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?

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!

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?”

Trust in the LORD

Last Monday, we went to Dunedin, bringing Jadyn’s stuff. She is moving into the Hope House, where she will stay while studying at Otago University.

Reflecting on the new life chapter our family is embarking on, I remembered Proverbs 3:5-6. These are our dad’s favourite verses to share with us when my brother and I started university life. He would share this each time significant events were happening in the family.

Now, it is our turn to share Proverbs 3:5-6 with Jadyn and all the other students returning to their respective university courses. Let us pray for them all.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Family Love Sunday on 18 February

On Sunday, 18 February, we will focus on the Christian family. We aim to provide life lessons to young parents, especially migrant parents navigating two cultures in their family life in the context of the Christian home, church, and New Zealand culture. 

We have invited five resource persons to compose our panel who will share about parenting, discipline, lessons learned, and how we can strengthen the Christian home.

Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Fellowship Lunch on 18 February

It’s time we gather together for lunch after the worship service on 18 February.

Let this be a time to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, milestones, fresh beginnings, and many more.

As our first fellowship lunch this year, let us celebrate the new people who have joined and rejoined us.

MUST-ATTEND TRAINING FOR OBC

Child Protection (under 18) Training – FREE

This webinar will provide the up-to-date version of the Baptist Union Child Protection Policy written in consultation with Child Matters. It will cover:

• Child Protection in Aotearoa NZ
• How to use the policy
• Key points in the policy
• Child Protection Designated Person(s)
• Q&A Session

If you have children or youth ministries – within or beyond the church, please take up this opportunity and have at least one key leader in these areas (or all of them!) jump on this, too.

Churches are not immune to things happening, even unintentionally. This is essential stuff, and it’s only 2 hours of your time.

20 February, 7-9 PM or 1 May, 10 AM – 12 NN. 

“Making Sense of Admin and Compliance”
with Wayne Schache (BU Operations & Finance Director) & 
Catharina Siraa (BU Administration Advisor) 

Saturday 2 March; 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Lunch provided
Dunedin City Baptist Church (19 Main South Rd, Concord)

REGISTER HERE or contact Rachel – by 23 February for catering planning.

• Overview of structure and connectedness – Structure of the Union, key documents, etc.
• Property – buying/selling, anti-money laundering, development, leases, maintenance and planning, insurance, mortgages, the role and obligations of the Union, etc.
• Church Compliance – Health and Safety, Fire Evac, BWOF, Seismic, Legal, etc. 
• Church Policies – intranet, leadership hub, model constitutions, policy templates, reviews, the church policy group, human resources, etc.
• Finance – church budget, aligning vision and budget, Charities reporting, audits/reviews, investment, etc.
• Keeping Connected – updating contacts, statistics, regional vs national, reaching out, ensuring info is with the correct people, etc.

For anyone involved in administration, finance, elders/hip/governance, property management, pastoral leadership, church HR. 

NOTE WELL: The Assoc Executive has agreed to reimburse those outside Dunedin a portion of your travel costs @30 cents per kilometre. If you bring three or more and fill a car, we’ll increase that.

Weekly Youth Meeting every Thursday, 7:00 PM

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.

Testing season ends

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Yes, the trials we go through are not unique, they are within our strength, and He gives the way out always. Testings are temporary and there for some seasons only.

Importantly, no trial lasts forever. They end.

Remember the story of our Rose near the church’s shed I shared last summer? Look how the vine has almost engulfed the plant in the 2 March 2023 photo.

Last Thursday, I took a photo of our Rose and see how the vine had died. I thought, “Wow, the testing season is over.”

Still, we need to do our part in taking off those dead vines to reveal the Rose’s beauty. Let us have a working bee to beautify our church grounds.

Reading for next Sunday – Judges 6 & 7

For 29 October Sunday, please read Judges 6 and 7 to be refreshed about the story of Gideon. Our speaker will be Vaugh Nicolson from Wilson Street Baptist Church.

