Newsletter 05-October-2014

Today's Theme: “Words of Life”
Focus Scripture:Philippians 3:4b-14
Other Readings:Matthew 21:33-46

Philippians 3:4b-14 (NIV)
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing( Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ - yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize(X) for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

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NEXT WEEK:
Sunday Worship: 12 October 2014
Theme: “People on a Journey”
Focus Scripture: Exodus 32:1-14
Other Readings: Psalm 106:1-6; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

 

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; Presbyterian General Assembly 4-6 October; Someone to lead the Children’s Church for the Christmas (4^th) School Term.

 

CHURCH NOTICES AND EVENTS:

 

Today, Sunday 5 October is a service of Confirmation into the Church– with Bishop Ross Bay (Anglican), Rev Marilyn Welch (Methodist) and Rev Roy Christian (Presbyterian) attending.

 

HOLIDAY PROGRAMME:- Thank you so much for all your help with your prayers and support for the holiday programme. As usual it went very well. Shirley.

 

Leprosy mission boxes are due in please hand to Joan Jones. Thank you

 

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.

 

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

 

Honouring Age Celebration:- Please remember to RSVP as soon as you can to the office. If Jeannine is not there please leave a message 5342305. Thank you.

 

OUR HOUSE:- This Monday Our House from 9.30am lots of volunteers would be appreciated to help with tidying up the outside of the building including the Kindergarten area while the kids are on holidays. Thank you Alan

 

SHOE BOXES:- Shoe boxes are needed for a coming event. Please hand in any shoe boxes you have to the office. Thanks. 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.

Real Life with John Cowan:- This Sunday night (5th October) John's guest will be Entertainment Reporter and Film Reviewer for TV3, Kate Rodger.

 

Choir and Organ Concert St Andrew's First Presbyterian Church is proud to present Choir & Organ Hallelujah Concert! You are warmly invited to join them for music and fellowship, bring along your family and friends to this free concert on the 10^th October at 7pm and 12^th of October at 11am .