Which Status of Christian Life Are You?

I am sharing this short reflection, which I wrote in 2014 and was part of my inspirational talk with Filipinos at Invercargill Central Baptist Church.

Meeting and ministering with migrant workers allows me to learn their aspirations and hardships, including their desire to give their families a better life in New Zealand or their home country. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

Church Meeting on 11 May Sunday

After the 11th May Sunday worship service, there will be a meeting to decide on two matters:

1. Elders’ election
2. Adjustment to the constitution.

All present are welcome to attend, but only enlisted members can vote.

We will hold a fellowship lunch on Sunday, 11 May, to celebrate Mother’s Day. Please bring food to share.

Holding fellowship lunches is also about team-building, where we volunteer to prepare, serve, and help with the aftercare tasks. Please be ready to participate.

Two May Events – Ladies’ Morning Tea and Mid-week Fellowship

A Lecture-Seminar on Assertiveness by Dr. Val Gonzales

Our family friends, Dr. Val and Chelly Gonzales, will visit Oamaru from June 9 to 18, 2025.

They live in Mesquite, Texas. Val is an educator, minister, licensed psychotherapist, and amateur photographer who has served in Southeast Asia and North America.

During their visit, Val will preach in the morning and hold a lecture-seminar on assertiveness on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at OBC.

Val will preach about the church and mental health. Please invite your family and friends to join our worship service.

The lecture-seminar “To Understand and To Be Understood—A Seminar on Assertiveness” is open to all church members and the community. Please plan to attend and invite others.

In June 2017, they also came to Timaru, and Val conducted a “Building Relational Skills” lecture at Wilson Street Baptist Church. Let’s pray for their preparation and a safe trip to New Zealand.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
    From the house of the Lord we bless you. Psalm 118:26

How Jesus’s Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem Can Be Our True Victory

Was Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem truly triumphant? The crowd expected him to claim his kingship and overthrow the Roman government, but this did not happen.

In celebration of Palm Sunday, I want to share this brief reflection. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday Schedule

We will hold a Good Friday Service on 18 April at 3:00 PM. We will celebrate the last seven statements of Jesus Christ on the cross.

The Resurrection Sunday will be held on the regular Sunday time at 10:00 AM.

Share your “Resurrection” Stories

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again;
he was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15-31-32)

On 20 April, Resurrection Sunday, I invite you to share your “resurrection” story. As many of you might remember from previous celebrations, we share stories about how God has revived, revitalised, or renewed our lives. Please share in three to five minutes. Thank you!

Be a Part of Our Task Roster

OBC needs your participation in the task roster. Join our task roster.

Please actively engage in our worship and service community and brighten our church community. Please write your name on the roster sheet at the tea service area.

If you have any questions about the tasks that interest you or need further details, don’t hesitate to contact Bevan, our pastor, or anyone else for help. Your involvement makes a difference—thank you!

Join the church task roster, where the only qualification is availability.

An evening of music and testimony with Jules Riding

On 7th May, at 7:00 PM, Jules Riding, an NZ Christian singer doing a South Island tour, will share his music and testimony at the OBC auditorium.

He titles this event “Finding God in the Wilderness, ” a mix of songs and the Word. Your koha or donations are appreciated.

The wheelchairs have arrived

As announced last Sunday, two new wheelchairs have been purchased, and they arrived this week for use this Sunday.

The arrival of these wheelchairs means that one or two more from Sandringham House could attend our worship service.

For those who want to contribute towards these items, please write “wheelchair” as the reference.

Giving

We are truly grateful for your unwavering support of the ministries entrusted to us by the Lord God. Your generous contributions play a vital role in furthering the mission and deepening the impact of His work. Thank you for being an essential part of the church’s journey.

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.

Life of Christ Course Starts

Twelve people attended the first Life of Christ (LoC) session on Sunday, March 30th.

Six more are joining in another class schedule we will set this week.

With a potential total of 18 persons, we will divide the participants into three groups.

➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

LoC Learners will take up Unit 2 on 6th April, 1:00 PM at the OBC Tea Area.

