Newsletter 25-January-2015
We don’t know what there was about Jesus that led Simon, Andrew, James, John, and others to leave their homes and families to follow Jesus. Did they know him already? Or was this their first contact with him? In any case there was something remarkably compelling about Jesus to cause these and others to follow him into an uncertain future. The astonishing feature of the story is that they followed Jesus with no idea of where it would lead.
NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 1 February 2015
Theme: The Knowledge of Love
Focus Scripture: Mark 1:21-28
Other Readings: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Psalm 111; Deuteronomy 18: 15-20
Prayer Points:- Please pray for: The Dimock family in their grief for Ron’s death; Margaret Morrison’s successful radiotherapy treatment; Ron Ashton
CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:
Holiday Programme 2015:- Thank you to all the helpers who worked at the Holiday Programme. Without you it could not happen. Thanks also to all the church family for providing baking.
Christmas Offerings:- It is very pleasing to report that offerings over the Christmas services for the work of the City Mission totalled $609. This amount plus our "tithe" of 1/10 of the Thanksgiving offering (about $300) will be forwarded to the Mission. Bob Williamson - Finance convenor.
Thank you to everyone for their help at All Saints with Ron Dimock’s funeral. The family were very appreciative.
On behalf of all St John’s drivers, I would like to thank all those who helped top make our car-park a wonderfully easy place to park – again. It was a dedicated but small team – so thank you for your Monday morning – we all appreciate it.
Real Life:- This Sunday night (25th January) John's guest will be former Commonwealth winning weightlifter, Precious McKenzie.
On behalf of my family, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for your Christmas wishes, cards and wonderful gifts. We have been blessed with these expressions of your love for us. I hope you have had a good Christmas time with family and friends and may God bless your new year. Lorraine
Offerings:- I am just starting the process in preparation for the end of the financial year and would like to know if anyone has any spare envelopes they are no longer using that I can reissue. If you would prefer to have envelopes on a different cycle ie fortnightly instead of weekly please let me know, or if anyone would like more information on giving by Direct Credit instead of the envelope system please contact Jeannine in the office.
Church Picnic: Sunday 22 February:- There will be a church picnic at the home of Peter and Jan Hancock, 1 Orangewood Drive, Northpark on Sunday, 22 February. Everyone is welcome. More details will follow later.
FINANCE REPORT
- NOTES
- OFFERINGS RUNNING A LITTLE ABOVE BUDGET
- THE SURPLUS IN DECEMBER AROSE BECAUSE OF SPECIAL GIVING. IT INCLUDES A GRANT OF $7000 FROM THE DIMOCK FAMILY TRUST FOR CHAIRS IN THE HALL WHICH HAS NOW BEEN SPENT. ALSO, WE RECEIVED A SPECIAL DONATION OF $1500 FOR MAINTENANCE. MANY THANKS TO THESE DONORS.
- EXPENSES TRACKING WITHIN BUDGET ESTIMATES BUT SOME BIGGER BILLS EXPECTED.
- OVERALL - LOOKING GOOD. THANKYOU EVERYONE AND PRAISE THE LORD!
| December 2014 | Year to Date (6 months) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Budget | Actual | Budget | |
| INCOME | ||||
| OFFERINGS | 8120 | 7433 | 46871 | 44594 |
| SPECIAL GIVING | 8500 | 208 | 12305 | 6248 |
| OTHER INCOME | 5760 | 6240 | 42860 | 38730 |
| TOTAL INCOME | 22380 | 13861 | 102035 | 89572 |
| EXPENSES | ||||
| REGULAR | 11652 | 14716 | 86033 | 88398 |
| SPECIAL PROJECTS | - | - | - | - |
| SURPLUS(DEFICIT) | 10729 | (835) | 16002 | 1174 |
