Do not work for food that spoils

John 6:27 says, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

These are strong words from Jesus to the men who followed him because they were part of the five thousand who ate the loaves and had full stomachs but failed to see the signs he performed.

OBC is planting growth and development seeds that we hope and pray will bear much fruit in God’s time. Let us labour for the Lord!

TEE Group Leaders Training 17-18 February 2023 Tentatively

In preparation for additional discipleship groups that we will organise soon, we are looking at holding a Group Leaders Training on 17-18 February 2023.

TEE, or Theological Education by Extension Aotearoa, will be conducting the training. The trainers live in Wellington.

This training is open to interested people in our church and other Christian churches in Oamaru and Timaru. Please give me some feedback regarding the schedule. – Jonan

Home Bible Studies schedule

We conduct two home Bible studies every fortnight

1. Oamaru (26 October 2022)
2. Makikihi (22 October 2022)

These home Bible studies fulfil our mission to go and make disciples. We plan to establish more Bible study groups and deploy our leaders to these groups.

The Apostle Peter had warned that in the last days, scoffers would come, scoffing and following their evil desires (2 Peter 3:3).

Paul also told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:1 – The Holy Spirit tells us in plain words that some people will turn away from the faith in the last days. They will listen to what is said about spirits and follow the teaching about demons.

Music workshops held

We thank those who joined our music workshops last 9 October (Listening Workshop) and 12 October (Guitars and Drums).

The jamming last Wednesday was a good start. Guys, we need to do it again, agree?

The listening workshop is crucial to learning how to play and sing a particular song. I will conduct the listening workshop again at 1:00 PM on Sunday, 16 October. Please join us.

We need to organise the Children’s Sunday School and Youth Group.

Lord God, thank you to our children who give us a glimpse of the future of our families and the church. We pray for Sunday school and youth group leaders who will help nurture our children in the Godly way they should go.

Thank you, Lord God, for bringing more people to OBC

Yes, we had record attendance last Sunday. I pray and believe the Lord God will bring more people in the days ahead.

Let us always be ready to welcome them. Take the time to talk and get to know God’s people.

They have sought to worship and fellowship with us. Let us offer the belongingness they are seeking from God’s people.

You might wonder what’s with the image of an elephant dancing in our yard.

It is the “elephant” we had let loose from our “room”. As God’s faith community, let us be open and loving with one another and address any “elephants” that might be lurking inside God’s sanctuary.

Reminders…

• Prayer Meeting @ OBC on Wednesday, 3:00 to 4:00 PM. To send in your prayer requests, click on this link → https://oamarubaptist.org.nz/prayer-meeting-obc/
  
  
• Please take the time to look at our Rostering Sheet, and feel free to jot down your name on any vacant slot. Your participation is much appreciated.
  
  
• Read some details of our working bee last 8 October – Thankful for Another Successful Working Bee!
  
  
• Invite your friends to come and join our church to worship and serve the Living Almighty God. We are a welcoming and friendly church.

Let us labour for the Master in October!

With Labour Day coming on 24 October, I am reminded of a strophe in the hymn, “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder”, that says:

Let us labour for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Like the new garden season, OBC is planting growth and development seeds that we hope and pray will bear much fruit in God’s time. Let us labour for the Lord!

Working Bee Saturday, 8 October, 10:00 AM

It’s spring cleaning time. Our driveway awaits the splash and swoosh of the water spray. Bring some gardening tools as we do some trimming, planting, and whatever would make our surroundings beautiful.

Don’t forget to bring some food to share during the bee workers’ lunch.

Music Workshop Schedules Set

Calling all singers, musicians, and interested people, young and old! 

• Music Listening Workshop – Sunday, 9 October – 2 PM
• Bass and Drums Basics – Wednesday, 12 October – 10 AM
• Sound and Data Operation – TBA

“Abundant Life” for Bible Study Groups

I will use the “Abundant Life – The Life of Jesus in You” guide and workbook for our Bible study groups.

The workbook is authored and produced by SEAN International. SEAM means Study by Extension for All Nations.

The “Abundant Life” is a nurture course for new believers, which teaches the fundamental Christian doctrines and how to apply them to our lives.

TEE Group Leaders Training on 17-18 February 2023 Tentatively

In preparation for additional discipleship groups that will be organised soon, we are looking at holding a Group Leaders Training on 17-18 February 2023.

TEE, or Theological Education by Extension Aotearoa, will be conducting the training. The trainers are based in Wellington.

The training will be open to interested people from other churches in Oamaru and Timaru.

Reminders…

• Prayer Meeting @ OBC on Wednesday, 3:00 to 4:00 PM. To send in your prayer requests, click on this link → https://oamarubaptist.org.nz/prayer-meeting-obc/
  
  
• Please take the time to look at our Rostering Sheet, and feel free to jot down your name on any vacant slot. Your participation is much appreciated.
  
  
• Invite your friends to come and join our church to worship and serve the Living Almighty God. We are a welcoming and friendly church.

Renewal and Resolution Series

Lessons from Nehemiah

I have started presenting the Ministry Appreciation and Participation Toolkit as an application of the lessons we learned from Nehemiah.

We will be learning practical tools we can use in building our church and community, with Nehemiah as our Biblical inspiration.

I will give handouts on the next two Sundays to ensure carry-over and reference. I hope and pray for enthusiasm and excitement as we learn together.