Turning a New Leaf in Christ

“New Year” doesn’t stay new forever, unlike turning a new leaf in Christ. When does the year stop being new?

Do you display more outward tradition than inward growth? Are you a source of spiritual nourishment or just ornamental in your faith?

Read the first sermon I delivered at Oamaru Baptist Church on 16 January 2022, as part of the pulpit roster.

➔ CLICK TO READ MORE

Thank you for filling out our Task Roster

We got our Task Rosker up and running last Sunday. Thanks to all who responded to Bevan’s appeal.

Feel free to jot your name down for any tasks that don’t have a volunteer yet. You might want to pair up with someone who serves the Lord’s Supper, welcomes people, or gathers the offering.

We also have a lineup of volunteers who have offered to mow our lawns. Thank you!

Fellowship lunch on 25th January

Join us for a joyful celebration as we honour our students returning to school in February! We’re hosting a fellowship lunch on Sunday, January 25th.

We would love for you to be a part of it. Please bring a dish to share so we can enjoy a delicious meal together. Come, connect, and celebrate our students! Watch out for more details!

TEE Life of Christ Meetings Resume this week

We are back to our TEE (Tools to Equip and Empower) meetings.

• Group 2, composed of Marjorie and Tony, took up Life of Christ Book 2, Unit 1, on Friday.
• Group 1 will take up Unit 9 of the Life of Christ Book 2 on Sunday, 18th January at 1:00 PM.

We invite others to join the Life of Christ Discipleship Course. Feel free to approach the pastor. Thanks!

Invitation for Baptism

We invite those who believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord to publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ through believer’s baptism (immersion). Please see the pastor or any of the elders, Tony or Rodney, for further information.

Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). Therefore, baptism is a way of obeying Christ’s command, both for the person being baptised and for the minister performing the baptism.

The Baptist Church believes that believer’s immersion is the only scriptural form of baptism.

Opportunity to support

We learned that Juscar and Johanna travelled to the Philippines last December to attend the burial and wake of Juscar’s mum. They arrived safely back in New Zealand on 31st December 2025.

May I invite anyone who wants to participate in the Filipino tradition of giving “abuloy” (donation) to a bereaved family. This is voluntary. It is our token of solidarity with Juscar, Merly and the whole family. Please feel free to donate any amount to Juscar R Alegado’s account: 01-0964-0094574-00

Thank you very much. May God bless you all!

Christmas 2025 in Retrospect

From festive highlights to heartfelt farewells and inspiring faith stories, this update celebrates community, gratitude, and new beginnings!

The Shepherds’ Actions – Our Christmas Do

I am sharing the application part of last Sunday’s message, which is as follows:

They hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby in the manger, just as the angel had told them. The shepherds wasted no time coming to the manger and beholding the newborn Jesus Christ.

With unwavering enthusiasm, they boldly announced the good news (GOSPEL) about the child to everyone who would listen. We must be bold to proclaim the Gospel, “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

They amazed all who heard their story. The people who listened to the shepherds’ story were surprised by their account of the Messiah, Jesus’ birth, and by how real the joy and glory they shared with the people.

1They returned, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. They have become a people of hope, glorifying and praising God.

Christmas 2025 Schedules

Join us in singing Christmas carols at Sandringham House.

Once again, we have the opportunity to share the Christmas message through songs with our neighbouring rest home on 21 December. We will practice at 2:00 PM, then we will go together to the carolling place.

Christmas Eve Service – Be ready to participate.

We invite you all to participate in the Christmas story during the Christmas Eve service. Please read Matthew chapters 1 and 2 and Luke chapter 2 so you will be prepared to contribute. Thank you.

Christmas Day Service – Be ready to share a reflection, memory, or testimony

Let us take a moment to gather and reflect on our Saviour’s birth. We will then bless one another with our reflections, memories, or testimonies. Our one-hour Christmas service will begin at 10:00 AM.

For those who don’t have family to join for Christmas lunch for any reason, we will hold a Church Family Shared Lunch at 12:00 noon in the OBC Tea Area.

After the Church Family Shared Lunch, I want to invite you to join me at Elderslie Estate for some peaceful meditation in the labyrinth or any nook. It is a conducive place to pray, talk and listen to God about your present and future.

