Suddenly, the calm anticipation of the New Year brings relaxation, allowing enjoyment of both sun and rain, and, as time would allow, perhaps a slow BBQ.

I’m happy to share a festive collection of photos and stories from our Christmas season! Join in the joy and relive these special moments that will surely warm your heart!

You are invited to organise THE ORDER OF THINGS posted on our hallway wall, preferably, way before Christmas 2026. Thank you!

Preaching at the Cornerstone Bible Community Church, Glenavy

The Cornerstone Bible Community Church in Glenavy invited me to be their guest speaker on their 3rd Founding Anniversary and Thanksgiving celebration on 20th December at the Glenavy Community Hall.

Mission Possible: Thanking God for Answered Prayers

On December 30th at 6:30 PM, we held a three-in-one (Christmas, New Year, and Thanksgiving) service at Vicky and Andres’s home on Haymans Road, Waimate. This gathering also served as a farewell for Abe and Jeanilyn, who were heading to Balcultha for work.

The gathering was an expression of our heartfelt gratitude to God for all the favourable developments concerning Abe and Jeanilyn’s work visa status. A thankful time for Vicky and Andres, who graciously provided them with temporary shelter while they waited.

Finally, we express our gratitude and hallelujah for all the answers God has provided to our prayers. To God be the glory!

UPDATES: Abe and Jeanilyn finally moved to Balclutha on 6th January. So far, everything is going well for both of them. Jeanilyn successfully transferred her home support work in Balclutha and has been working with clients for a few days. Abe has resumed dairy farm work and is undergoing training on new farm tasks. They have explored a few churches in Balclutha and Gore. They plan to attend Gore Baptist Church, which is 50 minutes away from their work farm.

A strong Year-Ender: Celebrating Marie

The year 2025 ended with the church celebrating the life of our beloved, Marie Van Zyl, on 31 December.

We will forever remember Marie for her conversion story, her commitment to deepening her knowledge of her Saviour, Jesus Christ, and her testimony of repentance and discipleship through baptism.

She has demonstrated that one is never too old to follow and learn about Jesus.

Her enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel has inspired and encouraged us all. She pioneered bringing Jeanette and Jill from Sandringham House to the Sunday service.

Like the ardent and loyal disciple that she was, she fought a good fight and finished her earthly race on 27th March. She belongs to the ages.

Encouragement for the year ahead

As we face the year ahead, we continue the work God has commissioned us to do, bearing in our hearts and minds the works of grace and wonder He has done in the past years.

Like Elisha’s discovery when he took the mantle from Elijah in 2 Kings 2:13-14, let us take on the mantle of mission and work diligently while we have the chance.

¹³ Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. ¹⁴ He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

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.