Greetings
I pray God's presence and peace upon you. As you will know, we have had a re-emergence of community transmission of COVID-19 and are currently in Alert Level 2. Yesterday we met with our ministerial team to discuss the logistics involved with doing Church in the event that we stay in Alert Level 2 this Sabbath. Last night many of our Church leaders met to prayerfully consider a way forward.
The leaders of each church are carefully considering whether they will be able to meet in such a way that will keep their attendees safe. Some have decided to stay open with protective procedures in place, and some have decided it is wisest for them to not meet together this Sabbath. Please look to your local church leadership for guidance about what your church will do this Sabbath.
We can see that many people around us are struggling with life at present and it’s understandable. My plans for this weekend have also changed and we at the conference have had to spend a lot of time making adjustments but I’m thankful.
Firstly, I'm thankful that Spring is just around the corner. I'm looking forward to growing new veggies in the garden and warmer weather. Secondly I'm thankful that I live in New Zealand, especially in comparison with many other countries. I’m also thankful and blessed to serve alongside amazing people who love the Lord and are highly committed. Time and time again I have seen these folk go beyond the call of duty without complaint. But most of all I’m thankful that we are not alone.
Jesus commissioned us “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20). With all the disruptions and uncertainty let’s keep in perspective that He who called and commissioned us is with us always. Therefore we are not alone. Thank you Jesus.
Blessings
Mike
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Sunset Times - Fri 14 / Sat 15 / Fri 21 Aug 2020
NELSON - Fri 5:44 pm / Sat 5:45 pm / Fri 5:51 pm
CHRISTCHURCH - Fri 5:43 pm / Sat 5:44 pm / Fri 6:03 pm
INVERCARGILL - Fri 5:54 pm / Sat 5:55 pm / Fri 5:54 pm
Upcoming Offerings
15 August - Local
22 August - Longburn Adventist College
Go to eGiving >>
eGiving app tutorial >> | eGiving website tutorial >>
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We have not yet been told what Alert Level we will be on this Sabbath. If you are able to attend church, please continue to use good hygiene practices and follow all directions from your church leadership. If you have any cold or flu symptoms please worship from home. If your church is closed, please do not attend a different church that is open as they will not be able to meet safely if they have a large influx of visitors. If you are not able to attend church there are some home church options listed below, or your local church may have another option in place for you.
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Options for Church from Home
If you are unable to attend church this week, here are some church service options that you may like to join in with from your home.
Bishopdale SDA Church Livestream
Ilam SDA Church Livestream
Garden City Fellowship Livestream
Hope Channel Sabbath School & Church
- Website
- TV - Freeview Channel 27 | Sky Channel 204
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Discipleship equipping
Not Ashamed: THRIVE
THRIVE is the second series for the new online “Not Ashamed”
discipleship equipping resource. This series will celebrate the life of thriving we have in Christ, identify the obstacles that can get in the way of living out that life, and explore how God helps us overcome those obstacles.
The latest “Not Ashamed: THRIVE” episode is premiered live on Facebook each Friday night at 7:30pm. All current episodes, along with previous episodes (and the entire “Not Ashamed: Discovery Bible Reading” series), can be found at our Facebook page.
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This is a free 40-week online course that will enable you to delve into prophecy for yourself.
An in-depth study of the Book of Revelation from the perspective of its structure and the relationship of its various parts to each other, this course will equip you with the tools to understand the text of Revelation. Each topic in this series is designed to lay foundations for the topics that follow. Through the series the meaning of Revelation will be progressively revealed.
More info & course materials >>
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End It Now Emphasis Day - 22 Aug 2020
Raise awareness in your church and community, confront misogyny, advocate for victims and get your church involved in community action.
Access resources here >>
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ADRA CTP Funding (Round 3) Deadline – 15th August 2020
Here’s an amazing opportunity for your Church to meet some of the needs of your local community through our CTP (Community Transformation Partnership) programme. Do you need funding to kick start a new community initiative, or support a current initiative that needs a boost financially? Maybe you’d prefer to utilise one of the many wonderful pre-designed CTP programmes available – don’t miss out!
More information about CTP funding, initiatives, as well as the application form can be found at: www.adra.org.nz/ctp-forms. If you have any further queries, please contact Sally Lavea via email sallylavea@adra.org.nz or phone (09) 625-0883 or 021 1357 494.
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Items Needed by ADRA Shop - Aranui
Blankets and warm bedding in good condition
Children’s clothing in good condition and clean
Please deliver to the ADRA shop, Cnr Rowan Ave & Pages Road
Shop Hours: Mon - Thurs, 9am - 1.30pm
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Sabbath School Offerings
Advance the gospel commission with your Sabbath School offering
During these uncertain and complex times, the gospel advancement is needed more than ever to the dark places of the world and its big cities. Sabbath School offerings are used to spread the Gospel in the 10-40 window (not General Conference office operating costs), pay missionaries, fund Adventist World Radio and Hope Channel. Also, Sabbath School offerings fund efforts to reach big cities.