Working Bee Day is on Saturday, 5th April

Weekly Activity Reminders

• Youth Ministry – Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
  NOTE: Please ask Tom or Bevan for more information. Thank you!
• Prayer Meeting – Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 PM

Five OBC Women Will Attend “Connected Across the South”

We are happy to share that five OBC women will attend the Regional Women’s Event at the Dunedin City Baptist Church on Saturday, 5 April, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Let us pray for their (and other delegates from Otago and Southland regions) safe travel to Dunedin and back.

Pray for Rachel Murray, the main speaker; Jewel, and other women who will share their testimonies.

IN PHOTOS: Women and Men of OBC

We thank the Lord for stirring up our men and women. We look forward to more tea, bbq, and fellowships in the months ahead.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Be a Part of the Task Roster

We are thankful for your joining OBC. We invite you to join our task roster.

Joining this roster is not just a commitment; it’s a chance for you to actively engage in worship and service, contributing to the vibrant life of our church community.

Please write your name on the roster sheet on the table in our tea area.

If you have any questions about the tasks that interest you or need further details, don’t hesitate to contact Bevan, Jonan, or anyone else for help. Your involvement makes a difference—thank you!

Join the church task roster, where the only qualification is availability.

God Knows Our Leader’s Heart! He Knows Our Hearts!

He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. Luke 16:15

The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 16, begins with Jesus teaching the people, including the Pharisees, that the ultimate purpose of life is to attain eternal blessings.

Attaining this purpose requires using the resources and wealth that the Lord has given us in a way that is pleasing to God. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

All Gentlemen’s BBQ Tea

Men are invited to a BBQ tea at 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 29th, in the Oamaru Baptist Church tea area.

Meat is provided, but please bring a small side dish to share.

Come and enjoy the fellowship!

Ladies Morning Tea

Ladies, please join us for morning tea on April 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Oamaru Baptist Church.

Wear a hat that has special meaning for you, or be creative and decorate one. Don’t miss the fun and fellowship, ladies.

Proverbs 31:25-26: “She speaks with wisdom and teaches with kindness. She opens her mouth with discretion, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.”

Connected Across the South 2025 – Regional Women’s Event

Women (teens and up) are invited to attend the Regional Women’s Event at the Dunedin City Baptist Church on Saturday, 5 April, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Registration is $35pp – lunch included
Speaker: Rachel Murray – ‘Strength & Courage”

Jewel will be sharing her testimony at this event, among others.

REGISTER NOW HERE – The deadline is on 2 April.

Life of Christ Discipleship Course

Life of Christ learners will meet on 30 March, 1:00 PM at the OBC Tea area. Please don’t forget to bring the following:

• Copy of the New International Bible as where the Workbook is based. You may use other translations.
• Student Workbooks with Lesson 1A, 1B, and 1C have been answered.
• A pen or pencil. A set of coloured pencils (including red, blue, green, and yellow).
• BYO Lunch

Pure Books to Open a Pop-Up Shop in Oamaru

Pure Books, a Christian book shop based in Timaru, will open a pop-up shop from 9th to 10th May. The venue will be confirmed.

Andrew and Shing Stirling established Pure Books in Timaru shortly after the Timaru Christian Bookshop closed in February 2024.

“We are a family-run business based in Timaru. Our vision is to provide high-quality biblical resources. We try our best to ensure all our books undergo a strict screening process to ensure they are ‘pure’ or biblically sound.” – Andrew and Shing Stirling

Mark the dates on your calendar.

Faith Growth Lessons from Our Lemon Grass

We thought our lemongrass wouldn’t make it (see the brown stems on the upper right portion), as the colour indicates it is nearly dying.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is easy to grow in the tropical Philippines. Its lemon-like scent makes it a good herb for cooking and medicine.

Read this short inspirational, an illustration about not becoming weary in doing good. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

9th March Annual General Meeting

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Sunday, 9 March 2025, at 11:00 AM at the OBC Auditorium.

We will start our worship service at our regular time, but we will have a short one on Sunday to accommodate our AGM.

Please read the AGM documents that were emailed two weeks ago. Bring your copy during the meeting.

NZBU President, Allan Taylor, will be our guest speaker on 16 March

Our church is honoured and privileged to have Allan Taylor, President of the New Zealand Baptist Union, as our guest speaker on 16th March.