Vaughn will preach about leadership and church planning based on Gideon’s life and leadership. Thank you!

Weekly Reminders

• Youth Ministry – Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
  NOTE: Please ask Tom or Bevan for more information. Thank you!
• Prayer Meeting – Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at OBC.

Fellowship Lunch on 12 November

Church, let us have a fellowship lunch on 12 November to celebrate our October and November birthday and anniversary events.

It is also a time to bond over food and through working together before, during, and after the event. Please feel free to offer your help on any tasks available on fellowship lunch time.

Giving

Thank you for your continued support for the ministries the Lord God has entrusted us with. Your generosity means a lot for the development and progress of His work.

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.

Carols in the Park Oamaru Gardens on 9th December

On 9th December, the Oamaru Salvation Army together with the combined churches of Oamaru, are holding the “Carols in the Park” at the Oamaru Gardens (Band Rotunda). This is an exciting opportunity to bring the message of Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope to Oamaru this Christmas.

Supplemental Readings

As the National Hui schedule looms, they are publishing “Pre-Hui Reading” for participants to read. They are also available for your reading.

Below are a couple of articles for your additional information and learning about the Baptist faith and family. CLICK on the title to read.

• A Baptist way to make decisions (pre-Hui read: Big Bites 1-4)
• A posture of humility for difficult conversations (pre-Hui read: Big Bite 1)

The Miraculous Renewal of Spring: A Biblical Reflection

You visit the earth and give it rain;
you make it rich and fertile.
God’s streams are full of water;
you provide grain for the people of the earth,
for you have prepared the earth in this way.
Psalm 65:9

As nature awakens from its winter slumber, we witness a divine transformation that manifests God’s glory and love.

In the Bible, we find numerous references that reflect on the miracles of spring and offer spiritual insights. 

Let us explore some biblical reflections on the miracle of spring.

It’s NZ Daylight Time tomorrow, 24 September 2023

Please don’t forget to change your clocks forward 1 hour to New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT).

A handy tip is to change your clocks the night before daylight saving starts – forward 1 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 be at OBC at 10:00 AM NZDT.

1 October Sunday Fellowship Lunch

On 1 October 2023, let us have a fellowship lunch to celebrate all our September birthdays, anniversaries, and guests. Let’s bring some food to share.

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

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

“Abundant Life” Dynamic Discipleship at 1:00 PM, 24th September Sunday

On Sunday at 1:00 PM, we will discuss Lesson 7 in our “Abundant Life” study session. Jane and Arnel will be facilitating the session.

Please come with your workbook filled up and be ready to participate in our learning and sharing session. Everyone is welcome.

We are creating a multigenerational dynamic discipleship culture in our church, where the adults and children learn together.

Oamaru Men’s Breakfast

OBC men are encouraged to join the Oamaru Men’s Breakfast on 7th October at 8:30 AM at the Oamaru Salvation Army. The poster below gives more details.

Giving

Thank you for your continued support for the ministries the Lord God has entrusted us with. Your generosity means a lot for the development and progress of His work.

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.

Otago & Southland Baptist Association (OSBA) Forum and AGM

OSBA Forum and AGM – Saturday, 14 October, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Invercargill Central Baptist Church (11 Deveron St, Invercargill) 

Speaker: Chris Chamberlain

Chris is the Regional Leader for the Upper South Island (Canterbury and North) and transitioning-out senior pastor of Oxford Terrace Baptist Church.

He’ll share some OTBC stories in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes and the church’s community service and justice ministry.

NB: Yes, 14 October is the national election day. We encourage you to vote in advance and hang out with us! It is all very doable and has been done before. 

Please RSVP to Rachel by Wed 4 October 

Church 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 jot down your names on the rostering sheet on a table in the tea area.

Don’t hesitate to ask Bevan or anyone regarding any task you are interested in and if you need further information. Thank you!

Supplemental Readings

Here are some links to articles for your additional reading, meditation, and prayers.