Download slides for church at adventist.org.nz
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Avondale Homecoming
21-22 August 2020
Homecoming is the largest Avondale Alumni event of the year. All alumni and friends of Avondale, and their families, from all years and classes are welcome to connect with what will be an online-only event this year. The heart of Homecoming: the reunions for those in the honour years. If you studied or worked at Avondale in 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 or 2010, 2020 is your honour year. More info >>
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eGiving App
Meet the best yet e-Giving App. It’s never been easier to give! Now you can give anywhere and anytime! You can track your giving and manage your automatic donations right at your fingertips! eGiving is a simple way to return tithes and give offerings and it’s available to all registered churches in Australia & New Zealand. Learn more about it, give with an easy hand and easy heart, share with others what and how they can do it too. And most importantly, be blessed, being a faithful steward, return what belongs to God and share God’s blessings with others. See the Step by Step Guide >>
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Employment
There are currently several new teaching and hospitality roles available.
To see all of the current vacancies around the South Pacific Division,
visit: SPD Employment Notices | NZ Employment Notices
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Please keep an eye on this space over the next few weeks as some events may be adjusted to work in with COVID-19 alert levels.
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August 28-30 - Ignite Weekend for youth and young adults (Chch)
Sep 4, Oct 30 - Revolution (Friday night worship for teens & youth @ CAS)
September 19 - Invercargill Weekend for Youth & Young Adults
Sep 29-Oct 4 - Junior Teen Camp (Mt Hutt Retreat)
October 11 - Pathfinder Fair Day
October 17-18 - Youth Rally + Volleyball & Basketball Tournament (Chch)
October 24 - Christchurch Weekend for Youth & Young Adults
November 7 - Nelson Weekend for Youth & Young Adults
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JT Camp
This year we are running a combined Junior Teen Camp in the first week of the Sept/Oct school holidays. Mt Hutt Retreat will again serve up all the activities, worship, fun, food and connections for our 10-16 year olds.
Rego cutoff is 5pm, Sept 21 (unless limit of 50 campers reached earlier).
Camp fee is $190 per camper. This fee covers all accommodation, food, and activities (NOTE the actual cost per camper is around $500 and this is heavily subsidised by the Conference).
Download the application form >>
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Young Adult Sabbaths
Want a time and space to meet up with other young adults and worship/connect together? These Adventist churches have you covered! You are invited to join them for any of this year's Young Adult Sabbaths.
Click here for more info
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The Ignite Weekend is for tertiary students, young professionals and young adults (aged 18+) who want a space to connect, worship, have fun and be equipped. This year, the South Island Ignite Weekend is being held at Bishopdale SDA church in Christchurch. But just like last year, it is completely FREE and you just have to provide your own travel and accommodation as needed (we have some suggestions in the confirmation email with rego). Looking forward to so many young adults coming together again and all the laughs, inspiration, food and opportunities that will mean. More info >>
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Covid Tracer App - How to use the app and sign in easily using QR code posters
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Sunday Night Documentary: Eight Ancient Secrets to Health
There are eight lifestyle habits which can help you to live an abundant life! People who have introduced these habits into their lives have lost weight, reversed heart disease and diabetes, and enhanced their mental health.
Sunday 16 August 7:30pm Tuesday 12pm Friday 9:30pm
New Series: Retirement Ready
Are you ready for retirement? This series can help you prepare for the physical, mental and financial changes that retirement brings.
Mondays 8:30pm Thursdays 1:30pm Fridays 6:30pm
Daily Inspiration on Hope Channel Facebook
Pastor Midori Ierome is sharing a message every morning on our Hope Channel Facebook page at 8:30am.
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Freeview Channel 27 | Sky Channel 204 | Live stream
Like us on Facebook or the latest updates, news and inspiration!
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Adult Sabbath School Lesson | 3rd Quarter 2020 (July, August, September)
Making Friends for God: The Joy of Sharing in His Mission
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To help memorise the texts in the Adult SSL Memory Texts, a small team has been working to put these words to music. These tunes can be found at https://adventist.org.nz/resources/ss-memory-texts/ The team plan to continue making these texts available into the foreseeable future.
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Record Wrap | 7 August 2020
In this week's Record Wrap:
—ADRA Collects 1 million signatures
—Church members build a Sabbath nature walk
—New baptisms and church growth in Papua New Guinea
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South New Zealand Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Visit - 6H Sir William Pickering Drive, Burnside, Christchurch 8053
Mail - PO Box 5186, Papanui, Christchurch 8542, New Zealand
Phone - 03 365 1020 Email - snzconf@adventist.org.nz
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