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.

Praising God at All Times!

I will bless the Lord at all times;
    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:1

For the first time since moving town, I went to the Oamaru laboratory for my regular blood test. Please read my reflection on the blessings of praising God at all times.

Ladies, be reminded. Coming up on Saturday!

NZ Daylight Time starts on 29 September 2024

NZ Daylight Time is coming up on Sunday, 29 September. Please change your clocks forward one hour to New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT).

A handy tip is to change your clocks the night before daylight saving starts—forward one hour, for example, from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Internet providers will set the time on your mobile phones and computer devices. So, you only need to wake up, prepare, and be at OBC at 10:00 AM NZDT.

Fellowship Lunch on Sunday, 29 September

Let’s bring some food to share in our Fellowship Lunch after the worship service to celebrate all our September birthdays, anniversaries, and guests on Sunday, 29 September.

The fellowship lunch is also an opportunity to develop teamwork and friendship before, during, and after the meals.

Please volunteer to help prepare the dining venue, food preparation, dishwashing, and aftercare.

Group Leaders Advanced Discipleship Training

As part of our continuing discipleship program, we are launching another training on 26 October (9 AM-5 PM).

Why is the GL Advanced Discipleship Training important to us?

• We are called to train leaders to continue the practice of discipleship in obedience to Jesus Christ’s command to go and make disciples. Matthew 28:19-20.
  
  
• It is crucial for us to cultivate true disciples who are dedicated to practising and sharing their love and knowledge on a daily basis in order to bring about a spiritual revival in New Zealand.
  
  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2).
  
  
• To develop visionary and compassionate leaders to serve God’s people.

Registration is $50.00 per participant to bear the cost of materials and lunch. Hopevale Trust is sponsoring the TEE Aotearoa Team’s plane fare.

OBC, as host, will provide accommodation for our resource persons and overall support for training needs.

Otago Southland Baptist Association Events

Oamaru Baptist Church is a member of the OSBA, which is composed of 13 Baptist faith communities, from Oamaru in the northeast to Invercargill in the south. The following are the OSBA events lined up for October.

Child Protection Training, 17 October at Musselburgh Baptist Church.

The training aligns with the Baptist Union policy, which requires all individuals working with children and young people to undergo training. Following this training, we are expected to develop and implement our church’s Child Protection Policy. Erin and Jonan will be in attendance.

OSBC Hui-ā-Tau 2024.

Please read this invitation and consider attending. Thank you!

Our church is fearfully and wonderfully made, too

King David declares his praise in Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Can we also declare David’s Psalm 139:14 praise for the church as also “fearfully and wonderfully made”?

Vaughn, my colleague in Timaru, shared a 1928 Substack entry by Jeff Haines about “Andrew Johnston, the Blind Evangelist“, which begins with a narrative about the evangelistic campaign at the Oamaru Baptist Church in March 1928.

Rev. A. Clarke, the OBC pastor, detailed Andrew’s ministry. The morning communion service and evening service were well attended, with the evening service being packed to the doors.

Please read more by clicking the link below. Thank you!

New Mid-week Praying Meeting Time

After some consultations, our weekly prayer meeting will continue every Thursday but at a different time. Starting 5 September Thursday, we will meet at 1:30-2:30 PM.

Take the time to join us in prayer. Corporate prayer is crucial in the church’s life, as it expresses dependence and humility before God.

James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

PRAYER NOTES

Do you have some prayer requests? Write them on the “Prayer Notes.”

Upon entering our building, you will find the “Prayer Notes” on the table to your left.

Submit your prayer requests in the designated box at the auditorium. We will pray for your requests during our Sunday morning service and mid-week prayer meeting.

Please note that items that are private in nature need not be written. You may approach the pastor or pray with someone you trust. Come to our prayer meeting

September Activities to Watch Out

TEE Session on Sunday at 1:00 PM

Our TEE (Tools to Equip and Empower) Session will resume on Sunday, 8 September, at 1:00 PM. May I remind the participants to answer Lesson No. 11 of the Abundant Life workbook?

Those who are interested in joining for the first time, please speak with me so I can provide you with a workbook and some orientation.

“Life of Christ” Discipleship Facilitators’ Training

As part of our discipleship program, we are launching another training on 25-27 October 2024. This is a follow-up training that the TEE Aotearoa Team will conduct at OBC.

