Grace
The word and concept of grace is proclaimed from almost every chapter of the Bible and ultimately revealed in Christ Himself and His sacrifice for us. It is one of the fundamental beliefs of our Christian Faith.
Sadly, we live in a world that is defined by concepts like earning, deserving, and merits, and these often lead to judgment and disappointment. Grace is most needed and best understood in the midst of sin, suffering, and brokenness. For judgment kills and only grace can give us a second chance. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24).
In grace, God gives nothing less than Himself. It is by Grace that we are forgiven, but while we pray for the evil we see around us, we seem to forget that there could be much evil within us. Paul indicates that one of the most difficult battles one can have is the battle with one’s self. It is only when we let go and empty ourselves from ourself that we can be filled by the Holy Spirit and experience God’s amazing grace.
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2)
As recipients of grace, we have the privilege and duty to serve as agents of grace. For God desires grace to all as per the concluding verse of His Living Word: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all” (Revelation 22:21). It is my prayer for all of us that we continue to experience God’s grace in our lives and to extend His amazing grace to others.
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Kheir Boutros
Chief Financial Officer
North New Zealand Conference
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Prayer Focus – Faith
As we study the Bible, as we listen to Preaching, as we digest daily devotionals, it is vital that as a result, we are building faith in the incomparable Christ and not just faith in words and ideas.
Paul writing in Hebrews, puts it this way:
“But the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” Hebrews 4:2
Working on a ‘Faith-filled’ relationship with our Saviour can be more difficult than the most brain-draining day of Biblical Study.
Let’s Pray – “Lord, please help us to focus on what is vitally important and not only on what is important. Faith in you does not always neatly equate with knowledge of you – help us to hold both in Holy Perspective.
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Options for Returning Tithes & Offerings to God
- eGiving website. egiving.org.nz
- eGiving App. Download from the Apple or Android store. Search “eGiving”.
- Transfer funds to Local Church bank account as directed by the local church treasurer.
- Phone Payment. Call NNZC Finance on 09 262 5620.
- Direct bank transfer for tithe NNZC. Bank account: 03-0175-0055484-01.
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Notices, Resources & Events
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Sunset Times
Friday 26 August, Saturday 27 August, Friday 2 September
AUCKLAND | FRI: 5:55 pm | SAT: 5:56 pm | FRI: 6:01 pm
WELLINGTON | FRI: 5:50 pm | SAT: 5:51 pm | FRI: 5:57 pm
Offerings
27 August: Local Church
3 September: Local Church
Give Online at egiving.org.nz
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ADSAFE
Child Protection Week (4-10 September)
Adsafe in collaboration with Adventist Media have created a video to increase awareness about abuse and its impact within the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s organisational context.
The video will be circulated to all churches and schools in Australia and New Zealand in readiness for enditnow, a global Adventist Church initiative to raise awareness and advocate for the end of violence around the world. This year’s focus is on “abuse of power”, with an emphasis day scheduled for this Sabbath (August 27).
Watch/Download at vimeo.com/742060428
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Club Ministry Updates/Newsletter
If your involved in the Pathfinders, Adventures and or Children's Ministry please sign up for our newsletter at http://eepurl.com/h7uVUv
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Survey #weRtheCHURCH
Did you watch the recent #weRtheCHURCH program? SPD would love to get your feedback on it. Your opinion is important. Please take this short anonymous survey at this link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/7K6832J
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This Sabbath: EndItNow Emphasis Day
Sabbath, 27 August | Abuse of Power
This year for enditnow® Emphasis Day we have chosen to focus on "Abuse of Power," an issue that is difficult to address and infrequently spoke about in our church. Download resources at women.adventist.org
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Upcoming ONLINE CHIP Program
Is diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, being overweight or any other lifestyle disease not allowing you to live your best life?
Commences Monday 29th August at 5pm (Sydney, AEST) and Concludes Monday 24th October 2022
For further details and registration links email ask@chiphealth.com.au or check out our website www.chiphealth.com.au/chip-online-information.
