BAPTIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER 12 OCTOBER 2025
Are You Bearing in Love Like a Ball Bearing
Ball bearings play a crucial role in minimising friction, allowing for smooth movement and efficient load transmission in countless machines, from cars to everyday household items!
They enable machines to operate more efficiently, resulting in reduced wear and tear, lower energy consumption, and fewer maintenance requirements. READ MORE ➔
Your Giving Helps OBC Grow in God’s Work
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity;
for God loves a cheerful giver”. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV)
We are deeply thankful for your unwavering support of the ministries entrusted to us by the Lord God.
The September financial status indicates that, after nine months, offerings are below the expected budgeted amount.
Thank you for considering how you can partner with us in the ministry entrusted to OBC. Your generosity is truly valued, and we look forward to celebrating God’s fruitful ministries together.
If you want to set up automatic payments for regular giving or make a one-time donation via online banking, please use the Oamaru Baptist Church account number at ANZ: 06-0941-0015036-00.
May the Lord God abundantly bless you and lovingly watch over you.
Opportunity to Serve – October Tasks Roster
Opportunities to serve at OBC are plentiful through the Task Roster. Please don’t hesitate to enlist in any task you would like to do.
Don’t hesitate to contact Bevan, Jonan, or anyone else for any questions you have. Your involvement makes a difference—thank you!
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Upcoming CHURCH EVENTS to Keep an Eye On
We have three upcoming events in November. For more details, click on the titles or select “View Calendar” to browse our Events page.
Invitation for Baptism at OBC
For those who believe in Jesus Christ and haven’t been baptised (immersed) as believers, you are invited to come and be Baptised.
Your Baptism is a testimony of your desire to be identified with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5).
As Jesus Christ, the Son of God, approached John the Baptist and was baptised at the Jordan River, so every Christian believer, in humility and love, submits to baptism.
Don’t hesitate to contact your pastor if you know of anyone interested in being baptised. Thank you!
National Leader Appointment
Chris Chamberlain recommended for National Leader appointment
The Baptist National Council and Mission Council (Arotahi) have announced their recommendation as Chris Chamberlain for the appointment of National Leader for the Baptist Union of New Zealand.
After a robust recruitment process commencing in October 2024, the search committee, National Council, Mission Council (Arotahi), along with endorsement from Te Whāriki, are collectively pleased to present Chris Chamberlain as their recommendation for National Leader.
The National Council Deputy Chair, Rachelle Martin, currently overseeing the National Leader appointment process has commended the search committee team for their work, saying the next part of the process is ready to begin:
“During this part of the process we encourage all Baptists to engage in prayer and discernment before November’s National Hui in which church delegates will vote in order to confirm the recommendation made by the National Council and Mission Council.”
Source: Baptist NZ website
OBC is joining the National Hui 2025
As your pastor, I will be representing our church at the National Hui on 6-8 November 2025 at Palmerston North Central Baptist Church.
Why Hui matters
When we gather as a Baptist family, something unique happens. Local stories meet national collaboration. Individual voices shape collective direction. And in the midst of it all, we are reminded that we are part of God’s mission together.
As one delegate put it: “Hui is where I remember that our small church in a small town is part of something so much bigger. It lifts my eyes.”
My hope and prayer is that OBC can send more delegates to the National Hui in the near future.
