BAPTIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER 21 DECEMBER 2025
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.