“This 6-book course is the main work of SEAN and is an integral training course for Christian workers, based on the life of Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew and The Acts of the Apostles.”

“The self-study lessons are written for students to do at home and then meet once a week for a group study with a study group leader to share and apply what they have learned to their lives and ministries”

CLICK TO READ MORE

Men’s Breakfast on 14 September – 8:00 AM

Moving Forward to the Next Chapter in Ministry at Oamaru

It seems like yesterday, but two years have passed doing pastoral ministry with Oamaru Baptist Church while based in Timaru.

A few years before I got involved with OBC, their membership and support had gradually decreased until the remaining few faithful couldn’t support employing a pastor.

Weekly Reminders

• Prayer Meeting – Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM
• Youth Ministry – Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

Commissioning of our Pastor

Following the decision on the 7th July meeting to call Jonan Castillon as a permanent pastor, we will hold the commissioning service on Sunday, 28 July.

We will have a Fellowship Lunch after the service as part of our celebration.

August preaching roster

We have invited speakers for August. They are as follows:

• 4th August – Jennifer Macleod
• 11th August – Wendy Geerling, Associate Pastor, Gleniti Baptist Church
• 18th August – Ross Waugh, Director, Hopevale Trust

Giving

Your ongoing support is deeply appreciated and essential for the progress of the ministries entrusted to us. Your generosity significantly contributes to the advancement of His work. Thank you for being so supportive.

If you want to set up an automatic payment for regular giving or make a one-off donation via Internet banking, the Oamaru Baptist Church account number is (ANZ) 06-0941-0015036-00.

May the Lord God bless you and keep you.

The Black T-Shirt from the “UK” that Brought Abundance and Joy to Many

In two succeeding weeks, I blog about two shirts that have had a lifelong impact on me, which I dearly treasure until now.

Last Sunday, I shared about “The Orange Shirt” and the testimony behind the giver and the gift. I invite you to read the story about another black shirt that gave us abundance and happiness.

Weekly Reminders

• Youth Ministry – Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
• Prayer Meeting – Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM

Fresh Beginnings – The moving is happening

Last February, I talked about “Fresh Beginnings Around Us” and showed this photo of a moving van. I took that photo when we were bringing Jadyn to Dunedin.

Four months on, we are preparing to move to Oamaru. Our purchase of a property here will become unconditional on 10 June. A settlement date has been set for both the Timaru and Oamaru properties.

Please pray for us as we experience this fresh beginning for our family. We are excited to see what God is doing for us all.

Events – Retreat, Seminar, Training

Here are two events near us that you might consider joining.

Testimonies to Warm Your Hearts

How do you feel when you hear or read testimonies of God’s power and goodness? I am sharing Gynber and Gail’s testimonies.

A Sunday to Remember at OBC – Baptism 2024

We thank the Lord God Almighty for five new Baptists on Sunday, November 17, at 9:00 AM. Let us continue to pray for them and OBC.

Continue Reading A Sunday to Remember at OBC – Baptism 2024

Don’t Get Into Debt this Christmas

A poem from a child’s perspective on the best value for Christmas and the idea that one should not be in debt to celebrate the season joyfully.

Continue Reading Don’t Get Into Debt this Christmas

Sermon focus in June

As an offshoot of the Regional Hui last 23-25 May, I have started on the theme that the Hui dwelt upon, particularly on Isaiah 43:19 – Seeing God’s New Thing.

This is also timely because June month, besides being the start of the winter season, has lots of memorable events for OBC. I started as your pastor on 12 June 2022. While we experienced the least attendance in that month of that year, June 2022 also marks the start of OBC’s revival.

On Sunday, I will preach on the “Infirmities that Degrade the Eyes of Faith” based on Isaiah 43:14-28. What infirmities prevent us from seeing the new thing God is doing to His people, the church, and the community? How will we avoid these infirmities and avail ourselves of God’s new thing?

Next Sunday, our speakers on the roster, Tom and Tina, will speak on the same theme.

Giving

Your ongoing support is deeply appreciated and essential for the progress of the ministries entrusted to us. Your generosity significantly contributes to the advancement of His work. Thank you for your support.

If you want to set up an automatic payment for regular giving or make a one-off donation via Internet banking, the Oamaru Baptist Church account number is (ANZ) 06-0941-0015036-00.