Allan dedicated 44 years to full-time pastoral ministry within the Baptist Church, during which he served seven years as assistant pastor at Te Atatu Baptist and 37 years as senior pastor at Eastgate Christian Centre. His extensive experience reflects a deep commitment to his faith and community.

Hearing God’s message from His seasoned servant will bless us all. Let us pray for God’s protection and provision of health and wisdom for Allan as he travels to join us on March 16th.

CONGRATULATIONS!

OBC LADIES for holding a successful morning tea fellowship at the church tea area last Saturday, 1 March. Twelve ladies attended their first fellowship for the year.

ABUNDANT LIFE TEE-ers for finishing the “Abundant Life: The Life of Jesus In You” on Sunday, 2 March. It has been an almost two-year journey. There were many disruptions, but I sincerely appreciate the commitment and dedication of our learners.

Join the Life of Christ Course

We are launching the Life of Christ Course on 16 March 2025. You are invited to join the orientation meeting on 16 March at 1:30 PM.

Please talk to Jonan for more details about the course. Thank you!

Upcoming OSBA Events

Please pray for the following events in the Otago-Southland Baptist Association region in March and April. Let us pray for good health and safe travels for all participants.

• 2025 Regional Hui on 14-15 March at Gore Baptist Church.
• Connected Across the South 2025 – Regional Women’s event on 5 April, 10 am to 3:30 pm at Dunedin City Baptist Church. OBC women are encouraged to join this event.

Alec’s Testimony

I’m pleased to share Alec’s testimony to boost our faith in God. He probably shared this many years ago, and a few might remember.

Regardless, Alec’s testimony is refreshing. He assures us that the Lord looks after you when you are faithful. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

Power through Corporate Prayer

I am sharing Allan Taylor’s article “Accessing God’s Power through Corporate Prayer,” which he presented at the national Hui last November. Allan is the President of the Baptist Union of New Zealand.

Reading Allan’s article this week reminded me that we must heighten our prayer life as a church. OBC is in the reorganisation phase. Let’s be aware that our “enemy” (satan) will try to sow disunity and confusion, disrupt relationships, and many schemes to hinder us from reaching our goals. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

1st Quarter 2025 Organisational Plans

On 24 January, I sent an email with the subject “AGM and Eldership” with two attached documents, namely: (1) OBC Letter January 2025 from Rachel and (2) OBC Elder’s Charter 2025.

The letter mentions that the Annual General Meeting will be on Sunday, 9 March 2025, at 11:30 AM in the OBC Auditorium.

A few key areas will be discussed to assist the church’s transition into a new stage.

1. Presentation of the draft new OBC Constitution.
2. Nomination of OBC elders. Rachel’s letter explains the procedure for nominating a candidate for Elder.

Please inform Jonan or Bevan if you haven’t received a copy of that email or your device doesn’t have a PDF viewer. Two sets of printed copies are on the Tea Room table. We can print more if needed.

Church Bulletin

• Youth Weekly Meeting resumes on Thursday, 6 February, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.
  
• Weekly Prayer Meeting continues every Thursday, 1:30-2:30 PM.
  
• Abundant Life Discipleship Group will take up “Lesson 15 – Members of the Local Church” on Sunday, 1:00-2:30 PM at the OBC Tea Room.
  
• Watch out! We will start The Life of Christ Discipleship Course in March 2025. We will provide more information next week.

Be a Part of our Task Roster

OBC needs your participation in the task roster. Join our task roster.

Please actively engage in our worship and service community and brighten our church community. Please write your name on the rostering sheet on the table next to our tea area.

If you have any questions about the tasks that interest you or need further details, don’t hesitate to contact Bevan, our pastor, or anyone else for help. Your involvement makes a difference—thank you!

Join the church task roster where the only qualification is availability.

Website Management Training

We want to train people to manage our website and assist in creating and publishing content for the church website and social media channels.

Please approach Jonan or Bevan if you are interested.

Happy 2025! Please take the time to read a couple of inspirational posts that Mary and Marcia authored, respectively.

A Prayer for the New Year

BY MARY MASON

Heavenly Father, thank you for extending my days so that I could be here today with these others who love you and reverence your Holy name. We welcome this New Year not knowing what lies ahead, but you know. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

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Who Am I?

