank you, Lorraine.

 

Honouring Age Celebration:- On Sunday 19^th of October we will celebrate the annual ‘Honouring Age Service’ for senior members of our congregation which will be followed by inviting those who qualify to participate in a special morning tea. Of course our usual morning tea and social time will be available for all those who do not yet qualify to attend this celebration. A letter of invitation to attend this special event has been mailed to qualifying congregation members this week. Please RSVP to the office 534 2305. For further information please phone Peter Hancock at 535 5355.

 

Life with John Cowan:- This Sunday night (21st September) John Cowan's guest will be NZ adventurer, Brando Yelavich.

 

Inspirational/Anglican TV:- “Master your work situation, build a broad base and resilience for the future. This week on www.inspirationaltv.net Sam Morgan on maximising your employability, Mary on work and Matthew 20:1-16 the workers in the vineyard.”

 

PRINTS FOR SALE:- My brother BRENT WONG, who is a well-known artist( his paintings sell for many thousands of $) is offering a limited selection of his prints to us for $25 each, half of this amount to be donated to St Johns. If you would like to see what he is offering, I have a catalogue from which you may order if you are interested. A clip board will be in the foyer. Loas

BIBLE PASSAGE —JOHN 6:35, 41-51 “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”