• Local Mission – Central Otago Initiatives by OSBA
• Pondering: Myths about our history by John Davey

Spring Blossoms

That 15°C morning last Thursday in Timaru convinced me that Spring had come. Days are warming up, the bulbs are blooming, and so are the fruiting and decorative trees.

For as the soil makes the sprout come up
    and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness
    and praise spring up before all nations.
Isaiah 61:11

As people in New Zealand prepare for their spring break itinerary, may they not forget that Spring’s absolute and eternal bloom is our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.

He is our hope that never fades despite the changing seasons.

To read more, CLICK this link → The Great Blossom of Spring.

We are firming up our membership roll

This month’s theme is on church membership. We want you to be a member of OBC.

Any person who confesses faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who has been Baptised as a believer, who shows evidence of following Christ in the newness of life and who is willing to uphold the commitments outlined in the Members’ Pledge may apply to become a Church member.

Why formal church membership is God’s?

1. The local church, the body of Christ, needs to know its “parts” (Romans 12:4-5) to fulfil the following overarching NZ Baptist Union vision thrusts: growing disciples, robust leadership, authentic worship, healthy resources, and effective mission.
   
   
2. The local church needs to shepherd God’s flock under its care (1 Peter 5:2-3). Knowing the flock (members) facilitates good shepherding.
   
   
3. The local church is exhorted to continue meeting together (Hebrews 10:25).
   
   
4. Belongingness to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).

Please let me know or Bevan if you are interested. Thank you!

“Abundant Life” Dynamic Discipleship at 1:00 PM

We will continue with Lesson 6 in our “Abundant Life” study session at 1:00 PM, 10 September Sunday. Please come with your workbook filled up and be ready to participate in our learning session.

OBC is building a dynamic discipleship culture. Everyone is invited to join.

Fellowship Lunch on 1st October Sunday

On 1 October 2023, let us have a fellowship lunch to celebrate all our September birthdays, anniversaries, and guests.

As usual, let’s bring some food to share.

The fellowship lunch is also an opportunity to develop team work and friendship.

Highly recommended lecture – “The Radical Ones.”

What does it mean to be the church?

What could it look like to be a community of disciples who are radically committed to Jesus and one another?

Come and be inspired as we explore the Baptist vision of the church and how it might shape our lives and witness today.

The resource persons are:

• John Tucker
  Principal, Carey Baptist College
  
  
• Chris Chamberlain
  Regional Leader, Upper South Baptist Association

Please refer to the poster for more information. Thank you!

Otago & Southland Baptist Association (OSBA) Forum and AGM

OSBA Forum and AGM – Saturday, 14 October, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Invercargill Central Baptist Church (11 Deveron St, Invercargill) 

Please RSVP to Rachel by Wed 4 October 

Speaker: Chris Chamberlain

Chris is the Regional Leader for the Upper South Island (Canterbury and North) and transitioning-out senior pastor of Oxford Terrace Baptist Church.

He’ll share some OTBC stories in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes and the church’s community service and justice ministry.

NB: Yes, we know that 14 October is the national election day. We encourage you to vote in advance and hang out with us! It is all very doable and has been done before.

Baptist National Hui 2023

Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 November
(optional events on 1 November)

Manukau City Baptist Church, Auckland
This annual national event is an opportunity to gather with Baptist whanau from all over the country: to network, do some business, discuss some chunky matters and be part of a wider whole.

Registrations are open through the Hui website – Registrations close on 10 October to allow for planning.

This event is for anyone from our churches not just pastors. Could you invest in more than the pastor to be present for this national hui? Can we take top billing for highest representation from a region?

Make early decisions, get flights, accommodation, cars booked early to get better prices. If you’re usually preaching, try and get someone else to do Sunday 5th and take the pressure off. Go to an Auckland church and have a new experience!

Source: The Regional Leader Roundup September 2023 by Rachel Murray

Oamaru Men’s Breakfast

OBC men are encouraged to join the Oamaru Men’s Breakfast on 7th October at 8:30 AM at the Oamaru Salvation Army. The poster below gives more details.