BY MARCIA SHARPE

Who am I…? Who am I to give Hope to people affected by cancer? When I can barely manage the common cold? Or a bruise on my shin?

➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

Important 1st Quarter 2025 Organisational Plans

We thank our Lord God Almighty for re-growing BC in the past two-plus years. As we move towards reorganising in the first quarter of 2025, let us take note of the following:

• Install new members on 19 January 2025. Please approach Bevan or Jonan if you wish to become a member. Any person who confesses faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who has been Baptised (by immersion) as a believer, who shows evidence of following Christ in the newness of life and who is willing to uphold the commitments as outlined in the Members’ Pledge may apply to become a Church member.
  
  
• Please think and pray about two or three members we will nominate to the Eldership between now and mid-February 2025. We will publish more details about this.
  
  
• We are looking at reframing our Constitution and By-Laws to fit the present church’s context and situation in February 2025.
  
  
• We will hold our annual general meeting (AGM) Pastor’s 2025. The annual reports, namely the Pastor’s report, the Leadership Team’s report, and the Financial report will be available in February.

Let us pray for these 1st Quarter 2025 plans. Thank you.

Be a Part of our Task Roster

OBC is your church, and we warmly invite you to join our task roster.

Joining this roster is not just a commitment; it’s a chance for you to actively engage in worship and service, contributing to the vibrant life of our church community.

Please write your name on the rostering sheet on the table next to our tea area.

If you have any questions about the tasks that interest you or need further details, don’t hesitate to contact Bevan, our pastor, or anyone else for help. Your involvement makes a difference—thank you!

Join the church task roster where the only qualification is availability.

“Abundant Life” Bible Study 19 January at 1:00 PM

We are still at it! We will tackle Lesson 15 of our “Abundant Life” study session on Sunday, 19 January, at 1:00 PM.

Please come with your workbook (Lesson 15) filled out and be ready to participate in our learning session.

OBC is building a dynamic discipleship culture. Everyone is invited to join. Let us learn about God through His word.

Online Writing and Website Management Seminars

I am launching two training seminars for interested persons: Online Writing and Website Management. These seminars aim to develop people who can assist in publishing content for the church’s website.

The seminars are open to everyone interested. Please come to me to be enrolled. Then, we will meet to decide on the seminar date in January 2025.

Christmas 2024 Schedules

We invite you to take note of our activity schedules. Your participation would make a difference, so we hope to see you there! Thank you!

Join us for a worshipful Christmas Eve service, where you’ll enjoy a heartwarming traditional Christmas story play, uplifting carols, and inspiring song presentation. Experience powerful testimonies, insightful messages, and moments of prayer that will fill your spirit with joy and hope. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season with our community!

Join us for a joyful worship celebration this Christmas Day at 10:00 AM! After our 10:00 AM worship service, we will have a church family potluck lunch around noon. If you don’t have a family to spend lunch with, we warmly invite you to join the family lunch and fellowship at the church. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with church family and enjoy delicious food together!

Working Bee on Saturday, 21 December

Let us clean and beautify our premises on Saturday, 21 December, 9:00 AM.

It’s good to buzz our church with cleaning tools, rugs, and other equipment before the end of the year and the beginning of the new year.

The trees need trimming, our fence and gate need repairs, and our flower and greenery patch needs some TLC. There is so much to do. Please come. See you!

Men’s Burger Evening held Saturday, 7th December

About 15+ old and young men came and held a burger evening. Thanks to Rodney’s super BBQ, burgers and buns were done in a jiffy.

The young man who squeezed hard that BBQ sauce had indeed had a saucy evening. The burger champion was the one who had the tallest stack of burgers, bacon, tomato slices, etc. and managed to eat it without deconstructing the burger sandwich. That was a full-filling evening.

From what I’m hearing, the men plan to have another fellowship in the first quarter of 2025.

Christmas and Advent reflections

We invited church members to share their inspiring reflections on Christmas and other meaningful topics. Here are a few of their uplifting contributions.

How the Lord Blossoms a Ministry with OBC’s Rest Home Neighbour

We prayed to have an ongoing ministry with our rest home neighbour. In God’s timing, a ministry with the Sandringham House has flourished.

Continue Reading How the Lord Blossoms a Ministry with OBC’s Rest Home Neighbour

What Are You Waiting For This Christmas?