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Week of Prayer Readings
4-10 September 2022
The Week of Prayer Readings will be in the Adventist RECORD. They are produced by the General Conference and put in Adventist World magazine. To download a copy click here.
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World Pathfinder Day
Sabbath, September 17
World Pathfinder day is a special Sabbath in which we celebrate what it means to be a Pathfinder. Download the sermon, logo and more resources at www.gcyouthministries.org
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Sabbath of Prayer and Fasting
Sabbath, 1 October
We invite you to join God’s people around the world in celebrating the quarterly Day of Prayer. No matter how great your challenges may be, our God is greater! Download resources at www.revivalandreformation.org
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Pastoral Family Appreciation Day
Sabbath, 8 October
With Pastoral Appreciation Day right around the corner here are some ideas about how you and your church family can show appreciation for your pastor and family at eldersdigest.org/pastorsday
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Ellen White and Contemporary Adventism
6 November | ONLINE
Seventh-day Adventists have a rich heritage of visionary pioneering people. Ellen White, one of the Church's founders, had a spiritual gift—being a special messenger for God. She wrote many books, letters and spiritual reflections that have been preserved for our benefit today. How do we make the best use of these writings now? The international and scholarly speakers at this symposium will answer this question from many angles that will enrich our understanding and application. For more information: https://adventistchurch.com/ellen-white-symposium/
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Current Adventist Vacancies
Adventist School Vacancies
Tui Ridge Vacancies
Current vacancies around the South Pacific Division employment.adventistchurch.com
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Grow 2 Go – Big Camp
6-14 January 2023 | Tui Ridge Park
For more information on guest speakers, attendance fees and accomodation costs visit adventist.org.nz/nnzbc23
Registrations close 5 December.
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This Weekend: Pathfinder Master Guide Training Camp
26-28 August 2022 | Waingaro
Come join us for our Master Guide training weekend. Accomodation includes: Two nights stay, bunk beds in shared rooms. Toilets and Showers. Fully catered.
Late price $60 - from 23-26 August.
Download Advertising
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Pathfinder & Adventurer Rally and Fair Weekend
7-9 October 2022 | Tui Ridge Park
Registration close 26 September.
- Pathfinder $40
- Adventurer $30
- Leader/Adult Support Staff $40
- Child Under Age $10
- Other Family Members $40
Download Advertising
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Volleyball Tournament
15-16 October | Palmerston North
16+ age limit. $290 per team.
Applications close Monday, 26 September at 5pm.
Before you start the registration please download and read the Code Of Conduct and Volleyball Regulations in the Volleyball Tournament Information pdf.
Downloads | Register Now
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Fifties Plus Weekend – Under the Sea
18-21 November | Tui Ridge Park
Caravan site $180
Single Dorm $190
Double Cabin $440
Quad Cabin $740
Registrations close 11 November
Download Registration/Posters
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Dealing Hope
S6 Ep.3 is with Ministry to Muslim specialist Pr. Younis Masih
Pr. Younis has been closely engaged with ministry to the Muslim community in Christchurch, New Zealand since the tragic mosque attacks in March, 2019. In this episode of ‘Dealing Hope’ Younis shares reflections and advice on ministry to our brothers and sisters of the Nation of Islam.
Find this episode and others on Facebook, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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The Incredible Journey presents:
The Secrets of Fraser Island
Fraser Island has had many names. To its native Badtjala people, it is known as K’gari. When European settlers first happened upon the island, they named it Great Sandy Island. Then, after a particularly dramatic incident involving a shipwreck, a damsel in distress, and a timely rescue, the island was rechristened Fraser Island, in memory of Eliza Fraser and her adventures there. Join us as we learn more about this remarkable island in our program, The Secrets of Fraser Island.
Facebook: facebook/TheIncredibleJourneyMinistry
YouTube: youtube/TheIncredibleJourney
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Mission Spotlight
August 27 – It’s Time to Think Outside the Box
A major challenge in mission is finding ways to reach the millions of people in cities around the world. Some Adventists have branched out and come up with ideas that are outside the box.
Give Online at egiving.org.nz
Download Videos at am.adventistmission.org/mission-spotlight
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