May the Lord God bless you and keep you.

Gail’s Message for Us

And friends are friends forever, if the Lord’s the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never ’cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go in the Father’s hands we know
That a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends

“Friends” By Michael w. smith

Those words above have been in my thoughts since two Sundays ago when Gail announced that she is moving to Nelson to be near her sons.

Please allow me to share Gail’s farewell message, which she delivered on 14 April Sunday.

I believe that the Lord has something for me. I’m going to live in Nelson. I’ll be nearer my boys. My time here has been successful.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the Lord has for me, for you, you know.

I want to share a passage of Scripture that means a lot to me. It’s John 3:16. For God loves the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him might not perish but have life everlasting.

That is the first verse I learned, and I learned it 44 years ago. Some of you might haven’t even been born then.

I leave this church with so much love and best wishes for everybody.

Look for your purpose. Fulfil what God wants you to do because each of you is special to the Lord. Each of you has something that only you can do for the Lord.

The other thing that I would encourage you to do is, first of all, read God’s word. Don’t just wait until Sunday to hear the sermon. That is good. They are good. You will learn.

But read God’s word daily. It’s your daily reading, not your once-a-week hearing. Believe in God’s word. Believe and share it. Share God’s word.

May God bless you all! Even if we never meet on this side of the world, we will spend eternity with each other.

Gail Jacob

When I started at OBC in June 2022, Gail proposed holding a weekly prayer meeting. We have held prayer meetings every Thursday. Gail would come to church to pray even if no one arrived or I couldn’t travel to Oamaru. My sickness around October-November 2023 disrupted the weekly schedule.

While I’m sure we are holding our individual and family prayers, let us commit to reviving our weekly corporate prayer meeting as soon as possible.

Below are photos of our fellowship lunch with Gail on Sunday, 21 April.

As Gail travels to Nelson with her family today, 25 April 2024, let us pray for travelling mercies and a safe arrival at her new home.

Learning How to Use the Faith-Wisdom Tool

I am tapping the shoulder of individuals with pastoral ministry gifts who could work alongside me to enhance our pastoral care ministry. Please pray and consider if this is something that the Lord wants you to do.

As I introduced last year, it is a simple tool that can profoundly enhance one’s understanding of faith and wisdom as an individual, a church, and a community.

OSBA EVENTS AND TRAINING

I receive Rachel’s Regional Leader Roundup each month, which features news, events, and training in the Otago and Southland Baptist Association (OSBA). I am sharing the events and training below.

Regional Hui 2024 – 23-25 May (Thurs to Saturday mid-PM)
River Ridge Retreat, Catlins
Options to stay on or offsite.

This is an opportunity for pastors, elders, and ministry leaders to come together to listen to God and others, reflect, learn, dream, worship, and pray, strengthen relationships and connections, envision together for the region, have some fun, and take a couple of days off from the usual activity.

*Registrations are now open, and a separate communication has been sent with all details.

Jewel and I have registered and will attend the Regional Hui on 23-25 May.

Child Protection (under 18) Training – FREE
1 May; 10am-12noon. Register Here

Several of our region’s people attended the first training option in February. There is still time to sign up for the second webinar, which will provide the up-to-date version of the Baptist Union Child Protection Policy, written in consultation with Child Matters. Once the training has been completed, you will receive the editable template policy document. Register Here

OSBA plans to conduct further training for those involved with under-18s, focused on awareness, actions, protections, etc. Watch this space.

Autumn means change is inevitable

As I passed Enfield last Wednesday, I stopped to capture the beautiful autumn colours in a photo. Autumn reminds us that change is inevitable and something we can embrace.

Art and his family moved to Windsor last week. Jewel and I are in the process of moving to Oamaru. Gail has moved to Nelson. The Casitas family are travelling back to Oamaru in a few weeks. Some of us are looking for work opportunities. Some are going through challenges and trials.

In whatever situation you are in right now, my prayer for all (based on Isaiah 41:10) is: Fear not, for God is with you; be not dismayed, for He is your God; He will strengthen you, help you, and uphold you with His righteous right hand.

Let us pray for one another. When you can, take the time to pray with someone beside you. Thank you!

The Drums Started Playing

You wouldn’t have missed this incident if you had been at last Sunday’s worship service.

