Whānau News: 30 September

Momentum in Bicycles. You have to pedal more when you're going uphill. You might even have to stand up pedalling just to gain some momentum. Your legs start to feel some tension and strain. Then you reach the top and it's time to relax and recuperate. Downhill is the time to have some fun, just gliding down.

Sometimes our spiritual journey is the same. Tough times make it tough to hold on to our faith. And sometimes we have those relaxing and worshipful downhill moments of recuperation and enjoyment.

We have to be aware though, that a bicycle is just able to stand and go when you're pedalling. It's the momentum that keeps it going. So whether in tough times or going downhill, it always needs momentum. God is our momentum in our Christian life. In the highs and lows of life, we should not take him out of the equation. Keep pedalling and keep the momentum going!

Den

Connection with God | Tim Palmer
Psalm 27:4-5 — Our relationship with God is the most important thing in our lives. What happens when we don’t have this vital connection? How do we develop this relationship with God? This message is aimed at all ages, in our special school holiday service and Joy-ride bike-a-thon. Join us at 10AM in-person or follow this link for the online service.

Children's Dedication 
This Sunday we will be celebrating with Krystal and Daniel as we dedicate their sons, Hunter and Harrison. As their faith community, this is such a wonderful time to stand with the family and support them.

For the Kids this Week...  
This week is our JoyRide Bike-a-thon for Joyya. Below is all the information you will need to be involved. Please have a careful read.

What you need to know...come prepared to have some fun!

The plan for Sunday 2nd of October:
9.30am - If your child is going to be involved in the Bike-a-thon, please bring your bike or scooter and helmets to the church hall.
10am - Gather together with your children in the service
10.40am - Children go out to the hall to get their bikes ready
11am - Bike-a-thon Starts
There will be a sausage sizzle and a drinks station set up for the children.

It is not too late to register your tamariki (child) by following this link.

If your child isn't keen to ride their bike or scooter, they are welcome to participate in other ways...like cheering on their friends, working the stop/go sign or helping at the drinks station. You are also welcome to invite your friends along with or without a bike.

Make sure you have asked your grandparents, aunties and friends to sponsor you! Send out this link to everyone you know so they can support the kids of Joyya: https://givealittle.co.nz/team/franklin-baptist-church. Every donation will go towards the efforts of the children biking.

For Everyone: Come prepared to give this Sunday in support of our FBC tamariki! There will be a donation box available in the foyer. While we are excited about the Bike-a-thon, there’s also an opportunity for everyone to participate in raising funds for the kids of Joyya throughout October. You could get people to sponsor you to ride a certain distance on your bike, or a group of e-bikers could consider a personal cycle trip to raise funds. Perhaps those gym enthusiasts could be sponsored for their personal goals on their static cycle machines. We’d love to hear your ideas! CHALLENGE YOURSELF! Here is a link for sponsorship https://givealittle.co.nz/team/franklin-baptist-church.

Parking:
We will have limited parking available on site this Sunday, because we are using some of the carparks to create an epic track for the kids to ride. Before the service there will be easy access to the lawn for parking, but once the service starts there will be only one lane available to exit. Please review the map below to find out where you can park. There are also plenty of parks available on the street, please be kind to our neighbours if you see them.



If it's Wet?
We will postpone until the following Sunday. We will let you know through facebook/email on Saturday evening. Our church gathering will go ahead as planned at 10am.

Chinese Alpha Course
华人启发课程
时间：10月21日 - 12月16日，每周五，10:30am - 1pm, 为期九周。
报名联系人：Jackie 027 9389182； Sally 021 0798176

This is an exciting new programme!!! Alpha NZ are introducing an Alpha course in the Chinese language (with English subtitles). The launch of the Chinese Alpha course starts Thursday 21st October in the church cafe from 10.30am to noon followed by a light buffet.
Please invite your family and friends to join Jackie and Sally for this exciting new venture. 
Book your place on the course through FBC office - Paul 
 

Barn Dance
You do not want to miss the fun we will have at the Franklin Baptist Barn Dance! It is all happening on Saturday 15th October, 6:30pm - 8:30pm. There will be a cuppa and cake and spot prizes for the best dressed! Tickets are available for all: 5+ under: Free. $5 per person, $20 for family of 5, $25 for families of more than 5. Buy your tickets at the info desk. Or you can pay ahead using this link (choose barn dance on the dropdown) and pick up your tickets in the info desk. See you there!

Oasis
Oasis is still meeting over the School Holidays at 10 but it will be a time for morning tea, fellowship and prayer.

Lunch with the Murrays
Alan, Fiona, Abigail & Ethan will be at FBC on Sunday 16^th October. Join us for an update on the 3H International School and to learn more about the Murrays Missions journey.  Please bring some food to share, 12pm at the Café. (GAT Team).

Christmas Craft Market
12 November 2022, 9am - 2pm. Calling everyone who makes things and wants to join in this mortgage repayment fundraiser! We’re looking for items made out of wood (woodturners), craft items, Christmas baking and preserves, handmade soaps, etc. Book your table now (tables are $20). Profit you make on the day will be yours to keep or you can choose to donate 10% or more to the mortgage repayment fund. Please spread the word to friends and family. Click this link  to register your interest or secure a table. For more information please contact Sandra – sandra@fbc.nz.

High Tea/Picnic for Friends, Fun and Fundraising
Saturday 19th November 2 - 4.30pm Set in Caldwell’s beautiful garden in Karaka with High tea and live music. Tickets soon available. $45 a double or $25 single. Diary the date and watch and listen for more details.

Covid Reminder/Update
We are aware that there is a lot of Covid-19 and flu cases in the community at present. We would love to have you join us online for the service if you are unwell.

Prayer Focus
A two-monthly newsletter from the Global Action Team. Click here for the SEP-OCT newsletter. A printed copy is also available at the Info Centre. In the Prayer Focus, this time you will see a new couple mentioned that FBC are now partnering with. Please take the time to read the introduction they have provided. Thanks for upholding them and our other partners in prayer.

Prayer Chain
If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Prayer Chain, please email Arlene Hutcheon on arlene@ps.gen.nz or send a text to 0274726198. All prayer requests are treated as confidential.

Giving
You can give online, by automatic payment or direct debit. Our church bank account: 01 0403 0013842 00 or click here to donate now.

As an encouragement to all of you while you're at home...check out some of the songs we're currently singing on Sundays and a few new ones we might sing in the future. If you have a Spotify account, this is the link to FBC Worship on Spotify