Newsletter 22-February-2015
Unlike the other gospels, Mark does not describe the temptations, rather the brief observation that Jesus “was tempted by Satan” is more than balanced by “and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him” (v. 13). Mark may be portraying wilderness as both positive and negative, a time of temptation and an experience of the coming of the reign of God.
NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 1 March 2015
Theme: "Love for All"
Focus Scripture: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Other Readings: Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4: 13-25; Mark 8:31-38 or Mark 9:2-9
Prayer Points:- Please pray for: School and University children returning to school. Ron Ashton, Margaret Morrison.
CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:
Church Picnic: Sunday 22 February: There will be a church picnic at the home of Peter and Jan Hancock, 1 Orangewood Drive, Northpark at 12 noon today, Sunday, 22 February. Everyone is welcome. The picnic includes a barbecue lunch followed by time to chat and play games. Please bring meat that you would like barbecued and some food to share.
Youth Group has started on Friday nights. This group is aimed for those at Intermediate School or College. We meet weekly for bible study, games and outings. For further information ring Ian 5341380.
FELLOWSHIP LUNCH AT KITCHENETTE, next to Westpac in Highland Park. 12 noon, on Tues 3 March. Bring your friends. Delicious Middle Eastern food or counter food at reasonable prices. Sign up on Clip board in Foyer. Loas Toung.
MENS GROUP:- The men’s group has been moved to Thursday nights at the home of Ray Lewis, 1/57 Mellons Bay Rd, at 7.00 pm. All men welcome. Any queries, phone Bob 021 0633292.
Girls Brigade... recommenced this week. It is held on Tuesdays: 6pm to 7.45pm. Please pray for new leaders to come forward in the early part of 2015 to develop a new leadership team for our Girls' Brigade Contact Julie Dickey 535 5814, 0274 925659 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Inspirational TV:- Visit Inspirational TV at www.inspirational tv.net for this week’s message. 
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Offerings:- Bob Williamson is in the process of preparing for the end of the financial year and would like to know if anyone has any spare envelopes they are no longer using that he can reissue. If you would prefer to have envelopes on a different cycle ie fortnightly instead of weekly please let Bob know, or if anyone would like more information on giving by Direct Credit instead of the envelope system please contact Jeannine in the office.
Real Life:- This Sunday night (22nd Feb) John’s guest will be rugby legend Sir Colin Meads.
Invitation for Middlemore Hospital Spiritual Centre thanksgiving. Thursday 3 March 7pm. More details on the column in the foyer.
World Day of Prayer Service: Friday 6 March: Howick Presbyterian Church
The women of the Howick Presbyterian Church are hosting the World Day of Prayer Service to be held on Friday 6th March 2015 at 10:30 am at St Andrews Church, 11 Vincent St, Howick. This service has been prepared by the women of the Bahamas and the theme is “Do you know what I have done to you?” – based on John 13 1-17. Everyone is welcome.
Thoughts on Mark 1: 9-15
The reference in Mark 1:13 to Jesus being with wild animals would have been understood by Jews and the early church as a reference to the end of violence and peace between all creatures found in passages such as Isaiah 11, and the belief that this peace would accompany the coming of the Messiah. Hence the following cartoon.