We long for Christmas; we want it but struggle to take hold of it. What is this peace and goodwill to all men, and what does it mean?

Continue Reading What Are You Waiting For This Christmas?

New Zealand Baptist Arotahi Daily Advent Readings 2024

For your Advent readings, we are sharing the “Arotahi Daily Advent Readings 2024” that have been circulated to New Zealand Baptist churches.

Through the Arotahi, our Baptist whanau has prepared a 48-page prayer guide with daily readings from 1 December until 6 January.

Glimpses from the Discipleship Report Evening and G.L.A.D. Workshop Events

What an incredibly busy week we just experienced! It’s truly a blessing that we held a meaningful workshop on discipleship during the Labour Weekend.

By prioritizing God and tending to His heavenly garden, we enrich our spirits and look forward to a good season of sowing and harvesting. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

Ladies, please come and join the afternoon tea

Baptism set on 17 November 2024

Finally, after staying for a season, we are holding a Baptism ceremony on 17 November at 9:00 AM at the Waitaki Aquatic Centre.

The Aquatic Centre Coordinator responded to our request for a space to hold the Baptism, and we are finalising the event details.

We have two confirmed candidates. There are four more candidates that need to be confirmed with the person and their parents. Please pray for these confirmations.

We are inviting all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour to follow him through the waters of baptism. Please see your pastor today.

Fellowship lunch on 17 November

What a joy to celebrate our Baptism Sunday with a fellowship lunch on 17 November.

Together with birthdays and anniversaries, we will celebrate our brothers and sisters who have followed the Lord Jesus Christ through baptism by immersion. Bring your food to share.

The Fellowship Lunch is also a team-building opportunity, so please make yourself available to help prepare and clean up our lunch area before and after the event.

Reminders

• Youth Ministry – Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
• Prayer Meeting – Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 PM
• Music Team Practice – This Saturday only from 7:00 to 8:00 PM
• TEE Abundant Life Session – Sunday from 1:00 to 2:30 PM

OBC has two speaking opportunities at the National Hui

The NZ Baptist National Hui will be held in Rangiora Baptist Church on 6-9 November. I will be your lone representative at the annual gathering of 250 Baptist churches. As of this writing, approximately 400+ delegates will attend the National Hui.

On 8 November at 7:00 PM, during the Baptist Hui Global Night, the Oamaru Baptist Church was asked to deliver two messages.

Whodunit mystery?

It’s not summer yet, but the grass has turned brown. It’s been raining, too. And look, our car park flower boxes have been cleared and planted with new plants.

Thank you, and blessings to whoever has done it!

The best way to discover whodunit is to also become an “undercover” gardener and join in beautifying our church surroundings. Agree?

How I Found Healing from What I Learned from the Book of Numbers

Mary shared how reading the Book of Numbers and the surrounding events sparked her enthusiasm, found the answer to her quest, and healed her.

Please read Mary’s testimony and be inspired and encouraged. ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

TEE for the 21st Century and How It Can Change New Zealand

A Discipleship Report Evening with Anneta on 24 October, 7:00 PM at the OBC Auditorium.

Come and listen to Anneta as she shares her testimony and her passion for discipleship through Theological Education by Extension (TEE). ➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

How OBC Members Can Join the G.L.A.D. Workshop

Dear OBC members, I encourage everyone to participate by attending the GLAD Workshop because the training is crucial to sustaining the church’s discipleship ministry.

However, if you belong to the “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” category due to old age and availability, you can still participate by sponsoring a participant’s registration.

Sponsorships and donations for the workshop can be given through the OBC Bank account. Please use “GLAD WS” OR “GLAD WS Fees” as a reference.

There are many other ways you can support the activity. Please contact Jonan or Bevan.

➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

OSBA Hui-ā-Tau 2024

As an Otago Southland Baptist Association member, OBC is allowed two official delegates to the OSBA Hui on Saturday, 19 October, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the Dunedin City Baptist Church.

Moreover, the “Engage with Charles Hewlett” session with the Baptist Union National Leader in the morning is open to all Baptist Church members.

This is a rare opportunity for us to come together and actively participate in shaping the future of the NZ Baptist Churches. There will also be an interactive Q&A session to discuss this further.