Fresh beginnings around us

As I shared last Sunday, the new year offers many fresh beginnings. All we need to do is look around and see these impending changes.

Let me share the outline of the sermon I delivered on Sunday, 4 February.

I took this photo when we stopped at Shag Point’s southern end because of road works. I noticed the new house built on the hilltop. We were following a moving van. Someone or a family might be moving.

Youth ministry resumed on 8 February

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.

Family Love Sunday on 18 February

On 18 February, we will focus on the Christian Family. A panel of speakers 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.

We have an IT intern – Christian Jericho

On behalf of OBC, I have accepted Christian Jericho, or CJ, to spend his internship with us in fulfilling the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science he is finishing at National University, Philippines.

CJ is the eldest son of Art and Kathy Luna. If you can recall, when Art received their NZ Residence Visa, he brought his family to New Zealand in May 2023.

CJ continued with his IT course online. Now, he only needs to accomplish 170 hours of internship to get the BSIT degree.

CJ’s tasks are improving our website and digitalising the church’s photos and documents for our online archive. We will discuss other IT-related tasks more in the days to follow.

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 write your names on the rostering sheet on the table at the side of our tea area.

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

The Best Medicine Tastes Bitterest

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

I thank the Sovereign Almighty God, our creator and healer, for His grace and mercy through all the trials that we go through, especially in sickness.

Please read the short reflection I wrote hours before being discharged from the hospital on 10 November. May it encourage and inspire all of us.

Working Bee on Saturday, 25 November, 9:00 AM

Please bring your tools, equipment, and anything else to keep us buzzing. We aim to clean and beautify our surroundings while having fun and fellowship.

Thank you!

Life Concert by Neil and Joanna Johnston

Neil and Joanna were the previous pastors of Oamaru Baptist Church. After serving in Baptist pastoral ministry for 26 years, they followed God’s lead into a music ministry for churches. 

Watch their Life Concert on 25 November at 7:00 PM at Reach Church.

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.

Carols in the Park Oamaru Gardens on 9 December

This Christmas season, we have an exciting opportunity to bring Oamaru the message of love, joy, peace, and hope through “Carols in the Park.”

Tom Francis is the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

OBC Christmas Events Schedules

24 December, Sunday, 10:00 AM – Regular Sunday morning worship

24 December, Sunday, 2:30 PM – Carolling at the Sandringham House

25 December (Monday) – Christmas Day Service at 10:00 AM

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” – Luke 2:14

Supplementary Food for the Spirit

I am sharing some links to articles about our Baptist faith and life. Please take the time to read. Thank you!

• Church Life Survey: first response
• Prophet or priest: pastoral leadership for extraordinary times

Thank you, Bevan, for sharing this photo with me last week. Perhaps you want to show the beautiful view and animals you have one fine day in Oamaru while I recuperate.

Whenever I see photos of livestock, Romans 8:36 always comes to mind: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”