Memorial service for Jeanilyn’s Mum

Maria Fe, Jeanilyn’s mother, was laid to rest on 12 December in Iloilo, Philippines. Since Jeanilyn was unable to return home for her mother’s funeral due to issues with her work visa, OBC has arranged a memorial service for Maria Fe on 28 December at 3:00 PM in the OBC Auditorium.

In solidarity with Jeanilyn and Abe during their time of grief, please join us for the memorial service. You are also invited to participate in the Filipino tradition of giving “abuloy” (donation) to a bereaved family through Jeanilyn Pastorpili’s bank account: 38-9024-0843994-00. Thank you, and may God bless you.

“Chairful” and cheerful blessings

Opportunities at OBC

Opportunity to Serve. The Task Roster is a chance to serve. It is a commitment; it’s an opportunity for you to actively participate in worship and service, enriching the lively atmosphere of our church community. Please write your name on the roster sheet on the table in our tea area.

Opportunity to Give your Offerings. Thank you for considering how you can support 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.

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.”

READ THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT HERE ➔

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.

READ THE PROGRAMME HERE ➔

Foundation Sunday 2025 Message

We have published Peter Rodwell’s message during our 17 August Foundation Sunday sermon for your reading and reflection.

Please take the time to read it by clicking the button below.

Working Bee on August 30!

As we welcome the spring season, please join us for the working bee on 30th August from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

Bring weeding and cutting tools, wheelbarrow, shovel, paint rollers/brush, etc.

Our working bee is also a team-building opportunity and a chance for fellowship. Tea will be served.

September Task Roster – Opportunity to Serve

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.

Prayer Meeting Schedule

The church’s prayer meeting schedule is held on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of the month.

The Elders have designated the 1st Thursday of each month as their meeting and prayer.

The rest of the month’s Thursdays, from 3:00 to 4:00, are scheduled for the church’s prayer meeting.

OSBA Hui ā Tau (AGM) and Forum Day

Who is this day for?

Anyone who is part of our Baptist family in the region is welcome to attend – it’s not just for pastors or elders. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn more and connect with fellow Baptists, share ideas, and reflect on our collective mission.

May I encourage anyone available to come and participate? We can travel as a group to Alexandra.

Our attendance will enable us to understand our church context, both regionally and nationally, and potentially get involved, as well as meet some new and like-minded people. 

RSVP HERE by Monday, 8 September, so that we can cater appropriately and ensure we have a quorum in place.

Guest

Dr. Paul Jones, Principal, Carey Baptist College 

The newly appointed Principal of Carey, Paul, is keen to get to know people, hear from us all, and understand what we believe are the unique needs of our region and churches. Paul is very relatable, approachable, a great communicator and an all-around nice guy!

Click here for more info on Paul, his research interests and teaching areas. 

Giving

We are deeply thankful for your unwavering support of the ministries entrusted to us by the Lord God.

Your giving is not only appreciated but also crucial in advancing God’s mission and amplifying the impact of His work entrusted to us. Thank you for being a vital part of this 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.

Viewing life from God’s perspective

Through the years of searching, I have found that the greatest gift a person can have is the ability to see and live life from God’s perspective.

It is similar to the “what would Jesus do” thinking or asking yourself, “How does Jesus see this?”

It is like what Paul says in Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

It may sound ironic and paradoxical, but being “crucified with Christ” is crucial to experiencing the life that Jesus Christ offers. It means being transfixed into living in love and forgiveness as Christ is.

It is also like what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Jesus Christ clearly said that it is not only “seeking the kingdom of God”. One must seek his righteousness, as well.

It is both the kingdom of God and his righteousness for “all these things” to be added unto you.

Reminder: Fellowship lunch on 3 August

Let’s bring food to share at our Fellowship Lunch after the worship service on Sunday, August 3, to celebrate significant life events such as birthdays and anniversaries.

It is also an occasion to welcome those who have joined us lately. Friendly people of OBC, please take the time to get to know one another, especially those who are new to you.

Ray will be the guest speaker at the Men’s Breakfast on August 9th.

Baptist church men, please take note of the Men’s Breakfast on 9th August, 8:00 AM at the Lagonda Cafe.

