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 ➔

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 New Leaf, Task Roster, Fellowship Lunch, TEE Meetings, Baptism, Support, Christmas 2025 Throwback

OBC NEWS 18 JAN – Read our latest updates, upcoming events and opportunities to serve. Find out how you can get involved and connect with us!

Continue Reading A New Leaf, Task Roster, Fellowship Lunch, TEE Meetings, Baptism, Support, Christmas 2025 Throwback

Celebrating Jesus – Christmas 2025 in Retrospect

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

Continue Reading Celebrating Jesus – Christmas 2025 in Retrospect

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.