BAPTIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER 10 DECEMBER 2022
Let us rejoice
Can you find a reason to rejoice?
Is there any reason left to rejoice?
Things didn’t go well as planned, and now you’re wondering
Will you stand?
Where can I find meaning to rejoice?
When lives are lost around me, can I still sing?
Will the melody soothe the longings of broken hearts?
Will I rejoice?
Still, will I rejoice?
The above lyrics are the first two paragraphs of the “I Will Rejoice” song I wrote in 2019. The first paragraph is about a cousin’s sudden death, and the second is words that came as I reflected on the tragic Christchurch mosque shootings. The song ended with the answer to “Will I rejoice?”
Praise God for His peace. Now I rejoice! Just thinking of whatever is true and pure. Whatever is lovely and admirable, I will think of great things… and… I will rejoice!
In this Advent season, many things could affect us, but let us choose to rejoice and be glad.
If there is one true, pure, lovely, and admirable to think about, it is the birth of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ and His promised return. Yes, let us rejoice!
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD EVENT
Tomorrow, 11 December, we celebrate “Christmas Around the World”. Let us rejoice and be glad! Please come with your testimonies, songs to sing, food to share, and a joyful spirit of appreciating one another.
Christmas 2022 Activities
- 9 December, Friday – Singing Christmas carols at the Observatory Village
- 11 December, Sunday – Christmas Around the World Worship-Service; shared lunch;
Guest Speaker – Rachel Murray; - 18 December, Sunday – Carolling at the Sandringham House Rest Home
- 24 December, Saturday – Christmas Eve Service
- 25 December, Sunday – Christmas Day Worship-Service
Watch out for more details!
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6a
Carolling at the Observatory Village
We had an excellent time singing Christmas carols at the Observatory Village yesterday. The piano being “miles” away from the front encouraged the OBC carollers to sing their hearts out. I saw some residents singing along. Jane’s “O Holy Night” solo was amazing.
The resident and staff members were grateful for us sharing the Christmas spirit through carolling. A staff member encouraged us to come again.
Discipleship through home Bible study
We have identified a home Bible study area in the Totara-Teschemakers-Kakanui area. Home Bible studies are one of the ways we can make disciples for Christ. The Lord God is growing His church.
In town, we have one home Bible study at the moment. Let us pray for more Bible study groups and leaders in the coming months.