Oamaru Baptist Church is the sponsor of the 9th August Men’s Breakfast. Let us (all Baptist men) attend and meet other men in town. The breakfast menu is shown in the picture above.

Your hopes and dreams for OBC

I want to invite all who come to Oamaru Baptist Church to worship, participate in the life and ministry of the church, and “pin” your hopes and dreams for OBC.

On the board at the tea area, I have posted the diagram, “Oamaru Baptist Church – Hydropower Plant Analogy”.

I want us all to participate in fulfilling the aims and functions of the church by writing on a piece of paper your hopes and dreams for OBC. I have provided pens and paper (white sheet or yellow-green post-its) in the adjacent table.

Celebrating our 142nd Founding Anniversary

On 10 August, Sunday, we will have picture-taking sessions as part of our our 142nd Founding Anniversary celebrations.

On 13th August 1883, at a meeting held in the Lecture Hall of the Athenaeum, the Church was formally constituted with a foundation membership of 23.

August is the month we celebrate the founding of the Baptist Church. We have designated the 17th of August as our Foundation Sunday celebration. I have invited Peter Rodwell to be our speaker.

Please note our celebration schedule. The current part of the founding anniversary celebration involves pinning our hopes and dreams for Oamaru Baptist Church.

Giving

We are truly grateful for your steadfast support of the ministries entrusted to us by the Lord God. Your generous contributions are vital in advancing our mission and enhancing the impact of His work.

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.

Thank you for being an essential part of our church’s journey. May the Lord God abundantly bless you and lovingly watch over you.

“To serve and not to be served”

“To serve and not be served” is a crucial phrase that Jesus Christ told his disciples when they discussed James and John’s request to sit at his right and left in his glory, as well as who should be the greatest in God’s kingdom.

However, the phrase doesn’t end there; he added that in addition to serving, he is to give his life as a ransom for many.

Jesus said in Mark 10:43-45 (paraphrased): In contrast to this, anyone who aspires to be great among you must become your servant, and anyone who wants to be first must be the servant of all. Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

May the joy of serving God and others be the unwavering theme of our hearts, guiding us as we worship Him and lovingly serve through His people.

OBC is holding an Evening Service on 20 July @ 6:30 PM

On Sunday, July 20, we will hold two worship services: one at 10:00 AM and one at 6:30 PM.

We currently hold evening services every other week. It is a blessing and an inspiration to hear testimonies from our evening worshippers, which is something our morning worship attendees would also like to hear.

In the spirit of the phrase “to serve and not to be served,” I encourage our regular worship attendees to support our worship services (both morning and evening) by volunteering to assist with various aspects of conducting the services.

We need singers, instrumentalists, door greeters, worship leaders, servers, and many more.

Thank you very much.

Morning Tea for Everybody at OBC

You are invited to come for morning tea at the Oamaru Baptist Church Tea area on Tuesday, 22 July at 10:00 AM.

This tea event is an opportunity to spend moments with people of all ages—a chance to get to know our fellow mates.

Come for some fun and fellowship!

Ray will be the guest speaker at the Men’s Breakfast on August 9th.

Baptist church men, please take note of the Men’s Breakfast on 9th August, 8:00 AM at the Lagonda Cafe.

Let us all support Ray as he shares his message. The cost of the breakfast will be published soon.

Fellowship Lunch on 3rd August

Let’s bring some food to share on Sunday, August 3rd, to celebrate our brothers and sisters who have completed Book 1 of the Life of Christ.

We want to celebrate special life events from recent weeks and months, and to welcome those who have joined our worship and fellowship warmly.

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.

TEE Life of Christ Book 1 finishes on 27 July

The TEE-ers or Lifers are just one unit away, Unit 10, from finishing Book 1 of the Life of Christ (LOC).

They will tackle Unit 10, the final unit, on July 27. Then we will have two weeks of review before the Final Exam on 10th August.

Meanwhile, let us celebrate and honour them with a fellowship lunch on 3rd August. We will also hear from our Lifers their testimonies and lessons learned from LOC Book 1.

Giving

We are truly grateful for your steadfast support of the ministries entrusted to us by the Lord God. Your generous contributions are vital in advancing our mission and enhancing the impact of His work.

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.

Thank you for being an essential part of our church’s journey. May the Lord God abundantly bless you and lovingly watch over you.

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.