We were singing our closing song, “Power of Your Love”, when suddenly we heard the drums playing, accompanying the musicians in near-perfect tempo.

Asher, who will be turning three in May, picked up the drumsticks and started playing the drums. May the Lord prosper Asher’s gifts and all the other children as they grow.

One day, children were brought to Jesus, hoping he would lay hands on them and pray over them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus intervened: “Let the children alone, don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom comprises people like these.” After laying hands on them, he left. (Matthew 19:13-15)

We thank the Lord for blessing OBC with children.

Weekly Youth Meeting

Our youth group meets every Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Please ask Tom or Bevan for more information. Invite young people you know to join.

Join the Tasks Roster

The tasks roster is an opportunity for us to participate in the function and operation of our church in the areas of worship and service. Please feel free to write your name on the rostering sheet on the table beside our tea area.

Don’t hesitate to ask Bevan, the pastor, or anyone else about the tasks you are interested in or if you need further information. Thank you!

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

Learning How to Use the Faith-Wisdom Tool

I am recruiting people with pastoral ministry gifts to attend the orientation/training on using the Faith-Wisdom Tool. As I introduced last year, it is a simple tool that can create a profound understanding of faith and wisdom as an individual, a church, and a community.

We need this for a sustainable pastoral care ministry for OBC.

Abundant Life Bible Study Sessions

Let us resume our Bible study sessions using the Abundant Life of Christ workbook on Sunday, 21 April 2024, at 1:00 PM. Please answer Lesson 10 on your manual and be ready to share and discuss.

OSBA EVENTS AND TRAINING

I receive Rachel’s Regional Leader Roundup each month, which features news, events, and training happening in the Otago and Southland Baptist Association (OSBA). Sharing the event and training below.

Regional Hui 202423-25 May (Thurs to Saturday mid-PM)
River Ridge Retreat, Catlins
Options to stay on or offsite.

This is an opportunity for pastors, elders, and ministry leaders to come together to listen to God and others, reflect, learn, dream, worship, and pray, strengthen relationships and connections, envision together for the region, have some fun, and take a couple of days off from the usual activity.

*Registrations are now open, and a separate communication has been sent with all details.

Child Protection (under 18) Training – FREE
1 May; 10am-12noon. Register Here

Several of our region’s people attended the first training option in February. There is still time to sign up for the second webinar, which will provide the up-to-date version of the Baptist Union Child Protection Policy, which was written in consultation with Child Matters. Once the training has been completed, you will receive the editable template policy document. Register Here

OSBA plans to conduct further training for those involved with under-18s, focused on awareness, actions, protections, etc. Watch this space.

Resurrection Sunday and Fellowship Lunch

On Sunday, 31 March, we will hold a regular worship service focusing on the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s share our “resurrection” stories or testimonies as part of our celebration.

We will continue celebrating the Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection with a fellowship lunch.

Good Friday Reflections

Listening to the various reflections last Friday from different speakers has brought encouragement and joy to many of us.

Below are three short messages on Jesus’ sayings from the cross.

• Mary’s Thoughts at the Cross
• My Thirsts and What Jesus’ Thirst on the Cross Means
• Nothing But Love in His Heart for Us

Good Friday Service at 3:00 PM

Let us commemorate the suffering and sacrifice of our Saviour Lord Jesus on 29 March, 3:00 PM at the OBC auditorium.

We will listen to several speakers who will reflect on the seven sayings that Jesus uttered on the cross.

Resurrection Sunday and Fellowship Lunch

On 31 March Sunday, after our regular worship service, we will continue celebrating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ with a fellowship lunch.

Our Resurrection Sunday will feature singing original songs and sharing of testimonies.

Stories to Build Your Faith

The Buses in Oamaru and a Woman’s Faith Renewed

Last month, I meet with David Bruce and a visiting Korean friend. While having a cuppa and sharing updates, David brought out an index card and read a story.

It’s a testimony about a trainee missionary when his cousin was the OBC pastor. It was about the buses in Oamaru and a woman’s faith.

Please read David’s short testimony by click on the button below.

7 Good Friday Short Reflections

When Good Friday comes, we are constantly confronted with, “How can the death of the one, Jesus Christ, be redemption for all?”

That question, especially from a non-believer’s point of view, is usually followed by another question, “Why the crucifixion of Jesus Christ more than 2000 years ago has relevance and an important impact on our lives today?”